Breaking Boundaries: Journey to the World’s Highest Stand Up Paddle Boarding Attempt - Part 1
- Kumaran Geopaddler
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Water fascinates both the explorer and the geologist in me. Like the high and low tides of the sea, my life has seen many ebbs and flows. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) taught me how to balance both and still have fun. While SUP is globally recognized as an adventure sport, it is still an emerging activity in India. Ironic, as the vast and diverse water bodies of India rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastlines — provide a perfect playground for this sport.
SUP in India is in its infancy compared to the thriving Standup Paddleboarding communities worldwide. Despite our country's rich topography, there is limited awareness about Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Many water sports enthusiasts remain confined to kayaking, rafting, or traditional boating, with little knowledge of the versatility and excitement of SUP. I saw an opportunity to bridge this gap. My goal was to promote Stand Up Paddle Boarding expeditions in India and encourage people to explore the sport beyond just a competition-driven mindset.
As I kept paddling, I realized that Stand Up Paddle Boarding is not just about competition or thrill-seeking; it could connect us with our natural surroundings and introduce an outdoor culture of water exploration. Through my journey, I was able to explore open water bodies, estuaries, and glacial lakes. I had already completed several significant SUP journeys before setting the record for the world’s highest Stand Up Paddle Boarding attempt at 16,608 feet above sea level. All the geology education I had gave me a solid foundation in understanding maps, water bodies, and terrain conditions. However, even after graduating, I did not think that it would play a crucial role in my Stand Up Paddle Boarding expeditions, a passion I would discover years later. This background gave me an edge in planning routes, assessing risks, and navigating challenging environments. Also, all the training in the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course came handy as it provided me with essential survival skills for outdoor exploration. Nevertheless, nothing prepared me for the sheer magnitude of the experiences when it came to facing the waters headlong.
In April 2015, I came across an article featuring Kiran, a well-known paddler from the Surfing Federation of India. He along with his team had completed a SUP attempt at Suraj Tal, a glacial lake in the Himalayas located at 16,000 feet above sea level. At the time, this was recognized as the highest Stand Up Paddle attempt in the world. Inspired, I set out to explore the waters and experience paddling in such uncharted heights, eventually setting a new benchmark for Stand Up Paddle Boarding in India.
Achieving a record is no easy feat, let alone attempting to create a new one; meticulous research and preparation were essential. I conducted extensive surveys to identify the highest lakes in the Himalayas that could be accessible for Stand Up Paddle Boarding. I researched Gurudongmar Lake at 17,800 ft, Roop Kund at 16,470 ft, Tso Kar at 14,860 ft, and many others. As anticipated, each potential location came with unique challenges. Some lakes were in disputed territories, making them inaccessible for exploration. Others were in restricted military zones where civilians were not allowed. Certain lakes held religious significance, preventing any recreational activity. Some others required weeks of trekking to reach, posing significant logistical hurdles. During my searches, I discovered Tilicho Lake, a lake in Mount Annapurna circuit, Nepal, but reaching there would require rigorous trekking for over 25 days. I also explored the possibilities of lakes in Tibet, but strict access restrictions made it nearly impossible for an Indian citizen to attempt SUP there. The more I searched, the more obstacles I encountered, leaving me feeling slightly discouraged, but determined to find the right location.
The Himalayas are home to some of the world’s highest glacial lakes. These lakes are often located at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. The terrain is rough, the weather is unpredictable, and the air is thin due to lower oxygen levels. At such high altitudes, even basic physical activities become extremely challenging, let alone attempting Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Glacial lakes are also characterized by freezing temperatures, making them even more difficult for water-based activities. An accidental fall into the water could result in immediate hypothermia. These extreme conditions required me to plan every detail meticulously, ensuring that I was physically, mentally, and logistically prepared for the attempt. As someone who grew up in the coastal region of Chennai, the place that is quite close to the equator, this was definitely challenging, and not to mention, new.
A sculptor can visualize the sculpture within a stone, but he needs a chisel to give it a form. Likewise, to undertake an expedition as challenging as this, I needed to have a SUP board that will work with me throughout. My trusted companion for this challenge was a Naish Stand Up Paddle Board, which is well renowned for its high-performance, designed for stability, durability, and efficiency in extreme environments. The advanced design of the board allowed for better control and less fatigue, making long-distance Stand Up Paddling manageable even in the challenging waters.
Completing the world’s highest SUP attempt was more than a personal achievement, it was a significant milestone in the promotion of Stand Up Paddle Boarding in India. SUP in India is at an exciting stage of growth. With vast water resources, stunning landscapes, and an emerging adventure sports culture, the future of Stand Up Paddle Boarding looks promising. With the experience of having paddled in both the mountains and the ocean, I have conducted training sessions, introduced new paddlers to the sport, and organized numerous Stand Up Paddle Boarding expeditions.
As I continue to explore new SUP challenges and promote the sport, my mission remains clear - to inspire more people to take up Stand Up Paddle Boarding and discover the unparalleled joy of gliding over water while connecting with Nature. My journey has just begun, and there is still so much more to achieve in the world of Stand Up Paddle Boarding. The adventure continues!
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