An ancestor of modern surfing, stand-up paddleboarding was originally practiced by Polynesian kings who used huge boards cut from tree trunks. In the years 1940-1950, the discipline was reintroduced by the Hawaiian swimming champion Duke Kahanamoku. The paddle board was used by the beach boys at Waikiki Beach to move along the water's edge and more easily monitor swimmers. Today, stand-up paddleboarding is experiencing a significant revival and worldwide success. In the Gorges du Tarn, a stand-up paddle excursion allows discovering the surrounding nature from a completely different point of view than from a canoe or a kayak, thanks to the standing position.