What’s SUP?

 
 PHOTOGRAPH BY EMBRY RUCKER

 

While many of us have been out there Stand Up Paddlesurfing for a while now, the sport has really started booming and is fast becoming one of the most popular watersports. There is so much to love about the sport, called SUP for short. It can be done on any body of water — ocean, bay, lakes and rivers; it’s fairly easy to learn; and is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors while getting an amazing core focused workout.

There are many newcomers eager to give Stand Up Paddlesurfing a try, as well as more experienced paddlers looking to improve their skills. In either category the most important consideration is the equipment and there is a plethora of beautifully designed boards on the market from which to choose. Novice paddlers should opt for a wider and flatter board, which offers more stability, while more experienced paddlers can go with a narrower board for better maneuverability.

 

SUPs: Roxy, Starboard, Laird, Surftech, Rogue, Naish

ALL WATER BOARDS

 

ROXY SUP ( 10’6 x 32″). Fun entry leval board that’s lightweight and durable made with Surftech Tuflite construction; STARBOARD CRUISER ( 12’6 x 30″). From one of the biggest SUP manufacturers comes this long and fast cruiser designed for the open water. Rail shape and nose lift is perfect for catching your first waves too. SURFTECH/LAIRD (available in 10, 11 and 12′ lengths). Wide nose provides stability for beginners, while narrow pintail allows responsive turning for more experienced paddlers. ROGUE RASTA (available in 10’6, 11’6, 12’6 lengths). Designed for smooth paddling in flat water, as well as performance in the surf. NAISH NALU SERIES. From one of the most recognized names in surf, the Nalu series comes in a wide variety of lengths and widths designed for all levels of paddlers.

 

These days SUPs are available in 2 main catagories –All Water boards and Racing/Touring boards, although within each category are boards designed for various types of paddling. The All Water boards have a traditional surfboard shape, with a nose designed to skim the surface of the water. The Race/Touring boards have a pointed nose or bow, with a kayak-like “displacement” hull, designed to cut through the water for long distance paddling and speed.  These boards are generally longer, usually 12’6″ or 14′, as more surface area makes for more efficient paddling. The tail is usually flat as they are primarily designed to go straight. As these boards tends to be narrower, the straight tail adds more stability.

SUPs: Bark, Laird, Surftech, Riviera, 404

RACE / TOURING BOARDS

 

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