in order to accommodate the added weight of standing up, sup boards are much larger than standard surfboards, often topping 18 feet. a significant advantage to stand up paddle surfing is the angle of visibility. unlike sitting in a kayak or on a standard surfboard, stand up paddle surfing allows a rider to see everything in the vicinity of the board - in rio this can include dolphins, turtles, fish and other exotic marine life.

the rider can spot water patterns very easily - there is a whole world of life below the surface that is not viewable from a sitting position and this concept is familliar with sup boarders.