Stand-up paddle surfing is growing most rapidly among women who have discovered its fitness benefits.

Jane Culp, 69, of Honolulu, has been paddling for more than a year, and goes out several times a week. She got into it after walking into Wet Feet at Aina Haina Shopping Center, and finding the right board for her petite size, which she said makes all the difference.

“;It's good exercise for the core and balance,”; said Culp. “;For someone my age, balance is key. And if you fall, you fall in the water.”;

If you get tired during a distance paddling trip, Culp says you can always sit down. But she's hooked.

Susan Lamb of Aina Haina is also hooked, so much so that she's training for races. Since she started a year ago, Lamb, who is in her 50s, said she has slimmed down by three short sizes, and quit her gym membership.

“;It works your abs, butt, thighs, right down to your feet and your arms,”; said Lamb, an athlete with a canoe paddling background. “;It's just a total workout.”;

Still, Lamb says she paddles because it's incredibly relaxing and a great way to relieve stress from her job working with pre-schoolers.

Reid Inouye, founder of Paddle Core Fitness says women tend to get the hang of stand-up paddling faster because of a natural advantage.

Women have wider hips, are lower to the ground, and thus, have a better center of gravity, he said. Also, women tend to listen more patiently to their instructors compared with most men, who just want to get up and go.

Stance and balance are key, said Inouye, along with the right-sized board.

One of the best perks of stand-up paddling is the chance to get in tune with the environment. Inouye says he loves it when he gets into a zone: “;Just you, the water and Mother Nature.”;

Stand-up paddling connects a person's soul with nature, he said, releasing endorphins that relieve stress, and make people happy and relaxed.

“;It's relatively safe to do, easy to learn and anytime you can walk on water, it's gotta be considered amazing and fun,”; said Inouye. “;But if you never try, you'll never know.”;