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What is stand up paddleboarding?
Stand up paddleboarding, often referred to as “SUP”, is a water sport that involves standing up on a long board and rowing with a paddle to move forward.
Born in Polynesia, SUP was practiced by Polynesian kingswho used huge boards made from tree trunks.
A paddle board is similar to a surfboard, but longer. The paddle allows you to move on the water, even when it is calm. This sport can be practiced alone, in pairs, or in groups and can be done on rivers, ocean and lakes.
How do you choose a board?
There are two types of boards: rigid boards and inflatable boards.
Here is how they compare :
Rigid stand up paddle boards
Rigid paddle boards are less popular than inflatable boards but they do have their benefits. Generally speaking, the advantage of a rigid board is its speed. It also offers greater stability and better overall durability.
When selecting a rigid paddle board, it’s important to consider the material:
- Fiberglass paddle board: this board has the advantage of not being too heavy and being a great value for the price;
- Carbon fiber paddle board: if you are interested in "race" paddling, choose a carbon fiber board. Thanks to the lightness of the material and its rigidity, this board is made for speed;
- Polyethylene paddle board: this type of board is most often used and reserved for schools.
If you’re looking for performance and stability, a rigid SUP is your best option. The rigid structure of a SUP offers a faster and smoother glide. Your paddle strokes will be more efficient and take you further than with an inflatable paddle board.
Inflatable paddle boards
Les planches de paddle gonflables sont généralement fabriquées en PVC. Le principal avantage est sa portabilité, elle prend peu de place et vous permet de la prendre partout avec soi (dans le coffre de sa voiture, en avion, en train, etc.). Pour les adeptes de stand up paddle yoga, c’est la planche à privilégier.
Il y a différents procédés de fabrication et elles se différencient par le nombre de couches de PVC. Plus il y a de couches, plus le prix est élevé et plus la planche est résistante.
Les Stand Up Paddle gonflables, sont plus robustes que les rigides. En effet, ils ne subissent pas les chocs contre les rochers par exemple ou encore les coups de pagaie.
| rigid SUP | inflatable SUP | |
| Durability | X | |
| Perfomance | X | |
| Portability | X | |
| Glide performance | X | |
| Versatility | X | |
| Price | X |
There are SUP boards adapted to various activities such as hiking, surfing, walking or racing. For leisure and touring enthusiasts, the versatile SUP is the best choice.
This type of board allows you to switch from one discipline to another without having to change boards, while maintaining a smooth glide and stability.
We hope you have found this information helpful. You can check out our SUP selection online or come discuss your options directly with the Matos team by visiting our shop in Brussels: Chaussée de Ninove 124.
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