How to choose a SUP board: width, length, paddle and technique

In short: the right SUP board depends on where and why you will use it. A wider board gives more balance, a longer board glides faster, and a lighter paddle saves energy. If you are not sure, try paddle boarding first through water sports gear rental.

Which SUP board suits me?

There are many paddle boards on the market, and choosing between them can be hard. The key factor is how you will use the board: on which waters and for what purpose. Do you want to tour, surf waves or race with friends? These are the common board types:

• surfing in waves, for lighter and heavier riders;
• paddle boards for kids;
• SUP windsurfing boards;
• fitness and yoga;
• Explorer boards for touring, fishing and carrying heavier gear;
• Race boards, fast and narrow, built for competition.

You can find more water sports equipment in Water sports gear.

How wide should a SUP board be?

Board width is decisive for balance. SUP boards are usually 60 to 90 cm wide, so there is a board for everyone.

Board type	Width	Best for
Wide board	at least 78 cm	larger riders and anyone who has trouble keeping balance
Narrow board	about 70 to 76 cm	riders up to about 80 kg; lighter and easier to turn in the water

How long should a SUP board be?

When choosing length, also think about how you will carry and store the board.

Board type	Length	Best for
Short board	3 to 3.6 m	beginners and relaxed paddling; also experienced riders, because it is easier to control and suits tricks
Long board	3.8 to 4.2 m	racing and longer tours, because it glides faster

How to choose a SUP paddle

Paddles also come in dozens of variations. The most important thing is weight, especially the blade at the lower end. The blade is under water and far from your body during each stroke, which takes more energy. A lighter paddle means less effort per stroke and more stamina on longer tours. Paddle sizes are S, M, L and XL. Compare them to your clothing size: an L paddle suits a paddler of about 180 cm.

Standing and paddling technique

• 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 with your hips.
• Keep your arms straight and rotate your upper body, because the torso is stronger than the arms.
• Push down on the handle with your upper hand; the lower hand mostly supports.
• As a beginner, keep strokes short and close to the board to get moving.
• To go straight, take 4 to 5 strokes on one side, then switch. Change your hand position when you switch sides.

Paddle boarding is like riding a bike: once you get the feel of the board and paddle, it comes naturally.

How to turn on a SUP board

• Sweep strokes: paddle on one side until the turn is complete. To turn left, paddle on the right; to turn right, paddle on the left.
• Reverse stroke: pull the paddle from the back to the front.
• C-turn: place the paddle in front of the board and pull back in a C-shaped arc.
• Pivot turn: step one foot back, bend your knees and shift weight to the back foot. This turns the board quickly and works well when surfing waves.

How to fall safely

Falls happen at the beginning. Lean to the side when you fall, not straight onto the board, because landing on the board can hurt you and damage it. If you end up away from both board and paddle, catch the board first and then paddle after the paddle using your hands.

Common beginner mistakes

• A hunched back. Keep it straight.
• Looking at your feet instead of the horizon.
• The paddle blade facing the wrong way. It should point away from you.
• Standing with straight legs. Bending your knees makes balance much easier.

Technique video

Questions? contact us or browse our trips and equipment rental.