Growing up in Newport Beach in Southern California, Andy Lukei began surfing when he was 12 years old.
Growing up in Newport Beach in Southern California, Andy Lukei began surfing when he was 12 years old. About five years ago, he began stand up paddling (SUP), also known as paddleboarding.
When Lukei moved to Austin in 2009 to work in commercial real estate, he continued practicing the sport on Lake Austin, where he lives, and Lady Bird Lake. He said he would frequently be asked about the sport by boaters. At the time, he rarely saw other stand up paddlers and estimates there were about 30 boards in the area.
He established Austin Paddle Sports in late 2009, and about a year and-a-half later, he estimates the number of boards in Austin is about 500 to 600.
“The lifestyle in Austin is a lot like that in Southern California, not just from a socioeconomic standpoint, but also from a fitness aspect,” Lukei said.
He believes this has led to the growth in the sport. He said in Central Texas, SUP is slightly more popular with the female population. In California, he said it leans toward males, most likely because of its similarity to surfing. However, he said women seem to see the physical benefits of the sport in Austin.
Austin Paddle Sports has a permanent rental location at Lady Bird Lake’s Rowing Dock, but is anticipating opening a dock at Rough Hollow in Lakeway early summer.
This would allow the company to rent paddleboards and give lessons in an inlet at Lake Travis, allowing for safe paddling conditions.
“With safety our No. 1 concern, it’s best if beginners start without boats nearby,” Lukei said.
Because of that, Lady Bird Lake and Quarry Lake—at Pure Austin Fitness in North Austin—are preferred spots for lessons, but Lukei also teaches on lakes Travis and Austin on request.
In addition to teaching lessons and rentals, Austin Paddle Sports has a retail store in South Austin that is moving to Auditorium Shores by June. Being closer to the lake, Lukei said, will have an even greater effect on the growing sport.
Austin Paddle SportsRentals: Rowing Dock, 2418 Stratford Drive, Austin
Retail: 5214 Burleson Road, Ste. 118 • 595-1410
Andy@austinpaddlesports.comwww.austinpaddlesports.com
