Surf Diva Surf School in La Jolla is enjoying a new twist this summer with its recent unveiling of a new surf division, What’SUP, specifically for standup paddle (SUP) surfing. Known to the originators as Hoe he’e nalu, standup paddleboarding is an ancient form of surfing that can be traced back to ancient Polynesia.  Standup paddleboarding, or SUP, has long been recognized in Hawaii as a great way to get a workout on a flat day. It has also evolved into a new surfing variation for those who want a fun activity with instant success and an easy learning curve. In the teaching business for 14 years, Surf Diva is one of the first schools in San Diego to offer lessons and rentals of SUP boards through its new What’SUP program. What’SUP features male and female instructors from as far away as Hawaii and Australia who are drawn to this program because of its worldwide reputation. What’SUP teaches all ages, including kids, since the program is open to anyone who can swim. Co-owner Izzy Tihanyi noted that women seem to learn to balance on the boards a bit easier than most men. According to Tihanyi, Surf Diva has taught many couples where the husband is a great surfer and the wife is just starting out. But on an SUP they are on an even playing field and the ladies just love it. The Beacon recently caught up with Tihanyi and talked about this newest offering at Surf Diva. BCN: How did Surf Diva get involved with SUP? Izzy Tihanyi: Surf Diva has always been on the cutting edge of surfing technology. And about four years ago, I was surfing at Point Dune with Laird Hamilton and saw him standup paddleboarding (SUP) perfect little peeling waves. SUPing is more evolved than surfing.  As a lifelong surfer, I feel that SUP is the next step in the evolution of surfing. Some people, as with anything new and revolutionary, some people are wary of it.  But one thing, most people are hooked. BCN: Where do you see SUP going in the next year as far as its popularity, and tournaments around the world and locally? Tihanyi: The popularity of SUP is booming because we find that many women are excited to try paddleboarding.  Women are the future of paddleboarding. SUP will become the next fitness craze in the U.S. You don’t have to live on the coast to participate. SUP is helping out the surf industry in this recession as it is bringing new participants to the sport. You don’t need to know how to surf to learn how to SUP in flat water (in order to SUP in the surf, you need to be a good surfer). BCN: Anything else readers should know about SUP? Tihanyi: You definitely need to learn SUP from an instructor. There are many safety rules to learn. You can easily injure your shoulders and arm if you paddle incorrectly, so it’s a good investment to start off with an instructor who will tell you the length of paddle you need and techniques to prevent injury. For more information on the SUP program, visit www.surfdiva.com.