Many aspiring water workers, when they first see a man standing on a wide board rowing a long paddle, ask themselves, what is the name of this device? In today's world of water sports, the answer is unequivocal: SUP boardThe board is also often called Stand Up Paddleboarding. sappord or simply "sap", and the process of moving on the water standing with a paddle in his hands was called sup-surf or rowing standing.
This activity originated in Hawaii and has since gained popularity around the world because of its accessibility and versatility, unlike traditional surfing, where you have to catch a wave, you can't just go anywhere. SUP board You can safely plow the surface of the lake, raft along the river or even practice yoga. Construction The product allows it to remain stable even in heavy chop, making it an ideal choice for a family holiday.
If you are planning to purchase your first watercraft, it is important to understand that the market offers a lot of modifications. Inflatable models PVC is now dominant due to its portability, while composite Professionals choose the options to achieve maximum speeds, and understanding the basic terminology will help you not get lost in the range of stores and choose exactly what you need.
History of origin and evolution of the name
Although boom sapboarding The roots of this exercise go back to Polynesian culture in the early 2000s, where ancient fishermen and warriors used large wooden boards and bamboo oars to move between islands, although it didn't have a separate name in the modern sense, and a revival of interest occurred in the United States, where surf instructors began using long paddles to see pupils better and row calmer.
term Stand Up Paddleboarding It became official after several California surfers, including the legendary Laird Hamilton, began to actively promote this style of skating, and they modified old surfboards, adding a paddle mount to them, and soon after that, they began to use the skating style. industry The name has since evolved into a handy acronym for SUP, which is used all over the world.
⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse SUP board with wake surf. Despite their similarity, they have different buoyancy and purpose; using paddle surf can be dangerous because of lack of volume.
Today. rowing The evolution of the name reflects the change in functionality: from a simple means of transportation, the board has become a multifunctional projectile for fitness, tourism and even fishing.
The design and main elements of the SUP-board
Modern rowing-board It's a high-tech product that has a few key elements. decimal (top part) which is usually covered with anti-slip coating EVA-rugIt is on this that the rider stands, so the quality and area of the mat directly affect the comfort and safety when riding.
The perimeter of the board passes winch The slings are attached to the slings, and the slings can be tied to the slings, and the nose is often a loading pad, reinforced by additional slings, and the critical element for inflatable models is the slings. high-pressure valvethrough which the pumping occurs, providing rigidity of the structure.
- 🏄 keel - the lower fin, providing course stability and preventing yawing of the board.
- 💺 Seat anchorage Additional loops (D-rings) that allow you to turn the board into a kayak.
- 🔒 Transportation handle - located in the center, convenient for carrying equipment on land.
Hard models often have a layer in the design carbon They're made of fiberglass, which makes them lightweight, but they're fragile when they're hit. Drop StitchAnd this is where thousands of strands connect the top and bottom layers of PVC, allowing you to withstand pressures of up to 15-20 PSI without deformation, making them incredibly durable and puncture resistant.
Types of SUP boards: how to choose the right model
Choice SUP board It depends on where and how you plan to ride, and there is no universal model, although beginners are often advised to start with a new one. All-Round They have a rounded nose shape, medium length and width, which provides a good balance between speed and stability.
For those who dream of big waves, special ones have been created. surf-supThey're shorter, they have a curved nose, so they can get in the waves and maneuver. touring The models are long and sharp, resembling canoes, which allows you to develop high speed over long distances and keep the course.
| Type of board | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal (All-Round) | 270-320 | 75-85 | Training, calm water, family |
| Touring (Touring) | 350-430 | 70-78 | Long hikes, speed |
| Racing (Race) | 380-480 | 65-72 | Competitions, maximum speed |
| Yoga (Yoga) | 270-300 | 80-90 | Fitness, maximum stability |
It is worth mentioning separately. specialized Fishing boards are equipped with many fishing rod mounts and often have camouflage colors. Yoga models are larger in width and soft coating, resembling a fitness mat, allowing you to perform complex asanas without the risk of slipping.
