I was fishing largemouth bass at a Park a few years ago and spotted a dozen or so girls doing handstands on surfboards in the lake. I asked one of the girls what kind of surfboard she was on, she said in a distinctive voice ” This is not a surfboard, this is a SUP” I kind of snickered and thought, What is a SUP Paddle Board?
SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards) are H2O boards that can be outfitted for fishing, cruising, exploring, or any type of recreation that is done on a lake, river, or ocean activity SUPs come in: inflatable or solid construction 3 sizes & shapes Short-<10′ Medium-10-12′ Long-12′ 6″ 2 Hulls-Planing & Displacement
There are different prices, sizes, shapes, and accessories. Introduce yourself to the many different worlds of SUP. It all depends on whether you want speed or stability custom fit for your personal size and needs.
Solid or Inflatable Construction
SUP boards come in solid or inflatable construction. Most solid construction boards are made from EPS foam core that is wrapped with fiberglass and epoxy. They are lightweight and made of durable construction. There is an even lighter construction using Carbon fiber which is a stiffer material and is more expensive.
The SUPs made from plastic are the most inexpensive but they are bulky and heavy lacking in performance compared to other different materials. Some SUPs use lightweight wood for a beautiful appearance.
Solid boards are made for performance and they will travel faster with less effort. If paddling fast is your need then this one is for you. Solid SUPs are available in a large variety of sizes and more finely tuned shapes than the inflatable version. It has a rigid feel, especially when in the ocean riding those waves. They also tend to ride lower in the water.
Inflatable boards are made from PVC material and have drop-stitch construction that creates an air core. They come with a pump to inflate the board and a carry bag to keep when not in use.
Inflatable SUPs are good for people that live in apartments and don’t have the room for a solid board. They can be easily stowed away. They’re good for road trips and trailblazing. Inflatables can be carried in your knapsack on hikes or camping. When it comes to whitewater and rapids where there are obstacles like rocks and logs, the inflatable SUP board is how to go. It just is more suitable for that kind of rough environment. They are also more suitable for yoga a little softer on your body when doing the exercises.
A Planing Hull is flat and wide and good for leisure paddling, surfing, SUP Yoga, and whitewater. It’s designed to ride above the water and is very maneuverable.
A Displacement Hull with a pointed nose or a bow which is the front end is similar to a canoe or kayak. The hull will slice through the water pushing it around the nose to the sides of the SUP to improve efficiency and create a fast smooth ride. The efficiency of a displacement hull requires less effort than a planning hull.
This allows you to move at faster speeds and for longer periods of time and distance with less energy. They also will track nice and straight but are a little harder to maneuver and control than the planning Hull SUPs.
What Size SUP Board is Right For You
The board has to support your weight and perform well. It needs to feel stable as it travels through the water. The board’s volume and weight capacity affect how stable you feel using it. Volume and weight capacity are determined by the length, width, and thickness of the board. Each board has a weight capacity listed in pounds. The total weight consists of your weight and everything you add to the board when you ride it. This could be gear and equipment.
Sup Boards Come in Three Lengths
The length of the board determines variables like the fact that longer boards move faster but shorter boards are more maneuverable.
- Short Boards under 10 feet are great for surfing and kids and almost always have a planning hull. Younger kids can use boards down to as little as 8 ft. that are easier to control.
- Medium boards 10 to 12 ft. are ideal for all-around use, especially the popular SUP yoga exercise. Most of these boards have a planning hull but sometimes you will find a few that will have a displacement hull at around this length.
- Longboards are 12 ft. 6in. and above and are great for fast paddling and long-distance. The majority of these boards carry displacement hulls. they are faster than the shorter boards and tend to track better. If you are an adventurer and are looking for speed and long distance then this is your board.
Width & Thickness
- Wider boards are more stable than a skinnier board
- SUPs range in width from 25 inches up to 36 inches depending on your needs
- Long hours on the water that require extra gear would utilize a wider board to accommodate supplies.
- Racers and surfers looking for the speed will take a skinnier board
As a general rule, try to line up your body size with the width of the board. If you don’t size up the board correctly it will affect how you row, your balance and movement, and your ability level as the wider board will just be an easier ride for a novice user who has less experience.
