Stand-up surfing sweeps Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Stand-up paddle boarding is a new sport sweeping Austin, and a group of dedicated Austinites hit the water on a chilly Sunday morning.

"Just standing up and getting a different perspective on the water, you can come out early in the morning," said stand-up paddle boarder Kim Sorensen. "You feel like you're at peace with nature."

Stand-up paddle boarders describe it as walking on water, a feeling unlike any other.

"They're all like, 'What are you guys doing out here? It's so cold!'" said Kimery Duda, The Expedition School founder. "But we love to stand-up paddle. It's kind of our heart and soul of the Expedition School."

Duda is the founder of The Expedition School. Duda was the one who introduced Central Texans to the sport of stand-up paddle boarding.

"Stand-up paddling is a new way to see Austin," said Duda.

She thought it would be a great way to reconnect busy Austinites back to nature.

"Because Austin's my hometown, I thought it would be an incredible way to give back to the Austin community," said Duda.

It is a booming business, giving city dwellers some much-needed peace.

"It was gorgeous," said stand-up paddle boarder Troy Nixon. "People can get out and get away from the concrete for a little while and get out on the water and get fit and enjoy."

For more information, you can visit The Expedition School's Web site.