Read this blog post to find out all about the water sport of stand up paddle boarding (SUP)!
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner, you will find plenty of valuable tips and tricks in this guide.
We'll cover everything from the difference between SUP boards and paddleboards, to how to balance and paddle effectively, as well as safety rules and recommendations.
Let's get started!
What is the difference between a SUP board and a paddleboard?
A SUP board and a paddleboard are the same thing. However, there are different types of boards, and it is good to know the difference if you are going to buy a SUP board yourself.
- All-round board
The perfect board for beginners, its size provides stability when on the water and can be used on both flat water and small waves.
- Touring board
This board has a more pointed nose than the all-round board, which allows it to cut through the water better. It is best to use this board on flat water.
- Surf board
The surf board is smaller in size and therefore moves faster in the water. It can therefore be more difficult to use this type of board as a beginner.
- Race board
This type of board is long and with a pointed nose, which means that you can get a lot of speed on the board. However, it can be difficult to maneuver this board as a beginner.
Is it difficult to stand on SUP?
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is a versatile sport that caters to everyone. It's a sport that's quick and easy to learn, and as a paddle board beginner, these tricks will get you out on the water even faster.
Get started with our Stand Up Paddle courses
How to stand up on the board
Getting on your paddleboard for the first time can take a few tries, as it can be difficult to find your balance. A rule of thumb is to always remember to look forward - it helps you find and keep your balance.
To get on your paddleboard, first carry it into the water with the central carrying handle to launch it. Then you need to get on the board. To do this, first place the paddle on the board, then kneel down in the middle of the board and finally squat down slowly one foot at a time. You are standing correctly when your feet are shoulder-width apart to the right and left of the carrying handle. Then stand up a little more so that your knees are only slightly bent. However, make sure that your back is straight at all times. Your toes and your gaze should point forward to keep your balance as best as possible.
How to hold the paddle
When holding a paddle, make sure the angle of the blade is facing away from you. You should hold the handle at the top with one hand and the bottom of the paddle with the other. If the paddle is held overhead, the bend of the elbows should be angled at 90 degrees. When you switch sides, rotate the position of your hands.
Rules and safety for Stand Up Paddle Boarding
When is it too windy for SUP?
It's best to paddleboard when it's not windy, but it's also fine if there's a light to moderate wind. When it starts to blow about 5-6 m/sec, it becomes very hard to paddle against the wind or with the wind coming in from the side. Therefore, as a beginner, you should always consider whether the weather and wind are suitable for going on the water.
Is it compulsory to wear a life jacket when SUPing?
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boards became subject to the Small Crafts Lifejackets Regulation in 2017. You can read more about the legal text.
This means that it is a legal requirement to bring a life jacket or life jacket on your SUP board and that you can be fined for violations. However, please note that in the Port of Copenhagen it is required by law that you wear the life jacket or life jacket from October 1 to May 1 (link: https://byoghavn.dk/havnen/kajak-sup-robaade/)
We recommend that you always wear your life jacket on your body, as it is useless if it is simply strapped to your board.
What clothes are good to wear for SUP?
Dress for the season and the weather. It makes sense to wear a wetsuit when you go SUPing. However, on very hot summer days you can wear lycra/swimwear.
See the table below for recommended attire:
Hvad koster et godt paddleboard?
Du kan få et godt allround begynder SUP board (inkl tilbehør) til 3000-5000 kr.
Hvor lang tid tager det at puste SUP op?
Det tager ca. omkring 5 – 10 minutter at pumpte de fleste SUP boards helt op.
Hvor mange bar skal der kommes i et paddleboard?
Du skal altid pumpe dit paddleboard til 1 bar/15 psi
Kan jeg opleve Stand up Paddle bording i København?
Ja det kan du da. Besøg Kitekollektivet hos København surfcenter på amager og så skal vi nok hjælpe dig godt på vej.
Book dit Paddle bording kursus her på dette link
Hvor kan man prøve Stand Up Paddle boarding i København?
You can book a SUP course at Kitekollektivet, where you will learn how to balance on the board, paddle against the current, turn, etc.
Book dit Paddle bording kursus her på dette link
