SUP board - These are the best products of 2024

The RendeljKínait team has always preferred sports and related sports products. SUP riding, on the other hand, is a fairly young sport in the sense that it only came into the public consciousness a few years ago - despite the fact that its roots go back hundreds of years - but it has gained incredible popularity in the last 5-6 years, so it was with our readers we are lucky to get to know the activity. You also confirmed its popularity by buying a lot of SUP boards from FunWater, Wowspeed and similar brands through us. Why these? You will soon find out where the points of intersection are on the axis of price and quality that are worth paying attention to, but we will also help you navigate the technical parameters and how to choose the piece that is right for you. Get on board!

For our list, we have mostly selected the SUP boards that you have bought in large numbers in the last couple of years, and with which you have expressed your satisfaction. There are also SUPs intended for special tasks, as well as some legendary pieces, but the representatives of the premium segment could not be left out either. The selection was made according to the following guidelines:

Source: Product finder

Advantages of the paddle board:

Who we recommend it to

The Hydro-Force brand combines the watercraft of the parent company Bestway, it is often referred to as Bestway SUP and Hydro Force SUP, or simply as HF in forums, it all means the same thing. The Aqua Journey is their cheapest model, a board with the simplicity of a wooden wedge, but as we know, wood floats on water and you don't have to expect much more from this model. Basically, it is good for the first board or an additional board for complete beginners, and since it is available in countless places at home very cheaply, we recommend it to people who are familiar with the sport, for 1-2 summer break SUPs, with not too much body weight.

Why is it out of stock?

The Bestway Hydro-Force Aqua Joruney is as short as it has a long name. 9 feet, that is, it is not a large SUP, so it is not recommended to use it above 70-75 kilograms. It doesn't have bungies, i.e. elastic nets, which can be used to fasten things, so it's easy to guess that this is a good first board for splashing on the beach and short distances SUPing. It's also quite narrow and thin, which has some benefits: it turns more easily than longer boards. And if you learn to stand up on a 76-centimeter-wide SUP, it will be even easier later on a wider one.

Source: Banggood

Advantages of the paddle board:

Funwater is one of the most well-known budget brands in the Far East, and for a few years they have been selling their SUP boards in fairly large numbers - 580 units per year. Their biggest rival was Wowspeed for years, but Funwater seems to have won the race for the cheapest SUP board. Typically the brand that produces budget stuff, which can be found in all sizes and widths. This is also the level where users look at design before other parameters. Since it is available in a package, it comes with all the necessary accessories that you may need for your first attempts. This is a very beginner's item, for a small crowd, but it's perfect for getting a taste of the sport, i.e. those who do approx. If you don't paddle board more than 20 times, this is a good choice for your first board.

First of all, the price is what really blows the earth, it is so low, and secondly, the selection available in terms of colors and sizes from the two-layer SUP is quite brutal. It has a standard GoPro mount, so you can record your first attempts with it. And if you want to stuff, then there is the bungiee at the beginning, i.e. the elastic luggage net. It has 4 holding places on the edges - D-rings - if you want to kayak with it, you only need to buy a seat next to it. Not incidentally, they also give you a valve converter in the package, so you will be able to inflate with traditional pumps.

Source: Banggood

Advantages of the paddle board:

The former Funwater Manta Ray 10' has an extended variant, which is not 305, but 320 centimeters, and its load capacity is also greater by approximately 10 kilograms. Since SUPs are not really worth using at maximum load, because then they sink a lot into the water, Sea Turtles is a better solution than Manta. This is also a budget board, but with a higher load capacity. We recommend it to those for whom a 10-foot SUP would be too small due to their greater weight - but you don't have to overthink it, the Turtles are good for up to 75-80 kilograms - but don't want to buy a very expensive board. This is also a perfect choice for beginners.

The two models are essentially the same, so this is also a very cheap, two-layer beginner SUP board. A few things follow from the length, in addition to the mentioned load capacity, it also glides better on the water, and since it already has 3 keels, it also has a better lateral hold than the Manta. With this load capacity, a lighter mother and a child around 10 years old can carry it. This is also a very budget-friendly solution, for which you get all kinds of accessories that you need for the first attempts.

Source: Banggood

Advantages of the paddle board:

The bigger, tapered brother of the previous 2 boards is the Cruise, whose name suggests that it is basically a SUP intended for hiking. Longer models are usually faster, cut water better, and have a higher load capacity. Overall, the two-layer board can be said that this is also a model intended for beginners, but it is recommended for longer stand-up paddling, hiking, and for those who prefer speed over quick changes of direction.

If you look at the Cruise, you can immediately notice that the upper part of the grip-supporting EVA was not brought out to the end of the board, because that is where the valve is. What follows from this? That the riders do not "walk" backwards on this, but instead stand stably in the center line of the board. A typical touring board for which speed and straight running are more important than maneuverability. There are 3 skegs - i.e. fins - at the bottom, which increase direction control, and you can pack stuff for the bungiee. Since its load capacity is greater than the previous two SUPs, it is enough to step back a little if the nose sinks too deep. There is also a blue variant called Monkey.

