SUP boards for fishing

The best SUP fishing boards

SUP Boards »Angel SUP Boards

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A sign that Stand Up Paddling is thrilling the masses, but still a young and agile water sports are the many mixtures of sports that we have seen in recent years.

In particular, SUP Yoga – the yoga training on the SUP Board – has become established. In all of Germanythere are courses. Fishing from the SUP Board is now a new trend that has been well received in the United States.

This article is about SUP boards for fishing. The best models are stable and have enough lift to carry you, the gear and your catch.

SUP is one of the fastest growing sports and is really a great sport. A day on the water combined with a few hours of fishing and best still prepare your own catch for dinner. There can hardly be anything better.

Aqua Marina Drift SUP Angel Board

• Length: 330 cm
• Width: 97 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Maximum payload: 130 kilograms
• Extras: Double-stroke pump, carrying bag, freezer with seat, paddle

Aqua Marinas Drift SUP Fishing Board is my recommendation for you. Here you can get a board for little money that is tailored to the needs of a SUP angler:

• The drift board has two integrated holders for fishing rods. So you can sit back and relax and eat something and drink. You do not have to worry about fishing rods.
• The wide and reinforced edges increase the tipping stability enormously. The latter also ensures that your equipment does not go overboard.
• The package includes a freezer with a backrest. What more do you want?
• You can fix your gear on the stainless steel D-rings in the middle, at the back and on the luggage net at the bow.
• With a maximum load of 130 kilograms at 284 liters, the board will keep you and all your gear loose.

Aqua Marina has often been noted for its top quality at reasonable prices. Many older models of the brand are still among the bestsellers.

Product Reviews

So far, all customer reviews are very positive. The quality of the board and the equipment is praised. I can also confirm the only ones coming up. The Aqua Marina Drift has no double paddle. If you want to paddle while sitting, you’ll need a paddle with a paddle blade at both ends like kayaking.

Conclusion

I really put this offer to your heart. It’s a fair price for a perfect SUP. Especially the fishing rod holders are great feature.

Aqua Marina offers different sets, which differ only in accessories. The basic equipment is the same, only one set has a carbon paddle, the other two each have the Aqua Marina standard paddle and a set also has a leash from the manufacturer.

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Indiana 11’6 „Fisher Fiji iSUP

• Length: 350 cm
• Width: 83.8 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Extras: Backpack with wheels, double stroke pump, repair kit

The Fishing SUP by Indiana is a real top model. In Indiana manner, it is unfortunately not only high-end in terms of design and quality but also in the price. Here you have to reach deeper into the bag, but you get a great SUP for fishing.

The big feature of the construction is the side mountable outrigger, which makes the SUP a small platform. If you drop an anchor, you can spend hours on your own fishing platform.

The 18 D-rings and two luggage nets are absolutely practical. On this board you can really attach everything to accessories. The outrigger also gives a lot of buoyancy and stability. The board alone carries already 120 kilograms.

Conclusion

From the equipment and quality, I can recommend the board unrestricted. Nothing is missing here. Instead of the reinforced edges as in the drift put the people of Indiana on the outrigger. This variant gives even more stability. With virtually unlimited attachment options, you can bring your entire equipment on board.

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Bluefin Voyage

• Length: 330 cm
• Width: 97 cm
• Thickness: 20 cm
• Extras: double stroke pump, leash, backpack, paddle, repair kit

The Bluefin Voyage is not an extra designed for SUP fishing board and still very suitable for it. Originally, the extra thick, wide and sturdy SUP board was designed for white water rafting. For that you need an extremely safe stand.

With the advent of SUP Fishing, the Bluefin Voyage is also used for fishing trips. At 20 cm, the board is also extremely thick and therefore offers a lot of friction. The Voyage carries up to 130 kilograms.

The six surrounding D-rings are also very handy for carrying the equipment. The raised edges and the almost ridiculous width of almost one meter guarantee a solid stand.

Conclusion: The Bluefin is a great board for tours where the water can sometimes be rougher. As Whitewater SUP it is outstanding. Its unique features make it a great fishing board too. The very special features of Angel SUPs like fishing rod holders or the matching freezer are missing here. But if you upgrade the Bluefin accordingly, you have a first-class fishing SUP.

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Safe Wild Air 11’6 „

• Length: 350 cm
• Width: 92 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Extras: backpack, double-action pump, waterproof phone case, repair kit

The Wild Air of the Italian manufacturer Safe is a board made for fishing. The very wide board is almost rectangular shaped. It gives great stability and can be used for yoga exercises, for example, because it is so safe in the water.

There is definitely enough space for your equipment. The Wild Air has an extra large luggage in front, another at the rear, small D-rings at the height of the center of gravity from the board and two sturdy steel rings in the front area. Wishes do not stay open.

Conclusion: The Wild Air is a really good board for anglers. Too bad I find it priced like the Indiana Fiji in the top league. But it is definitely a board that can be used for other SUP disciplines such as SUP yoga or water fitness training.

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SUP fishing or kayaking fishing: which is better?

Kayak fishing vs. SUP Fishing : Stand Up Paddling board as well as kayaks are great for fishing. However, both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. So what’s better?

SUP fishing

advantages

• You do not sit as deep as kayaks, you can look around much better. This is how you discover fish much more easily at a distance.
• SUP boards are much less deep in the water than kayaks. You can approach a swarm of fish so much better without them noticing you.
• In particular, inflatable Stand Up Paddling Board (all featured here are inflatable models) are much easier to transport and store . You do not need a big garage like the kayak. You also have room for a backpack in an apartment in a big city.
• When fishing you have more flexibility . You can turn around without realigning the board.
• You can stand on the SUP. This allows you to properly eject your fishing rod .

disadvantage

• At SUP boards the storage place is quite scarce . Really good space is only for a cool box. Kayaks offer much more storage space.
• SUP fishing requires more balance . Especially when casting the rod or during fast turns, this is not so easy. The chances of getting wet with a SUP are much higher than in a kayak.

kayak Fishing

advantages

• Unlike SUP boards, kayaks have a built-in seat . This is more comfortable than the subsequently mounted Stand Up Paddling boards.
• You are usually safer . The focus on the kayak is much closer to the water surface. The chance to fall into the water is much lower.
• You are better protected against low temperatures . Sitting on the SUP you are unprotected from all sides. For the kayak you can even get a blanket and put it over your legs.

disadvantage

• The transport of kayaks is more expensive . They are more difficult to get out of the water and storage requires more space. Also, you definitely need a roof rack.
• In the kayak you are sitting very deep . The view of the water is a bit limited. Fish shoals in the distance you can hardly recognize from this angle.

In terms of maneuverability and price, the two options are similar.

What is better, you have to decide for yourself. It also depends on the waters where you want to fish and your own kind of fishing.

What accessories you need for SUP fishing:

• SUP freezer
• Seat
• paddle holder
• D-rings
• life jacket
• Waterproof backpack
• SUP light
• Small anchor

Fishing SUP Board buying advice

In this section, I’ll focus on the features of the best Angel SUP boards.

So: What makes a good board for fishing actually?

I talked to Gernot about FishOnSup about this question .

He himself is a huge fan of SUP Fishing. He already started fishing in 1976. He started with SUP in 2010. Inspired by the American model, in 2015 he started fishing with SUP Fishing. Today he offers his own SUP fishing tours.

In his opinion, tipping stability, sufficient space for the equipment and sufficient volume for the additional load are the most important factors, if you are looking for a suitable board.

If you want to buy a new SUP Fishing Board, you should pay attention to the following features.

carrying capacity

Sufficient carrying capacity ensures that you have enough lift. Your board should be able to carry your weight, the weight of all your gear and your catch. Nothing is more annoying than a SUP board that has trouble lifting it.

size

Length:  A long board in combination with a wide construction and a reinforced and ideally arched edge would be ideal for a fishing trip. Such a board can accommodate a lot of accessories, has enough lift due to the length and you can move freely on it.

Width: Fishing on the board can be difficult if you do not have the necessary balance. For the casting of the rod and fishing in non-windless waters, your board should be slightly wider than the average SUP.

Pay attention to a width of at least 78 cm. This gives you enough stability.

Thickness: For fishing, your board must measure 15cm (6 inches) in thickness. With thick boards, no water splashes on the floor space. Even if you only wear socks, you will still have dry feet after the tour.

A thick board does not bend so much either. From troubled waters and small waves it is harder to impress.

Also keep in mind that buoyancy depends on volume. Thickness, width and length determine how high the load is. Board with a thickness of 15 cm therefore have a significantly higher maximum additional load than just 10 cm thick boards.

paddle holder

The perfect board has paddle holders. Once you get to your fishing spot, there is no longer any use for the paddle. Best you can stash it somewhere well. Using stanchions mounted on D-rings can also offer their own design.

Alternatively, you can at Paddle SUP Buy ensure that the paddle can be dismantled. These can be stretched comfortably in the front or rear luggage net.

grip

When paddling a safe stand is very important, but especially for fishing you need really good grip. This is especially important for your accessories. Finally, your should freezer not constantly slide back and forth. Nowadays, all boards have one of several types of top deck coating for more grip.

Hardboard or iSUP?

The key question, whether hardboard or (soft) inflatable SUP, has been discussed often enough. When naming one often simply the wrong thoughts.

If you hear the terms „hard“ and „soft“ and have to choose the more durable product, the answer would usually be „hard“. This is not the case with Stand Up Paddling Boards.

Hard means SUPs made of hard foam or epoxy. These hard boards are similar in size to surfboards.

Soft means inflatable boards. Pumped up, these are felt rock hard. They will not bend or break, but can easily be stowed in a rucksack after the tour. Even the claws of a dog can not harm the tear-resistant cover.

Meanwhile, the „soft“ variant accounts for over 90% of the market. You will hardly find hard boards because they are less practical, only about as durable and expensive.

D-rings and luggage nets

Space for accessories is super important at SUP Fishing. With no other sub discipline of Stand Up Paddling is sufficient storage space as valid as with SUP Fishing.

When buying, make sure your board has D-rings. At these you can tie up accessories. If everything else is perfect for a board, but the D-rings are missing, you can also retrofit the D-rings for a few Euros .

Alternatively, it also does a pre-assembled luggage network. The main thing is that you have enough loops, cords and rings. Then there are really no limits to your creativity and you can set the surface of the board the way you like it.

warranty

A warranty period in which manufacturing defects are taken on board is a great sign of confidence in the quality of their own products. In the SUP market a 1-year term is standard. Some brands even offer warranties for two or three years.

Five SUP Fishing Tips

Finally, a few tips for your first tours.

1. Get a fishing license

To fish almost everywhere you need a fishing license. Do a quick research on the required documents and get the bill easily. The cost of the fishing license (~ € 200) is much lower than the penalty for fishing without a license (thousands of euros / offense).

2. Bring only the essentials

A SUP board has strictly limited space on board. Also, it is limited in carrying capacity. So you should not take too many accessories with you. Especially on the first tour that may be very exciting and you want to test your entire new equipment properly.

