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SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle, which as the name suggests entails paddling while standing up on your board. It is simultaneously an acitvity that is highly entertaining as you also get to enjoy the sun and sea, but also beneficial for your health as it improves your sense of balance.
Basic Categories
- All Round: This is definitely the most common category. They are ideal for all users, especially beginners, as they are very easy to use.
- Touring: These boards are longer and come with a more hydrodynamic shape, making them ideal for covering greater distances. You will see better results with them on calm waters and are recommended for more experienced users as well.
- Racing: In this category you will find even bigger length and a sharper, more aggressive shape. They are designed for speed and are not recommended for beginners.
Length, Width and Thickness
Η επιλογή σας εδώ εξαρτάται από το σωματότυπο, την εμπειρία σας στο νερό και φυσικά από τη χρήση που προτιμάτε κατά την πλεύση.
- Length: As a general rule, the longer boards are faster (the Racing ones exceed 3.8m) while the shorter boards (less than 3m) are better at manoeuvers.
- Width: The width of the board affects its sailing behavior. Bigger width generally means greater stability but lower speed. This helps beginners feel more "secure" atop their board. The reverse is true for boards with smaller width. Those can be favored by people with a smaller bodytype or good overall sense of balance.
- Thickness: Suppose we have two boards with the same length and width, but different thickness. The thicker board has greater volume and can therefore support a greater load. Of course boards usually list the maximum user weight separately in their specifications.
Fin configurations
Fins are located on the underside, at the back of the board. They help smooth the sailing. There are 3 main configurations.
- Signle Fin: Lower friction and stability.
- 3 Fins: Three fins of the same size help with maintaining a straight sailing course.
- 2+1 Fins: One bigger fin in the middle and two smaller fins on either side. They help your balance even in waves.
Advice for your equipment
After you have selected your inflatable SUP, we urge you to take the following points into account.
- Safety: We advise you to always wear a Vest in case of unexpected but dangerous weather conditions.
- Cleaning: Be mindful of sharp objects in the sand or sharp rocks. Once out of the sea, clean the board with water to remove the salt. Store your equipment away from the sun.
- Pumping: Most SUP boards include a hand pump. However those require both some time and effort, so it might be a good idea to invest in an Electric Pump for convenience.
- Seat: For some boards you have the option to attach a Seat, making them essentially into a kayak for seated rowing.
