SUP-er time: Try a paddleboard for free

NAHANT – You don?t have to live in Hawaii to catch waves alongside world-class surfers, but you do have to live in Nahant.For a limited time, windsurfing world champion and board designer Josh Angulo is offering a bit of Hawaiian hospitality to the neighbors of his new hometown, allowing them to try his Angulo stand-up paddleboards, or SUP, for free.Angulo wants Nahant residents to get “on board” with what he called “the biggest and fastest-growing water sport.” The native Hawaiian said the sport?s versatility makes it a good option for everyone “from babies to grandparents.”?It?s like running, you walk if all you want is fresh air, or you can sprint and kill yourself if you want to,” said Angulo.Stacked in the garage at his Tudor Road home are paddleboards for enthusiasts of all abilities and desires. For those with a need for speed, Angulo has a board that cuts through the water, as well as boards for those who want a slower, smoother ride. Combine other activities, like the trending “SUP yoga,” on a soft-top board, or catch a wave and a fish with Angulo?s new fishing board. Prices for the boards range from $800 to $1,500.The sport also makes it easier for catching waves, said Angulo, making it a great option for riding New England surf, where bigger waves are synonymous with colder months.Though barrel-riding is rare in this area, Angulo reserves a different kind of respect for locals who battle Nor?easter temperatures. “You have to be passionate here to go in the water, no matter the level,” he said. “Sometimes you only catch one wave in a day, but it?s so satisfying, being in the water, surfing the elements.”Angulo said New England?s short summers can make it a more difficult place to sell in, but, like conquering a bigger wave, the higher difficulty brings the rush of adrenaline. “The challenge is the best part of it,” he said.Though Angulo typically sells to regional retailers, he thought neighbors could benefit from indulging in their curiosity in giving the sport a try. “You gotta take care of your neighbor,” he said, echoing his Hawaiian upbringing.Angulo?s original offer extends through Saturday, but the limitation is only because of his travel schedule, as windsurfing competitions and business take him all over the globe.To contact Angulo to try out a board, call 781-605-7439.