HOW TO CHOOSE SUP?

How to choose a paddle board (SUP - stand up paddling)?

    With the rapid popularity of paddleboarding, there are more and more models, modifications and technologies of SUP boards. Therefore, almost everyone who wants to buy a SUP has a big question - what kind of paddle do I need??? We will try to explain simply and as briefly as possible how to choose the right SUP. According to the manufacturing technology, SUPs are divided into 2 main categories:

   HARD - made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar. Since these boards are quite large - about 3m long, they are recommended for those who plan to keep their SUP in one place (in a homestead, base or simply live near a body of water where they plan to swim). They are also more suitable for those who plan to swim in the sea more often. in the waves. Hardboards are more stable in such conditions. Also, hardboards are mostly used in racing.

   INFLATABLE - made of special material and technology that allows these boards to be inflated up to 1ATM (15 psi) pressure. A board inflated to such an extent is stiff enough and its properties are not inferior to solid ones. In addition, uninflated these boards fit into a medium-sized backpack, weighing 7-12 kg. (hardboards weigh similarly). This allows these boards to be easily transported both by car and by plane. These features make inflatable SUPs the best choice for anyone who doesn't plan to reach sporting heights by racing or using the board exclusively in waves.

 Both solid and inflatable SUPs are further divided into several categories according to the specifics of use:

ALLROUND - universal and most popular paddles for both beginners and advanced, men, women and children. Very stable, suitable for both smooth and wavy water. It costs from 800 to 1200 euros depending on the technology.

   TOURING (Cruising) - very popular paddles designed for sailing longer distances in flat or slightly wavy water (lakes, rivers), have the option of attaching a bag. The shape differs from the ALLROUND - it has a more pointed front, which allows you to reach a higher speed, and a larger volume, which allows you to take a small load with you.

   WAVE - boards are designed for surfing in waves. Choose more experienced athletes and those who plan to swim in the sea the most. These are smaller volume, highly maneuverable boards that will take more practice to learn to swim with. For beginners who plan to swim in the sea, we recommend the ALLROUND models, which can be used both in flat water and in waves. Once you have mastered these boards, you can move on to WAVE.

  RACING - intended for ambitious athletes participating in races. These are expensive (2500 eur), light and very fast boards. They are much narrower than other models, so they are not as stable. Speed ​​and smooth water are the essence of these boards.

Almost all rigid and some inflatable SUPs have the ability to attach a sail, so they can also be used perfectly as windsurfers. These are the main categories of paddleboards. In addition to them, some manufacturers have SUP models that are intermediate between the main types. FAMILY BOATS - especially stable, with a large volume, which can be used for swimming by an adult and a child. WINDSURF SUP - dedicated for use with a sail.