Try to pack only the essentials. With too many things on board, you have trouble reaching the fishing location at all. You are also significantly limited in speed. In the end, you may lose expensive parts of your equipment.

It is best to take only the above-mentioned items, something to drink and your fishing equipment. Everything works.

3. Tie down your equipment

It is and remains a SUP board on which you are traveling. Everyone has ever fallen off the board. It’s best to imagine what would happen if your fully loaded SUP tips over and you expel all your gear – or worse – you see.

What would you want to save first? So that it can not come to this fright moment, you should fix all your equipment. Suitable for this are all types of D-rings, loops, cords and luggage nets.

Small parts are best stowed in a waterproof backpack or a drybag .

4. Pay attention to the weather report

Sitting on the SUP you are fully exposed to the weather conditions. If it rains, your board will quickly become slippery. In wind, paddling becomes very strenuous. For water with waves most boards are not made anyway. If the weather is windy or there is waves you will not enjoy SUP Fishing.

5. Bring a small anchor

When you need SUP fishing, you just need an anchor. It is enough even a small model like this onecompletely. Constantly drifting while you wait for the fish to bite is just too annoying.

FAQ

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Does it also do a normal SUP board?

In my list, there have also made individual normal allround boards. On the one hand, SUP Fishing is also Stand Up Paddling. On the other hand, this new SUP discipline is a very special twist.

The manufacturers have invested a lot of money and resources to develop special SUP boards that meet the requirements of SUP Fischer.

To begin with, a normal all-round board does have a few key characteristics, but in the long run, the specially made models are much better.

What is the best equipment for my fishing board?

One of the best purchases for your new board is a freezer. Twice used it acts as a storage place for snacks, drinks and your catch and it is also the ideal seat. Some manufacturers have built a backrest for maximum comfort.

Built-in fishing hooks and a lightweight anchor make your day even more comfortable. Your fishing equipment is best placed in a waterproof backpack. Little things you can also stow in a waterproof belt bag .

With a waterproof phone case , your phone is always there.

How stable is a Sup Fishing Board?

For fishing your board should be built very stable. I therefore recommend above-average boards that are 15 cm (6 inches) thick. With a normal length of about 320 cm, this gives your board enough lift to carry you and all the extra load through the baggage and your catch.

With such a board your feet will not get wet. In the summer this is a nice extra. If the temperatures fall below the comfort temperature in autumn you will be very happy about it. Even in winter, you can go properly dressed SUPs or you start the season early next spring.

Where to go with the fish?

Most anglers take a garbage bag with them, put the catch in the bags and stow it in the freezer. SUP anglers without a freezer simply have a bucket for the fish. If you are longer on the water in strong sunshine on the water, the bucket can heat up quickly.

Where do you pack the SUP paddle while fishing?

When fishing you want to be able to use both hands and do not constantly worry about the paddle. The common solution is paddle holder . If you have a collapsible paddle, you can also stow the items in a bag or in the luggage net.

Conclusion

SUP fishing can be a really great hobby that has many advantages over kayaking fishing. Equipped with the right board and the right accessories you can really have fun. I especially like the combination of the two quieter, meditative sports of fishing and Stand Up Paddling really good.

Almost all manufacturers are currently working on fishing rods and improving their existing models. It remains to be seen which features will be added in the next few years and whether the sport in this country can establish itself as it has already done to the USA.

It can not be mentioned often enough that all of the boards presented here for SUP fishing are just as suitable for SUP. Due to the wide design and strong edges, the boards provide excellent boards to explore and explore. Even with rougher waters, they do not have to hide thanks to the edges.

Further reading

• ISLE, Why SUP Fishing is the Next Big Thing , May 4, 2017
• ISLE,  Fishing Paddle Board Vs. Fishing Kayak: Which is better? , 19 January 2018
• takemefishing.org, How to Catch Fish

Kayak fishing vs. SUP fishing

What is better?

Kayak fishing gets new competition. Fishing on the Stand Up Paddling Board – or SUP Fishing for short – comes and it comes fast. Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen a new subdiscipline of Stand Up Paddling. SUP Yoga, Surfing, WindSUP and Whitewater SUP are just some of them. The manufacturers have also dared to merge fishing and stand up paddling.

Fishing from a kayak has already arrived in Germany. There are Youtube videos on the subject, blog posts and even your own forum .

For the catch-up, the SUP manufacturers have come up with a lot to make their boards perfect for anglers. The newest and best models of the Fishing SUPs are equipped with fishing route holders, various attachment options for the equipment and sometimes even a freezer that acts as a seat. For the best fishing experience, the boards are extra wide and thick, giving stability and sufficient lift for all equipment.

Without a doubt, SUP fishing is still pretty new. Kayaks for fishing have been around for a long time. Today I want to take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the two sports. SUP fishing vs. Kayak fishing, so to speak. What is better?

SUP vs kayaking

SUP boards and kayaks are great for fishing. But both have peculiarities, advantages and disadvantages. I look closer to these now.

transport

Different things have to be considered when comparing SUP fishing and kayaking. The transport is one of them. The result depends on what kind of vehicle you are driving. With a small car, you’ll have a hard time kayaking. Do not you live near water, you do not have much of a kayak.

At SUP it looks different. In particular, the inflatable iSUPs are very comfortable to transport. The evacuated envelope can be rolled up and stored in a backpack. So why not travel with the SUP? In fact, the boards can also get on the plane.

Longer distances on foot with the about 10 to 15 kg heavy backpacks are still exhausting – but still no comparison to kayaks or solid boards. The hardboards made of epoxy can be seen only rarely. The hard SUP boards are transported on roof racks.

The well-transportable inflatable SUP boards are also very practical in storage.

price

If you want to compare the pros and cons of something, a look at the price is one of them. After researching the prices in online shops, I came to the conclusion that prices hardly differ:

• Angel SUP Boards: 400 – 1200 €
• Fishing kayaks: 350 – 1100 €

Fitness for fishing

If you look at the fishing itself, you will notice significant differences. The biggest difference is that you are kayaking while standing on the SUP. To stand for several hours in a row is very exhausting. Here you can find SUP freezers . These freezers have a practical dual function.

1. Keep your snacks, drinks and catch cool.
2. Serve as a comfortable seat.

But standing on the SUP also has advantages. So you have a better view. The steeper angle on the water allows you to spot fish shoals. Furthermore, the ejection of the fishing rod is much better.

The kayak can score with plenty of storage space. The SUP itself offers no storage space. And there is no room for unlimited fish in the mountable freezer.

With kayaks and SUP boards you are very agile on the water. The speed does not differ significantly, but with all the equipment on board it is not the deciding factor.

I think that you are even more agile with the SUP. Turns go faster and you can move around the board better and freer. For example, you can just flip your seat and throw the fishing rod in a different direction.

The maneuverability of Stand Up Paddling goes a bit at the expense of stability. Even if you are extremely tip-over on fishing SUP boards, the chance of getting into the water is greater with SUP boards than with kayaks.

Kayaks dive deep into the water, while SUP boards rest wide on the water surface. This will allow you to slowly sneak up on your prey with a SUP board.

Conclusion

Really say, whether kayaking fishing or SUP fishing is better, you can not. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Although I come from Stand Up Paddling and would also prefer fishing while kayaking. Someone with a lot of experience in kayaking might contradict me. Ultimately, both are great fishing options. The main thing is that you have fun.

WindSUP boards

The best inflatable windsurf SUP boards

SUP Boards »WindSUP Boards

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We all know the jokes of die-hard surfers about Stand Up Paddling. From air mattresses is talked. The fact that all the equipment for SUP fits in a carrying case is only laughed at. The hardcore surfers are right: In the high-tech world of windsurfing, where one innovation chases the next, inflatable SUP boards look like better dinghies.

Material Windsurf SUP: „Everything fits in a backpack“

From the point of view of Stand Up Paddlers, windsurfing is absolutely overcrowded with the whole material. Whether kitesurfers, skiers, golfers and football players – no athlete needs as much material as windsurfers. For hardly any sport, a garage is needed to store the equipment. Not to mention that you almost have to take anabolic steroids to haul all the stuff. And still have to walk back and forth several times between the parking lot and the beach.

Let’s take a look outside the box, see WindSUP. The complete equipment for the combination of windsurfing and stand up paddling fits into the trunk of a Smarts. This is also possible with classic windsurfing – all you need is a junk press. Specifically, the equipment for WindSUP fits into a large backpack. This can be transported easily. When you arrive back home, the backpack is tucked away in one and it’s done.

The structure is really simple. Nothing can be done wrong here. The board is unrolled, and half inflated. Then Finn, Mastspur and sword box are used. Now you can inflate the board completely. Usually the recommended air pressure for windsurf SUP boards is 15 to 20 PSI. Unpacked, pumped up and set up in 15 minutes.

Driving characteristics of windsurf SUP boards

The driving characteristics are of course the most important element if we want to answer the question of whether or not WindSUP boards are suitable. You can not lump all the models together. In the earlier models, the manufacturers were a bit too lazy.

Essentially, some of the iWindSUPs built around 2013 and 2014 had a mast foot insert, but the design of the board was not designed for windsurfing at all. The round, thick edges of the tail of classic SUP boards were sucking deeper and deeper into the wind while windsurfing – there was no way to talk about weightless gliding over the water.

For the first time in 2015, Starboard introduced sharp tear-off edges on the Airplane model. Already with the slow bobbing a difference is noticeable. The power in the sail is converted much more efficiently into speed. The transition to gliding happens abruptly. The flow at the bottom of the board tears off cleanly. The holding of the sail is not always more strenuous, but suddenly easier from a certain speed.

Below I will introduce what I believe are the best WindSUPs. Then I’ll go into more detail on what makes a good windsurfing SUP.

The best WindSUPs

In my opinion these models are the best SUP boards for windsurfing. For some offers, one sail is included – not others. In another guide from me you will find the best WindSUP sails .

The short answer: The best WindSUP boards

1. Aqua Marina Champion – My recommendation for beginners
2. Z-ray W1 – The versatile savings offer
3. Red Paddle co WindSUP – the right choice for professionals
4. Mistral Santa Anna Wind iSUP – The High-End Board
5. Starboard SUP Windsurfing – The Race variant
6. Aqua Marina Blade – The too cheap model?

Aqua Marina Champion

• Sail is with us.
• Length: 300 cm
• Width: 75 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Accessories: air pump, Magic bag, vest

The Aqua Marina Champion from the 2018 series with the Modelle Blade (also published in 2018) together are the only Windsurf SUP boards of the manufacturer that is always convinced by price-performance and whose boards are often among the bestsellers. The „champion“ carries paddlers up to a weight of 120 kilograms.

Above all, three aspects convince me of the champion of Aqua Marina. First, a matching sail is included. So you do not have to look for a suitable rigger. Here you get everything you need in one package. The best thing about the 3 m² sail is the comfortable transport. That’s right, because the sail can be divided into three equal parts.

Second, Aqua Marinas Champion offers foot straps. For other boards, non-slip topcoating is the standard. Corresponding crocodile or diamond decks are much more slip-resistant than the first models, but windsurfing needs more. I think it’s good that Aqua Marina goes the extra mile here, putting on four foot straps and trimming their boards more towards the windsurfing board than that it’s just a SUP board with special features.

And third, the accessories leaves nothing to be desired. Next to the board and the sails, the champion has a vest, a pump, the Magic backpack, the Finns and a paddle holder.

The hard-cutting edges in the rear ensure that the champion does not pull deeper and deeper under water while accelerating, but the current abruptly breaks off at a speed and you can go into gliding. For WindSUP boards, this is a fineness that is sometimes neglected but enormously important.

Conclusion: The champion is the optimal choice for windsurf beginners. As long as you have clothes, you do not have to worry about anything about your equipment. The champion is fixed, offers you thanks to the foot straps a super safe stand.

It’s not a performance monster, but provides the ideal starting point for the first time windsurfing. Apart from that, the board (only the rear fin stuck in) can also be used for stand up paddling. And that’s all there for a fair price.

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Z-ray W1

• Sail is with us.
• Length: 305 cm
• Width: 81 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Accessories: sail, paddle, backpack, air pump

Z-ray is a SUP manufacturer of the first hour. But now you venture into new realms, if that is good?

First, the most important thing: The Z-ray W1 comes with a sail and is suitable for paddlers with a weight of up to 120 kilograms.

I really like the swordfisher as a dolphin-like „Dagger Finn“ by Aqua Marina. The reason for this is the much better directional stability in the elongated sword fins. This design also increases tipping stability, but slightly reduces the maneuverability. Looking at the overall picture of the sword fins, the SUP trims it more towards windsurfing than standing up paddling. For double use, the sword fin is removed in SUP mode .

The Z-ray unfortunately has no foot straps. You can do it safely thanks to an EVA deck. This deckpad does not differ from pads on normal stand up paddling boards. The grip is pretty good, but if you’re hanging right in the boom and the surface of the board is wet, I’d rather have foot straps.

Not convinced yet? That speaks for the Z-ray W1. According to the manufacturer, it has a universal thread, in which all windsurf sails fit, the W1 can also be used in three times as a kayak (a seat can be mounted), SUP and windsurfing board.

Conclusion: The Z-ray is my savings recommendation. For a very fair price you really get everything you need for Stand Up Paddling and WindSUPing. Board, paddle and sail in one allow you many different uses. It is very fitting that the SUP is an all-round board, with which you are very free in any case. From longer tours, to leisurely family outings, to a trip for which you convert the SUP into a kayak (seat + double paddle must be purchased extra).

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Red Paddle co WindSUP

• Sail is not included.
• Length: 323 cm
• Width: 84 cm
• Thickness: 12 cm
• Accessories: paddle, leash, double stroke pump, backpack

Red Paddle co is one of the top manufacturers of SUP boards. In the high-priced segment, boards of this brand have often proven their class. But does that work on WindSUP boards?

With a capacity of 296 liters, the WindSUP carries paddlers weighing up to 120 kilograms. The buoyancy WindSUP receives not primarily by the thickness. The shape of the board of Red Paddle co is much flatter (12 cm instead of the usual 15 cm) and very wide with 84 cm. The large surface of the SUPs lets it slide much more over the water, which makes it particularly suitable for windsurfing.

Otherwise, the board is also fully designed for windsurfing. A US midfender box widens the tail fin and ensures a more stable run. The deckpad is an elegant crocodile design. In the back you have a special grippy piece of the cover, which is embossed in diamond shape.

You are looking for a luggage net here in vain. For WindSUP this is not used anyway. The design looks very simple and tidy and you can move more freely while surfing.

Conclusion: The board is really great. A big drawback is the high price, for which there is only the red board.

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Mistral Santa Anna Wind iSUP

• Sail is not included.
• Length: 348 cm
• Width: 78 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Equipment: –

Although the design of the WindSUP Mistral Santa Anna is suspiciously similar to a Hinkelstein from Obelix, the driving characteristics of the board have nothing to do with it. The unconventional design makes the Santa Anna namely a top WindSUP.

The wedge shape with ascending width to the rear makes the board very sleek. Who suspects that the tipping stability suffers, is also wrong. The wide rear makes the Santa Anna namely virtually inaccessible. The bow is bent so that it does not dive into the water at full speed.

In SUP mode, you will notice almost no difference to conventionally shaped boards. Only the Mistral Santa Anna lacks a bit of directional stability. With a little trick you can help: Just put both Finns in the board during the next SUP Tour. So you improve the straight-ahead driving enormously.

A criticism of my side remains. The luggage net in the stern can interfere with windsurfing and even become dangerous. With the feet you can get caught in the thin strings too easily. For good reason, no other manufacturer has attached a luggage net in the rear area.

Conclusion:  Mistral’s board is perfect as WindSUP and SUP board. The form may seem idiosyncratic, but has advantages for windsurfing, without bringing disadvantages in stand up paddling. The clever design ensures that the board shoots like an arrow through the water. The board is available as a 10’6 „version (320 cm long) and as an 11’5“ version (348 cm long). Both boards are well suited. The longer variant falls rather in the category Touring boards, which are due to their strong straight-line better suited for WindSUP.

Customer feedback: The reviews of the buyers are mostly positive. The maneuverability and speed of the WindSUP is praised in it. Above all, there is criticism regarding the supplied pump, which would not reach the recommended air pressure of 19 PSI.

With air pumps, which are included, there are often complaints of this kind. Therefore, I quickly switched to a Doppelhubpumpe . With the pumping is faster and easier anyway. If you want, you can also buy an electric pump for the SUP .

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Starboard Zen WindSUP

• Sail is with us
• Length: 350 cm
• Width: 76 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Accessories: pump, carrying bag , repair kit , Dybag (waterproof bag)

The Starboard from the Zen series is a true-to-life racing machine. In my comparison, it’s not just the longest SUP, but also the shortest board at the same time. The enormous speed potentials of the normal SUP can be transferred to windsurfing.

The design causes problems with conventional boards because of the tilt stability, counter Starboard with a fin in the rear and a large fin in the middle of the board. For surfing at higher speeds, the spoiler lip is very important. For this purpose, Starboard has developed its own technology („3D Rail Edge“), which allows the board to slide over the water.

The difference of windsurfing on SUP should be even clearer on the Zen Windsup Board. For this purpose, Staboard has decided to make the US midfielder’s box removable. This will help you avoid unnecessary extra weight on your SUP tours.

Conclusion: With the Staboard Zen WindSUP you have a real power part. Hereby the highest speeds can be realized. The spoiler lip and two fins are given and allow windsurfing at high speeds. Foot straps, removable fins and top accessories further enhance the overall package.

As far as the laughing eye. The crying eye you get when looking at the price. Whether the price is worth it or not, you have to decide for yourself. If you just want speed, you have the right board with the Starboard Zen.

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Aqua Marina Blade

• Sail is with us.
• Length: 330 cm
• Width: 80 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Accessories: Air pump, sails with bag, paddle holder, Magic Backpack and repair kit

The Aqua Marina Blade is (beside the champion ) the second board of the 2018 series of Aqua Marina, which was made for SUP windsurfing. The blade is suitable for paddlers who weigh less than 100 kilograms.

The sail of the board is 5 m² and thus measures more than the sail of the champion (3 m²). That does not necessarily mean more speed, because the blade is also much longer and therefore needs a higher moment.

Aqua Marina is known for inflatable boards. The biggest advantage of the iSUPs – the comfortable transport – was also thought of in the Blade. The included mast can be divided into four parts. This allows the material to carry well to the water.

The Aqua Marina Blade is nothing to complain about. There are foot loops, a non-slip EVA deck, two fins are attached, the board has a hard spoiler lip at the rear and the matching sail is included.

Conclusion: The Blade gets as well as the Champion a buy recommendation from me. Both are top boards for beginners. The Champion has the small 3 m² sail, while the 5 m² sail of the blade really gets you on board.

Price is very fair. Considering that you are buying a complete set with board and sail, the price-performance ratio fits. It is questionable how it relates to the production errors described by customers .

Customer reviews : The customer reviews are amazingly different for the blade. On the one hand, the driving experience is described as positive. On the other hand, several customers seem to have problems with the tightness of the attachment of the mast base.

Basically, this is in my opinion no reason not to buy the board, because usually only the people to speak, in which errors have occurred. Everyone else prefers spending their weekends on the water than writing reviews on Amazon.

Surely this is just a problem that affects only a few batches.

If something is wrong with the WindSUP, it can still be returned. My experiences in communication with Aqua Marina have always been very positive.

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WindSUP in the video

Windsurfing SUP Guide

Rig

In order for you to find the right kind of offer for you, the following factors are important:

• driving skills
• application
• Board type
• wind Range

WindSUP beginners

Windsurfing or WindSUP beginners with little or no windsurfing experience (for example, a windsurfing taster course visited) should always resort to complete sets. It can be either a set of board and matching rig or a wind SUP sail as a complete set.

For beginners, the benefits are clear. You do not have to deal with the material much, because the individual elements have already been coordinated by the manufacturer. In addition, the cost of the sets (ie each variant board + rig or only the complete set of the rig) are often well below the prices in single purchase. Typically, you can also build the complete trigs very easily.

In terms of maximum speed, the finished sets can not quite keep up. Instead of performance, the sails are geared for easy handling. Weak point are usually the items in the sets (mast, boom or mast base). However, I like the rigs of the premium manufacturers very well. At Mistral and Red Paddle co has top components that can be later combined with another sail.

Experienced windsurfers

Experienced windsurfers usually know the sails well. My note here: The WindSUP boards are larger than SUP boards and therefore react a bit slower. Looking for a sail with at least 5.5 m² for tricking in light wind.

The Golden middle

Have you already gained some experience in windsurfing, but you are far from being a professional, then there are now two options open to you.

1. complete
2. Board + individually built rig

Windsurfing is a real battle of material. You should consider whether you want to get into this technical aspect of the sport at all. The right material finally wants to be selected and then coordinated.

An individually designed rig, of course, also promises benefits. In addition to a higher performance you are often more flexible, because you can also drive another sail with mast and boom, for example.

Rule: Big board, big sail

You can not combine a 13’0 ‚long touring board with a 5 m² sail. Boards this length need counter moment, which you only get by much larger sails. That’s the only way you can reasonably jibe and turn around. The basic rule is: bigger board -> bigger sail.

The board

The basic rule of the board is that the longer and narrower, the better the straight-line stability that matters when windsurfing. Surfboards are already narrower than SUP boards anyway. The average SUP board measures 320 x 80 x 15 cm.

The different board classes at SUP

• Kids: 7’0 „to 8’6“ (238 cm to 258 cm)
• Wave: 9’0 „to 9’8“ (274 cm to 290 cm)
• Allround: 10 ‚to 11’5 „(304 cm to 330 cm)
• Touring: 11’5 „to 12’0“ (330 cm to 384 cm)
• Race: 12’0 „to 14’0“ (384 cm to 427 cm)

For a real surfing experience especially boards of the touring class offer, which are slightly longer and narrow boards.

When looking for a suitable board you must pay attention to the following thing:

• You can attach a rig: no joke! During my research, I also came across some wrongly categorized products.
• Has a central fin and a fin in the rear area: SUPs have not enough directional stability. For windsurfing you need both Finns. If there is a SUP tour, only the rear fin will get into the board.
• Has non-slip base or foot straps: The stand is important when windsurfing. The SUP boards have non-slip surfaces by themselves. In my experience, diamond deckpads offer the safest possible stand. For example, Red Paddle Co also uses it. The board is covered by a normal non-slip deckpad. For maneuvers there is a diamond pad in the rear area for maximum grip.

fin

All WindSUPs offer the possibility to mount an additional fin in the middle of the board as sword replacement. For surf beginners and in little wind, this makes climbing extremely easy.

Your job with the Finns is very simple. When SUPing you need only the rear fin. For WindSUP, the rear and the fin must be inserted in the middle of the board. They are typically identical fins.

The Finn should have the sword shape. This construction gives Kippstablität and above all a safe directional stability.

What do you need for WindSupen?

The accessory is similar to the equipment for stand up paddling.

• board
• Sail (rig)
• Leash
• life jacket

Conclusion

Certainly no passionate racer, waver or freestyler will run to the nearest pawnbroker to order a WindSUP board with money. Nevertheless, WindSUP offers a huge potential. On the one hand, there is the possibility that inflatable windsurfing more slides into the mainstream. This would be especially the convenient transport. On the other hand, I expect the WindSUPs to make it easier for them to start windsurfing, and for the next few years and decades, we will always see new faces arriving with their packed backpacks and standing on the water fifteen minutes later.

FAQ

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An inflatable windsurfing board? Who is doing that?

There have always been people and we always, who are critical of a new development and are looking for reasons why it can not be a good alternative. If we would always stick to these people and never listen to the visionaries and tinkerers who do not allow themselves to be distracted by small steps backwards because they see the big picture, there would still be horse-drawn carriages on the streets today: „Who wants to refuel? The horses can graze everywhere. And a gas station network does not exist!?! „.

On inflatable SUP boards we have all the characteristics of a true innovation: new technology that is catching up fast. In terms of performance (ie speed and maneuverability) WindSUPs are still behind. Whether that ever changes, remains to be seen. They do not have to be better than classic windsurfing boards and sails because they have massive advantages in terms of transport, construction and storage of the equipment. In addition, the double use as normal SUP is possible. And SUP is a sport for the youngest and the oldest. The whole family has something of that. Who can say that about his windsurfing equipment?

Are WindSUPs something for the family?

The inflatable combination of windsurfing board and classic SUP board is a great thing for kids and the family. The double use is especially great, because SUP is really a sport for young and old. So why not bring the kid on board? Even athletic adults have learned to stand up paddling in less than half an hour.

Furthermore, the WindSUPs are also a great opportunity for the sport itself. Windsurfing has slipped a bit out of fashion. A few young people away from the windsurfing hotspots are very interested in sports. Reason for this is in my opinion also the high material intensity.

This is associated with high initial purchase costs, much needed knowledge (what should I buy, how do I build that, is it broken or does it have to be that way?) And a lot of time flowing into the equipment.

WindSUP could be a cost-effective, easy and fast solution to tackle the most important issues and ultimately increase the flow of young people in particular.

How much wind do you need for WindSUP windsurfing?

That depends on the size of the sail. But even at 6 or 7 knots, light WindSUPs start to slip. WindSUP is the right choice, especially in light wind conditions. At more than 8 knots, first maneuvers can be given.

How fast can you get with WindSUP boards?

The boys and girls from surf magazine have already made it to 40 km / h. If you look at the development, higher speeds will surely be achieved in the near future.

Do you carry a leash in WindSUPing?

Yes, you wear a leash at WindSupen.

The leash is attached to the board and your ankle. If you fall into the water, this tether extends to several meters. But you’re connected to your board so it can not swim away.

When buying a Leah, be sure to look for the property coiled. These tethers are curled and correspondingly short. Only when falling do they expand. This is important because previous versions of the leashs often got caught in underwater plants or on rocks.

Further reading

• surf magazine, free article , 2016
• adventure travel, Wind SUP: is that possible? , September 14, 2015

WindSUP sails

The best windsurf SUP sails and some curios

SUP Boards » WindSUP » WindSUP sails

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WindSUP is conquering Germany, but not in the storm – in the light wind SUP and windsurfing beginners can have their fun. Many of the WindSUP boards come in complete packages consisting of a board and a matching sail, some models include only one board.

That raises the question as to which WindSUP sail is the best. There are different variants: From the folding rig to the inflatable rig everything is possible. Some hobbyists have also tried their own designs .

If the combination of windsurfing and SUP is not exhausting enough, you can take your workout to the next level. According to the motto „Who needs a mast?“ The sail was developed by PaddleboardSails .

If you really want to learn windsurfing, the fun designs are out of the question. It needs a normal sail.

The short answer: The best windsurf SUP sail

1. Red Paddle Co Ride WindSUP 4,5 m² – My recommendation: The best WindSUP sail
2. Mistral WindSUP sail 4,5 m² – The classic windsurf sail for SUP boards
3. Fanatic Inflatable WindSUP Rig – For Kids and Fun

Below I introduce some of the best products. After that I explain what makes a good WindSUP sail. Surely you are interested in my other guides to WindSUP accessories like my guides to SUP life jackets or SUP Leashes .

Mistral WindSUP sail 4,5 m²

• Sail sizes: 3.0 m² / 4.5 m² / 5.3 m²

Depending on your windsurfing experience, your weight and the wind force, you will surely find your suitable model with the different sized sails (3, 4.5 or 5.3 m²). For children, rather offer the 3 square meter variant. The last two sizes are suitable for adults.

I particularly like the four-part mast. Disassembled into individual parts, this fits into the only 1.2 meter long bag supplied. In general, the transport is very comfortable, because all the accessories of the sail fits into the single bag. Only for the board you have to find another transport option.

The sail comes with the matching bag, mast, mast foot, leash and assembly instructions.

The material was chosen monofilm, which is not only the standard in modern windsurfing sails, but above all guarantees good propulsion. The boards are especially designed for beginners to windsurfing. Even in unfavorable wind conditions, the sail catches the wind so well and offers good propulsion thanks to the low weight of the board and sail.

Conclusion:  The Mistral WindSUP sail is in my opinion the best WindSUP sail. Here you have a modern WindSUP sail, with which you can wonderfully learn the basics of windsurfing. At the same time, the known advantages of Stand Up Paddling (light construction, easy transport) have been incorporated into the development. I credit Mistral for being able to construct a sail for transport in a backpack.

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Red Paddle Co Ride WindSUP

• Sail size: 1.5 m² / 2.5 m² / 3.5 m² / 4.5 m²

For the permanent all-round visibility, almost the entire sail is transparent. Especially for beginners, this is a crucial aspect. Other sails often do not.

The Sail Ride by Red Paddle Co is available in four sail sizes 1.5 m², 2.5 m², 3.5 m² and 4.5 m². The first two sizes are suitable for children. The variants 3.5 m² and 4.5 m² are suitable for teenagers and adults who are starting their WindSUP career.

For the sail, there is a bag in which the sail, the boom and the mast foot can be stowed. The mast is in two parts. Otherwise, the ride is not very comfortable in transport.

Red Paddle recruits to produce sails since 1980. Evil tongues would claim that the design of the Ride was probably created at that time. I think it’s really cool, because the old design has something minimalist.

Conclusion: I think the sail of Red Paddle co „Ride“ for a very good WindSUP sail. One of the best that exists. In combination with the WindSUP Board by Red Paddle co you have a really solid – unfortunately expensive – equipment for windsurfing. The transport is much more comfortable than with conventional epoxy windsurfing boards.

For me personally, Red Paddle Co has given away potential. Why does not the sail fit in a backpack? Essentially, a classic windsurfing sail is tuned to SUPs and sold as a WindSUP sail. I would like to see a future in which board, sails and all the accessories fit into a maximum of two backpacks that I can still wear and, ideally, roll. Red Paddle co does not deliver this yet.

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Fanatic Inflatable WindSUP Rig – for kids and fun

• Sail size: XS / S / M / L

Fanatic dares something with their new WindSUP rig. The whole thing is completely inflatable. On the scale of inflatable SUP boards to classic windsurfing Fanatics iWindSUP is on the side of SUP boards.

The idea is super cool, of course. With only 1.2 kilograms (XS for children up to 6 years) up to a maximum of 2.2 kilograms (L for adults), the air-filled sail is damned light.

A big plus is also that the construction almost nothing has to be done except the pure inflation. After all, it is a coherent filling chamber. The matching handles are also available.

The Fanatic is more suitable for children. The super light sails can also be kept by the little ones. The concept of windsurfing without power is nothing for someone who really wants to learn windsurfing, because later on real sailing simply the habituation is missing.

You can always have fun with the Fanatic iWindSUPs!

Conclusion: I like the idea of ​​Fanatic really well. Not for nothing has the inflatable WindSUP sail been voted Product of the Year 2016/17 at the world’s largest sporting goods fair. In a nutshell: For kids top – for windsurfers learning flop.

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Which parts do I need to build a WindSUP?

As you have seen, many manufacturers offer complete rigs. If you want to build a WindSUP yourself, you have to understand these components.

mast

Most masts are made of carbon, fiberglass or a mixture of both materials. The length depends on the sail. Typically, these are 400 to 450 cm long masts. Normal masts are divided into two parts. For iWindSUPs, the masts are often divided into three or four. This facilitates transport.

mast

The mast foot connects the board to the mast. The foot is movable in three directions. The mast base is bolted to the mast base of the WindSUP. On the other side either a trim adapter or a mast extension is attached.

Mast extension

Depending on the model type, the mast is linked to the mast either by length-adjustable mast foot extension or by trim adapter. With the foot extension you can extend the mast length by 30 to 45 cm. In this way you can sail different sized sails with one and the same mast.

boom

The boom is what connects you to the sail and board. The materials that should be considered are carbon, aluminum or mixtures of both materials.

sail

The sail is the most important part of a rig. As with windsurfing, the individual sails are available in different sizes and for different applications.

Tampen

With ropes and leashes, you’ll string and trim the sail. They serve to produce the so-called luffing tension or the clew tension on the boom. Usually, the rope is already included in the scope of delivery of Mastfußverlängerungen, booms or in complete sets.

Further reading

• windsurfen-lernen.de
• surf Magazine: Learn to Windsurf
• ISPO – Products of the Year 2016/17

Image sources: Cover picture: Red Paddle co

SUP Yoga

Better than on land?

