It’s one of the fastest-growing new sports in the country.

Almost a million new participants took up a board in only one year’s time.

One look at a typical busy weekend at Highline Lake and you know what

Stand up paddleboard is one of the fastest growing water sports in the United States, and you can see the evidence on any given weekend at Highline Lake.

I’m talking about: stand up paddleboard, better known as SUP.

SUP originated in Hawaii as a way to surf when there was no tide. No waves? No problem, Just grab a paddle and off you go. Self-propulsion has the added benefit of working the upper body, and since you control the speed, it’s just about the perfect full-body sport for anyone who likes being on the water, whether for racing or unwinding under a blue sky. A traditional kayak keeps a person low to the water, but once you stand up, your view changes and with it, your perspective. No wonder SUP is so popular and growing.

There are plenty of opportunities for SUP right here in the Grand Valley, from the cozy Connected Lakes to the roaring Colorado River (did you SUP at the Palisade Bluegrass Festival?) to majestic Highline Lake, and if you’re ready to kick the adrenaline up a notch, MAD Racing Colorado has your back. The 8th Annual Desert’s Edge Triathlon Festival in Loma is coming up September 7 through September 8, and one of the most popular ways to complete the water heats? SUP.

So if you’re new to the sport, where’s the best place to get a paddleboard? If you’re a Safeway shopper, you

There are lots of local places to pick up a paddleboard, namely Safeway on Horizon and CMU Outdoor Activity Center. If you’re looking for a variety of boards and price options, your best best is GJ SUP. Average day rental is $50.

can pick one up along with summer potted plants and patio furniture. (That’s how popular they are!) You can rent one from the CMU Outdoor sports Center for $50/day, or for more variety and price options, visit GJ SUP with locations here in Grand Junction and at Highline Lake.

Where ever you get one, you still have two more opportunities before Desert’s Edge to perfect your SUP speed racing at the 3rd Annual Splash Sprint Series at Snooks Bottom in Fruita, July 18 and August 15. With a half hour clinic offered by Olympic Coach Adam Sczech, you can enter exciting and friendly SUP sprints designed especially to prepare you for triathlon racing. At only $10, you can’t beat the value. The Splash Sprints are family-friendly, so this is one workout where you don’t need to leave the kids at home.

The paddleboard offers more than just paddling to challenge your muscles. Ever thought about downward dog on a paddleboard? Or a headstand? If you’re into yoga, now you don’t have to leave the water with SUP Yoga instructor Elizabeth Fortushniak,

SUP Yoga Instructor Elizabeth Fortushniak performs a headstand on a paddleboard. She offers SUP yoga on just about anywhere there is water all over the Grand Valley.

who holds classes on just about every water body in the Grand Valley all summer long.

NOW is the time to register yourself and your paddleboard for the Desert’s Edge Triathlon Festival. People come from all over Colorado to race DETF, and the atmosphere sizzles with excitement. With all the fun opportunities to enjoy SUP in the Grand Valley, Hawaii ain’t got nuttin’ on the Grand Valley.

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The Desert’s Edge Triathlon Festival September 7 and 8, 2019 brings you two days of racing, a weekend of camping with other triathletes and their fans, and a fun end to the Colorado tri season. Lots of variety to choose from in each run, bike, and water category–including SUP. Registration and community training options are happening now.