This post is on stand-up paddle board (SUP) in the vicinity of Kaohsiung, specifically.
Mama: What is this thing you do, Yiling? Paddleboat, like with your feet?
Me: Um, no mama, it’s called stand-up paddleboard.
Mama: Paddleboat?
Me: No, BOARD. It’s like a surf board, but bigger and more stable. You stand on it, and you row with a paddle.
Mama: Oh. Okay.
Me: Just call it ‘sup.
Mama: Um, okay…paddle …boat…?
This was the conversation that was repeated several times with my mother as I tried to find a place for SUP near Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Some things always get lost in that relationship, even when it’s all in one language. Even so, she did her best to help find a place for this one indulgent endeavor of mine on this trip to her home stomping grounds.
Eventually, I also learned that those who do know of it call it S.U.P. there, pronouncing each letter separately. Esss-yooo-peeee. If you’re asking around on your visit, that’s what you should ask after. Also: googling kayak tours can increase your chances. To save you a little trouble, here’s what I found at the time in my search.
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