As if the beautiful landscape and turquoise oceans of Anna Maria Island, Florida weren’t enough reason to vacation or visit, now visitors have a fun new sport to experience while lapping in the scenic eye from the land and from the water. This new surfing type sport has its roots from the California Beach Boys days. This new sport is called "Stand up Paddle Boarding." Or "SUP"

True this may be an activity found at other local beach destinations (heck, the east coast is filled with them,) but there’s still this irrevocable charm between Florida and the ocean. Anna Maria Island, the last pure undeveloped ‘old Florida’ quite beach destination. It could be the push and pull of tropical weather, the proximity to America’s most southern point, the abundant lush vegetation or the many forms of sealife one can discover. Whatever it is—"Stand up Paddle Boarding" just seems to be a hit there.

The activity is simple enough—it demands a shoreline, paddle, a paddle board, and an eager participant. The board is a modified surfboard in that it is long and very stable. You simply stand right atop the paddle board and glide along the shore of the ocean, often seeing dolphins, turtles, schools of fish and manatees. One reason of its fast growth is the ease of mastering the standing and paddling motion. After only a few minutes new paddle boarders are getting the hang of it regardless if you are 8years old or 78 years old, it is that easy and that much fun.

Anna Maria Island is really only about a 7 mile long barrier island, combining a delicate mix of oceanic elements that make it the ultimate paddle board destination. The eclectic environment allows for beginner and advanced paddle boarders to enjoy amenities such a hot spot provides. Unlike kayaking where one sits 2 feet above the water, when one is paddle boarding one stand upright and has a much more interesting perspective 5 feet above water. This perspective has become a favorite quite mode of sneaking up on fish while fishing for many local fishing enthusiasts. From flat water paddling in the Gulf to paddling and discovering the mangrove tunnels through Anna Maria, this sport has it all. Although, once the storm season arrives, people are more inclined to use this paddle board as a long board surf board as they did back in the ‘day’ in California. One can always enjoy a Paddle board on calm flat water or surfing ocean swells. The last appeal for the fitness enthusiasts is the workout one gets from paddling and balancing on the board. All core muscle groups are working hard without you knowing it to provide stability.

All in all, however, it’s amazing how this fastest growing water sport is becoming popular. . Paddle boarding on the beautiful oceans of Anna Maria Island, Florida is undoubtedly becoming the thing to do, and for good reason, it’s a refreshing and enjoyable escape from the stresses of reality while experiencing the water as if you were walking on water.