Purchasing a SUP Board

SUP, an abbreviation for ‘stand-up paddling’, ranks among the rapidly expanding water sports. If you've decided to acquire a board, here are several factors to take into account. You will find details on both solid and inflatable paddle boards.

1. Varieties of SUP Boards

Like most sporting equipment, the initial step is to ascertain its intended use to identify the most appropriate version. There are several primary board types, including surf SUP boards, allround, flatwater (known also as touring), and race SUP. From these, different variants emerge, such as allround windsurf SUP boards or Yoga boards, which are essentially a wider and lengthier adaptation of the allround boards.

Surf SUP boards are typically shorter with a narrower nose and tail, possessing more rocker (the curve on the nose and tail) compared to other boards. This design enhances manoeuvrability, simplifying wave surfing. Nonetheless, these boards might offer less stability and are more challenging to control in calm waters.
Allround boards are, as the name indicates, designed for versatility: wider, longer, and thicker than surf SUP boards, these boards allow beginners to delve into the various dimensions of SUPing. They glide effortlessly over flatwater and have a reasonable rocker for wave performance, making them an excellent first-time purchase.
Flatwater boards (commonly called touring) target paddling on tranquil waters without any waves. However, they’re also feasible for sea paddling given the right conditions. Their sharp nose and extended deck are tailored for smoother glides, easily cutting through water while offering sufficient width for beginners, making them apt for novices uninterested in wave surfing.
Race boards, akin to flatwater boards, are elongated with a sharp nose and are skinnier to facilitate swift speeds. These are generally not ideal for novices as balancing on them proves quite difficult.

2. Board Dimensions - Length and Volume

Choosing a board’s size depends on two primary aspects: volume and length. The volume (measured in litres) reveals the board's capability to support weight, calculated via your weight. Higher volume accommodates more weight, thus beginners usually pursue boards with greater volume for added stability and buoyancy.

The concept is straightforward: one litre of volume displaces one litre of water, resulting in a one-kilogram lift. Essentially, one litre of board volume can support one kilogram of weight. Beginners are suggested to find boards with a volume roughly double their body weight in litres. For instance, someone weighing 88 kg would require a board approximately 176 litres in volume.

Next, it's important to determine the length. Measured in feet and inches (e.g. 10’8’’ read as 10 feet and 8 inches), the length correlates with the chosen board type (surf, flatwater, allround, race) along with your weight. Longer boards offer speed and stability; shorter boards enhance manoeuvrability. Regardless, ensure that the board matches your weight, typically dictated by each product or manufacturer’s recommendations for weight/length proportion.

3. Inflatable vs Solid Board?

When selecting a SUP board, you can opt for either a solid or inflatable version. Solid boards are constructed using a range of materials like foam, fibreglass, Kevlar, wood, and plastic. The common structure comprises foam, laminated with epoxy and fibreglass, rendering them somewhat more delicate than inflatable boards.

Inflatable SUP boards feature a PVC plastic composition with woven fibres linking the top and bottom layers in what is known as a drop-stitch configuration. They are conveniently portable, require minimal storage, yet remain notably sturdy. Inflatables (iSUPs) are impressively durable compared to solid boards, making them ideal for beginners. Their pros and cons are detailed in the table below.

4. The SUP Paddle

Discussing SUP naturally entails considering the paddle, a crucial component of the gear. A paddle incorporates a handle, shaft, and blade; its dimensions and blade size are vital during selection.

To grasp blade sizing, you might compare it to a bicycle's gear mechanism. For extended cycling, a lower gear, which isn’t as heavy and maintains pedalling momentum, is preferable. Conversely, speedy sprints necessitate a higher gear for vigorous propulsion, despite feeling heftier. This parallels SUP blades where larger blades provide more forceful strokes, displacing more water and enhancing paddling efficiency—ideal for wave surfing as they yield stability and potent strokes when propelling towards waves. Conversely, smaller blades suit touring and allround SUP where prolonged paddling is common. Smaller or medium blades also suit beginners as they demand less strength.

The paddle’s height aligns with your SUP board genre and personal height. It should exceed your height by specific inches based on your SUPing type. For surfing, an addition of about 7 inches suffices, while racing can require up to an 11-inch increase. For versatility between surfing and flatwater, purchasing two paddles or an adjustable version is suggested, particularly if sharing the board with family or friends.

A fixed paddle is tailored for specific paddling styles, generally used by experienced riders with distinct preferences. Adjustable paddles come in either 2-piece or 3-piece formats, with 2-piece being common and 3-piece mainly used alongside inflatable SUPs.

5. Fins

Finally, SUP board fins adjust fundamental riding attributes. Larger, wider fins enhance stability, while smaller ones boost manoeuvrability.

Typically detachable and easily replaceable, fins come in various setups:

Single fin - minimally impacts speed during paddling (owing to weight and water surface friction). It’s excellent for flatwater SUPing;
3-fin setup, or thruster setup, offers straight tracking on flatwater and excellent control when surfing. Usually, all fins are of similar size;
2+1 setup comprises three fins yet features a larger centre fin than the sides, preferable for surf SUPing.

Inflatable SUP boards can adopt these fin arrangements too. However, they might use either detachable semi-rigid fins or flexible rubber attachments. Riding inflatable boards finless is an option for traversing shallow rivers with minor rapids.

In conclusion, prior to purchasing a SUP board, consider the following key factors: