SUP Buying Guide

Deck pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, usually covering just over half of the board. Made from a grippy and soft foam, the purpose of the pad is to provide slip resistance and cushioning. Some paddleboards have a separate tail kick pad with a slightly different surface compared to the rest of the deck pad. It’s an effective way to make the paddler aware that they are standing close to the tail.

Different boards have different bungee formations, but the purpose is the same: to hold your gear in place and stop it from falling into the water. Usually, the bungees are near the nose of the board, but sometimes you will also find additional attachments by the tail.

These are little attachment points for your leash, bungees, and other gear. The rings are also useful for towing.

All paddleboards have at least one carry handle, which often sits in the middle of the board on top of the deck pad. It allows you to easily transport your board to and from the water without damaging it. The middle carry handle also often marks the perfect spot to stand while paddling if you place your feet at hip-width on each side of the handle. Some boards have additional handles that help you break surface tension when lifting the board from the water.

All paddleboards have at least one carry handle, which often sits in the middle of the board on top of the deck pad. It allows you to easily transport your board to and from the water without damaging it. The middle carry handle also often marks the perfect spot to stand while paddling if you place your feet at hip-width on each side of the handle.

All paddleboards have at least one carry handle, which often sits in the middle of the board on top of the deck pad. It allows you to easily transport your board to and from the water without damaging it. The middle carry handle also often marks the perfect spot to stand while paddling if you place your feet at hip-width on each side of the handle.

Rails, also known as sidewalls, form the edges of an inflatable paddleboard. Durability is a top priority when building SUP rails because they hold the board together and endure various bumps and dings. Manufacturers can also increase the rigidity of their inflatable SUPS by adding a stiffening layer to the sidewall construction.

All paddleboards come with at least one fin, which allows you to track straight on the water. Sometimes instead of a single fin, you have a formation of two or even three for increased stability and easier tracking in windy conditions. Fins come in a variety of sizes: smaller fins provide better manoeuvrability, whereas larger fins help the board track straighter. Sometimes brands choose to feature two fins of the same size simply because it helps balance the board on the shore while you load it up with your gear. Inflatable SUPs generally utilise flexible rubber fins, which in some cases are removable but often come permanently attached to the board. Detachable fins offer a little more freedom as you can swap them out for different sizes or remove them for storage.

You wouldn’t get far on your brand new paddleboard without one of these, but there's no need to worry because all of our SUP packages include an adjustable paddle that is easy to store with your board. The three main components of a SUP paddle are the handle, the shaft, and the blade. Shaft materials affect the performance of the entire paddle. Lighter materials such as carbon deliver maximum power in the stroke, making them ideal for longer paddles with minimal fatigue, whereas heavier materials such as aluminium are better suited for recreational paddling.

A leash is arguably the most important piece of SUP safety equipment. It ensures that you remain connected to your board if you happen to fall in the water. There are two different types of leashes, coiled and straight. A coiled leash doesn’t trail in the water while you paddle and keeps you closer to your board when you fall. That makes them ideal for flat water, where there is a low chance of the board bouncing back towards you. Straight leashes keep you far away from your board when you fall, lowering the chance of your board hitting you if you get caught in a wave. However, straight leashes can tangle easily, and they drag along in the water, which adds resistance.

A sturdy manual pump is an essential piece of kit for everyone who owns an inflatable paddleboard. Each board package includes one of these, and it only takes about 10 minutes to inflate your SUP fully.

Most SUP packages come with a durable backpack carrier. They are ideal for storing and transporting your deflated paddleboard as they provide excellent protection against punctures and scuffs. The backpacks also come in handy if you have to walk with your board to get to the beach.