Learn stand up paddling: helpful tips from the expert

Stand Up Paddling has developed into a popular trend sport in recent years. “In the past you didn’t know where to classify SUP: when rowing or surfing,” Peter recalls the beginnings of water sports. “Today you consider whether Stand Up Paddling should possibly be Olympic”. The SUP trainer has been teaching the art of paddling for six years and knows what is important when buying a board-and what beginners should know before you get a board.

There are two different types of boards: hardboards and inflatables. The former were the pioneers of the stand up paddle, which are characterized by a firm foam core and are very complex. However, they are also more susceptible to holes: “If you drive against a bridge, for example, the board gets small cracks that pull the water. It gets heavier, but still swims. But if it is outside in winter, the penetrated water freezes – then it thaws again in summer,” explains the board, explains the disadvantages of a hardboards. In addition, you have to dig deeper into your pocket for high -quality models. For comparison: “Cheap models are between 600 and 800 euros, raceboards go up to 5,000 euros”.

The SUP rental in which he works still offers both variants. The trend is clearly towards the inflatable, i.e. the inflatable boards. The advantages are obvious: “They are simply more practical because it is easier to transport them. You let the air out, fold it up and put it in the backpack”. But here too there is an individual price range – for a good inflatable you pay between 800 and 2000 euros. However, there are also affordable which are particularly sufficient for “Sunday paddlers”, i.e. occasional excursions.

“With the cheap boards, I recommend brands like . The lifespan is not so high, so we do not use such boards for the rental – you get a whole set including backpack and pump, “said Peters assessment. In his opinion, a cheap board can also hold two to three years if you do it well and do not leave it in the sun.” If you only want to paddle a bit every now and then, he is recommended for them. High quality brands like ,, ,, or .

According to Peter’s experience, the classic board is most frequently sold because it is most popular. But is it automatically suitable for beginners like professionals? Here the answer is very clear: no! “I recommend beginners to take a wide board with a lot of buoyancy so that they get security on the water.” A lot of buoyancy means that the boards are a little thicker, wider and also longer and therefore have more volume so that they can wear more weight. “To find the right board for the right weight, you can also get advice from the specialist dealer.” In addition, the SUP trainer complements that there is the possibility to test a board before buying-to find out whether it is like it. “There are special SUP events at which various manufacturers are represented and where you can usually try out the boards for free. Or you go to a SUP rental such as ours and drive some models there,” suggests Peter.

“Advanced people should first think about what they want to do with the board. If you want to drive faster, you need a narrow and long board, for example a racer. Accordingly, this is also very tilting. If I want to surf with SUP, I need a wide but short model,” explains the trainer. And also at You can choose between different sizes: from 120 sheets to the 80s leaf. “For beginners I recommend the middle. Because the wider the leaf, the more strenuous the movement in the water”.

In terms of accessories, those interested in buying often ask themselves whether they need special protective clothing on the lake. Because even if SUP looks harmless at first glance, the water is not harmless: only last summer a paddler drowned in Lake Constance, but it was only 200 meters from the shore. Therefore, the following applies here: Safety First! Even if it may not look very stylish, one can Saving lives in case of doubt. It is not expensive either. And the purchase is worthwhile in any case.

In addition, a lighter is recommended in summer. It protects against the sun and wind when you fly into the water and-unlike cotton shopies or T-shirts-does not suck full. He also dries much, much faster. However, if you don’t want to do without stand up paddling in winter, you should always have a special one carry. It prevents you from getting wet when you fall into the ice -cold water. The best way to do is or that keep you warm on the board.