What size sup should i get for surfing?

In general, for an all-around board that will also be used in the surf, a rider weighing less than 160 lb should consider a 5 inch thick board in the 9’6” length range, a rider under 180 should look in the 9’6” to 10’8” range for a 5” board as an all-around alternative.

What volume surf SUP do I need?

For beginners, multiply your body weight (in pounds) by 1.1 to 1.4 to find the perfect volume range for your first board. For example: If you weigh 175 lbs and you plan on carrying 10 lbs of gear, your total weight is 185 lbs. Your ideal paddle board would have a volume of at least 185L to 258L.

How do I choose a SUP for surfing?

For SUP surfing, pick a SUP size smaller than what you use for cruising or touring. If you ride a 10-12 foot SUP, choose a 9′-ish surf SUP. If you’re used to cruising on a 9-10 foot SUP, get an 8 to 9′ SUP for waves. For SUP surfing, pick a board no wider than 30 or 31″ – that’s usually the case for a 9″-something SUP.

What size SUP do I need for my height?

SUP Paddle Size Chart

Rider’s Height (feet/cm) SUP Surf Paddle (inches/cm) SUP Race Paddle (inches/cm)
4’10” – 147 63” – 160 64” – 163
5′ – 152 65” – 165 66” – 168
5’2” – 157 67” – 170 68” – 173
5’4” – 163 69” – 175 70” – 178

How long should a surf SUP paddle be?

The general convention for determining the correct paddle size is to take the rider’s height and add 9-10 inches. If you’re 5’11” ideally you should get a paddle about 80-81 inches, or 6 feet 8 or 9 inches. This is the recommendation for the average user.

Can a SUP be too big?

Taking that into consideration, it is fair to say you can never have a board that is too big. … However, too big a board can limit your progress so downsizing your SUP will definitely help you go to a new level in stand up paddling. Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the most beginner-friendly watersports around.


How many liters should my SUP be?

For Novices and those who want to ensure SUP is as easy as possible, multiply your body weight (in pounds) by 1, and then 1.4 to give you a volume range to look for. The range of volumes I should be looking at would be between 220 and 308L.

Can you surf inflatable SUP?

The answer is yes. You can use just about any ISUP for stand-up paddle surfing although certain models are far better suited than others and in general they will handle better in light surf as opposed to big surf.

Does SUP help surfing?

Most recently SUP has been used for fitness as well as practicing yoga, and even fishing. This is a great way to help with being prepared for surfing as well! Surfing, like SUP, is a very physical sport which requires a good sense of balance and core strength. … So jump on a SUP board and get stoked on the water!

Can you tour with a surf SUP?

I’ve surfed 12-6 displacement boards, 14′ race boards and touring boards all with good results. And when the surf gets too small to surf, you can use that board to tour around or find waves further from the parking lot and sometimes get it all to yourself! … Note – Experienced surfers can pull 360’s with longer sups.

Is a thicker SUP more stable?

For the majority of paddlers, 5 inches of thickness is preferred over 6 inches thickness because it results in more stability for a given board width and outline shape.

What is the best SUP for beginners?

The best paddle boards for beginners 2022

  1. Red Paddle Co 10’6″ Ride MSL SUP inflatable paddle board package. …
  2. Portofino 10ft inflatable stand up paddle board. …
  3. Bluefin SUP 10′8″ Aura FIT SUP. …
  4. Decathlon Itiwit X100 9″ inflatable SUP board. …
  5. Bluefin Cruise SUP package 10’8″ …
  6. Red 15’0 Tandem MSL Inflatable Paddle Board.

Is SUP good exercise?

SUPing is a low impact exercise that is a combination of balance, strength, and endurance which are exercised whether you are paddling or just balancing on your board. It’s not only an excellent core workout but also the toes, legs, back, shoulders, arms and neck which all work together.

How do I choose a SUP paddle?

Choose paddle length for your type of paddling. For touring, fishing or fitness paddling, look for a paddle that’s about 10″–12″ longer than you are tall. For river running or surfing, a slightly shorter paddle works best — approximately 8″ longer than your height.

What is the best SUP paddle?

Top 10 Best SUP Paddles for Paddle Boarding in 2022

  • Isle Carbon Fiber Adjustable Paddle.
  • Thurso Surf Carbon Fiber Paddle.
  • Crazy Abalone Paddle.
  • Super Sup Carbon Fiber Paddle.
  • OceanBroad Fiberglass Paddle.
  • WooWave Carbon Fiber Paddle.
  • Kialoa Uhane 91 Paddle.
  • Red Paddle Co. Carbon 100 Paddle.

What length should a paddle board paddle be?

For cruising and general paddling, a paddle length approx 6 – 8 inches above the head of the paddler is a good place to start. It can then be tweaked according to individual needs.

Are inflatable paddle boards better than hard ones?

Inflatable SUPs are actually more durable than hard boards in certain ways,” said Shenglong You, co-founder of inflatable SUP company Thurso Surf. “Because they have a little give, they actually won’t be damaged if you hit a rock or drop [them]. And unless you’re racing, the performance is similar.”

Does paddle board length matter?

The length of a SUP is important in determining how your paddle board can withstand a variety of water conditions. Typically, longer paddle boards are faster and shorter paddle boards are more responsive/maneuverable.

What is a touring SUP?

Touring Stand Up Paddle Board Shape

That narrow nose continues throughout the full length of the board. This allows a touring SUP to cut through the waves by parting and directing the water to either side. Even a bit of chop on the water is no problem. With some balance and a solid stroke you can paddle through.

How much weight can a stand up paddle board hold?

Paddle boards can hold an average of 200 to 300 pounds. But boards that hold 500 pounds or more are widely available. Paddle boards are weight-rated by individual manufacturers in pounds or by volume. SUPs themselves can weigh from 15 to 40 lbs, which factors into how much weight they can hold.

