Tell people you’re going to try standup paddle boarding (that’s SUP to insiders), and you’ll probably suffer a few unflattering comparisons to Jennifer Aniston. But it doesn’t matter if you’re an unathletic mother of one who counts trolling Nordstrom as her most strenuous weekly exercise. (Hypothetically speaking, of course.) Because at La Jolla’s Surf Diva (858.454.8273, www.surfdiva.com), founder Izzy Tihanyi likes to assure you she’ll be happy if your stomach never leaves the board--so long as you and said board get in the water.

Of course, she says that while you’re on shore. By the time you’re safely (relatively speaking) rollicking on the green waves, Izzy will encourage, cajole and downright command you to stand up. And so, despite your better judgment and an abiding fear of Jaws, you put down your paddle and shakily attempt it.

At this point, you’ll experience one of two fates. The first is to achieve an astonishing summit. You’re up on the board! You grab your paddle and find that the view of the sun, sky and sea improves tremendously with a few extra feet between you and the water. You might spot leopard sharks (they’re harmless) or garibaldi (California’s official state marine fish) in the emerald waters below. You’ll make these sightings, of course, as you expertly navigate the ceaseless waves with your paddle. This is a good time to pause and appreciate the irony of coming to San Diego to see the ocean only to find yourself gazing back at the coastline.

But don’t forget about the alternate (and far more likely) fate: A swift fall into those poetry-inspiring waves.

Happily, it doesn’t really matter whether you stand up or belly flop. The fun is in attempting it and in having the time to reflect on the dwarfing beauty of the place. (The last of these gives SUP a leg up on its sister sport, surfing, which allows a lot less time for rumination.) You may not look like Jennifer Aniston, but you’re probably having just as good a time.