The Stand Up Paddling (SUP), or as most of us know it, SUP, is a sport-hobby for everyone, that anyone can do regardless of age, gender, and body type. It combines elements of surfing (includes a board), kayaking (uses a paddle), and windsurfing (standing position), and in recent years it has become one of the most popular water sports in Greece.

Its history dates back thousands of years, and it seems to have originated and evolved in various parts of the world, such as Africa and Polynesian Hawaii. SUP is a sport that has many different styles, but two things remain constant: the rider stands upright on a board in the water and propels it forward with a long paddle.

The main reasons why SUP has become popular is because it combines fun in the water with exercise, as it works out many muscle groups to balance the body, while also having multiple uses (paddling, surfing, yoga, even fishing) and being easy for anyone to start, including children. The basic equipment is simple and consists of a SUP board and a paddle.

To find the right SUP board, think about how you will use it, how it will fit your body, and how you want it to perform in the water. The key points to consider are the shape of the board and the appropriate dimensions for your needs. Whether you choose a solid or inflatable board will mainly depend on transportation and storage space. Finally, you can also take into account the fins of the board and additional equipment.

Inflatable or Solid Board

SUP boards are available in two different construction forms: inflatable and solid.

• Inflatable SUP boards are the most popular, as they are convenient for transportation and storage. They are an excellent choice for traveling, as they deflate after use and can be packed in a backpack. They can be easily transported with any means of transportation and come with an air pump and storage bag. They have all the performance characteristics, as they inflate up to 15psi and become solid and stable during navigation on the water. They are made with plastic parts (PVC) stitched together with Drop Stitch technology, creating an airtight air unit inside.
• Solid boards are made of EPS foam, carbon fibers, or plastic, and sometimes lightweight wood. They are recommended for racing, as they offer maximum performance on the water, as they move faster and with less effort. However, they take up a lot of space and require a vehicle with a roof rack for transportation.

Which SUP board should I buy?

Below, we suggest 4 of the most popular SUP boards that we have selected through user reviews and expert tests, for different uses and rider experience:

• For beginners: The Aqua Marina Breeze 9'10'' SUP board Aqua Marina Breeze 9’10’’ (300x76x12 cm) is ideal for beginner riders, as well as riders with a small body type. It combines lightweight with rigidity, offering great stability and comfort in paddling.
• For long distances and waves: The Aztron Urono 11'6" (350x81x15 cm) is a board for riders with a larger body type. It is recommended for longer distance SUP, as it is faster, while thanks to its raised pointed bow, it responds very well to waves.
• For fast training, long distances, and races: For experienced riders and speed enthusiasts, the Aztron Metero 14’’ (426x71x15 cm) stands out in the racing category. Its technology (double chamber & double layer) and design (long and slim) make it lightweight and fast, while remaining stiff and stable.
• For SUP Yoga: We recommend the Aqua Marina Dhyana 11’0’’ (336x91x12 cm).

Specially designed for Aqua Yoga and fitness, it is suitable for users of all levels and thanks to its width it offers excellent stability and enough space for yoga exercises and poses.

For more options, user reviews, and to make your purchase easily and reliably through Skroutz, you can see our entire collection in the category of SUP boards.

If you want to learn more about the shape and dimensions of SUP boards (volume, length, width, and thickness) in order to choose the right one for you, keep reading!

SUP Shape - Planing or Displacement

SUP boards are divided into 2 types depending on their shape:

• Planing Boards: Flat and wide boards. Thanks to their shape, they move on the water surface and respond well to turns. They have greater buoyancy in case of waves and are a good choice for simple paddling, surfing, and SUP yoga.

• Displacement Boards: Boards with a pointed bow (front part), have less friction as they cut through the water with their nose while moving, sending it to the sides of the board. As a result, they go faster and are preferred for long distances, fast paddling, and SUP races.

SUP Board Dimensions

Volume & Maximum User Weight: An SUP board should be suitable for your body weight. The volume determines its ability to float on the water with weight on it. The larger the volume, the more user weight it can support. You can find the volume (in liters) and the maximum user weight (in kg) of an SUP board in the specifications list on Skroutz.

Length: The length of the SUP board largely determines how it behaves on the water. In general, longer boards are faster, while shorter boards are better for maneuverability. Think about the type of use and activity you are interested in using the SUP board for:

• Short (< 3m): They easily respond to maneuvers and waves, making them ideal for surfing. Their smaller length also makes them a good choice for children.
• Medium (3m- 3.7m): Ideal for beginners and advanced riders, suitable for upright paddling and SUP yoga.
• Long (> 3.8m): Long boards are usually displacement boards. They are faster than short and medium boards. They usually maintain a straight course. Ideal for experienced riders, fast paddling, and long distances or races.

Width: The width of the board also affects its behavior in the water. Most wider boards offer greater stability, but they may be slower than a narrower board. To choose, consider the type of SUP you want to do, your body type, and your experience:

1. Type of SUP: If you plan to carry other things on the SUP or a second person, prefer a wider board. The same goes for SUP yoga. A board with a width of over 78 cm will give you the stability you need for yoga poses. Prefer narrower boards for racing and surfing, as they are faster and better for maneuvers.
2. Body Type: If you have a small body type, prefer a narrower board. While if you are larger, go for a wider one. A small person can balance easier on a narrow board, while they may struggle to paddle on a board that is too wide for their size.
3. Paddling Experience: If you have enough experience with SUP, you may feel confident on a narrow and faster board. While if you are a beginner, you may prefer a little more width for added safety.

Thickness: Finally, the thickness of the board affects its volume and maximum user weight. A thicker board will have more volume and will be able to support a person with a larger body type. Similarly, a thinner board may be more efficient for smaller riders.

SUP Fins

Fins help with straight-line paddling and stability of the board. Larger fins with a wide base and a long leading edge offer greater stability and straight-line paddling compared to smaller fins. The latter are preferred more for maneuverability.

They are placed on the bottom of the board, in the fin box, and are secured with a screw and nut. Usually, you can remove them and store them after your ride. In inflatable boards, they are easier to remove and attach when the SUP is inflated. You will encounter them in the following forms:

Tips for SUP Equipment

Finally, most inflatable SUP boards come with the necessary equipment to use it: paddle, ankle leash, storage bag, and hand pump. Here, we suggest some additional items that have proven useful to many riders:

• Electric Pump: If you want to use the inflatable SUP board often, an electric SUP pump may come in handy for faster and easier inflation.
• Life Jacket: Enjoy SUP with safety by wearing a life jacket. Recommended for beginners and experienced users, it can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected weather conditions.
• Sun Shirt: For sun protection, especially if you spend a lot of time on the SUP, it is useful to wear a sun shirt made of lightweight material that dries quickly without overheating you.
• Phone Case: For photos and communication if needed, with a waterproof phone case, you can safely take your phone with you in your bag or pocket.
• Board Seat: Many riders use seats that easily attach to the SUP, turning it into a kayak for seated paddling.