Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) came to the North Norfolk beaches a few years ago as a sport for the local kite and wind surfers when the wind dropped, but is rapidly growing in popularity as a very accessible water sport for fun and fitness.
It is now quite common to see groups of sup-pers cruising up and down on the coast line from Snettisham to Hunstanton on flat water days, paddling out to the sand bars on big tide days for a picnic with friends, or playing in the small waves at Old Hunstanton beach.
SUP-ing at Hunstanton
The Hunstanton beaches with large expanses of flat water are a great place to learn to SUP and enjoy the sport, whether its for its fitness benefits, or just to get out on the water and cruise around and see the land from a different angle, looking back instead of out to sea.
Due to the large size and volume of the boards (10 feet to 11 feet long), waves as small as eight inches to one foot can be ridden successfully with a little practice, bringing the excitement of surfing to North Norfolk.
Equipment
Compared to windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing you need very little equipment - one board, one paddle, lifejacket and a wetsuit. And with the advent of quality inflatable boards from RRD and Fanatic, and a collapsible paddle, it is possible to fit all the gear for two people in a car boot.
Where to Sup
If you are sup-ing from the main Hunstanton beach, the best place to park is the pay-and-display car park on the promenade by the sailing club, with easy access down the slipway to the beach. For Old Hunstanton beach you can either park at the cliff top pay-and-display (where the access to the beach is a little tight carrying a large sup board), or use the car park behind the Le Strange Arms Hotel for better beach access.