Hawaii: Stand-up paddle-boarding competition returns to Oahu Feb. 8-16

A classic clash of man and nature will unfold next month as paddle boarders compete in the “Stand Up World Tour,” which returns to Oahu’s North Shore.

The winter months bring dramatic surfs to Oahu’s North Shore, and the world’s best stand-up paddle boarders plan to seize the opportunity in a Feb. 8-16 competition as conditions allow. Male participants will compete off Sunset Beach; women’s events will be at the nearby Turtle Bay Resort.

“Stand-up paddle boarding is an extension of surfing,” said Tristan Boxford, chief executive of the Waterman League, which sponsors the event. “It’s kind of a mesh of outrigger canoeing and surfing. You’re using a paddle, like a canoe, but standing up all the time.”

“It will overtake surfing in the next couple of years in terms of participation.”

Professional athletes from 20 countries will compete for the world title. Spectators can watch them catch the waves from a variety of vantage points along the coast. There’s no admission charge.

Visitors are invited to take part in several on-land activities, including traditional “talk story” sessions featuring some of the biggest names in ocean sports.

During the competition, the Turtle Bay Resort is offering a five-night package with ocean view guest rooms starting at $299 a night. They can be booked online using promotion code SUPWORLD14.