5 tips for choosing the right SUP

1. tip: consider SUP size and body weight

Basically, you will find a recommended rider weight with every board. This information refers to the range in which the board reaches its optimum performance. However, this does not mean that lighter or heavier paddlers cannot also ride the board. In short, if the SUP board is too small or too thin, for example, you will probably fall into the water more often because the model offers too little buoyancy and stability.

If your board is too big, you will have difficulty controlling and steering it safely and handling it might be more difficult for you - by the way, also on land if you think about transporting the board to the water.

For children and very light small people, there are extra boards with adapted shape and volume distribution for some time, which facilitate the entry for young SUPler.

2.tip: Where to paddle - Allround, Touring or Windsurfing option?

Get clear about the purpose for which you want to use your SUP the most. Are you more of a SUP beginner and you are sailing in calm waters - even if the one or other small wave comes along? Then a SUP that lies stable in the water with smooth straight running is important. An all-round SUP will give you the most fun.

Or are you planning to travel longer distances, perhaps with some luggage, then take a closer look at touring SUP boards. These SUPs are narrower and longer for faster straight running, but some paddlers find them more tippy as a result. By the way, touring boards are relatively easy to recognize by their tapered shape. Recommended for longer tours is a board over 10'.

You should also consider whether a windsurfing sail option is interesting for you in advance.

3. tip: note length, width, shortness

In addition to your height and weight, as well as your planned area of use, you should honestly assess your riding ability. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or professional, these three rules will help you match your skills to the right SUP:

• Length = Speed
  A long board generally runs better straight ahead. So if you're an advanced SUP tourer looking for a new board, this is an important point for you.
• Width = Stability
  The wider the SUP board, the more stability the board offers you. For beginners who still need to train their sense of balance, certainly an important factor.
• Shortness = turning ability
  Conversely, this of course means that a shorter board offers more turning potential. So if you prefer to SUP with waves, make sure you choose a board that is short enough to match your risk tolerance.

4. tip: Handling & transport to the water

How strong are you? If you can transport your board on the roof of your car or the one or other way to the water could be longer, you should definitely include this in your considerations. Because one thing is clear: The easier the entire handling is for you, the more often you will grab your board, paddle off and have fun.

So pay attention to which bag and whether shoulder or shoulder straps are included. Find out how much power the pump has and how the fin is mounted, so you know approximately how much time you have to plan for assembly and disassembly. Lowered and compactly packed in the bag, a SUP board with accessories does not take up quite so much space. Or do you have enough space in your apartment, in your car or on your car with roof rack, so you do not have to pay so much attention to this.

Tip 5: Don't forget your leash and paddle!

Basically, no matter where you paddle and how experienced you are on your SUP, you should always wear a leash when stand up paddling. Depending on the condition such as flat water, racing, downwind, surf paddling or in the river, you can choose between straight and curved leash models. Be sure to inform yourself in advance and get advice.

There are also many differences in the paddle: from the material of the paddle blade to the shaft options to different degrees of hardness, there is also a wide range of models here. Do you want a direct power transmission or do you prefer a particularly joint-friendly variant, are you rather in the flat water or in the "terrain" - make yourself concrete thoughts in advance and let yourself be advised in our stores.

If you are unsure, you can learn to assess yourself and your abilities with a test SUP and try out what is most comfortable for you. Learn more now