Purchasing a SUP Board

SUP, an abbreviation for 'stand-up paddling', ranks among the rapidly expanding water sports. If you are keen to acquire a board for yourself, several factors should be taken into account. Information is available regarding both solid SUP boards and inflatable paddle boards.

1.Types of SUP Boards

Similar to most sports gear, it is essential to recognise the intended use to establish which board is ideal for you. There are several primary categories of boards, including surf SUP boards, allround boards, flatwater (touring) and race SUP boards. Stemming from these, there are various adaptations like allround windsurf SUP boards or Yoga boards, essentially broader and longer versions of the allround boards.

Surf SUP boards typically feature a shorter and narrower design at the nose and tail and include more rocker (curvature at the nose and tail) than other board types. This attribute enhances their manoeuvrability, making them well-suited for surfing waves. However, this often results in reduced stability and more challenging navigation over flat waters.
Allround boards tend to be wider, longer, and thicker than surf SUPs. As implied by their name, these boards are ideal for all-round use and allow newcomers to explore different facets of SUPing. They offer stability and fluid gliding on flatwater while also possessing enough rocker to perform on waves. For first-time purchasers, an allround board is a commendable option.
Flatwater boards (also referred to as touring) are crafted for paddling over smooth waters absent of waves, but they may also be utilised in the sea where conditions permit. Their design is tailored to cut efficiently through water and facilitate smoother gliding, thanks to a sharper nose and extended deck. Their thickness aids beginners in maintaining balance, making them a viable choice for those uninterested in wave-catching.
Race boards, akin to flatwater boards, are even longer with a sharp nose yet are narrower for ease of speeding up. These boards typically do not suit beginners, as balancing on them can pose significant challenges.

2.Board Size - Length and Volume

Choosing the correct board size requires consideration of two primary factors: volume and length. The volume (measured in litres) signifies the board's capacity to float under weight and is determined based on your body weight. A greater volume enables the board to accommodate more weight. Beginners ought to seek out boards with greater volume to enhance stability and buoyancy.

The premise is that one litre of volume displaces the equivalent volume of water, thus generating one kilo of lift. Essentially, one litre of board volume supports one kilo of weight. We suggest that beginners opt for a volume approximately double their weight. For instance, an individual weighing 88 kg should aim for a board with a volume of around 176 litres.

The subsequent consideration is determining the length of the board. The length (recorded in feet and inches - e.g., 10’8’’ translates to 10 feet and 8 inches) is contingent upon the chosen board type (surf, flatwater, allround, race) and the individual's weight. Longer boards confer advantages such as increased speed and stability, whereas shorter boards offer enhanced manoeuvrability. Regardless, validate that your selected board is appropriate for your weight. Typically, each product and manufacturer provides specific recommendations regarding the weight/length ratio.

3. Inflatable or Solid Board?

In acquiring a SUP board, you are faced with the decision between a solid or inflatable board. Solid boards comprise various materials, such as foam, fibreglass, Kevlar, wood and plastic. The most prevalent construction involves foam enveloped in epoxy and fibreglass, rendering them somewhat more delicate compared to inflatable SUP boards.

Inflatable SUP boards feature layered PVC plastic with woven fibres connecting the top and bottom layers, known as a drop-stitch construction. They are more convenient to transport and demand less storage space, yet remain notably rigid. Moreover, inflatable boards (iSUP) boast excellent durability compared to solid boards and are ideal for beginners. The advantages of both board types are outlined in the table below.

4. The SUP Paddle

Discussing SUP necessarily includes the paddle, an integral component of the equipment. The paddle is composed of a handle, shaft and blade. When selecting your paddle, focus on its height and the blade's dimensions.

To better grasp blade sizing, envisage it akin to a bicycle gear system. When biking over longer distances, you would select a lower gear, offering a lighter feel and propelling momentum. Conversely, when accelerating or sprinting, a higher gear is chosen. It may feel heavier but provides immediate, powerful propulsion. This concept parallels SUP blades. Larger blades facilitate more forceful strokes, displacing more water and amplifying paddling effectiveness. They are favoured for surfing waves with your SUP, affording stability and powerful strokes for wave catching. In contrast, smaller blades are better for touring and allround SUP activities that involve lengthy paddling sessions. Beginners benefit from smaller or medium-sized blades given the lesser physical demand.

The height of the paddle is determined by the SUP type you select and your personal height. The paddle must exceed your height, with additional inches varying based on the SUPing type. Add roughly 7 inches for surf SUPing and up to 11 inches for racing. If you wish to utilise your board for both surfing and flatwater, either opt for two paddles or an adjustable one, particularly when sharing your SUP board with family and friends.

As noted, a fixed paddle, tailored for specific paddling styles, is typically used by advanced paddlers with defined preferences. Adjustable paddles are available as either 2-piece or 3-piece variants. The 2-piece version is most prevalent, while the 3-piece model is mainly employed with inflatable SUPs.

5. Fins

Lastly, the fins on a SUP board permit adaptations to the fundamental riding traits. A guiding principle akin to that for the board itself is that larger and wider fins enhance stability, whereas smaller ones increase manoeuvrability.

The fins are generally detachable and simple to change. They also vary in setups, with the primary types being:

Single fin - this does not substantially slow down the board while paddling (attributed to weight and increased friction with the water surface). This configuration suits flatwater SUPing;
3-fin setup, also known as a thruster setup, delivers straightforward tracking on flatwater while affording effective control during surfing. All three fins usually match in size;
2+1 setup involves three fins, with the central fin being larger than the side fins. This configuration is preferred for surf SUPing.

Inflatable SUP boards can adopt any of the aforementioned fin configurations. The sole distinction is between detachable semi-rigid fins or an attached flexible rubber one. Inflatables may also be used finless if navigating a river course with minor rapids and shallow waters.

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