A new water sport could make a splash at Tempe Town Lake next month.
A proposed ordinance permitting standup paddleboards on the lake will be considered by the Tempe City Council next week. The first public hearing on the ordinance was held Thursday.
Travis Dray, deputy manager of Tempe’s Recreation Services, said they’re excited about the possibility of the new sport.
“It’s an under-the-radar sport that’s becoming popular,” Dray said.
Before the ordinance was drafted, Dray and other supporters of the idea met with the council to see if the sport was in compliance with lake regulations. They also met with police and fire officials, city attorneys and recreational staff to put together the rules and regulations for the new sport.
Standup paddle boarding, or SUP, is similar to surfing and originated in Hawaii. The equipment includes a large surfboard for the rider to stand upon and an oar for propulsion. The large surfboard allows the rider to float on top of the water and cruise onward, much like riding a canoe. The board itself is considered a personal floatation device and has a safety leash that attaches to the rider’s ankle.
Dray said paddle boarding can be relaxing but can also serve as a workout for the rider.
If the ordinance passes at Tempe’s next council meeting on Jan. 27, standup paddleboarding will be available at Tempe Town Lake starting in February. The boating concessionaire at Tempe Town Lake will be renting out the boards through paddleboard distributor The Standup Connection.
“It is a sport that’s gaining popularity in every state,” said Hugh Jeffries, director of marketing at The Standup Connection. “It’s going to be phenomenal at Tempe Town Lake.”
Sociology sophomore Nicholas Hester said he’d be interested in trying the sport.
“I skateboard, so it’s pretty similar to skating and surfing — it seems cool,” Hester said.
Just like any other vessel on the lake, anyone who would like to standup paddleboard is required to have a permit. Joe “Oakie” O’Connor, boating coordinator for Tempe Town Lake, said yearly and daily permits for paddleboarding will range from $5 to $30.
Those who wish to purchase their own boards can buy them from many online retailers. Prices range from $700 to $2,000.
Reach the reporter at mdparret@asu.edu.
