If you’ve spent time around Iowa’s many waterways recently, you may very well have seen people riding what appear to be surfboards using long paddles.  Surfboards in Iowa?

You’re not seeing things, as the use of these long boards on all types of water is a growing phenomenon. Even Iowans are taking to the water in increasing numbers to enjoy the outdoors in a way usually associated with places like Hawaii, or somewhere along the coasts.

Called stand-up paddling (or SUP for short), it’s one of the country’s fastest growing sports — one that’s attractive to people of all ages and backgrounds. Part of SUP’s popularity stems from the fact that it’s easy to learn, requires little equipment and you can make it as easy or as hard as you like. So whether you’re looking for a slow-paced paddle on a...