Sayulita SUP: Stand-up Paddleboarding on Mexico's Pacific Coast.

or also known as SUP, is a new sport that has caught on quickly around the world and in Sayulita. Stand Up Paddle is actually an ancient form of surfing originating in Hawaii. It re-emerged in the 1960's with the growing popularity of surfing. Hawaiian surf instructors would stand on their surfboards, using an outrigger canoe paddle to maneuver, in order to manage large groups of students and to take pictures of them learning to surf. In the early 2000's, Stand Up Paddle was made popular again by well-known surfers Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama and others, who were searching for a way to cross-train when the waves were flat. SUP is now called the fastest growing water sport in the world.

SUP in Sayulita is fun and addicting for all ages. With gorgeous weather, warm water and the chance to spot fish and other marine life from atop your board, you will want to go out for some more!

and wet you will get on your first paddle out. Depending on the size and design of the board and your balance, you may only fall in once or you may fall in over and over again. A lesson will be of great help, teaching you about stance, technique and paddling, along with providing encouragement and support. Choppy water and wind are your enemy.

is a great time to start a paddle south from the main beach in Sayulita, along the edge of the rocks over to Playa de Los Muertos and out to Punta Sayulita. A pair of polarized shades will allow you to see right into the water as you check out rocks, fish and turtles. Wear a hat and sunscreen; bring water if you can. Plan on getting wet but having a blast. When you have your balance dialed in, try catching a few whitewater waves. Remember, controlling your board is essential to your safety and the safety of the people around you. Being a beginner is not an excuse for running someone over. Being an expert isn't either. Should you like to give SUP surfing a try, there are many fantastic instructors on the beach who can give you a great lesson.

Sayulita Bay is the perfect playground for SUP. The talented local surfers have discovered SUP and put on a fantastic show of power and finesse. Cruising outside the break for pleasure and exercise is an easy addiction. Family and friends sharing time together on the water can't be beat. "One of my favorite ways to pass the time is to pop my daughter, Ava right on the front of my board with her life jacket on; she can lay on her belly and check out the fish, swim over to my wife Amy's board, or just enjoy the ride while I paddle her around. If she falls off, no problem, she just climbs back on. I have seen five kids all on one board having the time of their lives doing nothing but goofing off." - John Cawrse

Here are a few tips to help you keep your balance as you stand upright on the paddleboard:

• Your feet should be parallel, about hip-width distance apart, centered between the rails (board edges). Don't stand on the rails.
• Keep toes pointed forward, knees bent and your back straight.
• Balance with your hips—not your head.
• Keep your head and shoulders steady and upright, and shift your weight by moving your hips.
• Your gaze should be level at the horizon. Avoid the temptation to stare at your feet.
• It's much like bicycling: When your forward momentum increases, your stability increases as well.

And since you're standing at your full height, you'll enjoy excellent views of everything from sea creatures to what's on the horizon. It's almost like walking on water!

Once you've mastered the basics, there's almost no limit to the watery worlds you can explore in and around Sayulita on your stand up paddleboard. Play in the waves and ocean surf, or learn new strokes. You might find yourself wanting a narrower, more maneuverable board as you become more adept.

Meanwhile, get out there, enjoy the view and have a great time on your SUP!