When you want to get out and hit the water for a while, you have a ton of options that have been around for years. Kayaks, surfboards, and others have been the top recreational water vessels for generations.
However, there’s a new player in the game: Sup boards.
Sup boards aren’t new technology or anything, but they have just started trending, and a lot of people used to the traditional options get a bit confused when they’re brought up.
So, let’s go over what a sup board is why you might want to hop on the bandwagon.
What Sup Stands for
Sup isn’t surfer slang. It’s an actual term, and it’s an acronym for Stand-Up Paddleboard. From the name alone, you probably already have a good idea of where we’re headed with this guide, but there are some finer details we want to touch on.
What a Sup Board is
On the surface, a sup board looks like a misshapen surfboard. However, it’s designed a bit more for stability than it is for speed, and it’s paired with a long paddle.
Just like other recreational boards, there are several variants of sup boards that are designed to perform differently, and the number of activities you can use a sup board for is pretty impressive.
How People Use Sup Boards
Now that you have a basic understanding of the topic, let’s get into the meat of the sup board world.
First, sup boards aren’t used like surfboards and similar things. Regardless of what type of sup board is being used, the rider stands on top of it with a focus on balance, and they use a long paddle to push themselves offshore and paddle around. Sup boarding is typically slower than surfing, but it allows the sup board to be a more flexible way of getting around.
People use sup boards for casually floating on smaller waves, fishing off the beach, strength and endurance training, and even on-the-water yoga. Of course, sup boards can still move pretty quickly when you want them to. So, there are plenty of people who race them.
Why Are They Popular?
The main reason sup boards are picking up steam and getting just as popular as kayaking or surfing is because of their accessibility and flexibility. Since they’re essentially a surfboard with a paddle, they’re a lot easier to get used to, and they’re accessible to people who might not have the strength or balance to hop on a surfboard right away. However, they don’t have a skill cap, either. So, as a newbie progresses, they can still use their sup without feeling like they’re swimming in the kiddie pool.
Flexibility is also key. If you choose the right sup board, you can use it as a fishing boat, head out on the water for some relaxation, or navigate aquatic areas you could never get through on a surfboard and other options.
