Standup Paddle Board Types

For beginners to the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP), it is advisable to rent gear at first, train with an instructor, and then make decisions about the equipment that is best for the type of SUP that is the most enjoyable for a particular person. For those skilled in SUP, they buy equipment that works well for what they want to do.

There are three basic types of stand up paddle boarding:

  1. Ocean surf (waves)
  2. Cruising (ocean, bays, lakes)
  3. Whitewater (river)

Equipment needs are slightly different for each type of SUP, yet all include a board, a paddle, and safety equipment.

Surf SUP

Cruising is the most fun on water than is fairly flat without lots of wave action.

Board
For ocean surfing, the board will be more maneuverable if it is shorter and has more fins. Most surf SUP boards have two or three shorter fins, some have four fins (quads). The choice of the number of fins includes both their size and placement. Much of the decision comes down to personal taste and trying different boards in different types of surf to learn the configuration of the fins that is best.
Board shaping (rocker) on the front and the rear edge affects how the board performs. Most surf SUP boards have a front tip that curves upwards to prevent the board from going under water when trying to catch a watch.

Paddle
In surf SUP, the paddle makes it easier to stay balanced and to catch waves, when compared to surfing without using a paddle. The recommendation is to have a paddle that is at least six inches, up to ten inches, taller than the person using it is.

Safety Equipment
The U.S. Coast Guard requires everyone in the ocean on a paddleboard to wear a personal floatation device (life jacket). A quick-release tether keeps the board near when falling off and the release is for when the board is trapped underwater. Waterproof sunscreen is important to protect exposed skin from UV rays. Sunglasses or goggles, worn securely so they cannot get lost are useful to protect the eyes.
Wetsuits are good for cold water. A safety whistle that floats, worn around the neck on a rope is good when paddle boarding in areas with other boats. A waterproof safety light is good if paddle boarding after sunset.

Cruising SUP

Cruising is the most fun on water than is fairly flat without lots of wave action.

Board
A cruising board is longer with little or no rocker so that the board moves forward easily by the paddle action and rises up out of the water to glide forward smoothly. Cruising paddleboards have one large fin in the center.

Paddle
The same single-blade paddle used for surf SUP is good for cruising. However, some prefer a double-bladed SUP paddle that makes it easier to propel the board forward, especially when racing.

Safety Equipment
Cruising requires the same safety equipment as surf SUP.

Whitewater (River) SUP

Cruising is the most fun on water than is fairly flat without lots of wave action.

Board
The boards used in this type of SUP are quite different. Some are made of sturdy lightweight plastics and are hollow, including those with a waterproof carry space located inside. Others are inflatable.

Paddle
The paddle takes a lot of abuse, so it needs to be very durable and strong. For that reason, paddles made with weaved carbon fibers are popular.

Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is extremely important for whitewater SUP. Wearing a personal flotation device, helmet, elbow and knee protection, and a wetsuit is the best. Sunscreen and sunglasses are good. Some prefer not to use a tether in this sport because of the chance that the board gets stuck. Others use a quick-release tether

Summary

Getting the right equipment for the type of standup paddle boarding is important for the maximum enjoyment of the sport in a safe manner.