Source: Aqua Marina homepage

Advantages of the paddle board:

The Aqua Marina brand is so popular that everyone on the forums just calls it AM, because that's how it spread in the public mind. The particularly long all-round/touring kayak, which has a large load capacity, so even two people can try it. A wide, stable SUP for serious individuals. AM Monster is an excellent choice for those who are larger than average and don't mind paddling while standing on a pleasantly smooth, long SUP board.

Aqua Marina SUP boards have an iconic element, the RED STRAP, which is located in front of the traditional bungiee and can be used as a second tie-down point, where you can also pack packages. Since this is an extended SUP board suitable for hiking, it has 1 large keel at the bottom, which gives better direction control, and since the SUP is also long, you can move with it at a fast pace. On the other hand, it is not so manoeuvrable, but with this load capacity and size, you could even row with a lurker.

Source: Aqua Marina homepage

Advantages of the paddle board:

Aqua Marina is a watered-down version of Monster by Atlas. It differs from the previous one in that it is even stiffer due to the extra stinger, i.e. the reinforcement running through the middle. Its load capacity and width are more than its sibling model, while its length is the same. So we recommend it primarily to those who lack the stability of the Monster and want to load their SUP board even more.

The Atlas differs from the Monster not only in terms of load capacity, but also in one more thing: it has a kick pad. This vertically prominent element serves to lift the nose of the paddle board out of the water when you step on it, making it easier to turn. Since this is a fairly large SUP board, this comes in handy. If, on the other hand, you want to hang out, then that is also possible with the Atlas, throw the separately purchased seat on it and you can already row while sitting, using the board as a SUP kayak. Of course, AM's iconic element, the RED STRAP, is also there, so there is enough fastening for stuff.

Source: Gladiator homepage

Advantages of the paddle board:

The Gladiator is not a budget SUP board, which can be seen in its price, and in return it is not bottom-shelf quality, it is roughly the bottom of the premium segment. This is a paddle board where you can feel that the makers have thought about it. It can be used by people weighing up to 140 kilograms, it is sufficiently long and stiff, it can be loaded perfectly and, since it has 4 separate bungies, it can be packed perfectly. It has a standard US FIN box, which means you can change the fin as you wish. A great all-rounder/cruiser board for those who plan for longer distances, are looking for quality and weigh around 85 kilos or more.

Gladiator is a rather big name, which is no accident. I have one in my circle of acquaintances and love it because of its excellent quality, the extended 12,6 tour version is true. It's worth talking a little about the technique, since the Elite has a double layer of PVC, while its edges are protected by the X-Strong Edge, also a double layer, which means that it is a relatively hard-to-damage, durable piece. The material can withstand up to 26 psi, so it will be very stiff, although you won't be able to inflate it that much with a hand pump due to the high resistance, but on the one hand, the compressor is there, and on the other hand, if its surface gets hot, it will still withstand the expansion. The oar provided next to it is not the usual aluminum one that you immediately throw in the trash, but a usable one reinforced with glass fiber.

Advantages of the paddle board:

Gladiator Kids are smaller versions of Gladiator's large models. Everything has been scaled back significantly, it's less long and about 33% thinner than a traditional SUP board. The paddle board is also narrow, since it would be difficult for lurkers to dip the paddle into the water from a wide board, and it is also very easy, it is not a big adventure to move the 5,5 kilogram vehicle. The board can be used up to and including children aged 12-14, so we recommend it for younger people.

The board was designed with simplicity in mind. Almost everything has been stripped from it, which makes sense when you look at its mass. Since this is a practice SUP and can easily be grown by students, it is also relatively cheap, you don't have to think about the 800-1000 euros price of the Gladiators. The usual accessories are added to the very stable all-round board, along with a paddle that is easy to disassemble and handle.

Source: Aquatone homepage

Advantages of the paddle board:

The Aquatone Flame SUP board is one of the hottest SUP boards we've ever seen. And as we know, the eye eats first, so appearance is not unimportant. From the shape of our rabbit, we can already conclude that this is a board designed for hiking, with a sharper nose, which allows for very fast progress, and a good big fin is responsible for steering. Of course, it can be changed if you want something else there. One of the typical elements of hiking is stuffiness, so the SUP got a four-point bungiee and its weight is slim compared to a board of this size, so there will be no horrors when lifting. If you are looking for a very high-quality touring board, look no further, take home the Flame.

Aquatone Flame packs a lot of technology for durability, it's definitely not a one-year board. On the one hand, it is made with two layers, on the other hand, with welded and non-glued technology. If you don't hit the pier or the cobblestones too much, it can withstand creasing very well. There is also a 12'6” variant, which is even more slender, not a bad choice for hiking. It is significantly easier to drive long and narrow boards over long distances than a chunky thin all-rounder, especially if there is a little bend - rocker - at the front, as on the Aquatone Flame.

