SUP, or stand-up paddleboarding, is one of the most thrilling and rapidly expanding water sports in the United States. Coast Water Sports hopes to supply you with ample information and clarity about the ever-exciting water sports experience. So, if you’re new to paddle boarding, here are some pointers to get you started!
What Exactly Is Stand Up Paddleboarding?
Stand-Up paddleboarding is a Hawaiian sport that is quite similar to surfing. SUP, on the other hand, is much more comfortable than surfing because you only have to stand or kneel on your board to propel yourself through the water. Although this is a more tranquil water sport, don’t let that deceive you into believing it isn’t a gratifying or exciting skill to master. Stand-up paddleboarding necessitates superb balance and precise paddle strokes to avoid falling off! This sport is relatively simple to learn for newcomers, or you may master the experience with your children and have a family day out.
What SUP Gear Do I Need?
To begin with, choosing your Stand-up paddle board intelligently will ensure that your SUP experience is safe, pleasurable, and cost effective. Most people buy a 10’6 all-around board, which is fine for surfing and playing around with friends and family but not suitable for long distance travel. If you wish to travel any distance, though, you will need to purchase a touring board. A touring board is typically 12’6 in length and width, helping you to glide over the water more easily and further.
Many individuals buy inflatable paddle boards because they are easy to store and transport. The board itself must be sturdy and light, and the density of the drop stitching determines the technology/cost. The depth of the board and the density of the drop stitching offer stiffness, with 6″ being the best. Cheaper boards have fewer drop stitches per square inch; instead, to compensate for the cost savings, they wrap it in additional layers of fabric to make it stiffer – and hence heavier. A low-cost iSUP will be heavy and rigid, similar to trying to paddle a lilo!
SUP paddles are the next essential component of any stand-up paddle boarding adventure. Stand-up paddles are made from a range of materials, including plastic, aluminium, wood, and carbon fibre. All of which have different handle, blade, and shaft forms. The lighter and more rigid the paddle, the better. A lighter paddle is easier to manoeuvre and needs less energy. When you paddle with a stiffer paddle, less energy is wasted by the blade flexing, and all of your effort is converted into forward motion.
What SUP Gear Do I Need?
After you’ve decided on your paddle boarding equipment, the following step is to choose the appropriate clothing. The best stand-up paddleboarding wetsuits will be determined by the water temperature; evaluate the style, length, and neoprene thickness dependent on how warm or cold the water will be. For paddle boarding in the UK, we recommend purchasing a Long John or Long Jane wetsuit. These wetsuits have long legs but no arms, allowing your arms to move freely.
If you want to start a new paddle boarding activity, you should think about SUP life jackets and buoyancy aids, as well as SUP accessories. For example, if you get an inflatable stand-up paddle board, you will need to invest in a good electric pump for your SUP paddle board. This can be quickly hooked into your automobile and ready to go!