Gooch is not alone. He is among the hundreds of people who have signed up for the third series of the summer nightly activity which begins next Saturday night in Auckland.
During the midway point of season two in 2013, the event was given the title of the largest weekly SUP event in the Southern Hemisphere.
"Our current number of signed up participants lining up for season three is already 25 per cent higher than season two," said event organiser Troy Huston.
"We are stoked to see the series growing strongly each and every year."
Auckland's Michael Tanner took up SUP last season to get fit and have fun on the water with his mates.
"I didn't do the first season of the series as I thought it was only for extremely competent paddlers," said the 38-year-old personal trainer.
"Within one event of my first season I quickly realised how social, friendly the Jetts City Surf Series community is, there are people of all different fitness levels, abilities on the water each week. I regret not getting involved in the series from the very beginning as I can't wait for it to start on November 8."
Rosie Houghton, a 53-year-old real estate agent, feels just the same.
"As a family of three we have participated in the city surf series for the last three years, travelling in peak-hour traffic to get there. We love the competition, camaraderie, and with each season we notice it getting bigger and better."
Houghton said that over time the family have all become naturals at "walking on water".
Peter John says the series is the highlight of his week each summer.
"As life gets busier with various commitments potentially taking over a majority of the summer, I find signing up for a 12-week event pass assists me to incorporate a healthy and fun balance," said the 40-year-old builder.
"I find I'm even more productive at work on Thursdays so I can ensure I leave with plenty of time for my event start. With over 150 SUPs on the water each week it truly is an amazing sight."
A sight Juliette Clough would love to see is more women among them.
When asked for advice for newcomers to the event she said: "Girls, get involved in this awesome event, we would love even more women taking part."
Clough said the 12-week series is competitive but fun.
"It focuses first and foremost on fun, health and fitness. With something for all the family to get involved in each week from water divisions [SUP, ski paddle and outrigger] through to the 5km Waterfront Run there is no better way to get fit and have fun this summer."
The series previously comprised 12 mid-week evening events at Mission Bay but this season they have changed things up.
The organisers are incorporating the ECOlight night race as event one of the season to kick the series off in style.
"This involves floodlighting up St Marys Bay enabling novice and beginner competitors to hit the water and compete during twilight plus then our experienced paddlers [SUP, Ski Paddle and Outrigger] to compete and race on the water under lights."
The series has been noteworthy for many elite athletes coming down to Mission Bay to compete including the likes of Jo Aleh (sailing), Ian Ferguson (kayaking), JP Tobin (boardsailing) and Annabel Anderson (former SUP world champion).
Huston is sure they will be back in 2014-2015.
But he encouraged athletes of all abilities to give the sport a go.
He said SUP was a very easy sport to learn and the sport offered many opportunities for "fitness, exploration and adventure".
"We have participants as young as 11 taking part through to sprightly competitors in their early 70s. A large number of females also take part due to it being so quick to pick up and swiftly improve."
Huston said the series was a great place to learn and take part in SUP. His advice for newcomers to the sport was simple.
"Do not be intimidated by the event competitor numbers or the 'race' persona. We cater for every level of fitness and ability at the event and we can also even provide SUP equipment if needed. We have a lot of novices and beginners taking part in the series as the vibe is fun and friendly at all times.
"Everyone at the beach is more than willing to help, teach and assist newbies to further enjoy their time on the water."
Surf Series
Event 1 - Saturday, November 8,
St Marys Bay. The night race from 3pm. All other events Mission Bay from 5pm
Event 2: Thursday, November 13
Event 3: Thursday, November 20
Event 4: Thursday, November 27
Event 5: Thursday, December 4
Event 6: Thursday, December 11
Event 7: Thursday, December 18
Summer break
2015
Event 8 Thursday, February 5
Event 9 Thursday, February 12
Event 10 Thursday, February 19
Event 11 Thursday, February 26
Event 12 Thursday, March 5
Event options
• 11 x different SUP divisions from teen to novice to elite
• Ski paddle
• Outrigger canoe
• 5km waterfront run
• You can sign up for a 12-week pass, 8-week pass, 4-week pass or a one-off event.
To register or for more information visit: www.citysurfseries.com