Source: Jobe homepage

Advantages of the paddle board:

The Jobe Aero Loa was created by combining two previous Jobe SUPs, based on an all-round and the Jobe Lena yoga board, which is why the Loa also has a large EVA anti-slip surface. The Loa is the spiritual heir of these two models, it is a very stable, super stiff board with double stringers. In addition, Jobe has a name among manufacturers, it is not a bottom shelf product. Not so much that the oar included in the package is carbon-fiberglass, not aluminum. The Jobe Aero Loa 11'6” will be the winning choice for those who want a very stable, multi-functional SUP in excellent quality.

Due to mixed use, the Jobe Aero Loa has some extras that competitors do not. First of all, it has two bungies, so you can pack it properly. A double reinforcement runs along the middle, the inside is covered by a double PVC exterior, which is also welded, not glued, so it will last forever, unless you break it on something, but luckily the edge also has extra protection. The paddle board can withstand a pressure of 20 psi, so concrete can be blown hard, and the accessories provided with it are not bottom-shelf junk either. In addition, it can handle children, so you can try tandem rowing with it. One of our favorite boards.

Source: Starboard homepage

Advantages of the paddle board:

Starboard is a legendary premium manufacturer that launched a full-size SUP on the market under the name iGO. Available in almost every color, size and technology, the range is amazingly wide. No matter how many chambers, normal or light, you just want to do SUP or windsurfing, and I could list the possibilities endlessly. In addition, their boards are also very durable, a five-year warranty is not uncommon. If you want a high-quality, highly variable offer, you should look at Starboard.

What characterizes Starboard iGO SUP boards the most? Top quality, with many smart extras, such as the adjustable "rubber spider" in addition to the bungiee, some of their models can also be equipped with a sail, they do not glue the material, but weld it, they work with special woven stitch technology inside, most of their SUPs have an adjustable shoulder strap for easier carrying for portability, and some handles, front and back, if two of you would carry it or want to lift it over. You can also attach a seat to the D-rings, there is a lightweight version - Deluxe Lite -, so it can be customized really well, which is also true for their entry-level boards, but they charge a price for that.

Finally, some thoughts on the list. It is sometimes available in Lidl Mistral SUP - everyone just refers to it as the Lidl SUP paddle board - which is not a bad choice for a beginner's board, and there is also a pair of the Aldi SUP board, the Zray X-Rider. The biggest advantage of these is that if there is a problem with it, the gari is long, you can take it back and it will be replaced quickly. We also have to mention Red Paddle Co., which is a legendary manufacturer, they are mentioned on the same level as Starboards, they produce top quality inflatable SUPs at a very expensive price. But for those who don't care about money, check them out alongside Starboard, Gladiator and Jobe stuff.

SUP - pronounced: sáp - literally Stand Up Paddlemeans a board - paddle board - on which you can paddle while standing, while the activity in English is Stand Up Paddling or Stand Up Paddleboarding. The two concepts are often confused and the term SUP is simply used for it, and in Hungarian you can often come across the words SUP board. Although it's a bit like the CD or bacon issue, since that's how it's become commonplace, so we'll refer to it that way.

Although SUP as a sport only spread in Hungary a few years ago, its roots can be traced back to around 1000 BC, although no one used the term stand up paddle at that time. Basically, in Peru, Israel, Italy and China there were rudimentary, surfboard-like watercraft. One of these is the Hasake used by Jewish fishermen in the Mediterranean, which is eerily similar to today's SUPs, but in South America, for example, the Incas also used rafts made of bamboo reeds.

Of course, modern sports always improve the previous devices, so if we make a big jump in time, we have to turn a page in the history book to the first half of the 1900s, somewhere around 1940. At that time, the surfing fever was already in full swing in the Hawaiian Islands, where instructors often used oars - paddles - during their lessons. This is how John Zapatocky, an American tourist, got to know the sport. He saw the opportunity in the matter, and after learning the technique of the surf instructors, he further thought about the method, and then began to popularize stand-up paddling, which actually stands for Stand Up Paddleboarding. His students and followers became the iconic figures of today's modern SUP, so John Zapatocky is considered the forefather of the sport.

However, these were still rigid SUP boards, the modern fiberglass pieces appeared in the 1950s. At that time, the sport was spreading rather slowly, the reason being that these were still expensive, heavy, difficult to move SUPs. In the 1990s, the first composite boards appeared, which were still quite expensive sports equipment, but they lasted much more than before. The breakthrough was brought about by the appearance of inflatable PVC boards, because they can be folded relatively small - the size of a backpack - so their transport was solved, and they cost much less than those made from the previous composite material.

The inflatable SUP board - commonly called iSUP, i.e. inflatable SUP - is nothing more than a sports device made of a special plastic - PVC -, usually glued, with drop stitch technology patented by Dunlop.

