As the advent of stand-up paddleboarding has caught the interest of all types of watermen - from New Jersey salesmen to Big Island tube riders - the sport is still, well, different from surfing. Yeah, you’re catching tons of waves, but you also might be catching stink eyes from other bros in the line-up for stealing their waves - unless your name is Laird, then you can do whatever you want.

If you’re thinking of standing on foam with a paddle in hand, take the quick 7 question Dave Cozzone vs. Laird Hamilton challenge first and plan your entrance into the water accordingly:
Living On The Dash: What’s your occupation?
Dave: Director Domestic Sales and Marketing for PTec, full-time Dad.
Laird: Catching big waves, looking good – huh, great.
LOTD: Favorite food and drink?
D: Pizza and anything Italian – a nice Pinot.
L: Organic pine nut and wild oat hummus – water (sometimes a Fresca after a big 50-foot day at JAWS).
LOTD: How’d you get into stand-up paddleboarding?
D: Watching people who made it look easy – I’m over the whole laying on your stomach thing, plus my arms got tired.
L: I was catching TOO many perfect tubing waves while just surfing regularly and needed more of a challenge. Riding Teahupoo standing up, big challenge but nothing too heavy for me.
LOTD: Paddleboarders in the line-up, thoughts?
D: All I have to say is if you see me honking down a wave, you better get out of the way, fast.
L: Hey, a wave’s a wave – there’s one out there for everyone. Although it seems that I catch more than most. (laughs).

LOTD: How do you keep fit for paddleboarding?
D: Dreaming – it works the mind and body. But, weirdly, what really keeps me fit is looking at headlamps and handhelds all day.
L: Eight mile beach runs every morning before sunrise, followed by 2,000 pull-ups, 3,700 ab crunches, six hours in the water, meditation and two strawberry/banana smoothies.
LOTD: Advice for first-time paddleboarders?
D: I mean, I’m just starting out, but I’d say keep a mellow state-of-mind and practice your balance. For me, looking at PTec’s new SWERVE all day keeps my eyes trained for quick decision making in the water. Fishing also helps – you really learn how the ocean works.
L: Try it at your local break first and don’t expect fast results – practice is everything. Also, don’t expect to be Laird overnight.
LOTD: Biggest paddleboard role model?
D: Laird.
L: Dave.
Disclaimer: The rad Laird Hamilton had nothing to do with this story but inspiring us all to ride big waves. As for Dave, he’s still trying to figure out if wearing a leash is cool while paddleboarding. Good Luck!