The Kook's Guide to Stand Up Paddle Boarding

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 beforehand 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 a board 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 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 travelling, as they are easy to store and light enough to carry.

We highly recommend the range of inflatable boards from Red Paddle Co, 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: Long and thin with pointed ends, built to glide through the water. These are slightly less manoeuvrable, but require less energy to propel yourself further. Generally a lot longer than other boards to help on long distance, averaging around 12 feet long.

Surf SUP boards: Shorter and wider, built with buoyancy and steering in mind, will keep you above the water while catching any wave.

 

Standing tall at 17 feet - Red Paddle Co's XL Ride is not your average-size board!

Size

Choosing the right size board comes down to 3 points: Length, width and thickness.

• Length
  • Less than 9 feet is considered a small board, good for kids and surfing.
  • 9-12 feet is medium, Ideal really for all round use.
  • 12-14 feet is large, better for racing and touring.
• Width
  • 31 inches and over is wide, great for stability and buoyancy, better for beginners.
  • 29 – 30 inches is considered narrow, better for speed but less stable.
• Thickness: In general, the thicker your board, the more stable you will be on the water.

 

Choose your weapon. There's a great paddle for every occasion.

Choosing a Paddle

Length and weight are the main variables to consider when choosing your SUP paddle.

Length: Your paddle should be 9-10 inches longer than your height.

Weight: PVC or Alloy paddles are durable and the most affordable option. For longer SUP sessions and more regular use, you will benefit from spending a little more on a lightweight glass or carbon paddle.

Paddles also come in one-piece, two-piece and three-piece options. In general, three-piece paddles are the most popular due to their ease of storage and travel.

 

Without a fin, you're only heading in one direction.

Other Essentials

Leashes: Always wear a leash. A good leash keeps you attached to your board and could save your life. Pro tip: Your leash should be the same length as your board, or longer, making it less likely to strike you when you fall off.

Wetsuits: You won’t always need a wetsuit, but we recommend wearing one on chilly days, in case you fall in.

Board fins: You will need a fin on your board to steer. Most boards come with a fin – but if yours doesn’t - be sure to pick one up.

Buoyancy Aids: If you plan to SUP at sea or on deep water, we recommend wearing a buoyancy aid - it could save your life.

Wash down, roll up, bag it and go! Inflatable SUP riding has never been easier.

 

After Care

Take care of your board and it will last a very long time. These simple pointers could give you years extra usage out of your board and gear.

• Wash down: Always wash down your board with fresh water after use to limit corrosion.
• Storage:
  • Store rigid and inflatable boards in a bag - this will keep dust and damp away from the board and will protect against bumps and marks.
  • For inflatable boards, release all air from the board before rolling it up for storage. Make sure to roll your board - not fold it – to avoid creasing the material and creating weak spots.
  • Remove fins and store them separately.
  • Store your paddle in a bag to protect the blade most importantly.

Everything you need to start your SUP adventure is available to buy here.