Stand up paddle board · SUP
Stand up paddle board
Stand-up paddle boards (SUP) have become an integral part of water activity on lakes and rivers. Stand-up paddling requires no permission on many rivers and lakes, but we recommend wearing a life jacket, as is mandatory if you’re more than 300 metres from the shore. There are two types of SUP boards: inflatable boards (inflatables) and hardboards. Inflatable boards are becoming more and more popular, as modern technology has made it possible to have very robust inflatable boards. Inflatable SUP boards are easier to transport, can be taken on holiday and don’t take up much storage space. SUP hardboards are even more rigid and ideal for a faster and more aggressive style. They’re also easier to repair. However, hardboards are more expensive and only recommended for frequent or professional use. Our range includes everything from low-cost SUP boards for beginners to high-quality hardboards. Popular brands such as Indiana, Fanatic, Aqua Marina or Starboard offer a variety of boards to choose from.
SUP boards differ in many ways: there are long, short, narrow and wide boards. The price range of inflatable SUPs is huge. To find the stand-up paddle board that’s right for you, it’s important to know what the differences in SUP boards are. Allround SUP boards are perfect for beginners. These boards are very versatile and have a regular shape. Surfing SUP boards are, as the name suggests, oversized boards with paddles that are suitable for surfing. These boards are less stable, but very manoeuvrable and allow for more action on the water. You’re interested in going on long SUP tours or doing intense training? If so, a touring SUP board is right for you. Touring SUPs are designed to offer excellent gliding. They’re often rather wide and stable enough for beginners. Racing SUPs are perfect for professional and recreational racers. They’re longer and wider than regular boards, which makes it possible to achieve high sprint speeds. Yoga SUP boards provide are also rather wide and long, providing enough stability and space to perform yoga and fitness exercises.
The differences in quality and manufacturing are just as important. A simple SUP board with single-layer technology, that’s one with only one PVC protective layer, is usually good enough for beginners. You should, however, make sure that the rail (the edges) is constructed with two layers, as this is the most easily damaged area. A SUP board that’s left in the sun may twist or, in the worst case, even tear along the seams. Capacity is also a key factor when it comes to choosing the right SUP board for your weight. Some SUPs have a maximum capacity of less than 100 kg. If you weigh more, you’ll have an unstable tilted board and might get wet feet. So-called «double layer» SUP boards are considerably more robust. Double layer technology means the SUP board is coated with a second layer of PVC, making it more resistant and increasing its weight capacity. The thickness of a board is also important. SUP boards that are 15 cm thick are of higher quality, as they offer you greater stability and a secure foothold on the water.
Besides the board, it’s also worth thinking about which paddles are right for you. There are paddles made of carbon, fibreglass or aluminium. The heavier the paddle, the more strength it takes to use it. Therefore, a light paddle is recommended if you’re planning to use your board often and for long periods of time.