Girard Middleton | The Beachside Resident

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Boardrider of the Month: Girard Middelton

Ever since Justin DeBree completed his record-breaking 389-mile stand-up paddle journey from Key Biscayne to St. Mary’s, Georgia last year, we’ve noticed a surge of interest in this grueling and beneficial sport.

Called simply SUP by enthusiasts, stand-up paddleboarding employs a variety of techniques and offers an intense holistic workout. But another of its draws is the sport’s versatility; stand-up paddleboarders can tackle waves much the same as any surfer, and can explore other water environs like rivers, lakes and streams from a truly unique perspective.

Perfectly situated between two rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, the Space Coast lures stand-up paddleboarders from all over the world, and one in particular, Brevard native Girard Middleton, recently rediscovered his love of the area through his devotion to the discipline. Enticed back from a spell in Miami by the beachside’s picturesque vistas and teeming wildlife, Girard spoke with us about SUP and the ways in which its changed his life. He took a break from his extreme workouts in the ocean and solitary sightseeing among the Thousand Islands to become August’s Boardrider of the Month.

What are your impressions of Brevard County after having just returned from a long absence?

I grew up surfing and fishing here in Brevard, and last month moved back up here from Miami Beach… It was a very special homecoming. There is so much wildlife here in the river and ocean, and much more consistent surf. The people here are so real, and generally water lovers — just my kind of crowd. Living here, I’m much closer to my parents, who live in Lakeland. One of the main reasons I moved back was to be able to spend more time with them and help them out.

What are some of the biggest differences in stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP) conditions you’ve noticed after coming from so far south?

It’s so much more peaceful stand-up paddleboarding here. You don’t get the massive population of South Florida like the boat traffic, etc. And there’s much more wildlife to see while you’re paddling — dolphins, manatees, and so many fish on the grass flats. And, of course, the ocean is just across the street. It’s like a private beach. There aren’t as many people out in the surf to dodge, and I’ve been able to paddle surf more waves in the last four days than I was able to in a month or more down in Miami. It’s paradise for me here, and Cocoa Beach is the perfect location for my SUP and surf school, rentals and tour business. The sunsets are amazing, and I’m excited about establishing sunset paddles in the evenings to celebrate the end of each precious day.

What are some of the benefits of stand-up paddleboarding?

SUP is by far the best holistic workout I’ve ever experienced. It really forces you to use your whole body in unison while focusing on your core and body awareness. It’s improved my ability to concentrate and my athleticism tremendously. It’s also a much more user-friendly activity for all ages than most other extreme sports in that you can become proficient fairly easy. It’s a great high-rep workout, without the high impact physical stress on your body and it’s the only workout I do now, along with some yoga-type stretching and an occasional beach run. I’m in the best physical condition of my life.

What would you say is the biggest difficulty to overcome in SUP?

The expense of the equipment can be the biggest difficulty in getting into the sport. The boards and paddle run anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, not like buying a surfboard. However, once you make the investment, it’s equipment you’re more likely to use consistently, all year long, without the need for waves or even an ocean. It can be done anywhere there’s water — anywhere in the country.

What is your ideal surf/SUP destination?

Right now I’m enjoying paddling the Banana River, seeing all the wildlife, and fishing from my board. And at any time of the day I can cross the street and catch some waves. It’s the perfect environment for me to teach paddle surfing and keeps me passionate about helping others enjoy the sport and change their lives for the better. That said, it’s always awesome to paddle anywhere new in the world, especially islands, exploring reefs, or the nooks and crannies of various lakes and rivers. If you want waves, Hawaii and Tahiti are great places. We just started offering SUP adventures in the Dominican Republic, using the Quiksilver house in Encuentros. The world is full of new adventures on a stand-up paddle board!

Do you think SUP has become more accepted by surfers out in the lineup?

Another reason I’m passionate about teaching SUP is to make it safer for everybody. People who learn from me learn from the start to respect others in the water, to respect the locals, and to put other people’s safety first. You don’t paddle surf in crowded lineups; the large boards are much harder to stop or keep from hitting others. If paddle surfers practice respect and courtesy, they in turn will be accepted and respected in the lineup. If you’re a surfer or paddle surfer that’s being a jerk or putting others at risk, no one should accept you in the lineup. That’s not what it’s all about.

Describe your best-ever SUP session.

Last March, a north ground swell made it down to South Beach, Miami. When it actually beaks there, it’s amazing — fast, A-frame barrels. I must have caught at least 10 overhead barrels on my 11′ board. Some random, very cool chick on the beach captured one on film. I was so stoked, as it was almost certainly the first tube ride on a paddle board in South Beach.

How has SUP equipment evolved since you’ve taken it up?

I began paddle surfing almost five years ago, just as the sport (in the modern-age form) was getting started. A 12′ soft top was my first board, and I made several wooden paddles myself… and broke them all. There were only two SUP companies in existence then, C-4 Waterman and Paddle Surf Hawaii. I soon became a dealer and sub-rep for C-4 Waterman (I’m still a C-4 Dealer) and visited the C-4 HQ in Oahu before teaching SUP as a part of my surf school in Miami. The paddle boards back then were designed for riding waves in Hawaii…lots of rocker, etc. I designed a board that’s more practical for South Florida flat waters…less rocker, straight lines, and more stable for cruising and small waves. In the last few years, the sport, and the amount of manufactures has exploded — all kinds of models. There are even SUP boards with a place for a windsurfing mast. C-4 has come out with a 9’3″ paddle surfboard that is as stable as their old 10-footers — and they’re great for wave riding. What’s important is getting a board that is right for your weight, skill level and goals.

What advice would you give to SUP newbies?

Get some good coaching. It will make you safer, more proficient, and keep you from forming bad habits. Also, try out different boards before buying. It’s too big of an investment to make on an impulse buy. Find friends with boards you can try or contact me at SoBe Surf to arrange to demo different models. Paddles should be custom-cut to 7 inches taller than your height. Don’t impulse-buy a paddle either — get expert help. Paddles cost from $200-$350 and there are various models out for various goals.

Call Girard at SoBe Surf (321) 926-6571. They’ll be starting “Sunset Paddles” in the area for $15 per person including equipment rental, or $30 per person including a lesson 30 minutes before they head out. Bring you own drinks for post paddle celebration. Starting time for the sunset paddle is 7:30 p.m. and the pre-lesson begins at 6:30. Please call or email to reserve your spot — www.sobesurf.com. SoBe Surf offers private teaching for paddle surfing and surfing; private group lessons; SUP board rentals and sales and honest, expert advise even if you don’t buy from them. They also provide ecology tours using their stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks and fishing clinics.