Pre-requisites
Compared to flat water paddling, SUP surfing
takes place in a more demanding and
dynamic environment. With regard to both
water movement and the behaviour of other
water users, you need to take this into
account. For safety and to ensure a good time
it’s advisable to have your basic skills well
pinned down before getting stuck in. You’re
going to need a good, effective paddle stroke
and be able to use a variety of strokes with
confidence.
In sheltered flat water and ideally also in
more exposed conditions your balance should
be well honed and you’ll need the ability to
move your feet from a parallel paddle stance
to the classic surfing stance with one foot
leading and the other back towards the tail.
Being able to complete a pivot turn in both
directions (clockwise and counter clockwise
rotations) will come in very handy
manoeuvring your board in the surf and also
help when we actually start to ride waves, as
the movement patterns are very similar to
some used whilst surfing.
If you’re not confident that your SUP skills are
up to scratch don’t rush it; take a little more
time getting prepared for your first SUP
surfing sessions – it’ll stand you in good stead
in the long run.
Equipment
Ok so we’re up to speed skills-wise but
we’re not sure what sort of equipment will
work best for us. What shape and size of
board? How long should the paddle be?
What other specialist kit will I need?
Let’s check it out:
Boards: SUP surfing boards come in a
dizzying array of shapes, sizes and
constructions and it can be a bit of a
minefield making sure you’ve got the right
one. Broadly there are three ‘classes’ of surf
SUP boards:
Pro Wave or Surf: Shorter, lower volume
boards that resemble enlarged, regular
shortboard surfboards. These are often
available in 100% carbon constructions as
well as regular epoxy builds. Their design is
primarily about performance on the wave
face, which leads to a definite reduction in
stability and paddle efficiency. Unless you
are very light (50kg), have years of open water
SUP experience or are a professional level
surfer/windsurfer/kitesurfer etc then in all
probability these types of board will be
extremely frustrating and won’t facilitate
progression at this stage of your SUP surfing
journey.
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All Wave or Surf: Wider surf dedicated
shapes that are often offered in both regular
and premium constructions. All Wave boards
will be notably more stable than the skinnier
Pro Wave ranges and are easier to paddle and
catch waves on. They also provide the rider
with the possibility of an impressive level of
surfing. Experienced SUP surfers will often
enjoy the lower volume versions of these full
template boards in smaller, weaker surf. If
you have some surf sports experience and are
relatively confident then a longer, higher
volume All Wave type of SUP can be a good
choice as a first board.
All round: All round SUP boards are the most
popular choice for the great majority of SUP
paddlers in the UK. With a similar ‘lollipop
stick’ shape to a surfing longboard, parallel
rails and a round nose, this style of board will
have more volume and length than the surf
specific models. This results in much more
comfortable flat water paddling, a nice level
of stability and lovely ‘gliding’ surfing in
smaller waves. Being available in all
constructions, you will find all round SUP
boards under the feet of both beginner SUP
surfers and experienced riders who prefer a
style of riding more akin to longboard surfing
than the cut and thrust of the shortboard
influenced Pro and All Wave models. The
higher volume and longer, straighter
templates also work well on flat water. All
round SUP boards give great value, work in
varied conditions and are often the ‘go to’
board for riders getting into SUP surf.
Note that there are many fantastic inflatable
versions available. Whilst they will surf just
fine in small, gentle conditions, they won’t
give the performance that rigid constructions
do in bigger or more challenging surf.
Paddles: Your paddle is going to be your best
friend in the surf so it pays to take a little time
and get it right (see a theme developing here?)
Over the last couple of years paddle lengths
have dropped and nowhere is this more
evident than in SUP surfing. Whilst flat water
paddles are hovering at 6-8 inches above
height, surf paddles are trending at around
height. This allows for an easier paddle switch
whilst in the compressed surfing stance and
more comfortable paddling in the surf zone
and line up. A good idea is to have a few try
out paddles with an adjustable shaft before
settling on a length that suits you.
Blade size is important too. Many dedicated
SUP surfers like a lower area, narrower blade.
This allows a higher cadence and helps with
the sometimes arrhythmic nature of surf
paddling. You’ll feel as if you’ve dropped a
gear or two if you’re used to longer, higher
blade area paddles.