SUP Yoga is a new trend from the USA. In Stand Up Paddling  or short SUP is a new water sports. Standing on a special board , you move on to the SUP with a paddle.

The Stand Up Paddling was invented by surf instructors. They always wanted to keep an eye on their students and still make rapid progress. So they stood on the board and used a paddle to get going.

Et voilà a new sport was born. Today, SUP is one of the fastest growing sports in Germany and inspires tens of thousands of new athletes each season regardless of age.

Meanwhile, some yoga fans have discovered SUP for themselves and shifted their exercises to the board. What benefits SUP Yoga has over land-based yoga, you will learn now.

SUP Yoga presented in the video

In this Youtube video Wanderlust introduces very cinematic SUP Yoga.

SUP Yoga needs a suitable board and suitable accessories. What you need to look out for and which boards we recommend you will find in our article about Yoga SUP boards.

In short, these are the benefits of SUP Yoga:

# 1 Optimal abdominal training

# 2 Find and activate rarely used muscle

# 3 Healthy exercise & body tension

# 4 Vitamin D

# 5 Fresh air and wonderful nature

# 1 Optimal abdominal training

For SUP Yoga you first have to learn to handle the Stand Up Paddling Board. The entry is quick and first moments of success are quickly set.

For a secure stance on the board, you need a good leg and abdominal muscles. Whether you’re paddling, exercising or practicing SUP yoga for fun, you can do so. The board is so destabilized by wind gusts and the swell that your abdominal muscles for stabilization are indispensable.

Anyone who is regularly on a SUP shows how effective the body tension training is.

# 2 Find and activate rarely used muscles

Not only people who practice yoga know that there are muscles that are difficult to activate.

In classical yoga, you will stumble upon tasks such as „touch the ground with all four corners of your feet“ or „fold your inner thighs around your arms“ ( Kranich ). Quite a few scratching their heads and wondering if they really do the exercises properly.

You have no choice on the SUP. Every little movement activates this hard-to-find muscle. Every wave and gust requires a small shift in your weight and tension in a variety of body parts.

In particular, the already demanding yoga exercises, the hard-to-activate, „sleeping“ muscles are awakened. Exercises on the water bring you to a whole new level and you can feel it on land.

# 3 Healthy exercise & body tension

At the present time, there is a massive lack of natural movement. For pain caused by sitting on office chairs for a long time, there are many exercises . Even the unhealthily curved body position when using mobile phones has already been given a name: smartphone neck .

The posture and movement on the SUP is much more natural. The stand is always upright on the board. A properly performed paddle stroke, as well as the numerous SUP yoga exercises, generally trains back, shoulders, abdomens, many small muscles, and body tension.

# 4 Vitamin D

Vitamin D and calcium are the basis for strong bones. The sun-formed vitamin D helps to deposit calcium into the bones. Contrary to popular belief, however, this lasts 10 to 15 minutes per week .

With Stand Up Paddling or SUP Yoga you should pay attention to the protection of the skin. Wear a correspondingly high sunscreen.

# 5 Fresh air and wonderful nature

SUP Yoga offers fresh air, connection with water and nature. That does not exist in the studio. In any case, we spend too little time outdoors in nature anyway. So what if you spend your time at the gym near the gym or yoga class in the gym?

An experience is SUP Yoga anyway. The wind on the skin, the chirping of the birds and what rocking the waves is an experience for body and mind.

Children SUP

The best kids SUP boards presented

SUP Boards »Kids SUP Boards

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You want to share your hobby Stand Up Paddling with your kids and are looking for the right board? Your kids also want to try SUP, but with your board, you do not want to take their fun in the beginning? Search forums for days, watch Youtube videos, read customer reviews and reviews but do not want to?

Then you are exactly right here. I’m pretty good with SUP boards and I know what kids like and do not like on a board.

Getting into SUP is very important. Much depends on the board. If it does not work out in the first hour, children will quickly find it stupid. In my guide, you’ll find out quickly and easily what to look for when buying a board.

And much more practical: I’ll give you direct recommendations for the best models.

What does children mean?

In my estimation you can already reach from 1.55 m height and 60 kg body weight to a normal SUP board for your child.

Surfing is probably still too much for your child. But who knows, everyone once started small with the right board.

Is a child SUP necessary? Why Adult SUP Boards are not good for kids

The classic all-round board measures 320 cm x 80 cm x 15 cm. For children, this is simply way too big. The board has so much buoyancy that maneuverability can not be talked about anymore. While we hit our own axis with just a few paddle strikes, children barely manage to do so even if they drill their toes in the back with their toes.

The paddling itself is also difficult for children. The boards at the SUP are all quite wide. As an adult, you do not think about it, because you are paddling from above. For children, it is very difficult to paddle next to the board. The result is that the little ones reach the water only at an angle with the paddle. This is not only inefficient, but the attitude is also quite unnatural.

The ideal kids SUP board

The common manufacturers have recognized the problem and developed smaller, lighter models for children. Meanwhile Fanatic, JP-Australia, RRD, Aqua Marina, Starboard and co have their own kids SUP boards on offer.

The ideal SUP board for kids should fulfill some specific features. First, it should be inexpensive. I do not mean cheap but worth the price. With Kinder SUP Boards the prices are just as different from several hundred to several thousand Euros. Your child certainly does not need a 2000 € high-end carbon racing machine from a top brand. Much more important is the durability. Light weight is another plus as it makes transport easier and makes the board more mobile in the water.

Second, the length of the board is important. A child SUP board is 8 to 9 feet (258 cm to 290 cm) long. It’s just so long that your kid gets the board back to the water and back alone. The short boards are also much easier to maneuver, which is sure to be a lot of fun for your child.

Third, the perfect SUP must provide sufficient tilt stability. The learning of SUP on a lake is not difficult. Your child will have a good feeling for the board after 30 minutes at the latest. If it does not work out in the beginning for too long, it’s frustrating. Therefore, pay attention to tilt-stable boards. So you and your kid keep the fun of the thing.

Below I present what I believe are the best SUP boards for children . Later I go to the best big boards where you can paddle together with your kids Stand Up .

The best SUP boards for kids

The short version: The best boards for kids

1. Brast Striker Kids SUP – Top suitable for up to 50 kilograms
2. Aqua Marina Vibrant – Top for kids / teens up to 70 kilograms
3. BIC Sport Kids SUP – The top quality high-end choice

Brast Striker kids SUP

• Length: 213 cm
• Width: 71 cm
• Thickness: 10 cm
• Accessories: pump, air pump, transport backpack

The Brast Striker is suitable for children weighing up to 50 kilograms. With a 3-fin setup with two lateral and one central fin, the Striker offers very good stability, gives initial errors and is stable in the water.

At the D-rings in front a luggage net is fastened. The rear D-ring is ideal for attaching a leash (a tether). At 5.2 kilograms, the board is unbelievably light and therefore easy to transport, but thanks to double edge reinforcement it is really sturdy.

Conclusion: The model Striker by Brast is a very exciting choice. You get a very solid SUP that comes with a pump and a suitable transport backpack. The incredibly low price is the ideal chance to bring your kids to SUP.

The Striker is my recommendation. In my opinion it is the ideal kids SUP board.

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Aqua Marina Vibrant Kids SUP Board

• Length: 266 cm
• Width: 75 cm
• Thickness: 10 cm
• Accessories: high pressure pump, backpack, coil leash, paddle

The board is pretty stable. Thanks to double-layer technology (2-layer construction) and 10 mm thick skin, the board is quite insensitive to stones, dog claws and other sharp things.

The 170 liter Aqua Marina Vibrant is ideal for kids and teens up to 70 kilograms. In the weight of course, the weight for any accessories such as drinking, clothing, life jacket and snacks with a.

Conclusion: With the Vibrant you buy a whole set. Fin, leash, paddle, rucksack and air pump are included in the purchase price in addition to the yellow and black board.

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BIC Sport Kids Stand Up Paddling Board

• Length: 256 cm
• Width: 71 cm
• Thickness: 10 cm
• Accessories: backpack, pump

The BIC Sport is a lightweight and extra stiff board. Ideal it is suitable for children up to 45 kilograms. The board is extremely agile, which is why it is sometimes used as a Wave SUP.

For a secure stand, the SUP is equipped with an EVA deckpad (a non-slip surface).

Conclusion:  With BIC Sport you can not go wrong. Top quality for the little ones is guaranteed here. With a maximum load of 45 kilograms, it is suitable for children and less for young people. Priced this SUP but also in a higher league than the other models.

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The equipment for children at the SUP

With the board alone, it is not quite done. In any case, you need a suitable Kinder SUP paddle. How do you find this and which accessories are still important, I explain now.

The right paddle for your child

Normal SUP paddles are not a good choice for kids because they can not grab them properly. Children’s paddles must be shorter. With a simple test you can determine the optimal paddle length for children.

The height that your child reaches with an outstretched arm (without tiptoe) is ideal for the Kinder SUP paddle.

If you are not measuring now, it is best to choose a paddle that is 15 to 20 cm larger than your child.

The ideal paddle should be lightweight, small, sturdy and adjustable:

• Easy, because it makes your child paddle easier.
• Klein means an area of ​​the paddle sheet of ideally about 450 to 550 cm². If the paddle blade is larger, paddling in the water becomes too strenuous.
• Adjustable paddles are great in that they can easily grow with the size of your child.

Make sure that the paddle floats as well. Otherwise, the trip is over quickly.

The best kids SUP paddle

Mistral Tamari kids paddle

• Adjustable length: 150 – 190 cm
• Weight: 610 g
• Paddle blade size: 462 cm²
• three-piece, with extra small knob, paddle bag is included in the price

Conclusion: I like the paddle Tamari best. The weight is great. This is achieved by lightweight materials fiberglass and carbon. Another advantage of the material, fiberglass has a more pleasant surface temperature. The shaft and the handle do not feel cold.

The paddle blade of the Tamari is smaller than that of paddles for adults. The resistance of this model is thus lower and children are better off. A paddle bag is available for purchase.

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Red paddle SUP paddle for kids

• Adjustable length: 130 – 170 cm
• Weight: 910 g
• three-piece, made of aluminum with nylon blade, floats

Conclusion: Red Paddle is a top company. The paddle is a good choice for kids but I find the weight a bit too high.

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jobe freedomstick SUP paddle for kids

• Adjustable length: 131 – 170 cm
• Weight: 780 g
• Paddle blade size: 542 cm²
• three-piece, fiberglass, T-handle

Conclusion: I like the weight, the adjustable length and the size of the paddle blade.

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BIC Original AP Kids

• Adjustable length: 150 – 190 cm
• Weight: 880 g
• Paddle blade size: 420 cm²
• aluminum

Conclusion: The BIC paddle is more for older children. Personally, the paddle blade is a little too small, even for a children’s paddle.

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Packing list: SUP with children

• Must-have: Kids SUP Board
• Must-have:  SUP paddle for kids
• Must-have: life jacket for children
• Must-have: Coiled Leash
• Must-have: sunscreen
• Children’s cap
• Sun glasses with string

A life jacket

With inexperienced swimmers, I always advise to life jackets. In my opinion, children should always wear a life jacket. No matter if well trained and which swimming badge has a child, I would just go for sure.

