Stand up paddling - the trend sport

Stand Up Paddling or SUP has been growing in popularity for several years and is considered the fastest growing trend sport since the advent of surfing. The explanation for this is simple, as the sport is easy to learn, can be practiced by any age group and in many places, and is relatively inexpensive to purchase. But what is stand up paddling? Stand up paddling is moving around on a large surfboard with the help of a paddle. Stand up paddling is an excellent alternative to surfing when there is neither wind nor waves. In addition, SUP can be practiced not only on the sea, but also on calm lakes and rivers.

Stand Up Paddling exercises the entire body as arms, legs and torso are challenged by constantly balancing on the board. It's suitable for the whole family, with children as young as six years old can practice the sport - SUP is quick to learn, never gets boring, and incidentally provides a lot of fun for all ages. For a special challenge, stand up paddling is suitable in the Whitewater or as a competitive sport. There are now several disciplines with racing over long distances or short sprints, as well as exciting SUP competitions in the waves.

SUP - equipment needed

For stand up paddling, a suitable SUP board is needed, weather appropriate clothing and shoes made of neoprene, as well as appropriate accessories including paddles, leashes, fins, and for inflatable SUPs, air pumps. In stand up paddling, for the particular use of the board, the height and weight of its user is decisive. As a basic rule the wider and thicker the board, the more volume it has and the easier it is to balance. Lighter boards are faster, more maneuverable and more tippy. There are wave boards, cruising or explore boards, race boards, whitewater boards and inflatable SUP. SUP waveboards are short, easy to turn and specifically designed for use in the waves. Touringboards, also called Cruising or Explore-Boards are suitable for beginners and trips in flat water. They are narrower and longer, making them easier to paddle.

Raceboards are narrow fast competition boards that are difficult to balance and not suitable for beginners of stand up paddling. For use in whitewater, there are extremely stable SUPs that have an increased side volume. In addition, there are large volume tilt stable boards for fitness and yoga and smaller SUP for children.Stand up Paddling - Inflatable SUPsInflatable SUPs or ISUPs are inflatable stand up paddling boards that have only been on the market for a few years. They are made of rugged durable PVC material, using innovative technologies are used. Inflatable SUPs are inflated with a compressed air pump. After use, the air is let out and the board is rolled up and packed into a bag. Inflatable stand up paddling boards combine many advantages - for example, they offer its owner enormous flexibility, as they take up little space, so they can be taken in small cars or on airplane trips. Their stable construction makes them well suited for rental and for stony shallow waters. The risk of injury with ISUPs is lower, making them also well suited for Children are suitable.