Oar for SUP-boarding: types and settings
The oar is the "motor" in the hands of the sappordist, and the right choice is no less important than the choice of the board itself. paddle It consists of a blade, cutting (tree) and a handle. The blades are made of plastic, fiberglass or Carbon-based options are lighter and tougher, they're less tired in the hand when rowing for a long time, but they cost more.
The key is the length of the paddle, which should be tailored to the height of the rider, and usually the paddle is 15 to 25 cm longer than a person. telescopic It's an adjustment or a rapid disassembly system into three parts, which is convenient for transportation, and if you don't fit the length correctly, you'll get very tired of your back and your arms.
- 🌊 Swabble - technique of movement in which the paddle is immersed completely and carried out along the side.
- 🔄 A U-turn. - movement of the paddle in the arc to change course without losing speed.
- 🛑 Braking is a sharp stroke against the course of movement to stop the board.
For professionals, specifications such as cutting The bending of the shaft allows for more efficient force transmission, and the tilt of the blade optimizes water capture, while for beginners, reliability and the ability to quickly replace elements in the event of a breakage on the water are more important.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a paddle with a cracked blade or a damaged cutting. When loaded, it can break at the most inopportune moment, leaving you without a control in an open body of water.
Rowing technique and basic safety
Mastery rowing It starts on land. Kneel in the middle of the board, take the paddle with two hands: one holds the handle (top), the other covers the cutting below. The blade should be directed away from you (skid forward). The rowing is done not with your hands, but with the body: you bend over, you immerse the oar at the nose of the board and pull yourself forward, turning the body.
When you feel confident on your knees, you can try to stand up. quillson The gaze is always on the horizon, not the legs, which helps to keep your balance, and if you look at yourself, the vestibular apparatus receives false signals, and it becomes easier to fall.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Water safety is priority number one. Even if you're a great swimmer, water safety is a good priority. lifejacket It's mandatory under GIMS rules in many regions. safety-line It's a sliche that sticks one end to the tail of the board and the other end to the ankle or the rider's belt, and if you fall, the wind can instantly carry the board away, and you can't catch it without a tether.
Care, storage and transportation of equipment
And SUP board After every ride, especially in salt water, the equipment must be rinsed with fresh water, the salt and sand are abrasive and can damage the adhesive seams and decks, and the inflatable models must be thoroughly dried before they are packed into the bag so that mold does not start inside.
You should keep the board in a dry room, away from direct sunlight and heating appliances. PVCInflatable boards are not recommended to be stored in a highly inflated state for a long time (months) without use, it is better to slightly relieve pressure or keep in a warm room in winter.
Transportation of rigid models requires special mounts on the roof of the car. Inflatable options are convenient in that they are deflated into a backpack and can be carried in the trunk of a conventional sedan or even on public transport. fittingsThe valves and tightness of the seams will prolong the life of your equipment for many seasons.
How to properly blow off a SUP board?
To deflate the board, open the valve and press the center part to lock it in the open position. twist the board from tail to nose, periodically opening the valve to exit the residual air. Do not use vacuum cleaners to pump out, so as not to damage the internal structure.
Can I ride a SUP board in winter?
Yes, it's possible, but it requires special gear, you'll need a wetsuit or a dry suit, neoprene socks and gloves, and inflatable boards get tougher in the winter, and they can form ice that needs to be carefully removed so as not to damage the coating.
How long does it take to pump the board?
Manual pumping takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on the board's volume and fitness. Using an electric pump will reduce the time to 3-5 minutes, but requires a power source (Power Bank or car battery).
How much weight does a standard board bear?
Universal inflatable SUP boards are usually designed for a load of 100 to 140 kg. Models with double sides or increased width can withstand up to 180-200 kg, which allows you to take a dog or child with you.