With the life jacket the wearing comfort is super important, otherwise there is always a theater, if this is to be put on again. With stand up paddling you have to pay attention to enough freedom of movement around the shoulders and arms. If the paddling becomes more strenuous, the vest lands quickly in the corner and is no longer worn.

The buoyancy of a life jacket is given in Newton. With my table you can get an idea for the buoyancy of the matching vest for your child. The value does not have to match and may also be (significantly) below or above it. For example, a 100 Newton lifejacket would be completely oversized and unsuitable for SUP.

To the packing list

Is a leash necessary?

Yes, a leash is necessary in any case.

If it happens involuntarily in the water, you can be sure that your child reaches the board again. Even if your child is a true water rat, the wind, waves, and current can really speed up the board, making it hard to catch even for experienced (adult) swimmers.

The dangers associated with old Leahs are no longer justified today. In the past, the leashs were simple cords that have sometimes been submerged in underwater plants or rocks.

Today there are almost only rolled-up models, which only extend to the full length when dropped into the water. Pay attention to the keyword Coiled or look in my packing list for the right model.

Adults wear their leash either at the ankle or under the knee. For children’s legs, most models do not strap tight enough. If the leash slides over the ankle, it may fit around the thigh or you can tie it to the life jacket.

To the packing list

Clothes and sunscreen

The clothing of the SUP depends entirely on the season and the water. Swimsuits are certainly enough in summer. Be sure to watch sunscreen with your child. The sun is really strong on the water. I recommend cream with SPF 50+.

If the weather is colder or the weather cooler, offers thicker sports clothing. With the life jacket around a Neprenanzug is in most cases probably too warm. If at all, neoprene suits with a maximum of 3 mm come into question. When choosing the top you should pay attention to sufficient freedom of movement in the arm and shoulder area.

The feet are neuralgic points in stand-up paddling in cold water. Neoprene shoes, neoprene socks, SUP socks or waterproof and absolutely non-slip trekking, sailing or sports shoes are ideal.

In winter, nothing should be saved. A cap, neoprene shoes and gloves are a must. Then a (semi-) drysuit or a wetsuit (with crica 7 mm thickness) is recommended.

To the packing list

The cheap alternative: new fin instead of new board

Another approach is to better tailor a normal SUP board (for adults) to children. With the right fin for your SUP this can succeed. Finns do not have the potential to completely change the driving characteristics. But with the right fin you can trim your board in a certain direction.

For children, the clumsiness of the big all-rounder is the biggest problem. With a small fin, which is designed especially for maneuverability, you can make a (at best, short) all-round board also agile and joyful.

There are short dolphin fins like this model (US-Box) or this fin (plug-in system). You will have the best result with the ultrashort, very modern (and unfortunately also somewhat expensive) race fins for the US-Box . These offer the best maneuverability.

The best boards for SUP with children on board

If you want to stand on a board with your child, you need a lift model. Below you will find my recommendations for it.

If you want to paddle with your kids on the same board, you need a really big board that has a high buoyancy.

The best boards for this purpose are the Bluefin Cruiser , the iRocker 11 ft and the Skinfox Turtle . All of these boards can easily carry you and one or two kids.

Alternatively, you can look around for Yoga SUP boards, these are often a bit wider, carry a lot of weight and are very stable in the water. All around, these are ideal boards for SUP with kids.

Conclusion

Kids as well as Stand Up Paddling as a hobby eat both time. So why not combine both? Clever what?

You have more time for Stand Up Paddling and more for the family. Many sports and hobbies are only on paper, but SUP really does.

And with the appropriate SUP board you can certainly inspire your daughter or your son. After you have made a pre-selection on boards, you can also bring your children into the decision regarding the design. A cool to have Board, in my experience, very important for children.

Can you not decide on a model at all, I recommend the Brast Striker . The board is inexpensive, sturdily built, has a chic design and is versatile. What else do you want there?

What is SUP?

Trendsport Stand Up Paddling explains

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SUP is the abbreviation for Stand Up Paddling, so the stand-up paddle. The SUPen is developing rapidly worldwide.

When SUPing you stand on a kind of oversized surfboard and paddle with a long piercing paddle. The size of the board ensures a secure footing as is the case on a normal surfboard.

The water sports are growing enormously in this country too. The great thing about the SUP is that the sport is something for young, old, athletic, unsportsmanlike, small, tall, fat and thin. Stand Up Paddling is fast and intuitive to learn and anyone can determine their own workout – whether fitness training or relaxation in nature you decide.

How did the SUPen develop?

The story of Stand Up Paddling is controversial. The most plausible explanation is that SUPs originated in the Polynesian archipelagos . Since the 17th century, local fishermen continued paddling upright with wooden planks on the water.

Only later do the Hawaiian beachboys use SUP as a pastime on windless and undulating days. Only since about 2004 Stand Up Paddling became a proper sport.

It quickly became apparent that SUP is an extensive recreational sport, which in addition to a mental relaxation in nature is also an excellent physical whole body workout. With SUP you can train the deep muscles and the balance wonderfully. Furthermore, standing up paddling really requires all the muscles from the little toe to the fingertip.

In North America, the modern SUP has spread first. Meanwhile, the sport has arrived in Europe and Germany. On all types of waters in this country you can feel more stand up paddlers than other water sports. In contrast to canoeing, kayaking and surfing, SUP grows.

To break through with the masses, SUP has brought the new technologies with inflatable stand up paddling boards. Unlike bulky surfboards and kayaks, the inflatable SUP boards can be comfortably carried in a backpack. This gives the SUP what most water sports can not deliver – flexibility and spontaneity. At first there was a mix between paddlers swearing on hard (solid) boards and those putting on inflatable boards.

Today, there are a large number of stand up paddlers who primarily ride on inflatable boards. Their share is around 95% today. SUP has also been well established as a sport. The range of competitions ranges from individual races to racing series to SUP Polo tournaments.

So you start with the SUP

The best way to start the SUP is to just start. I myself learned the basics of stand up paddling (balance, paddle, straight, slow turns) in about 30 minutes.

Other newcomers have proudly told me of similarly fast successes. The SUP boards are really much wider than surfboards built and therefore also very stable. The basics you learn best in contribution in 5 minutes SUP learn? or in Youtube videos.

Of course, you do not learn the practice from an internet video or a text about a sport. The main thing is that you just have to get in, this also means getting wet.

A lot of time to get on a steeply rising learning curve, it really does not need for SUP.

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Who is not the type of person who prefers to teach something alone or who wants to accelerate the already fast learning process, can also take a course. In my SUP map you will find numerous water sports stations that have corresponding offers for beginners.

That’s what you need for the SUP

For SUP you need less equipment than windsurfing. The basic equipment for SUP is not that extensive. And best of all, everything fits in a backpack.

basic equipment

• The SUP board should be tailored to your needs.
• The right SUP paddle is the right length, light weight and efficiently transfers your power into speed.
• A leash keeps your board from floating away.
• Of course, you need an air pump for inflating. A pump is 99% on board.

optional

• A backpack for transporting and storing the board and paddle.
• A (watertight) Drybag for provisions, drinks and change things on the tour.
• A life jacket gives you security, if something happens or you are not a practiced swimmer.
• A waterproof phone case allows you to take your smartphone on the tour. But do you want that?
• A wall mount for the space-saving and chic storage of your SUP boards.

Where can you SUP?

The German lakes and many canals in this country but also offer an equally good conditions. That’s another reason why SUP is so well received in Germany.

In dozens of hours of work, I have an interactive SUP Spot Germany map built into my blog. Inactive because everyone can enter their own favorite spots, which I then moderate and probably unlock. So you can be sure that the information is correct and find the best tips from local paddlers in your area.

Click here for the Deutschland SUP card .

After a few e-mails, I have created similarly functioning maps for Austria and Switzerland . It takes some work from the community to find cool spots in these two countries. However, some of the best spots have already been recorded.

Outlook on the future of the SUP

SUP is growing fast. I can feel that with my blog too. Every season more interested people come to my side. I am very curious where the journey is going.

In terms of speed of innovation, hardly any sport can compete with SUP. Apart from the numerous sub-disciplines such as SUP Yoga, SUP surfing, SUP polo and SUP windsurfing, there are a number of technical innovations.

Paddlers have always wanted electric pumps or, even better, self-inflating boards. No problem – now there are both. The engine SUPs are equipped with an electric motor that can accelerate you up to 6 km / h, taking SUP in a completely different direction.

The really exciting thing about SUP is this high level of dynamics, which is now deeply rooted in the DNA of Stand Up Paddling and always produces new exciting developments.

I keep on looking forward to continue reporting daily on the latest SUP trends in my blog here at www.standup-experte.com .

What is up to you?

• Look at the best SUP boards for beginners to
• Find a great SUP spots near you
• Learn SUP with my guide in just 5 minutes

SUP Yoga Board

So you can buy the best yoga SUP board

SUP Boards »SUP Yoga Boards

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SUP Yoga is one of the newest sub-disciplines that Stand Up Paddling – the mega-trend of the past few years – has produced. When Stand Up Paddling (short: SUP) it needs a good balance, which is learned quickly after a few tries. A completely different level of balance is needed for certain yoga exercises. And the combination of these two disciplines is the culmination.

The SUP boards have evolved dramatically in recent years. To the point where even yoga can be done on the boards. The matching SUP Yoga Boards are built thick, so your feet will not get wet. Balance is the most important criterion when looking for boards for the new sport. Stability and steadiness are the things that the perfect SUP Yoga Board should offer you.

The short answer: The best SUP Yoga Boards

1. Klarfit Spreestar L Yoga Board – Cheap & Good
2. Ten Toes Board Emporium Weekender Yoga Board Bundle – International Top SUP (rarely available)
3. Ninetysixty Yoga SUP – Good value for money
4. Update 10.10.18: Aqua Marina Peace – The reasonably priced, alternative approach

If you are interested in SUP Yoga, you may also find my best list of SUP books or my article about the best small anchors interesting for SUP .

Klarfit Spreestar L Yoga Board

• Length: 325 cm
• Width: 86 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Accessories: air pump, paddle and backpack

Klarfit is still a very young brand, but started with great success in Germany. The offer now includes boards of various sizes and also WindSUPs are included.

The Klarfit Spreestar 325 cm (size L) definitely has one thing : plenty of space. With 86 cm in width you will be able to do all your exercises easily on the Klarfit. The width and 3-fin setup give the board tipping stability.

The deckpad covers almost the entire top of the SUP board and gives you grip during your exercises. The board is made of double PVC (double layer) and 15 cm thick.

The Spreestar L has a rounded trunk, which is bent upwards. The board rests on the water instead of displacing it. This type of hull also enhances the stability of the board.

Do not like the color? No problem, there is the same model is also available in orange-black .

