The Guide To Stand-Up Paddleboarding

So what exactly is a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)? How do you do it? And with so many models on the market how do you know which one is right for you? Read on, we’ve got you covered…

If you're just starting out, pick a calm day and flat water to perfect your stance.

How do you SUP?

Stand in the centre of the board, with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. With one hand on the handle and the other half way down the shaft, drive the paddle into the water, alternating sides to propel straight forward.

Different ways to SUP

• Flat water/All round – The most common and popular, perfect for sunny days and gentle breezes across a lake or river. Great fun for amateurs and experts. Our recommended starting ground for beginners.
• Surf SUP – For the more advanced rider, SUP surfing is exhilarating. Bend your knees a little more, keep a lower centre of gravity, using the paddle to guide yourself down the wave.
• Touring - If you have plenty of time on your hands, take a longer tour up the coast. This is an endurance test, so make sure to warm up before hand and take plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated.
• Windsurfing – Windsurf compatible boards work well when combined with a sail, giving you the opportunity to put your paddle to one side and experience riding waves and wind.
• Multi Person – Get the whole gang on the water with the XL Ride - 17 feet long and built for fun with family or friends.
• Other – A good SUP board provides a platform to try other water based activities. SUP fishing is hugely popular – with the advantage of venturing further out from the coastline into deeper water. Fitness is another aspect, with SUP lending itself to Yoga or Pilates.

Get pumping! In just a few minutes, this board will be solid as a rock.

Inflatable SUP Boards

Thanks to major advances in technology and affordability, inflatable boards have risen in popularity.

Inflatable boards, or "Air SUP", are generally made from layers of PVC, rubber and material. Once pumped up they are as strong as rigid boards and can stay inflated for months without losing pressure.

Inflatable boards are great for traveling, as they are easy to store and light enough to carry.

We highly recommend the range of inflatable boards from Red Paddle Co, Jobe, STX, RRD, Naish, Quiksilver and Roxy who are leading the way with their inflatable technology to offer the most advanced range of inflatable paddle boards on the market.

Not the calm and quiet type? There's no limit to what you can do with a SUP board and a bit of courage!

Shapes

All-Round boards: The middle ground board, rounded like a surf SUP and long like a touring SUP, perfect for family fun on flat water, relaxing and floating, feeling the water beneath you. Can also be fun when taken to the beach for a surf in smaller waves or paddling along the coast for a local tour.

Touring boards: Cross between a race SUP and an all-round SUP. These boards will generally have more volume making it a great option for those who plan to paddle with kids, pets or even a picnic on-board.

Racing boards: These boards have a very distinct shape when compared to all other boards. They are very 'pointy' which allows them to cut through the water with ease. They can also track straighter and glide for longer. Essentially, they are all about speed and stability.

Surfing boards: Similar shape to a surfboard, with the smaller sized SUP's being ideal for turns, airs and quick maneuvers. On the other end of the spectrum, the longer SUP's are ideal for small peeling waves that don't require too much effort.

SUP Clothing

If you've ever surfed before, you should already have the minimum amount of clothing needed to stand-up paddle board. Wetsuits and bathers (boardshorts/bikinis) will hold you in good stead - depending on the weather conditions. Simply, if it's cold, opt for a wetsuit, and if it's hot, wear bathers - plus lots of sunscreen! However, brands such as Prolimit, Mystic and Dakine are specialising in SUP clothing with leggings, tops, jackets and booties that are made to be water resistant, UV protected and heat insulated. So if you're serious about stand-up paddle boarding, we recommend wearing SUP-specific gear.

Enjoy!