Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP-ing) is a unique way to get out on the water and experience the outdoors. Whether you’re just hearing about SUPs for the first time, or you have mastered the SUP handstand, this page can help you improve your knowledge and skills. The content covered includes the different parts of SUPs, SUP Paddles, SUP sizing and Beginner Basics of learning to SUP.

SUP Board Parts

Names and descriptions of each piece of your paddleboard to refer to and use.

  • Deck: The top half of the SUP that you stand/sit on.
  • Bottom: The horizonal half of a SUP that sits below the water.
  • Nose: The front section of the SUP that you face.
  • Tail: The back section of the SUP that is behind you.
  • Rails: Either edge of the SUP.
  • Fin: The fin-shaped piece protruding from the bottom of your SUP. This helps turn or keep your SUP in a straight line. On many SUPs this can be adjusted to help more with one or another.
  • Thickness: The depth/rail height measurement.
  • Length: The nose to tail measurement.
  • Width: The measurement from one rail to the other.
  • Handle: The indent or hole in the middle of your SUP, made to hold an SUP with ease.
  • Leash Plug: Some SUPs have plugs in which you can insert a leash. This is generally near the tail. 
  • Leash: A long string generally made of plastic which connects to the leash plug. It is either coiled or loose and attaches to the paddler’s ankle with velcro to maintain a connection to the board if physical connection is lost.

SUP Paddle Parts

Names and descriptions of each piece of your SUP paddle to refer to and use.

  • T-Bar Grip: Top/Handle of the Paddle. 
  • Scale: The inner portion of the shaft on an adjustable paddle that can be moved further in or out to adjust the length to your needs.
  • Shaft: The long skinny portion of the paddle that connects all of the pieces together.
  • Dual Lock: Many SUP paddles are adjustable. The dual lock allows you to unlock and adjust the length and relock to hold the scale in place.
  • Throat: The section where the shaft meets the blade of your paddle.
  • Blade: The thin, wide piece at the end of your paddle. This is used to push against the water and propel you in the direction you are going.
  • Blade Face: The side of the paddle blade that is curved, often with the outward protrusion at the midline. This is the face that should be moving towards the water when paddling.
  • Kickback Angle: Many SUP paddle blades are angled at the end to assist with easier paddling.
  • Tip: The very end of the blade/paddle.

Sizing Your SUP and Paddle:

Sizing your SUP and paddle correctly is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The fit of your SUP will affect maneuverability, stability, and responsiveness. The fit of your paddle will affect the amount of effort you must use to push forward, your stance/the strain put on different parts of your body, and ease of movement. Factors to consider include height, skill and location specifics. Use our guide to determine the best fit to try for yourself!

SUP Sizing –

Thickness: How thick your board is can affect the rigidity and how it responds to you.

  • Beginners: 6+ inches. A thicker board is more stable, but less responsive.
  • Intermediate: 5-6 inches. A mid-thickness board is a great halfway mark between board thicknesses. These tend to be more responsive but still steady boards.
  • Advanced: Under 5 inches. These boards can be very unstable to a newer paddler, but respond quickly and easily to those with some time and practice under their belt.

Length: The length of your board will also affect stability, reactiveness and turn radius. The length of a board is less dependent on skill, and more dependent on activity/purpose. In general, a board of your height plus 9-10 inches is recommended.

  • Short Boards: Under 10ft. These boards are great for practicing turns, tricks, maneuvers and short rides. They are also recommended for shorter and lighter riders and kids.
  • Medium Boards: 10-12ft. Recommended for short rides, yoga, fishing and any recreational rides. This is the recommended start length for most adults.
  • Long Boards: 12+ ft. These boards are generally for very tall humans or for touring or racing. Longer boards tend to maintain a straight line with less effort.

Width: The width of your board will affect the stability, but also ease of paddling.

  • Thin Boards: 31-32 inches. A less stable board compared to wider ones that provides much quicker speeds and ease of paddling. Good for racing and maneuvering.
  • Medium Boards: 32-34 inches. A middle-ground for stability and ease of paddling.
  • Wide Boards: 34+ inches. Very stable boards, but harder to turn, maintain a straight line, or paddle in general. These are recommended for relaxed rides, yoga and fishing.

Paddle Sizing –

Length: The length of your paddle will affect your ease of movement and energy levels.

  • Beginner: While learning to paddle, it is best to start with a paddle of about 8 inches longer than your height. This is to help learn correct form and handling of the paddle.
  • Experienced: As you gain experience, it is recommended to lengthen your paddle to gain ease of strokes, power and control. This should come once you are comfortable with handling a shorter paddle.

Angle: Many SUP paddles have an angled blade to help with efficiency of strokes. This can be majorly preference-based, depending on the SUP-er.

  • Low/None: 0-6 degrees. An average paddle, will move water as you need it to. Can be used facing either way.
  • Mid-High: 6+degree angle. An angled paddle designed to move water more efficiently to gain speed and reduce energy required. Has a “face” and “back” to use correctly.

Beginner Basics Coming Soon!

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