In practice, this means that the outer plastic cover surrounds an inner fabric core, where the lower and upper parts are connected with thousands of polyester fibers, so the material remains flexible, which makes it easy to fold. When inflated, it can withstand a pressure of 1 bar - 15 psi - or more, while its surface does not corrode. However, it really doesn't matter how many of these fibers are located in a given area, since the more there are, the stiffer and more shape-retaining the paddle board will be, and it's also unimportant what additional technologies are used to increase stiffness and durability.

Source: Mistral homepage

There are also two-layer planks reinforced with stringers that are much stiffer and hold their shape better. These are of better quality, less deformed, their material is more durable, they don't bend - they won't turn into bananas - and since their noses don't stick out, they are more sensitive to wind. They usually withstand more pressure, so they can be blown harder. Let's go into the technology a bit to understand what makes a SUP cheap and what makes it expensive, where the entry category separates from the premium. Basically, there can be a difference in the execution of the drop stitch technique - internal - and also in the application of the PVC layers surrounding it - external. There are also technological peculiarities - gluing, welding - and various bracing procedures, which are discussed here is an exhaustive description in English, also illustrated with pictures.

When you combine all of these, there is quite a lot of variance, and in many cases the manufacturers don't even publish all the data about their boards. The main parameters are as follows:

Summarizing the above, it can be said that entry-level SUPs are made with a single-layer, glued PVC cover, without side reinforcement, but they usually come with all kinds of accessories, which are also entry-level. Extras such as welded technology, stringer or two-layer glued paddle boards appear in the middle category. The premium category typically includes very rigid, high-tech, multi-layer, reinforced side edges, welded pieces made with woven dropstich, which are very rigid and barely twist, and glide better on water, but are more expensive.

Of course, to this day there are also rigid SUP boards, which are usually made of fiberglass or epoxy resin, which include an inner polystyrene foam core, which ensures that the board has adequate buoyancy in the water. Certain elements of the boards can also be made of carbon, which is a stronger and stiffer material than fiberglass, and is also much lighter, but it is much more expensive. There are also "handcrafted" SUP boards that are made of wood, but there are very few such commercially available ones.

In our article, we will basically talk about inflatable PVC boards, the other two types will only be touched upon at the level of mention!

SUP boards have some special details that are worth discussing. Let's start from the bottom. On SUPs, one or more fin - you are nice skeg – is found, which helps to maintain direction in the water and compensates for side drift, such as the swert on sailboats. These typically slide into rails and can be disassembled for transport. The more and larger the keel, the better the straight run, in return the resistance to the medium increases, i.e. it slows down the board. In the case of the cheaper models, non-standard skegs are common, while for the more expensive ones, fins designed for target tasks are also sold, which are suitable for the specific use - all round, tour, competition, etc. - they could match. It is worth choosing a board equipped with a US box or FCSII skeg due to the changeability.

Moving from the back to the front, at the end of the SUP there is a 'safety rope', a leash, which is a fastening element wound up in a spiral shape and prevents the board from drifting away in the event of a fall. This can be a knee or below the waist can also be recorded, depending on the type. The solution that can be attached to the waist and the middle of the board is becoming more and more popular, because in the event of an emergency - e.g. hanging up - you can quickly untie the velcro, in the case of a smooth fall, it pulls the board closer and it is easier to climb back on it. There are two types of leashes, the straight - surf leash - and the spiral - coiled leash -, the latter is more difficult to hook. At the end of the SUP board is the leash plug, this is a ring into which the leash can be hooked. It is not recommended to be used on wild water and rivers with larger currents, due to the risk of entanglement. The leash has another function: it can be used to tie the SUP board to the jetty.

There are two things in the center of the SUP. On the one hand, there is a handle with which you can carry the board, and on the other hand, most of them are equipped with one anti-slip EVA layer – crocodile skin –, since you still have to stand on a wet surface. Their thickness varies between 4-5 mm and is usually roughened for better adhesion. A person standing on a SUP board for riders it's called, and the more skilled paddlers often "walk" on the SUP board, or by stepping on the back of the board, they change the center of gravity, raise the nose and turn in this way. The highlight that helps with this is a kick stand. For this reason, it does not matter how big the anti-slip layer is, the bigger the better, and the end is usually ribbed. THE for yoga with invented SUPs, the EVA layer often extends to the outline of the board, because this way the exercises can be done more safely. Bending the ends of the board for a rocker it is called, has nothing to do with bending due to weak stiffness, which is a bowling. The moderate camber is characteristic of all-round boards, the high camber is usually due to whitewater paddling, while the low camber can be seen in competition and touring kayaks.

Also a typical element of SUP boards is the luggage rack bungee. It is nothing more than an elastic rubber rope, like a rubber spider, which stretches when pulled and can be used to hold a waterproof bag. The four-ring - D-ring - solution is the most common, but there are also 6-piece packages, which have a larger mounting surface, meaning they fit larger bags. Most people use it for hiking, it is not necessary for the beach, and it is missing from SUPs designed for yoga, because it reduces the surface used for exercises.

