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Choosing your perfect SUP

Choosing your perfect SUP
April 11, 2016 SUP
In SUP Blog

Choosing your perfect SUP

You tried it. You love it. And now you want one! Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. What matters most is finding the perfect SUP for you. This is the beginning of something beautiful, so you want to get it right.

First, what’s your goal? If it’s fun and fitness, a few waves at the beach and some leisurely flat-water adventures, you’ll be looking for stability and maneuverability.

If you want to take SUP safaris, you’ll want something built for speed and efficiency.

Remember this rule from Travis Grant, one of the world’s top SUP champions: “Get a good board, get a good paddle and make it work for you”. Simple. It doesn’t have to be top of the range, just get the best quality you can afford.

Just starting out? Choose a long, wide, buoyant board without too much rocker (the curved underside that helps ride waves). A few inches doesn’t sound much when you’re talking about such a big board, but a width of 30” feels much more stable than a 28” board. Take a look at the NSP Allrounder Package, BIC 10’6 Performer Package, SIC Tao 10’6 PackageECS Evo Package or the Red Paddle Co 10’6 or 10’8 Ride Packages – great choices for beginners.

Found your feet? You’re feeling confident and you’d like to catch a wave or two. You’ll want something a bit shorter with less volume than a beginner board, but with a fuller shape than a wave board to keep you moving on flat water.  Check out the BIC 9’2 Performer Package, NSP 10’0 Cocomat or 9’8 Cruise Packages , the SIC 9’2 Tao Package or the Red Paddle Co 9’8 Ride or 8’10 Whip Packages for boards that tick all the boxes.

A SUP safari? Touring SUPs are efficient cruising machines that maintain their speed with less effort from the paddler. Fixings for storage systems mean you can go AWOL for days. The Red Paddle Co Voyager and Sport Packages, BIC 11’6 Performer Package and ECS 11’2 Cruiser Package are your ticket to the perfect SUP adventure. Also check out the Red Paddle Co Originals range for everything you need out on the water.

Still unsure? Drop into our store at North Manly and speak to our expert staff who can give you tailored advice for your individual SUP needs.