SUPGUIDE
HELP IN FINDING THE RIGHT SUP EQUIPMENT.
Headings:
- Choosing the right board type- Difference between hard and inflatable SUP
- Which board suits me
- Choosing a paddle
- Using a leash
- Paddling technique
- Caring for and storing inflatable SUP
- Pumping and deflating.
- Respect and maintain hard sup
- Så do you mount the fin
- Så adjust a leaking valve.
- Tired of fitting the fin the first time
SUP stands for stand up paddleboarding and is one of the fastest growing water sports today. SUP involves paddling while standing in either waves or on flat water on a large board with a paddle. The boards used for SUP are relatively similar to surfboards but with significantly more volume, width and length. Therefore, it does not work to SUP on a surfboard and vice versa. There are also several different types of SUP boards, some of which are adapted for wall-sup only, long-distance or all-round use.
ALLROUND-SUP:
Boards that are usually between 10-12 feet long. Very large in width and volume to make it easy to get started with paddling. These boards are suitable for those looking for a good beginner board and want to get into the sport quickly. Also perfect for catching your first waves.
Boards that are usually between 10-12 feet long. Very large in width and volume to make it easy to get started with paddling. These boards are suitable for those looking for a good beginner board and want to get into the sport quickly. Also perfect for catching your first waves.
TOURING/RACE-SUP:
These boards are between 12-14 feet long and narrower than all-around boards. Touring/race boards are used by those who want a really fast board for racing or long rides and downwinders. These boards have a more pointed nose that cuts through the water and provides better directional stability. Not suitable for waves.
These boards are between 12-14 feet long and narrower than all-around boards. Touring/race boards are used by those who want a really fast board for racing or long rides and downwinders. These boards have a more pointed nose that cuts through the water and provides better directional stability. Not suitable for waves.
WAVE SUP:
Wave SUPs are short boards with smaller volume that are only adapted for waves. The boards have multiple fin boxes to be able to be ridden with either three or four fins. These boards require you to have a lot of experience.
Wave SUPs are short boards with smaller volume that are only adapted for waves. The boards have multiple fin boxes to be able to be ridden with either three or four fins. These boards require you to have a lot of experience.
AIR-SUP:
Inflatable alternative. A lot of volume, board lengths between 10-12 feet and a generous width make these boards a really good option for beginners and for those looking for a stable SUP to cruise with. When the board is rolled up, it takes up minimal space. Good quality air-sup boards are stiff and provide a good glide when inflated to the right pressure..
Inflatable alternative. A lot of volume, board lengths between 10-12 feet and a generous width make these boards a really good option for beginners and for those looking for a stable SUP to cruise with. When the board is rolled up, it takes up minimal space. Good quality air-sup boards are stiff and provide a good glide when inflated to the right pressure..
Today there are two different variants of materials on SUP boards. One is a hard construction that is built of epoxy and fiberglass. This construction is very stiff and provides really good glide and performance on the water. Epoxy sups are more sensitive to shocks and impacts than inflatable sups. The other construction is inflatable. Inflatable sups are easy to transport because they can be rolled up. When you pump up an air-sup to the right air pressure, it becomes very hard and stable.
Advantages of hard epoxy-sup:
Generally better glide than inflatable sups. Works better in waves and rough seas thanks to its rigid construction and sharper edges. More support from the fin as these boxes are stiffer than on inflatable boards.
Advantages of inflatable sup:
More durable than hard sup boards. Takes up very little space when rolled up. User-friendly and stable.
Disadvantages of hard epoxy SUP:
More sensitive to shocks and impacts than inflatable boards. Takes up a lot of space to store.
Disadvantages of inflatable SUP:
Slightly worse glide than hard SUPs. Doesn't work as well in weather as hard SUP boards due to. that the boards are not as stiff and do not have sharp edges.
There are several different varieties and sizes of SUP boards. In order to choose the right board that will get you started quickly, you must first ask yourself; What level am I at?
What level am I?
Beginner
For those of you who have never stood on a SUP board before or for those of you who have tried it before.
As a beginner, you should choose an all-round SUP that is a little longer and wider with a lot of volume. This makes it easy to get started and you can focus more on your paddling technique than just standing and trying to keep your balance. The more volume the SUP board has, the more stable it will be.
Recommended size of the board beginner board based on weight.
30-60 kg:
Board length 9-10 feet, volume 150-170 liters
50-80 kg:
Board length 10-11 feet, volume 170-190 liters
70-90 kg:
Board length 10.5-11.5 feet, volume 180-200 liters
90 kg+:
Board length 11<, volume 190 liters<
Medium
You who have paddled SUP a lot before and know safely on a board between 10-12 feet in both small waves and flat water.
When you gain more experience and feel that you can handle a larger all-round board both on flat water and in small waves without any problems, you can choose a smaller board. It is recommended that if you want to start trying SUP surfing in the waves, you should choose a board with a volume of about 150 liters and a length of around 9.5 feet.
Advanced
You who SUP surf in waves without hindrance and SUP continuously on boards under 9’0 feet. Alternatively, narrower race SUP boards.
When you SUP surf a lot in the waves and feel that your board around 150 liters is starting to become too big and clumsy when you do your maneuvers and turns on the wave, there are several pure wave SUP boards. These boards are only intended for pure whitewater paddling and will be very difficult to paddle for someone who does not have enough experience.