Some SUPs come with additional attachment points, such as a rather fancy one design for a standard GoPro mount sink into the nose of the inflatable boards and install a camera here.

Generally, SUPs are sold in a so-called bundle, which means nothing more than that you get accessories as part of the package. It's always worth looking at what exactly is included with the board in the case of discounted SUPs, because it's not difficult to sell something at a reduced price while a lot of accessories are missing from the package. Of course, you may need just that, because it's not your first board anymore, and it would be unnecessary to have several pieces of everything, for example, a good carbon paddle can survive several boards, it's worth carrying on.

In traditional packages, you will usually find the following: oar, pump, keel, repair kit, backpack. We have already written about the leash and the skeg above, but the rest are worth a little more detail.

By definition, it only applies to inflatable SUP boards. There are two versions, manual and electric, the former is usually given as part of the basic package. It can usually produce 20 psi pressure, the boards are usually inflated to roughly 1 bar - 14,5 psi - here they are already stiff enough, but there are boards that can be inflated further due to the extra stiffness. Always pump the boards up to the maximum value specified by the manufacturer. And why psi instead of bar? Because they use Anglo-Saxon units, because of Hawaii's surfing past, more on that later. At the end of SUPs, there is usually a valve that you pump air into and release it by turning.

And when it comes to pumping, SUPs should always be inflated in the shade, protected from the sun. The reason for this is that the air in it expands under the influence of heat, just as it shrinks in colder water and can therefore bend. The same is true if you leave it outside in the sun, only the other way around. On the one hand, even though they are made of UV-resistant material, sunlight does them no good, and on the other hand, they bulge.

Many packages come with a seat, the legs of which need to be hooked into the D-rings on the SUP. The seat is good so that you can row it while sitting, like a kayak. You could also buy a footrest for the chair, as it is more comfortable to walk in this position. This design is also called a "sit on top kayak". However, don't imagine a seating position like in a real kayak that you can physically sit in, but instead you can use the entire surface of the SUP to carry your stuff, for example. Here's one very good video about sitting rowing.

Officially, it's a paddle or oar, but in colloquial parlance, the paddle - which is actually used to wade the sand, not SUP - is also common, so we'll use that as well. An undeservedly underrated part of SUP is the paddle. In general, we are talking about suits that can be disassembled into several parts and have a variable length, but there are also made-to-measure, one-piece ones. Typically, they can be split into two or three parts, otherwise you wouldn't be able to pack them. The first part is the feather, which is often plugged so that it can float. The middle part is actually just an extension tube, while the asymmetric feather is located at the front. The disadvantage of the disassembled ones is that since they have to be put together along the joints, we could not transfer as much torque as with the one-piece ones, in return they are more portable, so this is a kind of compromise.

The cheapest ones have an aluminum body and a plastic pen, they are relatively heavy, the more expensive ones are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber, they are much lighter. Fixed oars are typically 220 cm and you have to cut them to size for your height. The length of the adjustable ones can usually be varied between 160-220 cm, and the length should be adjusted so that when you reach above your head, you can comfortably reach the end. In other words, it should be approximately 15 cm longer than your height. There are also special two-feather paddles for kayaking. These usually consist of 4 parts, they can also be used as a traditional SUP paddle, or if you remove the T-shaped handle - the crutch - you can attach a second feather there.

It is important that the feather of the oars is asymmetrical. You should always pull with it so that the pen is facing forward, because it holds the water well. The grip distance should be such that when you lift it above your head, your forearms form a right angle with your hands. In this video it is perfectly clear what was discussed above.

They are also called backpacks, and in the case of the cheaper models, they really are. In addition to the more serious SUPs, they offer models that can be pulled with rollers, e.g. Gladiator is like that. The bag, the pump, the skeg(s), the leash and the sup with the oar are about 15 kilograms, and the vest is on top of that, so it really doesn't matter whether you have to walk with it on your back as a French legionnaire in the heat or on the ground you can drag The extra weight can cause problems especially for smaller people and ladies. In other words, in the case of premium SUPs, this is solved much better by the manufacturers, in return you have to pay a premium for it.

They sell transport straps for transporting SUPs, which you have to put on the two ends of the board, and put the cross strap between them on your shoulder, so you can lift the SUP. The oar can often be attached to the transport strap. There are SUPs that have such an accessory as standard.

The compressor adapter is nothing more than an adapter that can be screwed into the valve of the SUP, the end of which is a standard engine valve, that is, it can also be inflated with a conventional electric compressor.

The easiest way to choose a SUP board is to ask yourself questions, because this gives you the best picture.

The parameters of SUPs are given in Anglo-Saxon units of measure - since the sport started in the USA - although in the case of newer types, the dimensions are also written in centimeters. This can be confusing at times, especially because the length is given in feet and the thickness and width in inches. The same is true for the weight and load capacity - pounds - and the pressure with which you will have to inflate the board, which is psi instead of bar. You can see the conversion values ​​in the summary table below:

Source: Order China

The table above shows the most important parameters that you must take into account for a SUP, let's look at them in order!

