SUP is used as an abbreviation for the water sports stand-up paddling or even standing paddling. The stand-up paddling is similar to surfing, but mainly standing on a stand-up paddling board and moving forward with a piercing paddle. Stand-up paddeling is one of the trend sports that came to Europe from Hawaii a few years ago. This sport has caused a real hype in Germany for some time, because it is fun and can be run alone or with the whole family. The movement was originally taken from the bamboo rafts of the Asians, who have been paddling over rivers and seas for thousands of years with their small rafts. In Hawaii, the trend sport was further developed, because it was the ideal method for surf instructors to quickly paddle out to the students. Later, the SUP boards also appealed to reporters who took photos of the surfers from the board with their waterproof cameras. The boards are much better processed today than they used to be. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology in the production of the SUP boards and the associated ones paddleyou move easily and with little effort over the water. There is a wide selection of Sup Boards on the market, designed and manufactured for a wide range of skill levels and requirements. Stand-up paddling is operated on seas, lakes, rivers or inland waters.

The stand-up paddeling board: the differences

The SUP boards basically differentiate between the so-called inflatable boards and hard boards. The Inflatable Stand-Up Paddling Board comes in a small package and can be pumped up using the supplied pump. This has the advantage that you can always and everywhere in a small backpackcan carry with you. If necessary, it is quickly unpacked, pumped up and you can start paddling with it. The inflatable boards are already so well designed and crafted today that they can compete well with the hard boards. You do not have to worry about losses on an inflatable board because they are even less vulnerable to damage than the hard boards. When buying a board you have to pay attention to many things, because the SUP boards, whether inflatable or hard boards are designed for the various types of waters. There are the SUP boards for experts who want to ride the board in the waves. Then there are special boards for driving on rivers and there are the Trekking SUP boards, which are well suited for the whole family and where even the dog can ride. Stand up paddle boards are measured in feet and inches. A Feet equals 30.48 inches and an inch is approximately 2.54 inches. SUP boards, which are given with a length of 11 ‚, so have a length of eleven Feet, which are about 335 centimeters. An 11’6 „board is eleven feet long and six inches long, about 350 centimeters long. The longer the board is, the safer it keeps the lane, so the paddle side does not have to be changed so often. But it is less agile, which is important when surfing. The wider the board shape, the body of the board is built, the greater the tilt stability of the SUP board.

The stand-up paddeling board for every level of skill

Beginners ideally opt for a long and wide board. The width of the board is stable and therefore tip over. For beginners, this is the best way to avoid boarding too often and therefore lose the courage immediately. The beginner chooses in the best case 10 ‚- 12′ for the length of the board. If you have already gained a bit more experience, choose one of the Allround SUP boards. The board can have a length of 9‘-10 ‚. Although it is wide, but very manoeuvrable, so the surfing and turning with this board is fun. Those who like to take trips with the whole family and want to take a dog or a child on board choose one of the stable family SUP boards. They can be 11‘-12 ‚in length and, despite their sturdy construction, are easy to control, which benefits the paddler on a longer tour. Many yobeitgeisterte athletes use that SUP board for fitness exercises. The fitness board should be selected very long and wide, so that it does not tip over during the exercises. In addition, a mounted rubber net can be a good holder for a Bottleand a towelbe. When surfing SUP, it is important to know what you want to do exactly: At one Longboard, which is built stable, the surfer gets a quick buoyancy in a good stable position. For surfing is more likely a short board, the revving is eligible. racing fans SUP board Drivers prefer a board that is long. About 12′-13 ‚is the right length for such a board. Suitable for the SUP race are boards with a length of 12‘-13 ‚. With these higher speeds are easily possible. However, these are only recommended for experienced surfers, as they are neither maneuverable nor resistant to tipping. The SUP boards for the big tour are long built, as they are at least 12 ‚long. They are resistant to tipping and by means of some rubber devices, the luggage can be easily accommodated.

The stand-up paddeling board – sizes at a glance:

Dimensions approximate:

– 9’6“ = 292 cm (Wave)
– 10’0“ = 304 cm (Allround)
– 11’0“ = 335 cm (all-round and tour)
– 11’6“ = 350 cm (all-round and tour)
– 12’6“ = 384 cm (Tour and Race)
– 14’0“ = 427 cm (Race)

Which stand-up paddeling board paddle is right for you?

The right stand-up paddeling board is just as appropriate SUP board Paddle. The main differences lie in the length of the paddle and in the application area. There are different types of paddle types. Namely, paddles made of aluminum, carbon wood, carbon cevlar and fiberglass are offered on the market. Furthermore, there are also pure plastic paddles and carbon paddles in the trade. Ultimately, the selection of the right paddle is also a question of pure price, because lightweight paddles have their price. On the other hand, you get an aluminum paddle, for example, inexpensive, but the weight could be a problem in the long run. For long tours namely the arms are heavy. With a carbon paddle you do not have this problem because they are lightweight and torsionally stiff. A compromise can be a hybrid paddle, because it’s lighter than the aluminum paddle and cheaper than a carbon paddle. If the paddle is to be used by several drivers, then the length should be adjustable. Because then it can be perfectly adapted to different body sizes.

The correct length of the SUP paddle:

But how do you find the right length for the paddle? There are various methods and tips and tricks on how to get the right length. For the shallow water here is a little trick: The arms are relaxed and stretched straight up. The correct paddle length is then the distance from the floor to the wrist.

The calculation method is simpler:

– 20.3 to 25.4 cm (8′-10′) are added to the body size – this calculation method is suitable for shallow water.
– 15.2 to 20.3 cm (6′-8′) are added to the body size – this calculation method is suitable for SUP surfing.