Fun, adventure, fitness: a little stand up paddle guide
7.5.2018
Translation: machine translated
Ever since Ernesto Bertarelli and his yacht "Alinghi" won the America's Cup in 2003, we have known that Switzerland is a water sports nation: Switzerland is a water sports nation. But seriously, who needs the sea? A lake or a river, a board and a paddle and off you go.
Stand-up paddling, or SUP for short, originated in Hawaii. After the Second World War, the economic upturn brought tourists to the Pacific Islands. At the famous Waikiki Beach, hotels rented out surfboards to their guests. Local surfers, known as "beach boys", accompany the surfing tourists with their cameras and document everything. A precursor to the selfie, so to speak.
When improvisation becomes a trend
The cameras were big and expensive at the time. It was very difficult for the "beach boys" to take good shots lying on the board and not damage the camera in the process. So at some point, one of them gets the idea to stand up, follow the tourist with a paddle and take a photo with the camera around his neck. Voilà, stand up paddling is born.
What began in Hawaii in the 1950s has since developed into a trend sport here in Switzerland too. There's hardly a body of water that isn't used for stand-up paddling in summer. Have you also caught SUP fever and want to get started this summer?
Before you set sail
The SUP can be used on many rivers and lakes without the need for a licence. From a distance of 300 metres from the shore, each person must carry a buoyancy aid. Protection zones may not be entered. You can find all other relevant legal information here.
You are also travelling on the water and should therefore protect yourself adequately from possible accidents. This is particularly important for children. In addition to a life jacket, safety equipment for stand-up paddling also includes a leash, which is attached to your foot and connects you to the board. The Restube works like an airbag in the water: just like a parachute, you can pull the release button in an emergency and a kind of buoy will inflate by itself.
If you want to take valuables or other items with you when stand up paddling, you can stow them in a waterproof SUP backpack or water bag.
In the following video you will find some basics on the topic:
The boards
And now the most important thing: the boards. A basic distinction is made between hardboards and inflatable boards (iSUP / inflatables). The latter are easier to transport and can be easily stored at home. Hardboards are somewhat more stable, offer a more direct ride and are easier to repair. They also don't need to be inflated and are ready to use straight away.
A hardboard with its customised shape is perfect for competitions. However, iSUPs can also be customised with shapes that allow for good gliding and high speed. The price of iSUPs hardly differs from that of hardboards. However, there is a wide price range for both types of SUP, from inexpensive beginner boards to expensive professional boards.
Before buying, you should therefore consider the following points:
- Area of use
- Load capacity of the board
- Storage and transport options
A distinction can also be made between the following board types:
All-rounder
The "Cruiser Set" from Airboard is our inflatable SUP for beginners. It is stable and does not tip over quickly. It is also characterised by good gliding properties and is easy to manoeuvre. [[productlist: 6102160]]
Touring
From Indiana comes the "Family Pack". This touring board is quickly inflated, stable and guides you straight through the water. Thanks to the wheels on the bag, the board is easy to transport.
Fitness / Yoga
With the "Fit Basic" from Indiana, you can move your yoga studio to the water. Thanks to the extended pad up to the nose, it is very comfortable. The handles are attached to the sides so that they don't get in the way during a lying or seated yoga position. [[productlist: 7957920]]
Wave riding
The "Stubby Air" from Fanatic comes with a modern outline that stands out thanks to its extreme nose and tail width and parallel rails. Loaded with plenty of volume, it carries every rider through the waves with ease and stability.
Windsurfing
The "Ripper Air Windsurf Pure" also comes from Fanatic. Thanks to the two removable fins in the tail and centre, the inflatable board can be converted from a SUP to a windsurfer in a matter of seconds. The Ripper Air Windsurf Pure is also ideal for children.
Race
Round edges from nose to tail characterise the "Javelin" from surf legend Robby Naish and ensure speed. The narrow, lowered footprint increases stability and efficiency. It helps to reduce fatigue and increase endurance.
The entire SUP range from Galaxus
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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