The length of SUP boards is usually given in feet, adult boards start around 10 feet - 305 centimeters. Shorter boards under 8 feet are for kids, while those longer than 12 feet are multi-person, touring or racing boards. The longer a board is, the better it holds its direction and the faster it is.

The width of SUP boards is usually given in inches, adult all-round boards are usually 31-33 inches - approx. 80-85 centimeters - they are wide. The narrower a board is, the less stable it is, in return it is easier to drive with the paddle, because it has less resistance to the medium.

The thickness of the board is also given in inches and basically affects the volume. In the case of inflatable boards, the standard thickness is 6 inches, i.e. 15 cm. The thickness is important from another point of view: it does not matter how much the SUP sinks into the water. The more, the greater the resistance, i.e. the water slows down the board more, but more on that a little further down.

The volume is determined by the above three parameters and is usually given in liters. This is one of the most important parameters, since you need to buy a board with a volume that keeps your weight on the surface of the water and is not too difficult to row with. In other words, you must first find out what the conditions are for a body to float on the surface of water. Let's use Archimedes' law, which states that if an object is immersed in a liquid, the weight of the liquid displaced by it - the buoyant force - will be equal to the force of gravity created by the weight of the object. Since these two are equal, the board will float on the water. If you stand on the board, it sinks more into the water, pushes more out of it, a greater buoyancy force will act on it, and a new equilibrium situation is established. Unless you overload it and it sinks, or it just sinks into the water so much that it's no longer enjoyable to ride.

Mathematics and physics are strongly bracketed by a rule of thumb for load: the total mass you want to transport with the board must be multiplied by 2,5. In other words, if you want to move 100 kilograms, the volume of the boards must be at least 250 liters. International experience says that a maximum of 40% of the board's volume should be submerged, because then you can still control the SUP well. Staying with the above example, if you want to move 100 kilograms, this means 100/0,4=250 liters. Counting backwards, 100×2,5=250 liters, hence the a 2,5 x rule of thumb. Of course, if the paddleboard stands out more than this, it remains even more controllable, that is, it can be raised by this multiplier. Staying at 100 kilograms, for a 300-liter board, the multiplier will be 3x, that is, 33% of the board will be submerged in the water.

We have to mention that practical experience shows that not all manufacturers indicate the volume, only the load capacity, for example 150 kilograms, but in this case you will not know how much the SUP board sinks into the water. In other words, it is worthwhile to take back some of the maximum load capacity - for example, in the case of 150 kilograms, 120 kilograms of sack/approx. method seems appropriate - it can't be a big deal.

From the shape of the SUP, you can tell what the board was designed for. Basically, we distinguish between the following, more traditional types:

Surf: not typical here, because we don't have waters where a surfboard-like SUP can be properly used. Their main characteristic is that they are short and wide compared to their length. Since they were basically invented for wave riding, not just stand up paddling, the most important thing is that it is stable and can be changed direction quickly. It can often be supplemented with a sail.

All round: nomen est omen, its name reveals what it is good for. In practice, it is an almost symmetrical front-to-back, universal SUP board in terms of shape, usually both ends are rounded. It can be used everywhere, but it is not a target device. Their length is 270-360 centimeters, their width is 75-85 centimeters, and their thickness varies between 10-15 centimeters. Since they are all-purpose boards, the manufacturers' offer is the widest in this segment. A typical beginner's board, but those who are not into speed can also use it for longer distances. Their stability and speed depend primarily on the board you choose within the wide spread range.

Tour (touring or cruiser): compared to all-round boards, they are elongated, narrower and have a sharper nose. Based on this, it can be guessed that you can move faster with them, but in return they are less stable than their all-round counterparts that are good for everything. Since it is designed for long distances, its nose cuts through the water and helps to move forward, and its direction control is also better than that of the previous category. Their length varies between 320-400 cm and their width between 75-85 cm, that is, they are as much narrower than they are longer than their all-round brothers. Since you spend a lot of time on the tour SUP, it is usually packed with extras, such as front and rear luggage racks, D-rings and the like. It is a popular category, with a large selection.

Race: In practice, imagine a SUP board that is faster, longer, narrower, with an even sharper nose, and with a smaller dive than the previous ones. In the case of inflatable models, they can be even narrower than 60 cm. They remind us a bit of racing kayaks, they also have similar parameters – narrow, long, difficult to sit on – and are also designed for competitors. However, you should know that real competition boards are stiff, because they glide better than most inflatables, but if you have reached this level, you have already experienced what is good for you.

Source: The SUP Company

Child: in fact, it differs from more traditional boards not in its type, but only in its size. From the age of 12-14, young people can use boards designed for smaller adults. Under the age of 12, it is essential to ensure that children cannot reach out sufficiently from a board that is too wide and pull it into the water. In other words, it is worth buying a not too wide board with an all-round shape of around 240 cm for this purpose.

