As you may have noticed, I’ve taken it upon myself to be the internet protector (at least on this Web site) of Sea Sweeping a.k.a Stand Up Paddling. Let me clarify where I stand however:

• I think it’s pretty silly and awkward looking to ride decent waves on an 11-foot tank—stick to the mushburger spot—don’t show off and hog waves at marquee spots.
• Longboarding is the lamest and most-boring thing ever, hence the broom to mix it up.
• I like seeing sea life while cruising the SUP. I see at least one leopard shark, seal, dolphin, etc. while on janitorial duty.
• It’s a challenge—surfing two-foot crap is not.
• It gives me another reason to be in the water.
• I’m trunking it in late October.
• It’s a great workout, something a desk jockey like me needs more and more of as we age.
• Chicks dig it—two cougars who had just returned from Maui where they learned to SUP were all up on my shit the other day.

The list goes on, as does the number of haters, with Puerto Rico’s Aron Geiger at the top of the list (thanks for the sticker Geiger, it’s on my SUP). I think I’ve converted one though, my brother Chris, who has nearly made a career out of SUP bashing. In the last four days, he’s SUP’ped more than Rob Machado and me combined. Yep, the same guy who I nearly fought with over a stupid paddle and board. Knowing Chris though, he’ll continue to rag on us sweepers while cleaning up the seas himself.

As for that “SUP Hater” bastard, I know who you are…and so will my sweeping mate Kala Alexander soon enough…

Timmy Reyes sweeps up in HB. Photo courtesy of worldprosurfers.com.