How is SUP volume calculated?

One of the main considerations is volume. In a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), this is the amount of volumetric space measured in cubic litres (the amount of foam or flotation in litres). Roughly, a SUP’s length X width X thickness will yield its volume.

How much does an inflatable paddle board weigh?

Weight: The average inflatable paddle board will weigh in at around 15-17 lbs. Considerably lighter than most hardboards.

How long will an inflatable SUP last?

Most frequently used boards, with the proper care, could last between 3-5 years. And for all those boards that are used either extrainously or that are not well cared for can expect them to last 3 years or less.

Should I paddle board or surf?

Stand up paddle boards and surf boards differ drastically in size. SUP boards are much longer, about 14 feet long, and usually heavier and thicker. … SUP boards are meant to glide over waves, and are generally better used in more stable water. Surfboards are meant to ride with or along waves, and need greater mobility.

Is paddle boarding harder than surfing?

Most surfers agree surf SUP is easier than surfing. It has a much tamer learning curve and generally has you standing and riding waves a lot sooner than on a surfboard. Once you’re able to catch and follow small waves, however, the challenges of SUP will get closer to those of regular surfing.

What are the four golden rules of getting on your SUP?

Four Golden Rules of Stand Up Paddling

  • Rule No. Plant your blade fully in the water before you start your stroke. …
  • Rule No. Always assume the “ready position” while paddling. …
  • Rule No. Use your core muscles whenever you’re paddling. …
  • Rule No. Keep your board as quiet as possible on the water.

Can you use a surf board as a paddle board?

This could make you assume that you could use your surfboard for stand-up paddling. However, this is, in most cases, not true. Surfboards do not make good stand-up paddleboards for a few reasons, but the biggest is their size, volume (which plays a role in buoyancy), the fins used, and the board’s agility mechanisms.

Are inflatable surfboards any good?

There are a few clear advantages that inflatable surfboards have over rigid ones. Firstly, there’s the portability factor that we’ve already examined above. They’re also very lightweight and easy to manage and can be stored away with ease even if you have a very small space for storage.

Is a thinner paddle board better?

The longer and thinner a board is, the faster it is, hence a racing SUP shape and the shorter a board is the better it is for surf, as its more manoeuverable.

What makes a stable SUP?

A board that is wider at the nose will be more stable when a passenger or dog is on board. Overall, boards with a less aggressive sidecut will be more stable than more angular boards that are very narrow at the nose or tail.

How thick should paddle board be?

SUP board thickness

Normally boards have a thickness between four and six inches. For paddler under 60kg or for children boards with a thickness of 4 inches are completely sufficient. All others should choose rather a thicker board, ideally 6 inches.

What is a good brand of SUP?

Best SUP Brands: 2022 Comparison Chart

COMPANY LOCATION WARRANTY
iROCKER Jacksonville, FL 2-year, 30-day money-back guarantee
THURSO National City, CA 2-year
Bluefin West Yorkshire, UK 5-year, 60-day money-back guarantee
NIXY Irvine, CA 2-year, 30-day money-back guarantee

Are red paddle boards the best?

Red Paddle Co boards are stiffer and more durable than the competition, and have been designed so you can paddle anywhere. At Red Paddle Co we’re obsessive about quality.

Is SUP good for your back?

Standup Paddleboarding Eliminates Lower Back Pain

Strengthen your core like never before. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons estimate that 75-85% of people will deal with issues of low back pain at some point in their lives, and 50% of them have chronic issues that they deal with consistently.

Do you burn calories paddle boarding?

On average, you’ll burn 330 to 460 calories per hour while recreational paddle boarding. That’s twice the calories you’d burn walking your neighborhood! The average, recreational (all around) paddle is done on calm water with light winds at a walking pace.

Do you have to be fit to paddle board?

Whether you are recreational paddling, SUP surfing, SUP racing, SUP touring or SUP yoga, you’re guaranteed to get a solid workout. Also, it doesn’t matter what fitness level you are, beginner – expert, everyone can exercise by paddle boarding.

Do SUP paddles float?

Yes, paddle board paddles should float. Although you can’t see it, the foam within the paddle provides buoyancy. This way, should you lose hold of your paddle in the water, it won’t sink to the sea floor, likely never to be recovered.

Does SUP paddle make a difference?

The shape of the blade can affect how the paddle moves through the water and how powerful the blade is. The performance differences between blade shapes can be subtle, but as you gain experience, you may develop a preference for one shape over another.

Is a carbon paddle worth it?

Are you a “lifetime” paddler who has many years of kayaking ahead of you? In that case, a carbon paddle is definitely a worthwhile investment. Its light swing weight will ensure hours of paddling without the physical strain, as well as years of durability.

Are carbon SUP paddles worth it?

Why have a carbon construction paddle? Lighter is better when it comes to SUP paddles and there is no lighter than a Carbon SUP Paddle. These SUP paddles have the lightest of all constructions meaning less paddler fatigue and being able to paddle for longer and harder. Carbon SUP Paddles are also incredibly strong.

Which is faster kayak or SUP?

When it comes to straight-line speed the kayak is faster than a SUP in most cases. Both kayaks and SUPs have a variety of shapes that are designed for specific purposes. So while kayaks are generally faster in the water than SUPs, that’s not always the case. … Just like SUPs, there are a wide variety of kayaks.

Why are SUP paddles angled?

As seen in the graphic of the SUP paddle, the blade does not descend straight down from the shaft. Instead it’s at an angle. The reason it’s at an angle is that it helps to push the water down giving you thrust. That in turn pushes your board up (creating less friction on the water) while driving you forward.