A relatively new form of recreation that originated in Hawaii is now spreading to the lakes of mid-America.  At ocean beaches, the stand-up position offers the participant a better view of incoming swells, and on lakes and rivers it allows a modified surfboard to be propelled across relatively calm water.

Equipment-wise, the paddle is similar to those used for a canoe but much longer, about the length of a person’s height plus a fully extended arm. The specially designed boards are wide, very stable and equipped with a rear fin. The trick is finding the sweet spot in the middle where one can stand comfortably, with weight evenly distributed on both feet.  [SUP board] prices range from $800 to $1,500 with styles varying by materials and weight. Paddles cost from $100 to $400.

The SUP joins a long line of inflated shoes, modified bicycles, and other devices designed to allow a person to “walk on water.”   Local regulations may require a personal flotation device to be worn or carried on the board.

Link.  Image: Bill Ebbesen.

The Star Wars Uncut project has been moving right along since we first reported on it. It’s a collaboration among hundreds of filmmakers to recreate the movie Star Wars shot-by-shot, with each 15-second segment done by a different director in his or her own style. The entire movie will be shown at the CPH:PIX Festival April 19 in Copenhagen. In honor of the event, here are a few minutes of the movie. -via Buzzfeed

Dr Ashton, of Cambridge University, said the images, to be broadcast as part of a Five documentary on Cleopatra, reflect the monarch’s Greek heritage as well as her Egyptian upbringing.

‘She probably wasn’t just completely European. You’ve got to remember that her family had actually lived in Egypt for 300 years by the time she came to power.’

Link -via Digg

(image credit: Image Foundry Studios, LTD)