Conclusion: The Klarfit board in length L is my absolute top recommendation for a yoga board. On the Klarfit 325 cm you have a very safe stand, space for all your exercises and a paddle is also included in the price. In my opinion, the price-performance ratio is by far the best with this offer.

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Ten Toes Board Emporium Weekender 10 ‚Yoga SUP

• Length: 305 cm
• Width: 76 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Accessories: paddle, repair kit and air pump

The Ten Toes comes from America and is actually my absolute buy tip, if you are looking for a Yoga SUP. Unfortunately, it is so rarely available available in Germany that I can not possibly put it on the 1st position.

Unfortunately, sending the board from America is far too expensive. And with the Klarfit Spreestar you really have a solid board, which is again significantly cheaper than the Ten Toes SUP.

For the Weekender of Ten Toes speaks the material (military grade PVC), the included three-piece aluminum paddle and the high stability through the round design speak for the board

The one-year warranty of the manufacturer in a sign of the great trust in the quality of their own products. In particular, the customer feedback is excellent .

Ten Toes recommends an optimum payload of 125 kilograms. The maximum load capacity exceeds this limit but strong. Particularly convincing is the Weekender by the extreme stiffness. The inflatable SUP boards are not air mattresses, is well known today.

But you can easily put the weekender on two chairs and put yourself in the middle on the board. And the material does that.

In terms of color, you can even match the board to your bathing suit, as it is available in five different colors (green, red / black, blue, reddish pink and seafoam).

Conclusion:  The Ten Toes is really a really good YSUP. Due to its limited availability, it is in second place. Compared to the Klarfit Spreestar L, the Ten Toes Weekender puts you at the top for extreme stiffness.

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Ninetysixty Yoga Board

• Length: 323 cm
• Width: 83 cm
• Thickness: 15 cm
• Accessories: backpack, repair kit

The Yoga SUP by Ninetysixty is slightly longer, wider and thicker than the average all-round board. It is therefore very safe in the water. With a weight of only 9.5 kilograms, you have little to do in transport, yet it is robust and super stiff.

The particularly blunt hull with rounded edges around the board and the slightly upturned construction make this yoga board more rests on the water than it displaces water. For top speeds you need a displacer with a pointed bow.

The Yoga Board by Ninetysixty is much more focused on stability and stability. The tilting stability of the wide board is counteracted by the SUP yoga exercises. At the same time, the board is small enough to fit in your hand luggage when flying.

The EVA deckpad covers almost the entire top and gives you where the exercises stand the necessary. The D-ring for the leash is extra far back attached to the rear and thus does not bother at all.

Conclusion: The Ninetysixty SUP Yoga Board is a very solid model. It is definitely a good choice and the value for money is right.

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Update: October 10, 2018

The new SUP Yoga Mat Peace by Aqua Marina is now also available in this country. If you are looking for a board only for SUP Yoga, peace can be an interesting and cheap choice.

Aqua Marina Peace

With just over 22 kilograms dead weight. The one meter in width makes the board incredibly stable and therefore ideal for yoga.

For traditional Stand Up Paddling, the rectangular shape is not suitable.

Even at first glance, Peace almost screams: I am a yoga board!

The board is a kind of floating yoga mat, which can carry up to 170 times. With maximum tilt stability you can do your exercises on it. There is no annoying grip in the middle of the board, but there are several camera mounts so that you can record your yoga routine.

Conclusion: The Peace is not a real SUP board, but more a floating yoga mat with a paddle. Nonetheless, you’re getting ahead with the peace. If you only want to do yoga or already have another SUP, you can resort to this cheaper alternative.

View on Amazon * • Check price on supboard-99.de *

SUP Yoga Board – Guides

SUP Yoga comes from the SUP, but requires different equipment. It is important that you choose a special Yoga SUP board. The typical board is therefore wider than a normal SUP board . In the election of course, your experience and how you want to use the board plays a big role.

There are specially shaped SUP Yoga Boards made just for this one purpose. But I’ve also presented you with well-built, all-round SUPs that are also great for SUP yoga, but also well-built for longer tours and smaller waves. Only for SUP races you definitely need other models, otherwise these allround boards are always a good choice.

Why should you also do yoga on the SUP?

Yoga is an incredibly healthy activity that has a major impact on your physical fitness, mental health and your entire life. It does not matter if you’re a yoga novice or have been practicing for decades, the meditative exercises are good for your health.

Combining SUP with yoga initially seems difficult and funny. Much of the rest and relaxation seems to be lost when you exchange the yoga mat and firm ground underfoot for a wavering SUP board. As bumpy as the first attempts will be, the reward comes quickly and feels great.

The basic idea causes many a headache. Being on the water is a completely new experience. The SUP boards are also no air mattresses, but provide a secure footing . I love the freedom that you have with SUP  and especially with SUP Yoga. In the middle of a lake, it can also switch off really well. In peace you can do your yoga exercises there, far away from everything else. It is also exciting to feel how much volume is being compensated by the seawater. With the sound of the waves of water, you have more of the meditative state of doing yoga.

SUP Yoga is not only a real experience for your mind but also an excellent workout for your body. Stand Up Paddling is a really good workout that requires every muscle in your body. The permanent balancing act of the SUP Yoga makes the sport the perfect full-body workout. The restless ground permanently requires your muscles, which either quickly tense or relax. The deep muscles are so enormously challenged at every wave. You may not feel it directly on the water. In the evening, you can be sure that you have done a lot.

The close connection with nature is also great. On the water you are very far away from stress, problems and other people, but alone with one of the basic elements of human life. A day on the water feels relaxed and refreshing. You will quickly catch yourself completely mentally drifting away while singing the birds and the light waves.

Which SUP Yoga board is right for me?

I looked at all of the specially designed for yoga and some more boards to put together my leaderboard. All these boards are extra thick and give you a good stability. All boards on the list of the best SUP Yoga boards are really a good choice.

If you are looking for a SUP for yoga yourself, you will encounter a lot of jargon and values. If SUP is new to you, this terminology is probably new. The whole values ​​often lack the references to other boards.

Understanding the information in a product description will help you select the perfect SUP Yoga board. That’s why I’ve created a list of the most important property for you.

length

You do not want to save on the length of the board. At least 10 feet (305 cm) should measure a good yoga board. Small boards are very manoeuvrable but offer too little space for your exercises. The lower buoyancy of short boards can also be a problem.

Boards in the range of 10 feet to 12 feet (305 cm to 366 cm) are ideal for SUP Yoga. Even longer boards are often too sporty and have the necessary width.

The ideal boards are a little harder to maneuver than the very short boards, but they give you plenty of room for your exercises and you can even move around on the board without losing your balance. The length gives the board stability in the water.

Hull type

There are two types of hulls . Displacer and glider both work for SUP Yoga Boards. The gliders offer more stability. The name says it already. In this hull model the SUP glides over the water. For beginners, these boards are better suited. In English one speaks of „planing hulls“. You can find this information from to in the manufacturer descriptions of a SUP.

The displacers are completely in the water with the underwater ship and displace it. The result is higher speeds. If you want to use your yoga board for touring, are already experienced with SUP yoga and would like to have more speed at the expense of stability, you are the right choice for you. In English, displacers are called displacement hulls.

material

The material depends on your choice. Investing money in good, durable material with a high quality is quickly paying off. For inflatable boards, I recommend reinforced PVC. The material is absolutely tear-resistant and acts rock-hard when the SUP is inflated. The information you are looking for in the product description is double-layer or MSL technology .

On the top of the board you should pay attention to a non-slip and pleasant coatings. An EVA deckpad promises this grip. It is also rarely stated exactly what a pattern it is. I like the diamond or even diamonds tiles the best. In my opinion, these give you the best grip.

Dimensions

I have already described the optimal length of the board, the length and width has been neglected so far. Thickness is especially important in Stand Up Paddling Yoga. Your board should be 6 inches (15 cm) thick in any case. The kind of boards came up only in the last years. Today 15 cm is almost the standard for all types of SUP boards.

Broad, your SUP can hardly be enough. Most of the yoga boards I’ve presented are wider than the average all-round board (mostly ~ 78 cm in width). The few centimeters make the difference. The board will be much more stable and you have the extra space to stretch properly and move around on the board.

carrying capacity

First, I should say that your board can carry you. Be the best generous with discounts on the official manufacturer information. With -10 up to -20% on this maximum weight you can count on, if the manufacturers make the information.

For your YSUP (Yoga SUP), you must also consider any additional weight. If you need an anchor so that you stay in place and do not abort, it will add to the overall weight as well as your (wet) clothing, provisions, and all the yoga and SUP accessories that are still on board.

A SUP Yoga board should tend to carry more weight than a normal SUP. More buoyancy also means more stability in the water and you definitely want that in yoga.

quality

When I talk about quality, I usually speak the price. Everyone wants to buy the super cheap paddle board with a top quality, unfortunately, such offers are rare. In my experience, a small surcharge on the purchase is already worthwhile. I’d rather get some extra money in the beginning and buy a sensible board than risking hundreds of euros before boarding a few summers.

Good quality always pays in the long run. You do not have to deal with repairs, warranty claims, replacement and the feeling that you have chosen the wrong offer. You have more time on the water when you buy a good Yoga SUP right away.

Recently, more and more new manufacturers are entering the market. Almost every week I hear about new brands for the first time. I’m always waiting for these, on reviews from friends or until I have the chance to test the board myself. I also advise you not to go immediately and to buy the first cheap board, but at least to look at reviews and reviews.

Features and missing features

The many accessories when buying a SUP board has a long tradition. With extensive sets, the manufacturers outnumber themselves. A paddle is very often there. From air pumps, backpacks over repair kits to freezers, I have already seen everything.

When buying the Yoga SUP board, you can also make sure that a paddle is included in the delivery. For on-board luggage, D-rings mounted on the board are handy. Through these D-rings a bungee cord is pulled under which you can, for example, clamp a drybag. An air pump is always part of it anyway.

In my view essential for SUP Yoga Boards is the lack of a feature. Many boards have a carrying handle in the middle. In yoga, this bothers tremendously. Although most handles are made of fabric, they do not hurt, but they are uncomfortable when pressed. So ideally, look for boards without a handle in the middle. Of course, you can also cut it off if necessary.

transport

I prefer inflatable boards because they greatly facilitate transport and storage. After the session, the air is simply released, the empty shell rolled up and stored in a backpack.

When buying some models in my list in such a suitable backpack right there. If your favorite model does not exist, you will surely find the right model on my SUP backpack page . Make sure the backpack measures at least 5 to 10 inches more height than your board in width. Order a backpack that is too big. Otherwise every time the unpacking and unpacking ends up in a fight.

Start with SUP Yoga in 4 easy steps

SUP yoga can be so easy. Starting is already the most important thing. In four easy steps you can do that too:

1. Choose a suitable board.
2. Try it and grow with the challenge.
3. Make a course.
4. Look in the weather report.

Step 1: Choose a suitable board

With my best list and the many detailed instructions, this is no longer a problem. Nevertheless, in a nutshell. You are looking for a board about 305 to 365 cm long, which is 15 cm thick and at least 80 cm wide.

