The trend of the soup table is in the direction of growth and different tables continue to be added. The market offers several different SUP boards (both inflatable and made of strong material). It’s no wonder you have a hard time deciding when to buy.
Here we give an overview of the tables and how to make the right choice.
Special tables
There are many special tables and it is important that you take some time to buy the right table. Think exactly how much you are ready to invest (the price of a new table is 400-3000 euros), how much you will use it and where you want to use it.
An important factor that affects the choice of a board is its use, i.e. in which bodies of water you will use the board and for what purpose. Do you hike a lot with a board, do you want to surf the waves or compete with your friends?
The selection includes:
* For surfing waves (for lighter and heavier riders).
* Paddleboard for kids.
* Sup windsurfing.
* Fitness, yoga.
* Explorer (for hiking, fishing, carrying heavier gear).
* Race (fast and narrow, suitable for racing).
Sup table width
When buying a soup table, it should be taken into account that the width of the table is important, because it is an important factor in maintaining balance. Table widths vary between 60-90 cm, so there should be a table suitable for everyone.
*A wide SUP board is at least 78 cm wide and is better suited for larger people or those with balance issues. A wide board helps you keep your balance when you’re in the water.
*Narrow SUP boards are about 70-76 cm wide and are perfect for people weighing around 80 kilos. A narrow table is lighter and is more suitable for lifting the table more than usual. Turning a narrower board in the water is definitely easier than a wider board.
SUP board length
You have to decide for yourself which table is the most suitable for your bodym. The length of the table should also take into account moving the table from one place to another and also storing it.
*Short SUP boards are generally 3 – 3.6 meters long and are more suitable for the beginner SUPer and those who enjoy paddling to their destination without without reaching Short boards are also suitable for experienced riders, because the control and control is better. You can also do tricks with a short board.
* Long SUP boards are generally 3.8 – 4.2 meters long. A long board travels faster than a short board and is therefore more suitable for those who compete or enjoy longer trips on a SUP board. In SUP competitions, a longer board is necessary to compete with others, and of course speed is beneficial on longer trips.
SUPaeru selection
Just like boards, there are dozens of different options to choose from in the paddle selection. When choosing an oar, the weight of the oar is important, specifically the blade/wing at the bottom of the oar. The paddle blade is underwater and further away from you when paddling, which takes more energy when paddling. A lighter paddle means you use less energy per stroke, which means you can enjoy longer trips without tiring yourself out with a pointlessly heavy paddle. Choosing the right paddle is especially important if you take paddle surfing more seriously and want to move as optimally as possible without spending your energy paddling. Paddle sizes are S, M, L, XL. You can freely compare the size of your clothes (for example, an L-sized paddle fits well for a rower about 180 cm tall).
Technique and body position on the table
- Place your feet parallel, shoulder width apart.
- Point your toes forward, keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight.
- Keep your head and shoulders steady and balance by moving your hips.
- Paddlesurfing is like riding a bicycle – once you get the feel of the board and paddle, it will come naturally.
- Keep your arms straight and turn your upper body while driving, because the upper body has more strength than the arms.
- Press down on the oar handle with your upper hand, the lower hand is more supportive.
- If you are new to paddle surfing, keep your strokes short and close to the board. Short strokes help to get out of place and gain momentum.
- To drive straight, do 4-5 pulls on one side, then switch sides.
- When changing sides, the position of the hands must also be changed.
After getting a smooth yet clear balance on the tableu holding and standing, it’s time to move on. Below are some tips for further study:
Rotation
- Turning with side pulls: pull the oar on one side until you have completed the turn. If you want to turn left, pull the oar on the right side. But if to the right, pull the oar on the left side of the board.
- Another way to turn is to pull the oar from the back to the front.
- C-Turn: Place the paddle in front of the board and pull backward in a C-shaped circle.
- Making a backward step on the board (one leg behind), bend the knees and add weight to the back leg. This technique helps to turn the board quickly and works well when surfing waves.
Falling
Learning to stand up on the table is very easy, but since so much happens to the operator in the beginning, falls can also happen. Here are some tips on how to fall correctly without injuring yourself and the table.
- When you fall, lean to the side, not directly onto the table. Falling on the table can cause damage to both you and the table.
- If you fall away from both the board and the oar, be sure to try to catch the board first and then row after your oar with your hands.
Basic Beginner Mistakes
Below are some typical mistakes that beginners make. If you know how to avoid them, you can enjoy a really nice and fun way of spending time without injury.
- Shunted back – keep your back straight.
- Instead of the horizon, one looks at one’s feet.
- The angle of the oar blade is in the wrong direction. It should be pointing away from you, not towards you.
- Standing on the table with straight legs. If you bend your knees, it will be much easier for you to keep your balance.