Buying a SUP board

SUP, an abbreviation for ‘stand-up paddling’, is rapidly becoming a popular water sport. If you're thinking of obtaining a board for yourself, here are some aspects to consider. Information is available on both solid SUP boards and inflatable paddle boards.

1. Categories of SUP Boards

Like most sports equipment, identifying your intended use is crucial to selecting the most appropriate board. The principal categories include surf SUP boards, allround, flatwater (touring), and race SUP. Variations such as allround windsurf SUP boards or Yoga boards, which are essentially wider and longer versions of allround boards, derive from these main types.

Surf SUP boards are usually shorter, narrower at both nose and tail, with more rocker (a curvature at the nose and tail) than other types. This enhances the board's manoeuvrability, making it easier to ride waves. However, these boards often provide less stability and are harder to steer in calm waters.
Allround boards are typically broader, longer, and thicker compared to surf SUPs. Their name suggests versatility, making them ideal for newcomers to explore the diverse aspects of SUPing. They are stable, easy to glide on flatwater, and possess a decent rocker for wave performance. An allround board is a sensible choice for first-time buyers.
Flatwater boards (also called touring) are crafted for paddling in calm waters, lacking waves but still suitable for sea use under the right conditions. Their build features a sharper nose and elongated deck for smoother gliding, allowing beginners to balance more easily. They are a good option for those not interested in wave catching.
Race boards share similarities with flatwater types, being even longer and possessing a sharp nose but are narrower for increased speed. These boards are typically unsuitable for beginners due to the challenge they present in balancing.

2. Determining Board Size – Length and Volume

When finding the correct board size, volume and length are pivotal. Volume (measured in litres) indicates the board's buoyancy under weight, calculated based on your weight. A higher volume denotes a greater weight capacity. Beginners should seek boards with higher volume for enhanced stability and buoyancy.

Essentially, one litre of volume displaces one litre of water, producing a lift of one kilo. This implies that a litre of board volume will support/ lift one kilo of weight. We suggest beginners opt for roughly double the litres relative to their weight. For instance, an individual weighing 88 kg should aim for a board with approximately 176 litres in volume.

Next, consider the length. This (in feet and inches - e.g., 10’8’’ read as 10 feet and 8 inches) depends on your chosen board type (surf, flatwater, allround, race) and your weight. Longer boards provide speed and stability, whereas shorter boards offer more ease of turning. Ensure your board suits your weight, and follow product or manufacturer recommendations regarding the weight/length ratio.

3. Inflatable or Solid Board?

When selecting a SUP board, you must choose between solid and inflatable options. Solid boards consist of materials like foam, fibreglass, Kevlar, wood, and plastic. Foam covered with epoxy and fibreglass forms the common solid board construction, although these can be more delicate than inflatable alternatives.

Inflatable SUP boards employ layered PVC plastic with woven fibres linking the bottom and top layers, known as drop-stitch construction. They are easily portable, compact, and surprisingly robust. Moreover, inflatable boards (iSUP) stand out in durability compared to solid versions and are excellent for beginners. Both options’ features are outlined in the table below.

4. The SUP Paddle

No discussion on SUP is complete without addressing the paddle, an integral equipment piece. A paddle consists of a handle, shaft, and blade. When choosing, consider the paddle’s height and blade size.

Understanding blade sizing is akin to bicycle gear. For extended cycling, you select lower gear for easier handling and momentum. For bursts of speed, higher gear, despite being heavier, provides the needed rapid, forceful push. The same principle applies to SUP blades. Larger blades produce stronger strokes, displacing more water for more effective paddling, ideal for surfing waves, offering stability and power during wave propulsion. Smaller blades are more suitable for touring and allround SUP, where prolonged paddling is required. Medium or smaller blades suit beginners, requiring less strength.

The height of the paddle corresponds to your chosen SUP type and your height. The paddle should always extend beyond your own height, with the difference depending on the SUPing discipline. For example, surf SUPing requires around 7 inches more, while racing demands up to 11 inches extra. For both surfing and flatwater use, consider dual paddles or an adjustable option, especially for sharing with others.

As mentioned, a fixed paddle is tailored for specific paddling styles, typically favoured by experienced individuals. Adjustable paddles are available in 2-piece or 3-piece forms. The 2-piece is common, while 3-piece versions are primarily for inflatable SUPs.

5. Fins

Finally, SUP board fins influence basic riding traits. The general rule echoes that for boards: larger, broader fins offer stability, while smaller fins enhance manoeuvrability.

Fins are typically removable and easy to swap, available in several setups. The primary types include:

Single fin - minimises speed reduction during paddling (due to weight and water surface friction), suitable for flatwater SUPing.
3-fin setup, also called a thruster setup, ensures straight movement in flatwater and excellent surfing control. All three fins are typically of nearly equal size.
2+1 setup includes three fins, however, the central fin is larger than the side fins. This setup is preferred for surf SUPing.

Inflatable SUPs can adopt any of these fin configurations, but use either detachable semi-rigid fins or flexible rubber ones attached to the board. Inflatables can also be used finless to navigate rivers with minor rapids and shallow waters.

In summary, before purchasing your SUP board, consider the following: