SUP Words

Modern, inflatable race boards can hold their own in a competitive environment and make SUP racing more accessible. 

An opinion piece by Mike Carney – SouthCentral Region Member

The Problem

SUP racing has declined in participation in recent years despite an increase in paddle board sales. It’s not difficult to understand why. While stand up paddle boarding is easy for new participants to start in the recreational space, there is a huge barrier for paddlers to take the next step into racing. Race-curious paddlers often feel that the only way to compete is with expensive, fragile, hard-to-find boards, that are more difficult to try before buying, to store, and to transport.

These factors make SUP racing intimidating and prohibitive for new racers.

 Modern inflatable race boards can hold their own in a competitive environment and make SUP racing more accessible. 

One Part of the Solution

Making SUP racing more accessible opens an invitation to new participants. We need a bridge between the recreational paddling community and the competitive paddling world, and Inflatable SUP racing offers one solution.

A competitive inflatable race division can encourage additional participation both from new racers and experienced racers who travel long distances. While inflatables are allowed to compete in most races, it is rarely promoted as an option. By giving inflatable racers their own category, the field becomes both competitive and accessible.

Inflatable Racing Viability and Benefits

Modern high-quality inflatable race boards from brands like Starboard, Red Paddle Co, Hydrus Board Tech, NSP, and others are high performance race boards. New paddle board racers can purchase one for a fraction of the cost of a carbon fiber SUP, get it delivered anywhere in the country (or world), and easily transport it wherever they choose to paddle without worry of damage or complicated logistics.

After a significant amount of testing between multiple boards I’ve moved from racing on my carbon fiber board to exclusively using an inflatable paddle board this year. I had no reduction in speed or race results when I made the switch, and my performance has continued to improve throughout the season.

But I’m not the only one who’s found inflatable boards to be competitive and a great way to increase participation. Christian Andersen placed second at this spring’s APP India Paddle Festival on an NSP inflatable race board against competitors on carbon race SUPs. The ICF has had an inflatable distance race for years, and GB SUP have a well-supported inflatable race division as well.

Using an inflatable race board has also made it far easier and less stressful to participate in different events. I get to use my own, familiar, equipment rather than scrambling to find a loaner board for a far-away race. Most of us won’t deviate from our pre-race breakfast, so why do we find it okay to rely on unknown equipment?

Inflatable race divisions also open the door for more sponsorships and brand involvement by providing a small fleet of racing boards shipped directly, and cheaply, to any event. That’s not feasible with hard boards.

The Downside of Inflatable Racing

I will freely admit there are still some issues with inflatable race boards when compared directly to hard boards. It’s not currently possible to make an effective inflatable race board narrower than about 23”. While the largest segment of hard race board designs is still the 23-24” range, there is an arms race in hard boards pushing top-level competition onto increasingly narrower shapes. In the grand scheme of things, the narrowest board is going to be the fastest, putting the design limitation of inflatables at a disadvantage at the highest level.

Inflatable boards also have a disadvantage in extremely short sprint races. While they are more rigid than ever, the small amount of remaining flex makes a large difference in these short powerhouse events, but not in the longer technical and distance races.

These are comparative shortfalls between the two constructions. But offering a dedicated competitive inflatable category eliminates any disadvantage.

A Two-Part Challenge to Increase Accessibility

I have two challenges for anyone reading this article who wants to help increase the accessibility of SUP racing.

1) If you are an international, national, or local race organizer, add a competitive, all ages, inflatable race division to your events. There’s very little cost associated with it (ordering a few more medals), and the same logistics as any other category. As this category grows over time, you can add age divisions as necessary. 

Don’t water down an event just because it’s for inflatable boards only. If the Open Distance race is 10K, the Inflatable Distance race should be 10K. Start them at the same time! I bet you’ll see a much closer competition between the two than you think. Add heats for your technical races, and even sprint races if you have them.

But most importantly - hype it up! If you treat an inflatable race like a consolation, it will never have the ability to increase participation.

2) If you are a racer, give an inflatable race SUP a try. Use it as a training tool, pick one up for traveling to distant races, and do your own comparisons. If you don’t like it, then you’ve got a backup/training/travel/loaner board. If you do, then you’ve got a way to compete worldwide without equipment concerns.

But most importantly - hype up the inflatable racers around you! Rising tides lift all SUPs. Support your community and encourage everyone. Gatekeeping will only hurt an activity, especially one with such a small community like SUP racing.

Let’s Do This!

If we want to grow the sport of SUP racing, we need to grow our community. We do that by removing accessibility barriers and inviting a more diverse group of paddlers to join us. Inflatable race SUPs offer solutions to both of those tasks. Whether you are an organizer, a racer, or both, you can support the growth of SUP racing by supporting the growth of inflatable racing.

Ask your local race organizers to add a competitive inflatable category. It’s such a simple solution, but it could completely change the face of racing. It allows new racers to join the fray and traveling to far flung events suddenly becomes accessible and stress free. Just get on that plane with your board and go!

Mike is an ACA L3 SUP Instructor and a contributor to SUPBoardGuide.com and InflatableBoarder.com

Unless you live on or very near water, chances are your first board is going to be inflatable (iSUP). Theres a lot to like about inflatables, but most of those advantages have little to do with how the board performs on the water, and rather have more to do with factors off the water. Inflatables are generally easier to transport and store. Inflatables can also be more impact resistant and less likely to need repair after being bumped into hard objects like rocks. The tradeoff here is of course punctures. With that said, this article is not intended to help you decide which is better, hardboard or iSUP, and rather focuses on what to look for if you already have your heart set on an iSUP.

Better on the water than on shore

Recently a major grocery store chain was selling an iSUP for less than $200. Everywhere you turn there are boards available for under $400. The majority of them aren’t very good. However they will float and give the user the experience of paddleboarding. A safe day on the water, beats sitting on shore any day, but you might not fall in love with SUP on your new bargain board. Cheap iSUPs are going to be generally less stable and may be built with questionable safety. Many inexpensive boards can suffer from catastrophic failures, typically with the seams of the boards. This can be a problem if the user experiences this type of failure in conditions or farther from shore than is a comfortable swim, which leads to some safety advice…

iSUP Specific Safety

Because the nature of an inflatable board is that it depends on air being contained within the board, there are a couple safety recommendations specific to iSUPs that should be followed:

• Wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) – while you are only legally required to have a PFD onboard your craft outside the surf zone and/or swimming areas, it is strongly recommended you wear it as opposed to having it strapped to the deck. In the event of deflation event, you likely will not have time to put the vest on before the board sinks, and a vest is very difficult to put on once you are already in the water.
• Use a coiled quick release leash attached at your waist – the higher profile of an iSUP means the wind can catch the board and carry it away from you faster than you can swim after it.  A leash keeps the board from getting away and having it attached at your waist makes it easier to retrieve your board and get back on. However, In the case of rapid deflation, it’s important to have a quick way of disconnecting from a deflated board that can get snagged on obstructions or in the worst case, become an anchor.
• Consider models with secondary floatation – while not common, especially at lower price points, boards with more than one air chamber add a considerable margin of safety if one chamber loses air.

Board Size and Quality

Most inexpensive boards are sold in the 10’-10’6” range, this is a great length for having a board that turns easily, but maybe more difficult to paddle in a straight line. The problem gets worse the taller the paddler gets. Paddlers taller than 5’6” will have an easier time paddling straight on a board that’s greater than 11’.

Width:

• Wide (32-36 inches): Offers stability, suitable for beginners, yoga, and fishing.
• Medium (30-32 inches): Balances stability and speed, ideal for recreational use.
• Narrow (less than 30 inches): Enhances speed and performance.

Materials: High-quality iSUPs are made from military-grade PVC and have multiple layers for enhanced durability. Drop-stitch construction is essential for rigidity when the board is inflated. Also look for fusion welded rails, though many brands advertise this yet have repeated seam failures

Weight Capacity: Ensure the board can support your weight, including any gear you plan to carry, including dogs and children. Just because I board is rated for 300 pounds does NOT mean you should use it at or near that weight. That is a failure rating, it means it will float at that capacity, but won’t necessarily perform as designed at that capacity. Shoot for a board where you and anything or anyone else you’re carrying, falls within 60-80% of that max rating.

Air Pressure Capacity (psi): Boards designed for 15psi or less are going to be less stiff, and less stable than boards with greater air pressure capacity. iSUPs should always be inflated to its recommended pressure or within 1psi of its max rating with a reliable pressure gauge and monitored periodically throughout the day, especially when exposed to sunlight. Boards left in the hot sun and over-inflated boards can fail dramatically.

Evaluate the Accessories

Pump: Most iSUPs come with a 2-stage hand pump. However, an electric pump can save time and effort and is usually a worthwhile upgrade.

Paddle: Consider if the board includes an adjustable, lightweight paddle. Carbon fiber paddles are lighter and more efficient. If possible, skip the “free” included paddle in favor of a lighter paddle that comes in different blade sizes more suited to your height and weight.

Leash: A safety leash is essential to keep the board attached to you if you fall off. USA SUP strongly recommends a quick release type leash attached at the waist.

Backpack: A good quality backpack makes transporting your iSUP easier. Ensure its durable and comfortable to carry.

Fin Setup: Most inexpensive iSUPs come with a three-fin setup. However, unless you are surfing, or operating in very shallow water, A single, larger, center mounted fin offers the best balance between stability, speed, and maneuverability. “Standard” or FCS fin boxes are preferred over proprietary “click-in” fin boxes that will only accept fins made by that manufacturer.

Brand Reputation, Reviews, and Recommendations

Ever hear the phrase “Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday”? It refers to the automotive industry and implies that the knowledge gained from racing and the reputation of winning, results in cars in cars that people want to buy. The same advice is mostly compatible for paddleboards as well. Brands that invest in making fast raceboards, generally make pretty good iSUPs and sometimes even make race-specific iSUP boards. These brands have made investments in ways to make iSUPs stiffer and thus more stable and efficient.

Research online reviews and ask for recommendations from experienced paddlers. User feedback can provide valuable insights into the board’s performance and durability. However, beware of reccomendations from folks who don’t have much experience who want to validate their own purchase.

Shops can be a great source of good advice but tend to only carry products from more well-known manufacturers with retail channels. Expect to be steered towards a brand that they carry, and consequently, feel good about supporting after the sale. Which can be a really good thing, but you won’t find many if any direct-to-consumer brands.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, test different boards to find the one that feels most comfortable and suits your paddling style. Many retailers offer demo days or rentals. Even if you’re not a racer, showing up at a racing event will provide opportunities to ask questions and maybe even try a few things. Just don’t expect someone to loan you a 21” wide carbon fiber rocket ship unless they can tell you’re experienced enough to handle it.

Beware of paddleboard rental concessions, the boards they offer for rent frequently put durability ahead of performance.

Be a Savvy Shopper

It is not uncommon for top tier brands to have sales on iSUPs. Sometimes these sales can be as high as 50% for previous model years and close out models.  Sometimes you need to be a little patient, shop in the off-season, and it doesn’t hurt to sign up for manufacturer’s email lists.

Buying used is always an option, however, most iSUPs will only last 3-5 years, you may want to avoid a used board that has already had a chunk taken out of its lifespan. On the other hand, “demo” boards are typically only used for one or two events and can be had at a significant discount, especially if you have cash in hand at a public event.

Conclusion

There are a lot of factors when choosing an iSUP, and it can be intimidating. Like many things, especially when it comes to sporting goods, you don’t always get what you pay for, but wherever you end up, a safe day on the water beats a day on the shore kicking rocks. In summary:

• Prioritize safety when making your choice and leave enough room in the budget for a good leash and PFD.
• You might need a bigger board than you think, consider your height, weight, and gear/children/dogs you want to paddle with and don’t exceed 80% of a board’s max weight rating.
• Boards with higher max PSI ratings will be stiffer and more stable.
• Consider getting an electronic pump.
• Consider buying your paddle separately and upgrading from the start
• Board makers that have race models are more likely to be higher quality and performance.
• Try as many boards as you can before you buy.
• Be a smart shopper and look for season end and demo deals.
• Have fun! Welcome to the most fun and inclusive sport on the planet!

Bottom line is that you should buy the best board you can afford, but the $200 grocery store board is better than nothing if you don’t skimp on the safety equipment. Spending more can definitely enhance the experience and make it easier to enjoy the sport.

by Grant Cooper

(founding Board Member)

Photo by Author - Utah Lake Storm 06/02/2023

Living in the high desert area of Utah, Spring, albeit a late spring this year, and the transition into Summer is a time of afternoon thunderstorms and unpredictable winds.

This of course brings additional challenges to planning and enjoying time on the water paddleboarding.

A worst case scenario in windy conditions is becoming separated from your paddleboard. The paddleboard is your biggest flotation device in adverse conditions. 

Leashes, and your understanding and use of them, can prevent separation from your paddleboard and potentially tragic outcomes from your paddle sessions.

In addition to taking the time to evaluate weather conditions, checking forecasts, checking flags that may be out on your journey to the water, observing the water and clouds, and then assessing your ability to paddle in those conditions, your leash should be the first piece of equipment you reach for once you have decided to paddle out.

But are all leashes created equal ? I would like to share here, an article  from our friends at NZ SUP, more specifically Bill Dawes, the NZ SUP Safety Officer. 

https://www.sup.org.nz/safety/leashes/

Unfortunately it is becoming an all too common occurrence for paddlers to be caught out in conditions which can change in an instance.

So if you are paddling and see someone with a leash dragging in the water behind the board, politely recommend they attach it to themselves and explain why.

And if you are a paddler that does not wear one, I shall leave you with this thought a race director shared with his competitors a number of years ago.

"As a race director I cannot force you to wear a leash, there is no law that says you must, but I would ask that you remember, each time you go out on your board you are an ambassador for your sport. You get to choose how you represent that sport" 

by Grant Cooper

As humans, we are social creatures, and we thrive in communities. Our sense of belonging and connection to others plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. In modern times, the definition of community has expanded to include not just physical neighborhoods, but also the coming together of people based on shared interests, values, and goals.

One of the fundamental values of a community is the desire to help others in need. This innate human instinct can be traced back to our evolutionary history, where cooperation and mutual aid were necessary for survival. Today, this instinct manifests in various forms, but visibly in acts of kindness and generosity throughout our paddle community.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Southern Utah and participate in the Dig Paddlesports "Paddle Poker" community event.

Each year Bill and Michelle Ennis, Owner / Operators of Dig Paddlesports in Hurricane, Utah, organize and run this event, which is a fun paddle around Quail Creek Lake to card stations, some of which are floating and some on shore, where you pick up a playing card to complete your hand. Each hand gets a donated spot prize based on make up of the hand, ie a pair, 2 pairs, Flush etc.  

So a lot of fun for the paddlers of all skills and craft, in typically beautiful Southern Utah weather.

You can see some images from the 2023 Paddle Poker here :- https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrL-TvqMxuI

What makes this event special however, is this year, as in previous years, ALL monies raised (entries and silent auctions) was donated to a local family in need.

This year all proceeds benefited a local family battling cancer. The recipient was Andon Mitchell from St George, Utah.

Family members were also out at the event, and some even paddled. 

So like many others in our wonderful paddling community, Bill and Michelle are taking their passion for paddling, rallying the community around this event and donating to a worthy cause in service of others. 

The event was a success, and it not only raised much-needed funds to help Andon and his family, but also served as a reminder of the importance of community and our human desire to help others in need.

If you would like to join a local community to make a positive impact, reach out to your local paddling communities at USA SUP. Here you will find resources to get you started.

Or if you know of existing members, selflessly helping others in need through their passion for SUP, drop us a note at stories@usasup.org and let us know so we can give them a shout out.

by Grant Cooper

In modern sports psychology there is an assertion you should "enjoy the journey, the process and not focus just on the goal".

It is of course based on sound principles, that the emotion of a single event / goal will flourish but then ebb and be gone within a moment while a journey provides a lifetime of lessons and learning, not only about life but you, yourself as well.

However it is equally sound to argue that "if you don't know where you are going, you can never be lost".

Eight, or maybe nine, years ago, every time I drove past a body of water, I would see people out enjoying themselves on paddleboards and a dream was born. I knew I wanted to do this, and could do this, so the journey began...

Soon after, I had my first inflatable board and was off and running, or paddling, towards my dream.

I very quickly learned about "enjoying the journey / process", as like many others my first attempts to paddle were very humbling..... and wet. But through this journey I have never lost sight of what it was I personally believed I could achieve. 

I knew then, and still now know, that one day I could wear my country's colors, my national flag, and win a medal at a World Masters SUP Event.

It will be, and is, hard work, but that dream and your "why" will fuel the flames of your efforts on your journeys path, and ultimately your growth as an athlete and person.

14 Life Lessons My 14ft Race Board Taught Me

by Kyle Kushner

1. GET A NEW PERSPECTIVE

I like to go about a mile offshore and look back at the city. So quiet and peaceful from out there. It always recharges me with a  new perspective. Sometimes we must physically remove ourselves from the chaos and the noise to gain a new clear perspective. It helps give a new way of looking at any situation or circumstance.

2. CHARGE AS HARD AS YOU CAN

When I race, there’s always someone in front of me and behind me. It doesn’t matter where we are at any moment. What matters is that we know we are doing our best. ALWAYS do your best. Charge as hard as you can. Win or lose; knowing you did your best is all that matters.

3. STAY BALANCED

On a race board in the ocean, this is imperative for obvious reasons but in daily life; we must constantly remind ourselves. Work, relationships, health, and family can all be so overwhelming. Always give what you can but make room for what you need. Take an assessment. What have you been neglecting? What needs some attention, and what needs less?

4. VALUE YOUR LEASH

My leash has saved my life a few times. They can be a pain, but I was sure happy I had one when I needed it. Value your friends and all your loved ones. They can be such a lifeline at times when we need help. Let them know when you need them and show them you care.

5. KNOW YOUR DIRECTION

It’s usually best to plan your route when paddling and when navigating life. Have purpose and intent on where you are headed. Define for yourself where you’d like to go and why, then, again, do your best to get there.

6. HAVE GRATITUDE

Sometimes it is actually good to stop charging too hard on and off the water. We must stop and smell the roses (or sometimes the pelican poop, haha). There is beauty all around. If we move too fast, we might miss it. Find an appreciation in all the little things you usually take for granted. 

7. FLOW WITH THE TIDE, NOT AGAINST IT

When I find the tide’s flow direction, I go faster and with more ease. Resisting flow causes conflict. Be willing to have acceptance for how things are going, good or bad. Don’t resist. Find the momentum and go with it. Life has funny ways of letting us know it’s time for a change. When we don’t fight it, we give way to new opportunities.

8. EYES UP!

When paddling, always keep your eyes up. We lose sight of what’s in front of us when looking down. This is dangerous on the water, and it’s counterproductive in life. With your eyes up, you’ll make informed decisions and see the obstacles that may be in front of you.

9. HYDRATE

Always stay hydrated when paddling so your body and mind stay optimized for performance. Hydrate your body and mind regularly with exercise (and water, of course) to remain optimized in life. You’ll feel better, sleep better, and perform better.

10. HAVE SELF-AWARENESS

Certain conditions on the water call for truly being aware of one’s level of ability and skill. It can actually be a matter of life or death. In daily life, we must work on having self-awareness for different reasons, but they are equally as important. Be conscious of yourself and your actions. Have an awareness of yourself to be more thoughtful and less reactive. When we make rash or impulsive decisions, we lack the self-awareness that might otherwise tell us to choose more wisely.

11. WEAR SUNSCREEN

Just wear sunscreen. That’s it. 

12. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP

Rest and sleep are so vital for racing and for performing in life. Always prioritize rest and sleep. You’ll never be at your best without it. You’ll also live a longer, healthier life, so get plenty of sleep.

13. HAVE FUN

Yes, races are competitive and can get serious, but at the end of the day, it’s just a race. You can’t win them all, so lighten up, have fun, and enjoy life. You don’t have to be so serious all of the time. Everything’s not a competition, and remember, we’re all on our own paths.

14. NEVER GIVE UP

When the storm clouds roll in, and the wind picks up, pushing you out to sea, you can never give up.

When you lose your job, or your business, or your home burns down, or the person you love says they don’t love you anymore, or you lose a friend, or you lose a family member, or your bank account goes negative, or your car won’t start, or your child pushes you away, or that bully embarrasses you, or the doctor says it’s not good, or you feel completely alone, or you have no more energy left, or you feel like you can’t get out of bed, or you feel worthless, or you feel like your world is imploding, or you feel like you can’t go on, NEVER NEVER EVER GIVE UP.

Remember life is always flowing with the tide, and the tides are always changing.

Don’t resist, just flow and know it’s always only just a moment.

Moments change, and they pass.

Life will go in so many directions that we cannot control.

But, if we flow and never give up, we’ll always inevitably find our way back to the shore.

Be well and live well my friends,

Kyle G. Kushner

Kyle is a web designer and owner of KGK Digital.

( He recently built a site for PRO SUP SHOP - check it out! )

Paddleboarding alone,

On calm blue waters I roam,

Nature's symphony surrounds,

Peaceful mind, my soul astounds.

Breathing deep, I close my eyes,

The sun, a gentle warm surprise,

Wind whispers secrets on my face,

A smile, I cannot replace.

With each stroke, I feel alive,

Free from worries, free from strife,

Just me, the board and the sea,

A moment of pure serenity.

Dan Smith is a race director & owner of Paddling Paradise in Palm Bay, Florida