It should be able to easily carry your weight along with your gear, have an EVA deck pad and ideally not have a central carrying handle that would interfere with the exercises.

The top priority for SUP Yoga is its stability. In how far you want to use the board for yoga or for normal tours, depends on you, but also in the board choice with a.

Step 2: Try it out and grow to the challenge

„No master has fallen from the sky yet.“ And „Practice makes perfect.“ Are two of my mother’s favorite phrases. That sounds a bit trite, but the bottom line is that without trying, you’re not getting any better at something.

Especially the SUP Yoga is not about doing any exercise perfectly, but more about the fun and the process of learning.

So, let’s go! Get on the board and practice.

Tip: Orient yourself at the center of gravity of the board. The center of gravity can be found on the carrying handle in the middle of the board. Distribute your weight around this center and you will become clear.

Step 3: Make a course

Newcomers to Stand UP Paddling and / or Yoga should think about attending an appropriate course. An experienced trainer in a SUP beginner course will show you how the paddle stroke works, what the right body position is and how to balance it. In SUP yoga classes more emphasis is placed on the exercises.

You can also start directly with the SUP Yoga Course, because Stand Up Paddling is easy to learn. With a good sense of balance and still water, you can move forward within a few minutes and, with some help from the trainer, join the course.

Step 4: Look in the weather report

The weather is very important in SUP yoga. Always check the weather forecast before a tour. The less waves and wind at your spot , the better for SUP Yoga. If you plan longer paddling tours, you should inform yourself even better, you do not want to be surprised by a thunderstorm on half the tour.

FAQ

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What is SUP Yoga?

SUP stands for Stand Up Paddling and Yoga, well, for Yoga. SUP Yoga is a sub-discipline of SUP. There are doing yoga exercises on the Stand Up Paddling Board. On the water you need a particularly good balance and the right board.

A SUP Yoga Board is a specially designed board that is sturdier, thicker and wider than a regular SUP board. On boards called YSUP in English speaking, you can move more safely and balance in the stand is easier. In this guide, I introduce the best YSUP boards and explain what is important for them.

Are hard or inflatable boards better for SUP Yoga?

The choice is entirely up to you. Some would prefer hard boards. I advise, however, only inflatable models. With newer boards you will hardly distinguish between hard and inflatable anyway. The shells have also become extremely resistant and tear resistant.

Beginners in Stand Up Paddling expect a better air mattress when listening to inflatable boards. The iSUPs are inflated, but as rock hard as surfboards or hard boards. Only they have the decisive advantage in transport and are often cheaper.

If you live near water, a hard board is probably more practical. If it were up to me, everyone else should resort to inflatable boards (in English: iSUP ).

What do you need for SUP Yoga?

Essentially, all you need is a SUP board and some yoga experience. The Yoga SUP Boards (YSUP) are wider and thicker. They do not move so easily through the water. The stability that the board gains through this design helps enormously with the challenging yoga exercises. With a normal board you are probably more in the water than you would like.

Yoga is hard. If you want to do the exercises on the water, it will be even harder. First of all, you should practice all the exercises on solid ground before going on to your floating platform. A SUP yoga class can not hurt either.

Conclusion

Yoga on the water is not only fun, it also has positive effects. SUP Yoga is an ideal workout for the whole body and by the way also for the soul. It depends on what you want. Just switch off completely on the water and let your arms dangle into the water or a training set that activates every muscle.

The SUP Yoga Boards from my top list are all great. It combines the wide and thick design that gives you stability on the board for your exercises. Other boards quickly tip over at the slightest weight shift while these YSUP boards are firmly in the water. The boards are inflatable and therefore easy to transport and store. No matter which of the boards you decide on in the end, you’ll have fun with SUP Yoga with it.

Sources and reading tips

• Yoga teacher and trainer Percy Shakti Johannsen published a book on SUP Yoga in 2017 . The book teaches the basics. In many photo series, you will be accompanied by the first mobilization exercises to the correct level during the exercises on the SUP board. View the book on Amazon * .

Repair SUP

A guide for repairing iSUPs and hardboards

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The repair of SUP boards can be done to a certain extent and cost effectively. In this post I introduce the correct procedure for different damages on iSUP boards and hardboards.

iSUP board repair made easy

Inflatable boards are now very robust, tear-resistant and can withstand even small sharp objects. The thick skin as a result of modern production technologies can not harm stones, dog paws, quay walls or blunt objects.

A more dangerous place are the side walls. The sidewalls are made of slightly thinner and more flexible material to allow the boards to roll up well. If you scratch the board with sharp edges or corners, the likelihood of leaks is slightly higher than on the bottom or top of the board.

A leak is certainly not a typical event in the life of an inflatable board. However, many manufacturers offer repair services in this case. Either there is this as a separate service or service for the buyers of their own brand. Just write to your seller.

At least temporarily or in need, you can also repair your iSUP yourself. Most boards come with repair kits. With this repair kit and my instructions, your SUP can be repaired relatively easily by yourself. If you do not have a set to hand, you can order this one here * .

The right repair of inflatable SUP boards

My guide here I do not have a solution for the fastest possible repair. Take your time and follow all the steps properly. Only then is the result satisfactory in the end.

That’s what you need for the iSUP repair

The repair itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes. After you have glued your patch on the hole, the board must rest for 24 hours until the next use.

• PVC patches
• PVC glue *
• acetone
• dull pencil
• clean rag
• Adhesive pad
• scissors
• Spoon or other solid object to squeeze out the bubbles

The repair should be done at room temperature. For the board and the glue a temperature between 20 ° C and 30 ° C is ideal.

In 10 steps mend a hole in an inflatable SUP board

1. Find the hole: The old bicycle tube method with a water tank is not exactly the best idea for a SUP. It is better to brush the inflated board generously with soapy water and watch where bubbles form.
2. Mark the spot of the leak with the pencil and let the air out of the SUP.
3. Lay the cover so that the area around the leak is flat and wrinkle-free on the ground.
4. Thoroughly clean the level around the marked leak with acetone and a clean cloth.
5. Cut a patch from the PVC material of your set. The patch should be round or at least have rounded corners. Then this one keeps better. The diameter of the patch is ideally more than 6 cm.
6. Put the patch on the iSUP and frame the measurements with the pencil.
7. Also clean the underside of the PVC patch with acetone.
8. Apply a thin layer of the PVC adhesive to the patch and the marked area on your board.
9. Wait 5 to 10 minutes and let the glue dry.
10. Put the patch on the mark. You should not move anything now. With the stroking from the center outwards you press the patch correctly. You also reduce the wrinkles with these movements. With the spoon you can push out the last trapped air.

Done!

You have to wait 24 hours before the next water use. Store the board at this time, uninflated in a room at room temperature with no excessive humidity.

repair iSUP shown in the video

The individual steps are also very well presented in the English manual of BoardRidersReview .

More tips for mending

• Before the next use, you can do the soapy water test again.
• Make sure that the glue zone has been thoroughly cleaned. After each finger contact you have to clean it again. Otherwise the whole patch can come off later.
• Inflatable SUP boards should not be exposed to direct sunlight anyway (unless it’s in the water). For patched boards, this is especially important because the increased internal pressure during exposure to the sun solves the patches more easily from the board.
• The second time to apply the patch in the same place, often does not work as well as the first time. You probably need to send in the board on this controller for professional repair.

Repair a hardboard

Hardboards and especially carbon boards are sensitive. Do you have a dent in the board or will you (as seen in the picture above) carve a dent into the board, only a repair helps. For hardboards, this is a bit more difficult than the „Bicycle tire mending in big“ inflatables. The pro Klaus Wiedenbauer in sup magazine has published a small guide that can be a first aid.

Repair hardboards – in 10 steps

1. For the repair board must be absolutely dry.
2. In the first step, the indented point must be raised. First of all, you have to drill a hole in the indented area with a drill. Then you can gently lift the case, for example, with a screw.
3. Carefully sand the spot with a sanding drill.
4. Stir in a container of epoxy with hardener and spread as a thin layer on the damaged area.
5. Cut out a glass strand in the shape of a triangle from a fiberglass mat and place it on the scene of the accident.
6. Repeat step 4 and apply the second layer.
7. Repeat step 5 and place another piece of fiberglass on the spot.
8. Repeat step 4 and record the third and last layer.
9. Now turn the board over to dry.
10. With the grinder you can now work the top and the edges.

More tips for repairing a hardboard

• For the optics you can repaint the repair site additionally with paint spray.
• The last edges after the repair you get best with wet sandpaper and water away. (I recommend this wet sandpaper * )

FAQ

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What should I do if the SUP seam has burst?

Repairing the iSUP suture is not easy. If you’ve torn up all the seam of a SUP board, you should put your board in professional hands.

Where can I get a SUP repair kit?

An SUP repair kit was probably included with your SUP board. So you can search again or order a new one. I recommend this repair kit * .

Which SUP board PVC adhesive should I buy?

I recommend the PVC glue from fishingglue.de * . This is particularly suitable for use in water sports equipment. Watch on Amazon * .

SUP platforms

The best SUP docks for fitness and yoga

SUP Fitness and SUP Yoga are two sub-disciplines of Stand Up Paddling, which are very trendy. The new floating SUP platforms are the perfect complement to SUP courses and group training.

The sturdy and very thick platforms are completely coated with a non-slip cover pad. The size of the deck makes it the perfect environment for fitness and yoga. At the docks of the platforms several SUP boards can be put on and tied up.

The SUP platforms have only been available since the 2018/2019 season. The target audience of the platforms are water sports and SUP stations offering group courses for SUP fitness or yoga. Exercises can be performed beautifully on the platforms while the students‘ boards stay tied to the platform in place.

The platforms are suitable for lakes, pools, the sea or swimming pools. These floating docks are ideal for fitness centers, hotels, outdoor pools, SUP stations and water sports centers.

If you own an SUP station and give courses, you’re probably interested in the best SUP wall brackets and electric SUP pumps .

Aqua Marina Yoga Dock

• Volume: 470 liters
• Number of docks: 8
• Maximum load: 220 kg
• Dead weight: 14.5 kilograms

The Aqua Marina Yoga Dock is part of the 2019 series. This SUP platform holds 470 liters and carries a maximum load of 220 kilograms. The yoga deck will be inflated to 15 PSI. Before and after the yoga session, the yoga deck itself can be paddled.

To the Aqua Marina website

Fanatic Fly Air Platform

• Volume: 1000 liters
• Number of docks: 8
• Dead weight: 16 kilograms

Fanatics platform is 20 cm thick and with over 1000 liters volume the perfect stable base station for SUP stations and SUP schools, hotels and fitness centers. The double-walled construction ensures special rigidity and durability. At the 16 D-rings SUP boards can be moored. The Fly Air platform comes with a number of straps to connect the boards to the platforms, two air pumps and a SUP backpack with wheels .

To the Fanatic website