There may not be waves in Austin like you'd find in Hawaii, but standup paddle surfer and boarder Matt Thomson said that shouldn't keep this city from taking on the sport.
"Standup paddle boarding is a sport that started in Hawaii in the 1940s and 50s and has recently gained popularity again as both a cross training tool for surfers and a way to enjoy flat water like we have here in Austin," Thomson said.
Thomson is trying to introduce the sport to people in Austin through his company Hill Country Surf. The small locally owned business offers lessons to anyone interested in learning.
Paddle surfing and boarding is perfect for people of all ages, Thomson said. You stand on a specially made surf board and use a long canoe-like paddle to move through the water.
"Once you get the balance part down and you can really put a lot in your paddle stroke you're going to feel it a lot in your back, in your lats and even your legs. It can get to be a pretty intense work out," Thomson said.
If you have your own board, the lake is yours, but you can't rent them just yet. The city has yet to decide if this is the kind of sport they want on the lake. Matt is crossing his fingers.
"My dream in the future is that out here on the various lakes in Austin it would be as common as kayaking and canoeing," Thomson said.
