New wave of water sports

COEUR d'ALENE - The sun will come out, eventually, and the waters will warm. When it does, there is a relatively recent activity, at least for inlanders, that combines recreation with fitness.

Paddleboarding is increasing in popularity, and there are now several shops in town who believe it will be the new wave of water sports.

"Everyone who walks through these doors wants to try it," said Kym Murdoch, who just opened Coeur d'Alene Paddleboard at 512 Sherman Ave.

Paddleboards are an offshoot of surfboards, said Chip Dalvini, owner of Kayak Coeur d'Alene, where the boards have been available for rent or sale for several years. Instead of lying on them, then standing up as the waves rolled in, riders paddled them around on the water, mostly standing up.

Over time, the boards grew larger and sprouted a boat-like bow and became known as touring boards. "They are more stable, and more fun than a surfboard," Dalvini said.

That is the hope and expectation of Murdoch, who decided after 12 years of working in highway construction to open her store after spending a winter in Hawaii, where the paddleboards originated.

"It was so popular there, it inspired me to open the store," she said.

Boards vary in size from 8 feet to 14 feet, with the larger ones more suitable to sea use, and the smaller boards, which can be rigid or inflatable for use in rapids where they might hit rocks or other obstacles.

"The shorter boards are not as stable," Murdoch said. Unlike snow skis, which are shorter for beginners, the longer paddleboards are more stable for novices, while the shorter boards are more maneuverable once the rider has a little more experience. And that is one of the advantages of the paddleboards.

"In literally 5 to 10 minutes, people can be relatively comfortable with how to do this," said Dennis Spencer, who ordered a container load of 11-foot boards for his new business, Idaho Paddleboards, which he opened inside his lighting and decor store, Denally's. "They are extremely easy. You can start off from the beach, or out in the water."

Spencer grew up in Hawaii, and always rides the boards when he returns to visit family still there. Over the winter, he decided that since there was little exposure to the paddleboards in North Idaho, he would get into the business.

Then along came Murdoch with her new store, and rafting adventure company ROW, which is adding paddleboard tours, rentals and sales to its catalog of offerings.

ROW owner Peter Grubb saw the popularity of the paddleboards in Hawaii and California, and that other areas with inland waterways were seeing a growing interest in the sport.

"It is definitely considered the biggest trend in the industry," he said.

While newness is part of the attraction, he and the others all agree there are broad benefits to paddleboarding, and a larger potential base of users.

From small children to older adults, the larger boards are stable enough for a wide range of users.

"People of all sizes can do it," Grubb said, while a taller adult may have trouble fitting into a kayak. And, he said, "It ties into a trend of people wanting to be in better shape."

Paddleboards can be used by riders sitting, lying or kneeling, but standing is the main position, and it provides a wider range of exercise.

"It is a core workout," said Shadna Ban, of Coeur d'Alene. A wakeboard, snowboard and kayak enthusiast, she got her first try on a paddleboard in May, along with her husband Jared and three daughters ranging from 5 to 12 years old, all trying out some of Murdoch's boards. "You are working your core, and legs, and balance. You get tired, but it can be relaxing on a mellow, hot day."

Murdoch anticipates creating a variety of exercise programs using the boards, doing yoga and Pilates on the water, without infringing on any trademarks.

"We want to try to replace the gym," she said.

Using a single, canoe-style paddle, rowing a paddleboard means side-to-side twisting from side to side, Spencer said, but also working all the muscles from the calves to the shoulders.

"It is constant flexing, but you don't notice," he said.

And unlike canoes or kayaks, the view is improved, not just high but low.

"It is incredible in the shallows, around lily pads, the amount of fish you can see," Spencer said.

Paddleboards are also versatile, with a wide selection of accessories including rod holders for fishermen and coolers that can be glued to the boards.

"You can surf behind boats," he said. "They are multi-faceted. There is a whole plethora of accessories, and you can even take your dog out on them."

He is not making that up. Murdoch's dachschund rides the bow of her board, and among the accessories she sells in her store are doggie lifejackets.

"Maisy is hilarious," Murdoch said. "She gets up on the point, with her ears flapping."

At Coeur d'Alene Paddleboard, no door ringer is required. Maisy and her papa, Milo, may yap a bit when a customer enters, but then all they want to do is play, with Milo unrelentingly eager to fetch his fabric Frisbee.

Natalie Reighard, who works at the store, says paddleboarding offers a wide range of experiences.

"It can be serene, or it can be intense and crazy," she said. "I feel like it's going to be a great workout."

It's not even necessary to wait for hot summer weather to enjoy the boards, Murdoch said, as long as proper gear is worn.

"I started a few months ago on Hauser Lake, in a wetsuit," she said.

Other than that, a board and paddle is about all that is necessary. Booties can be worn if the water is still cold, but everyday beach wear is generally appropriate.

"I go out with my wallet and cell phone," Spencer said. "That is how stable they are."

Prices for the boards range from just under $1,000 to the mid-teens, with paddles ranging from telescoping aluminum to fiberglass and carbon fiber, and priced from around $100 to $350.

Boards weigh around 25 to 30 pounds, and have handholds for carrying or loading onto a roof rack or the back of a pickup, SUV or van.

Rentals range from hourly to half and full days, depending on the shop. All are dedicated not only to their own success, but to supporting the sport, Spencer said. Classes, clinics, group activities and even competition are seen as among the prospects if interest in paddleboarding continues to grow.

"We anticipate as people start to buy the boards we will see a lot more going out as groups," Grubb said.

Information: Coeur d'Alene Paddleboard, 512 Sherman Ave., 292-4156; Idaho Paddleboards, 6040 Government Way, 772-4648; Kayak Coeur d'Alene, 307 E. Locust Ave., 676-1533; ROW Adventures, 202 Sherman Ave., 765-0841