La Jolla, California – July 20, 2009 - Surf Diva Surf School is proud to announce their new surf division: What’SUP, specifically for Standup Paddle (SUP) surfing.
Known to the originators as, Hoe he’e nalu, Standup Paddleboarding is an ancient form of surfing and can be traced back to ancient Polynesia. Standup Paddle Boarding, or SUP, is the hottest new sport to hit the coast in San Diego. Long recognized in Hawaii as a great way to get a workout on a flat day, standup paddle boarding has also evolved into a new variation of surfing for those who want a fun activity with instant success and an easy learning curve.
Surf Diva Surf School, in the teaching business for 14 successful years, is one of the first schools in San Diego to offer lessons and rentals of SUP boards through its new program called What’SUP. Located in the most idyllic spot on the west coast to gently launch into the ocean’s premiere scenic and environmentally protected aquatic park, La Jolla Cove and ecological preserve, What’SUP features top male and female instructors from as far as Hawaii and Australia who are drawn to this program because of its stellar worldwide reputation.
What’SUP teaches all ages, including kids, since they are open to anyone who can swim. In fact, co-owner Izzy Tihanyi notes that women seem to learn to balance on the boards a bit easier than most men. “We’ve taught many couples where the husband is a great surfer and the wife is just starting out. But on a SUP they are on an even playing field and the ladies just love it!"
“You don’t have to be a surfer to learn to SUP. It’s fun to just paddle in the flat water. The view from above is amazing,” says co-owner Coco Tihanyi. The water at La Jolla Cove is so clear that you can see through to the leopard sharks (not dangerous, mostly bottom feeders), garibaldi (California's state fish), and the occasional sea lion, dolphin, or sea bass. From the SUP it’s one of the most beautiful views in the world: the sweeping cliffs with the famous caves of La Jolla all the way past the Scripps Institute of Oceanography Pier to the fine dark silky sand at Black’s Beach.
Catching waves is something that Surf Diva also teaches, but recommends a basic surfing background before attempting to launch into the line-up. “It’s important to know what you are doing if you are going for waves, especially in a crowded spot. These are huge boards and understanding how the maneuver in the surf is important for both safety and etiquette,” says Izzy Tihanyi. “Our SUP instructors are both excellent surfers and paddlers, in addition to being fully certified Surf Diva instructors, are pre-requisites to teaching this amazing sport. So before paddling out to the surf, sign up for a package of SURF n SUP lessons at Surf Diva Surf School, you’ll be glad you did!"
The recent growth of SUP has been recently noted by TransWorld Surf Magazine in an April 2009 article outlining the phenomenal reach of the sport.
For more information on the SUP program, please surf over to
www.whatsupsurf.com or
www.surfdiva.com or call 858-454-8273
About Surf Diva
Established in 1996 by twin sisters Izzy and Coco Tihanyi, Surf Diva has introduced thousands of women from all over the world to the sport and spirit of surfing and is internationally recognized as the world’s leading surf school. With Izzy as the ‘Surf’ and Coco the ‘Diva’, the Surf Diva boutique opened its doors in 2004 and has been selling a variety of fashion forward and functional surf gear ever since. Surf Diva also designs, markets, and sells its own line of apparel. The line is enhanced by creative embellishments to catch the Diva’s true independent and adventurous spirit.