The Easiest way to put it is the thicker the board the more volume and the more volume the board has, the more weight it can support. It will work the same way as the other dimensions in that speed will come with a skinnier but longer board. The wider and thicker the more stability but at the cost of moving a little more slowly.
Extra important accessories included with your SUP board are Fins. SUP fins add stability and tracking aboard. In general larger fins with wider bases and longer front edges add more stability than smaller fins. On the other hand, smaller fins can add greater maneuverability to your board.
There are many options and configurations when it comes to SUP Fins. Single fin for flat water or a 3-fin set-up called a thruster that promotes straight tracking on flat water. A 2+ 1 fin setup that sports one big fin in the middle and 2 smaller ones on the outside is for surfing. Inflatables use the same fin setups as the solid boards.
SUP Board Accessories
- SUP Paddle looks a little like a stretched-out canoe paddle with a teardrop-shaped blade. You need to size your paddle correctly.
- PFD- Personal Flotation Device-Only US Coast Guard will do. Paddleboards are regarded as vessels, so it is required that you wear one.
- You will also have to carry a whistle and have a light with your gear after sunset.
- A wet or Drysuit is reasonable to wear on the water for extended times. and summer clothing in normal season hot weather.
- A Leash that tethers your SUP board to you in the event you fall off.
- A car rack can carry your long solid board on top like a surfboard or bicycle. Inflatables are easier to deal with and can get packed in the trunk of your car or SUV
ISLE Switch Inflatable Hybrid Kayak-Stand Up Paddle Board | 2in1- Kayak & Paddle Board Bundle, Inc. Kayak Seat, Paddle, Hand Pump, Travel Bag
The SUP Basics to Get Going
- Launching– Strap your leash on so your board can get away from you fast if you fall off. Carry your board out to knee-deep water so your fin doesn’t hit bottom.-Get on to the board from either side.-Paddle out to deeper water-When you are ready to stand-Put your hands on the deck and move your feet up to take the place of your hands one at a time-Raise your chest until your back is straight and stand up in one motion.
- Paddling-When you are paddling -one hand is at the top of the handle and the other is a few feet down-What ever side you are paddling on that same hand will be on the shaft-Make sure that the blade angle is away from you facing the front of the board. The power of the stroke comes from your core, not your arms.
- Falling In and Getting Back On The Board– If you lose your balance fall away from your board.-Try and fall flat on the water so you won’t go deep and hit anything-To get back on-Come around the side, grab the handle and use your elbows to push down on the near edge and reach across the board grab the far edge-Let your leg float up to the surface-Then kick your legs with one motion-pull the board underneath you.
Remember to adjust your saddle height. This can prevent an injury and will create a more Efficient Paddling Movement. A rough guide will be that the paddle will be 6 inches above your head. Experiment for the best height over a period of time. Position your hands far enough apart for ease of operating and the most power. Your blade should be buried in the water for the most bang for your buck.
These little things can add up to wasted energy. Don’t shovel your paddle during the stroke. Instead, keep the paddle down until it goes past your feet then bring it up. Hold that paddle vertically. Your top hand should be in line with your bottom hand for a good paddling technique which will add speed, fineness, and less wasted energy.
The SUP or Stand Up Boards are a great way to fish, kill some leisure time, get your yoga on, or enjoy an adventure in the ocean surf or on a flat lake. The boards come in all different price sizes and construction for the veteran paddle boarder whose looking for speed to the novice who just wants to get some exercise and sun. It’s a great way to get out in the sunshine and get healthy!
What Gear do you need to Set Up a SUP for Fishing?
- SUP Suction or Attached Mounts System
- Paddle Clip Mounts-SUP Rod Holders
- SUP Track Mount System-Air Pump Compressor
- SUP Stabilizers-SUP Anchor-LED Light Systems
- SUP Deck Bags-Life Jacket
- Electric Trolling Motor(optional) with Remote
- Fishing Cooler Box(Seat)
- Stand Up Paddle Board Storage Rack-SUP Board Dolly ………………………………………………………………………… Read more
JimGalloway/Author Editor
