Stand up paddling (SUP) is a new recreational activity experiencing fast growth in the United States and around the world. According to ESPN.com, sales of stand up paddleboards surpassed sales of surfboards in 2010. It's an activity that can be enjoyed on inland lakes and rivers, as well as on the ocean and in the surf-that's why board companies are seeing an explosion of sales at metropolitan locations such as Chicago and Austin. Most importantly, it's fun and a great way to stay fit. The Art of Stand Up Paddling includes everything both new and not-so-new paddlers need to know-from buying a board and getting started on your local lake to paddling rivers and surfing waves in Hawaii. Also included is a fascinating and controversial history of stand up paddling, which, although new to many, actually dates back hundreds of years to Peruvian and Hawaiian fishermen.