Yoga: SUP yoga is an increasingly popular sport. Since you don't have to row too much here, neither speed nor controllability are that important, in contrast to stability and grip. The EVA pad of yoga SUPs usually extends to the rim, the deck is wide - over 80 centimeters - and there are not rounded, but rectangular ones as well. There are usually no extras on its surface, such as a luggage rack, D-ring and the like, because they interfere with the execution of appropriate poses.

SUP kayak: a traditional all-round SUP that comes with a seat, footrest and a two-feather paddle, and also has the D-rings needed to secure the seat.

Fisherman: similarly to SUP-kayaks, in fact, any board can be turned into a watercraft suitable for fishing, here, too, the emphasis is primarily on parameters and accessories. A wide, stable hiking board is good for this purpose, or those that have a lot of storage options, since fishing is a sport that requires a lot of equipment, so you will have to take a lot of stuff with you. On SUPs designed for direct fishing - e.g. Bote Breeze - there are even rod holders suitable for fixing fishing rods.

Tandem: as you can guess from its name, it is a SUP board designed for two people, where the users stand behind each other and paddle. This requires a higher load-bearing capacity, a longer and more stable body and a large EVA contact surface. Typically, these are all-round or touring SUPs that are 350 cm or longer and can carry 150 kilograms or more. There are also extreme-sized models that can hold 8-10 people and have a load capacity of 500 kilograms.

Pet (SUP dog): you can SUP not only with a dog, but also with any other pet. Here, the size and temperament of the animal are the main criteria for choosing a board. Wider, more stable boards are better from this point of view, and it doesn't matter whether you want to take a poodle or an English mastiff.

Downwind and WindSUP: not a common form here - but it is, for example, on the Adriatic - the former practically means surfing with a SUP, but here you ride the smaller waves that come one after the other, a longer tour or competition with SUPs. And WindSUP is practically windsurfing, during which a sail is attached to the inflatable board and they move like that.

An important question is who will use the board. If there are several people, it is worth planning for the person with the largest mass based on the volume rule above, or if there is a large difference in mass, then count with two boards. If it is used by several people at the same time, you should use a longer SUP board with a larger volume.

Also an important question. If you want to use it on a daily basis because you live on the waterfront, you should choose a more expensive, more durable board. If it's rare, you might be better off with a cheaper board or even renting.

You need a completely different board for paddling in still water or flat water than in flowing water. Longer and narrower tour SUPs are usually used in flowing water, since here you are on the water for several hours and you have to move at a faster pace. For example, a Visegrád-Budapest tour is roughly 4 hours, if you are not in a hurry, standing on a paddle board for that long is a completely different strain than paddling up and down the beach. It is also important that if you SUP in backwaters or in places where there is a lot of lifting due to closures - for example in Szigetköz - then it is much easier to do this with a thinner, better-grip, light board than with a bulky, heavy one.

Wider, more stable, but not particularly fast, beginner-friendly all-rounder boards are suitable for stagnant water, splashing, swimming, or slow progress.

Although there is no sea in Hungary, riding the waves requires a completely different board - usually short and wide due to stability and quick turning - than paddleboarding on a lake. It doesn't matter if it's the first time you bring a pet, then it's afraid it will tear apart your expensive SUP or a cheap, beginner's board. So always think about exactly what kind of water and purpose you want to buy a board for.

Transporting and storing inflatable SUPs is an order of magnitude easier than rigid boards. First, they are lighter, single-layer 10-11 foot SUPs weigh 8-9 pounds and fit into a larger backpack. There are also light rigid boards, but they are carbon fiber and quite expensive. If you don't have a garage, you don't have many options for storage, only inflatable paddleboards that can be folded back can be considered. It doesn't matter how far you live from the water you would stand-up paddle on. Obviously, the greater the distance from your place of residence, the easier it is to take an inflatable to the water, because you can do this with a bicycle and a backpack.

Maintaining inflatable paddle boards is relatively easy if you follow a few rules. First, if you are not paddling, put the board in a shady place. UV harms it, and it can also expand and become barrel-shaped due to the warming air. If the fibers in it are broken, the board is ruined. When you're done SUPing, wipe it dry before packing and lowering it, otherwise it could get moldy. It is also a good solution to leave it to dry in the shade, and if you store it inflated during your vacation, it is worth checking occasionally whether it has lost pressure.

In most cases, SUPs are damaged along their edges, for example, they hit the side of the jetty or the shore, which is worth paying attention to, and stones hiding on the shore can also damage them. Before putting the board on the water, check its surface to see if it is damaged somewhere. If you find a hole or tear, try to repair it as soon as possible. A repair kit is a temporary solution, but a repair carried out in a specialist workshop almost always leads to a much better result.

SUP is not only a great experience, but also has many positive physiological effects:

In connection with the above, we have discussed the selection aspects quite a bit, nevertheless we give you some rules of thumb for choosing SUP boards:

Overall, the "Which SUP board should I buy?" only you can give the right answer to this question, but the point is to choose the one that best suits your individual needs.

