In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ cups water, yeast, and sugar.
Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
Add salt and 2 cups of flour. Mix
Continue mixing and gradually add flour until dough is no longer sticky.
Knead in a stand mixer for 10 minutes.
Place into a greased bowl, cover and let sit until doubled in size (1 - 1 ½ hours)
Punch down dough and cut into eight pieces.
Working with just one piece at a time (keep other pieces covered) form dough into a 10 inch rope.
Cut rope into one inch pieces.
Repeat with remaining dough;
In a large pot boil 6 cups of water and add baking soda. Once boiling, add cut 10-12 pretzels. You will need to do this in several batches because you don't want to overcrowd the pan.
Boil until dough floats to the top - approximately 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon so the water will drain off. Place on a paper towel and then move to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
While the pretzels are still damp, sprinkle with coarse salt.
Continue with remaining dough.
Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.
Notes
Dip pretzels in mustard, cheese sauce or eat plain
Pretzels are best eaten the same day they are made