Stand Up Paddle Surfing Community Website

Specifics of a SUP

I would like to know all the specific details one needs to look for when choosing a board. For instance, how does size of the board relate to your height and weight?

Comment by Garrett McGuire on July 28, 2009 at 8:21pm: Its more complicated then just reading about recommended weight ranges and sizes. Its all about getting on a couple boards and demo them. Every brand will try and point you to a certain thing, but its different for every person. When i sell a board i make the person paddle several brands and sizes, because the first board you buy probably wont be the board you are on in a year from now.

Comment by Krissy Rostek on July 29, 2009 at 8:16am: oh. I wish I was independently wealthy, then I certainly could afford a new board every year, but I will need one to last me a while. I hope to demo a few, but really, there is no standard on height and weight? Can you list other features? Or can anyone recommend a good article to read on boards and their specifics?

Comment by Austin Wilfley on August 1, 2009 at 12:28pm: What is it you are going to be doing mostly ont the board and what water conditions are you dealing with?

Comment by Krissy Rostek on August 1, 2009 at 11:23pm: Mostly Lake Tahoe but I live more often in Marin County, SF Bay, and can see myself paddling around Richardson Bay. I have two kids 4 and 18 months, and I would like to have them fit on the board if I can't find a sitter. My 18 month old is too young, but I have taken my four year old out with her friend and we all loved it. I enjoy the work out as well as the zen aspect of SUP. I also love to bring my dog, 80lb golden retriever, so again, I need room for passengers. I am a pilates instructor, dancer, mountain biker, surfer, wake surfer, and expert snowboarder, so I love a challenge and want to get the best workout.

Comment by River SUP on September 1, 2009 at 7:33am: Every board is different in shape and construction...some boards are better in the surf and some better on rivers.
Here is a super durable boards that you and the kids can ride on and you can let them have fun with it because it is extremely durable. The dog will love this board as well. I have two astralian sheperds that ride on mine with me and my daughter.
Link to board:

Video of board features:

Comment by River SUP on September 1, 2009 at 7:35am: Link to board: Airlite HD

Video of the Features

Comment by Mark Winslow on October 24, 2009 at 6:32pm: Your height, weight, and what kind of water you will be in(waves/flatwater/downwind) will all influence the type of board you should demo.

And do not overlook the paddle.....it is 1/2 of the equation. You need a good engine(paddle) for your board!

Go to http://neptunepaddles.com to see the evolution of the SUP paddle