Paddling passion: Stand up and ride a wave in this fun, fast-growing sport

For Trent Hickman, there is no feeling like riding a wave.

It is a sport that seems to consume its admirers and athletes.

"I lived in Costa Rica half the year for five years and went surfing every day," said the Salt Lake native, who now lives in Park City. When he moved back to Utah full-time in 2008, he was immediately drawn to the emerging sport of stand up paddle surfing.

"It keeps my feet wet," said Hickman, who works as a trainer at the Golden Door at the Waldorf Astoria in Park City. "It's not full-on surfing but it's definitely a lot of fun. And with my background as a personal

trainer, I love the workout you get doing it."

Which is why he's begun incorporating the fast-growing sport into his offerings as a trainer.

"It offers a full spectrum of benefits," he said. "It improves balance, works abdominal, core, back, arms — it's just a great full-body workout. And it's so fun, you don't even realize you're working out until you're sore the next day."

Hickman finds people are both intimidated and intrigued by the idea of paddle surfing.

"A lot of people are willing to try it and excited about the challenge," he said. "It's really something anyone can do and have success with."

Hickman offers tours at Jordanelle through the Golden Door, which can be booked by phone at 435-647-5555. (More information is available at Parkcitywaldorfastoria.com)

Bekka Stone, Utahpaddlesurfing.com, has been introducing Utahns to stand up paddle surfing for the last few years. The Florida native offers rentals and clinics and workshops, as well as supporting races like this weekend's competition at Jordanelle. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and races start at 9 a.m. For some of the races, boards are provided; others require athletes to have their own. In the afternoon, there are clinics on safety, fitness and kettle bell workouts, yoga, white water and ding repair.

She has rental locations at the Great Salt Lake, Jordanelle and Utah Lake and will deliver them to other state parks. Her organization has been key in helping to grow the sport amongst people who have never surfed in the ocean.