Stand-up paddle boarding: is it worth buying a SUP?
You've been seeing them on rivers and lakes for several years now: SUPs. There must be something to the trend, I thought to myself and quickly grabbed one of the inflatable models. Landlubber tested water sports equipment. Was it worth it? Read for yourself.
Test model
The "Fun" model from Airboard: a cool and stable all-rounder. [[productlist:6102158]]
Test location
- Lake Comer
Transport
Admittedly: Handy is something else. But: For short distances of around ten minutes, you can easily carry the SUP, including pump, on your back in the bag provided. [[image:7571123]]Not exactly comfortable, but practical: everything you need can be stored in the bag
Unpacking and inflating
The board is ready for use in no time at all. Inflation takes around five to six minutes. The manufacturer recommends a pressure of ten psi. You can see when this is reached on the pump display. From seven psi onwards, I got male assistance, as pumping turned into a bit of a workout. [[image:7583473]]Everything you need is included in the scope of delivery
The test on the water
Wonderful weather and a picturesque backdrop: Lake Como in late summer. The water is a little choppy due to the wind - there are always small "waves" lapping at the shore. The SUP is ready to go. Me too. As I'm no John Wayne, I sit down on the SUP first. I don't want to go off straight away. I carefully paddle further out. [[image:7583464]]Step by step: first feel your way in a seated position. Good that the paddle is height-adjustable.
Now that the water is deep enough, it's time for step two: take your legs out of the water and place them in the centre of the board. The SUP sways and I realise that I don't want to fall into the water, despite the sun beating down on me. The mini waves make the board sway a little. So I have to find my balance and keep paddling in a squat position. [[image:7971103]]The first step before standing up directly - simply paddle in a squat position.
Slowly I get a feel for the board and become braver. Stand up - at least try and see how far I get. Better bad than right, I straighten up step by step and actually come to a halt. Now to pick up the paddle. And yes, who knew, I couldn't prevent my first dip in the cool water. The good thing is that once I've fallen in, I don't really care if there are any more descents to come. [[image:7970944]]At the beginning I was just too tense. The more relaxed you are, the easier it is to stand.
The procedure starts all over again: getting out of the water and onto the board. Fortunately, the SUP is stable in the water, so that's no problem. At some point, I really succeed - I glide across the water standing up. [[image:7583544]]Still a little unsure, but standing works and gets easier every time.
That's enough of a sense of achievement for the first day. What's more, my friends now want to try out the SUP too. The fun factor is great. From now on, the board is an integral part of our holidays. Alone, as a couple, as a threesome and with a dog - we've tested everything and had a lot of fun. Stand-up paddling without falling over is getting easier every day and worked really well the first time we tried it out.
Dismantling and stowing away
We didn't use the SUP on the day of our departure, so it was dry. The air can be released very easily and quickly thanks to the pressurisation valve. The board is stored in the bag provided and is ready for transport.
Conclusion:
The SUP is fun! Whether alone, to enjoy the beauty of nature from the water in a sporty or relaxed way, or with friends. If you live near a body of water or often get to spend time on the water, the SUP is definitely worth buying. If you only come to the lake or the sea occasionally, I would recommend hiring a board. But everyone should give it a try.
Seaside child. Close to nature. Dog lover.