Simply put, for all-round paddling, the paddle should be about 10-20 cm longer than you. When paddling in waves, most people use a much shorter paddle, and skilled distance paddlers often use a slightly longer paddle. But it's all personal and depends on paddling technique. The shape, material and size of the blade also have a big impact.
Today, it's common to use a large blade for paddling in waves, where you usually take a couple of big strokes to get with the wave. Smaller blades are usually used by distance paddlers on flat water, where you strive for a high frequency and short strokes. Factors that influence the choice of paddle are technique, area of use and the person's weight and physique.
There are also several different variations of
paddles, both fixed and adjustable options and several different materials.
Different types of paddles:
Adjustable paddle:
Can be adjusted to several different lengths. Suitable if there are several people sharing the paddle and they are of different lengths or for those of you who both paddle waves and flat water and want to be able to adjust the length of the paddle as desired. There are also junior paddles intended for children.
Three-piece paddle:
Adjustable paddle that can be divided in the middle. This makes these paddles perfect for those of you who have an air-sup and want to put the paddle in the bag together with the board. Available in aluminum and fiberglass/carbon fiber.
Fixed paddle:
Can be cut to desired length, cannot be adjusted. Only available in carbon fiber variants. The lightest and stiffest option.
Which material should you choose? paddle?
Aluminum:
The most durable option. Slightly heavier than fiberglass and carbon fiber. Aluminum tends to get cold if it's cold in the air/water. Suitable for beginners who want a durable and durable paddle. Cheapest option.
Fiberglass:
Lighter than aluminum and with better flex. Doesn't get cold in the same way that aluminum does when cold. Slightly more sensitive to impacts and shocks than aluminum. Good and affordable option!
Carbon fiber:
High end material. Carbon fiber is the lightest and most responsive material on a paddle, providing the best performance. Slightly more sensitive to impact and impact than aluminum and fiberglass. Doesn't get cold. Carbon fiber is the one you choose if you want the best!
Size of the SUP paddle blade?
The size of the blade also differs between different SUP paddles. Some have a slightly larger blade to give more power to your paddling strokes and some have a slightly smaller surface area so that you can more easily maintain a higher frequency. The size of the The blade is chosen based on whether you will be paddling waves or flat water, or according to your own preferences.
Always use a leash when SUP paddling. A leash is a connection between you and the board. One end of the leash is attached around the ankle or just below the knee and the other end is attached to the back edge of the board. If you don't use a leash, there is a risk that the board could float away from you if you fall off the board.
The first thing you should think about is Don't start with a paddle that's too long. The blade of the paddle has an angle and the blade should be angled forward when you paddle. If you hold it the other way, the blade won't lie straight in the water and you'll just "scoop" water instead of getting forward.
3 quick tips on paddling technique:
1. In each paddling stroke, try to put the paddle in the water as far forward as possible. Don't put your bottom hand on the paddle "past" the water. your hip. If you pull the paddle all the way behind you, you will "scoop" the water up and you will lose paddling speed and balance.
2. Try to focus your gaze far ahead. If you look up, your balance will be better and it will be easier for you to stay on course.
3. When there are rough seas or small roads, it is important to keep a low center of gravity for the best possible balance. Lean on kneel and keep your eyes up!
3 quick tips on paddling technique:
1. In each paddling stroke, try to put the paddle in the water as far forward as possible. Don't put your bottom hand on the paddle "past" the water. your hip. If you pull the paddle all the way behind you, you will "scoop" the water up and you will lose paddling speed and balance.
2. Try to focus your gaze far ahead. If you look up, your balance will be better and it will be easier for you to stay on course.
3. When there are rough seas or small roads, it is important to keep a low center of gravity for the best possible balance. Lean on kneel and keep your eyes up!
When you let the air out, it is important that you only press the air nipple in the valve a little bit. Start and let out a little air until the pressure in the SUP is reduced. When your airsup starts to feel soft, you can press down the entire air nipple to open the valve to the maximum. If you do this, wear and tear on the valve will be reduced and your airsup will last longer.
- If you have your SUP inflated and are not paddling on it, you should avoid direct sunlight on the board as much as possible. Place the board in a shady place so that the board does not suffer from UV radiation. What can happen is that the board can delaminate in bright sunlight.
- When transporting the board, it is always recommended to remove the fin from the board to avoid the risk of breaking the fin or fin box.
- If you plan to store your airsup for the winter, make sure that the board is completely dry when you roll it up and always leave the bag slightly open while the board is being stored. you counteract moisture and unwelcome odors.
When using, make sure that the board is intact and that the air screw (if the board has an air screw) is
- If you are at the beach, do not leave your board in direct sunlight. Place the board in a shady place so that the board does not suffer from UV radiation. What can happen is that the board can delaminate in strong sunlight.
- When transporting the board, it is always recommended to remove the fin from the board to avoid the risk of breaking the fin or the fin box.
- If you plan to store your hard SUP for the winter, make sure to place the board in a place where the temperature differences are small. as possible. Large temperature differences can cause the board to delaminate.
- If you have your board in a boardbag for a longer period of time, always leave the zipper slightly open. By doing this, moisture on the board can escape. If the bag is completely closed, there is a risk that the paint on the board can be damaged and that an unpleasant odor will develop.
Most SUP boards have a US-box type fin box. The fin is mounted using a screw and a nut that is in a rail. In the video below we show how to mount the fin.
It is not uncommon for the valve to become out of position and start to leak. The valve will need to be tightened occasionally. Be sure to here's what you do:
When you first install the fin, it can sometimes be a little slow to get into the fin. Here's how: