I am trying to decide between prone and sup. I did 100/100 sup challenge but it tore up my shoulders. I am also thinking I might benefit from prone since triathlon is primary sport. The problem is that in the south there are a lot of sup races but nobody paddles prone. Is there a chance prone will come back into popularity?  Also, is there any forum I can read about prone paddle boarding?

You are not alone. We are seeing more and more people who are putting down their SUP paddles (some with smashed shoulders and some who are just bored) and turning to prone paddling. Although the reasons for the switch always vary, we routinely hear that prone is more “core” or “hard core” or whatever. What we think that means is that there is no hiding in prone paddleboarding. With SUP (kind of like biking) you can float along and just get by and even do it pretty easily. Prone paddleboarding is more like running – if you don’t paddle you stop. End of story. There is no hiding.

Around here we are seeing more and more prone paddleboarders. We know that in the Carolinas there is a pocket of prone paddlers. Our bet is that if you start paddling people will follow. Chances are that prone will migrate to Florida, just give it time. If the experience in Florida is anything like here, SUP got a lot of people on the water. Prone is keeping them there.

Finally, given your statement that triathlon is your primary sport – I highly suggest prone. I have a pro triathlete and I work prone paddling into his schedule to give him a break from the pool. He is a great swimmer and the break from the monotony from the pool is beneficial. Prone paddleboarding will also give your legs a break from the riding and running.

For more information about prone paddleboarding might we suggest this link? There really isn’t much online about prone paddle boarding.

Price: $34.95 Prone Paddleboarding: Essential Techniques from breedfreakphoto on Vimeo .