I’ve tried surfing on a SUP paddleboard before. The stand-up paddleboard gave me the opportunity to get on waves before the malibu riders would. This gives the SUP a huge advantage in the surf.
Surfing with a SUP (paddleboard) is efficient because you are already standing before riding the wave. The SUP can generate more speed from further out the back which means paddleboard riders get more waves. Stand-up paddleboarding has many advantages.
What’s The Best SUP For Surfing?
What is The Best SUP For Surfing? According to consumers’ reviews, the best SUP for surfing is the SereneLife iSUP.
Its dimensions are 10ft, 6in x 32in and it has a thickness of 6 inches, weighing only 19.6lbs. Due to its lightweight, it’s effortless to carry around, whether you are only planning on going to the nearest beach or taking it with you on your travels.
Besides, because this SUP is inflatable you can simply roll it and only inflate it once you’ve reached your destination.
Its width gives you plenty of space to do several activities as well as the three bottom panel fins. It was built with premium materials that provide sturdiness and great control of the board whether you decide to surf or paddle.
It eliminates the concern of slipping as it has a non-slip top deck design. The age is not a concern for those who choose this SUP as anyone can use it regardless of age.
What Size SUP Should I Buy For Surfing?
What Size SUP (stand-up paddleboard) Should I Buy For Surfing? To find an answer to this question, you need to first determine what are priorities for a SUP are as its dimensions can change regarding what you are looking for.
For example, the most popular boards are 10-11 feet in length and 32-34 inches wide, which can provide great stability due to their wideness. Be aware of the fact that, the wider the SUP is, the slower it will move.
If you are planning on carrying it around a lot, consider a shorter SUP. However, if you are looking for a SUP because of speed, you will need a longer one with about 12’6” lengthwise and 28-26 inches wide.
You will also have to consider the use you are going to give it. If you plan on going on rapids you will need a wider board of about 36 inches wide, but if you choose a board under 9 feet in length you will get the most out of it if you take it to the ocean.
Is A Thicker SUP More Stable?
Is A Thicker SUP (paddleboard) More Stable? A thicker SUP will inevitably be more rigid despite the materials that were used to build it.
Contrary to popular belief, a thicker SUP may not be more stable.
What happens is that it raises your center of gravity and you will have a bigger wobbly feeling that can affect you more or less depending on your level of expertise.
Regarding your experience in surfing and paddling, if you are a beginner, you are going to fall many times, and getting back on the board with ease is essential.
This will not be very easy to do if you use a thicker SUP. For the best stability, it is recommended a board with a thickness of 5 inches.
Of course, if you have a bigger level of experience the thickness of the SUP will be different depending on what your priorities are. If you are a surfer at an advanced level it would be better to opt for a smaller thickness.
What Size Paddleboard Do I Need For My Height?
What Size does Paddleboard suit My Height? Believe it or not, it’s not just your weight that affects your paddleboard, but your height too.
You must choose a paddle board that is perfect for your height, but you can start trying some that are appropriate for a certain height range.
For example, if you are between 5’ and 6’ you will need a board 10’ to 11’ long and 30” to 34” wide.
But if you are taller than this you should keep that same width but 12’ to 14’ long. On the other hand, if you are smaller than 5’ you will need a board 8’ to 10’ while keeping the same width as always.
Once you choose the right board for you, you will find your paddleboarding experience much better but don’t forget to keep the other factors in mind as well.
Consider the environment and the purpose you are going to use it for too, as well as the board’s thickness.
Is SUP Surfing Easier Than Surfing?
Is Paddleboarding Surfing Easier Than Surfing? If you think that SUP Surfing is easier than regular surfing you are not alone.
In fact, many surfers agree that SUP is easier than surfing mainly regarding the learning process. The reason for this is that the learning process is much smoother than that of surfing.
People who are learning SUP end up standing and riding waves much sooner than those who are learning how to surf.
Of course, the type of board plays a big part in this, as a SUP board is much easier to handle than a surfing board.
However, if you continue learning SUP surfing you will soon find it harder than you first imagined.
As you start accumulating experience, new challenges will be presented to you and those include catching and following the same waves that surfers would.
SUP surfing is only easier at the beginning because you catch easier and smaller waves. As you accumulate experience, you will move on to bigger waves so you can keep the excitement and still have fun.
How To Surf With An Inflatable SUP?
How To Surf An Inflatable Paddleboard (SUP)? You will have the same physical experience with a hard SUP and an inflatable SUP.
However, the main difference with an inflatable SUP is because of the materials that it’s made of.
Once you are on the water with an inflatable SUP you may get the feeling that you are riding in glue, and the board finds it hard to follow the waves.
With an inflatable SUP, you won’t be able to transfer your weight because it has thick round rails and doesn’t have a bite.
So, when you need to turn and carve, you will need to put into practice your footwork and paddle skills.
An inflatable SUP can much easily veer from side to side when you aren’t on flat waters, which will require your advanced balance skills.
Essentially, you will have to put in more physical effort than if you were using a hard SUP.