10 great places to try stand-up paddle boarding

— -- Stand-up paddle boarding is making waves. The sport, which is has its roots in surfing, uses a board and paddle to scoot along the water, building strength and coordination. "It has caught on anywhere there's a body of water," says Matt Minich, editorial director of Bootprints.com, a weekly sports and adventure newsletter . He says the sport's easier than surfing and can be mastered by most anyone. Some paddle boarders even do yoga on the water. He shares with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY some top places to try out the sport.

Oahu's South Shore

Hawaii invented surfing and paddle boarding centuries ago, so it's a natural place for visitors to take to the waters. "It's really where the spot was born and still has its roots," Minich says. And while the island can get enormous waves, the South Shore is more forgiving with fairly flat water. In addition, many surf shops rent boards, and offer lessons and tours. 800-464-2924; gohawaii.com

Hood River, Ore.

Kite boarders long ago discovered this Pacific Northwest town on the Columbia River, which offers scenic views and a consistent breeze. "It's a natural spot for stand-up paddle boarding, Minich says. "It's a beautiful river. It's really wide and the water's pretty gentle. Anyone can paddle on it." But visitors should wear a wetsuit . The waters are chilly year-round. 800-366-3530; hoodriver.org

Costa Verde, Brazil

This area near Rio de Janeiro has only recently been discovered by paddle boarders, and Minich predicts the sport will flourish here. The coast's sheltered by an island, and offers temperate waters and gentle waves, all perfect for boarders. One North American company, Tofino Expeditions, offers week-long paddle boarding tours. visitbrasil.com

Austin, Texas

Although miles from the ocean, Texas' capital city is home to the world largest paddle-board manufacturer, SUP ATX, which has developed a strong local following. Paddlers love the waters of city-center Town Lake. The company rents boards and sponsors free demos and group outings. www.supatx.com/

Glenwood Springs, Colo.

With the Colorado River passing through town and a man-made whitewater park, there's no shortage of places to kick up some surf here. Minich loves the easy river access from Interstate 70. "You just put in and pull out all over the place." But moving water makes for tricky surfing. Even experienced paddle boarders wear life vests and helmets here. 888-445-3696; visitglenwood.com

Acadia National Park, Maine

Paddle boarding is the newest addition to this idyllic spot on the Atlantic. Boarders can try ocean paddling in sheltered coves and bays, while inland lakes offer beautiful flat-water options. While there's not yet a large stand-up paddle board culture here, rentals are available. "If you go there, you're going to have a great time," Minich says. 800-345-4617; barharborinfo.com

Asheville, N.C.

This laid-back, artsy town has everything paddlers need. "Find anyplace with water and a couple microbreweries and you can bet stand-up paddle boarding is going to be catching on," Minich says. The nearby French Broad River is both scenic and forgiving. "It's broad enough and slow-moving enough that it's just perfect." 828-258-6101; exploreasheville.com

Santa Cruz, Calif.