Children from the age of 12-14 and up can actually stand-up paddle on smaller-sized adult boards. In addition to the load capacity, one thing to focus on is that the younger ones can't reach out enough towards the water from very wide boards and catch water normally with the oar, so you have to pay special attention to the width.

Basically, in this case, readers think of particularly expensive, reliable premium brands. Of course, all manufacturers claim that their products are excellent and top quality, but this is obviously not true. Of course, everyone has a slightly different preference, but it is generally accepted that the following brands make great products:

Premium category

Budget category

Each type has a different shape. The more rounded shapes are usually for all-round and children's SUPs, and the wedge-shaped ones are more typical for touring or competition SUPs. The same is true for the length, the longer they are, the more stable they run, but they turn worse, and for the width, since touring and racing kayaks are narrower. The range of use can also be inferred from the rocker - the rise of the nose. The higher, the better for wild water, breaking waves, the flatter, the better for slow-flowing rivers and hiking.

Those inflatable SUP boards that are not stiff enough and bend in the middle are called bananas - bowing. This is usually because the paddle board is not of good quality or is not well inflated. In addition, low-quality and long boards do not even lie on the water, so the benefits of extra length do not apply.

In stand up paddle competitions, riders usually turn around the buoys, for example, by stepping back on the board and pushing the end into the water to lift the nose. The kickpad is a specially trained surface on the back of the board, which is coated with adhesion-enhancing material and stands out from the plane of the SUP. By stepping on this, you can turn the board almost on the spot.

There are attempts to do this, and such models have already appeared in the range of some manufacturers - Coasto E-Motion - but so far the solution is not very widespread. However, instead of the removable skegs, an electric motor can be attached, which can drive the paddle board.

Basically, to the center line, in a relatively small spread, so that the nose neither hangs in the water nor rises out. Basically, you have to find the balance of the SUP, then you don't have to stand in the middle if the nose is loaded - for example there is a bag - or you want to turn it quickly, in which case the competitors specifically step back and use the kick pad to highlight the nose of the SUP for easier turning.

Most people think of paddles - which is officially a paddle or oar, but in colloquial language the paddle is also widespread, incorrectly - as an underrated accessory, even though they are often even more important than the SUP board itself. First of all, if you take care of it, it is quite difficult to "outgrow" a quality, lightweight paddle unless you break it somewhere. This way, the paddle goes on to the next SUP, if you replaced the previous board. So the paddle is at least as important as the paddle board, it's a bit like the case of the coffee maker and the grinder.

There are more and more boards appearing on the market that can be blown harder than 15 psi - roughly 1 bar - pressure. This gives more stiffness, so the SUP will glide better and it's more comfortable to stand on because it doesn't bend. Anyone who has ever pumped up a SUP knows that 18 psi is a lot with a hand pump - of course a compressor can push it - so you will pump up the board three times by hand: first, last and never again. Therefore, those who want to blow the board to high pressure should use an electric pump.

If for some reason you didn't use an electric pump, it still makes sense to have a higher pressure tolerance, because the air in it expands due to heat. So, if, for example, the sun is shining on it, a board that can withstand a lower pressure value can swell and break, while those that can withstand a higher pressure are more likely to survive this. Nevertheless, do not leave paddle boards in the sun, put them under a tree in the shade.

The "shipping regulations" as it is officially called 57/2011. (XI. 22) NFM decree on water transport regulations law, regulates how the rules of coexistence on the water must be followed. This changed a few months ago, the information below comes from this regulation.

Quoting from the law:

"3. A person staying in a boat on the water, unable to swim or performing the activities listed in point 1, as well as a person under the age of 14, as well as a person traveling on water sports equipment, must wear a life jacket. On human-powered water sports equipment, if the user is a person over the age of 14 who can swim, at least life vest or safety ankle strap wearing a (leash) is mandatory.”

Based on the Finnish rules, it is mandatory to wear at least a swimming vest or a safety ankle strap on human-powered water sports equipment - such as SUP. This is an alternate rule, so you MUST wear either this or that, but you can still wear both.

The difference between a lifejacket and a lifejacket is that the former usually generates 50 N of buoyancy and is used for water sports, and is less thick, so it does not hinder rowing as much. The lifejacket usually has a buoyancy force of 100 N, is strikingly colored, has a collar, and its essence is that it can keep even an unconscious person on the surface of the water. The collar helps to lift the head of the person lying on his back out of the water so that he does not drown. Read more In this article find the differences between the vests.

Of course, everyone has their own, well-understood interest in wearing something like this, and on certain fast-flowing rivers, the leash can get caught in protruding branches, tree stumps or artefacts in the water, so wearing them in such places is not recommended.

If you couldn't find one of your questions in the FAQ, or if we didn't have a clear answer, then contact us at one of our contact numbers listed on the page or on Facebook. To the best of our knowledge, we try to answer all SUP-related questions!

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