A Beginner's Guide To Choosing SUP Gear

By James Harris


There are many different activities that people love to do on and in the water. One sport that is becoming much more popular is SUP or stand up paddleboarding. This sport can be fun and challenging. If you are getting started in this sport, you may wonder which gear is worth buying and which you should pass up. Here are some tips that you can use to pick the right equipment for your needs.

This sport can be fun and challenging. It can help you develop strength, balance and endurance. Basically, an individual rides on a large board that can be made from various materials. Riders propel their board through the use of a long, single bladed paddle and steer their board in much the same way as they would paddle a canoe.

One of your largest expenses is going to be the board itself. You may wonder what options to look for and how to pick the right model for you. One thing to consider is whether you want speed or stability. If you want to go fast, look for a racing model. Keep in mind that these boards are easier to tip and may not be the best choice for a beginner. A touring board is often longer and more stable because people will use it to travel longer distances.

You should also consider the paddle itself as well rather than just picking the first one that you see. If you are very tall or very short you may need one with a specific length. Smaller hands may benefit from a paddle that has a thinner handle or shaft. You may also want to consider special features or certain blade shapes that may be more suitable for various water conditions.

You need to make sure that you have a personal flotation device or life jacket with you when you paddle. You may want to consider one that is designed specifically for the sport. These often have a different design than one that is meant for other types of water sports. When trying one on, make sure that you can move your arms and body freely and that the device does not bind up or restrict your movement.

If you are thrown from your board you will want to make sure it does not float away on you. If you are purchasing a package of equipment, it may include a tether strap. Some boards don't though. Look for one that is not going to get in the way while you are riding but which is secure enough that you won't lose it off of your leg or arm if you do fall in.

If all you are doing is taking a brief paddle on smooth water you may not need much in the way of other gear. Some individuals will use their board to get from one place to another and may choose to camp or perform other activities using their board for transport. If you fall into this second category, consider clothing that will make being on the water more comfortable and bags that will keep any gear dry and securely strapped down.

Don't feel that you need to get everything at once. You can get a few basic pieces of gear and then start branching out as your paddling experience progresses. There are many places that you can buy gear including sports equipment stores, paddling specialty shops and websites that specialize in water sports gear.




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