By Michael Jacobsen via goldcoast.com.au

JAMIE Mitchell is christening the prototype for what will be his signature stand up paddleboard, the stillness of Currumbin Creek barely disrupted as he shears through the water.

It's something to observe, timeless in the way Jamie's movements conjure historic images of islanders standing on rough-hewn craft and stroking their way through the break to check nets and pots or to greet strangers in tall ships.

Yet so too is the image slightly incongruous, particularly given modern board paddlers are most often seen on their bellies or knees as they use their arms to power through the surf. However, Jamie makes it all seem so natural, his effort so apparently effortless the water offers only token resistance, at times appearing simply to move out of his path.

Natural is an apt term for Jamie Mitchell. The champion stand up board ...

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