I get the impression that paddle surfing is a bit controversial. And it seems to be catching on. Check out this years San Onofre Classic being sponsored by Quicksilver.
“Our new sponsor QuiksilverEdition, asked that we expand the events we offer to include demos of stand up paddle surfing, and outrigger canoe surfing.”
http://www.classicsurf.com/surfcontest.html
I was planning to attend anyway. It’ll be interesting to see the paddlers in action.