The Wall Street Journal’s Kevin Helliker interviewed Nathan Grothe, product manager for REI, about this summer’s hottest trend: stand-up paddle boards (SUP). The full article is available at: Surf's Up: The Rise of Stand-up Paddle Boards.

A once fairly unknown sport has now caught on across the country. REI began selling stand-up paddle boards in six stores and on REI.com in 2009, moving to 20 stores this year. We expect that number to grow in the coming year, in addition to the amount of paddling events.

Have you tried stand-up paddle boarding? Read about the experiences of fellow blogger Kelly H. as she shares her first SUP encounter. For how-to tips, check out the REI Expert Advice article on How to Get Started Paddleboarding.