Tower Paddle-Boards
From touring to ‘casual outings,’ SUPs are a great way to explore the water.
Words by Steve Fennell
Water sports are a great way to enhance your summer and most accessories are easy to bring along on most pontoons, runabouts, wakeboard boats and sport cruisers for a fun-filled day on the lake.
From tubes and wakeboard gear to kayaks, there are many options to expand your boating experiences. Standup paddleboards (aka SUPs), too, continue to be all the rage for 2022 and don’t be surprised to see many enthusiasts ‘paddling vertically’ in a quiet cove, along the shore or on the open water.
Why Buy One?
There are a handful of reasons to purchase one. Widely available at most sporting goods stores, SUPs come in a variety of designs and allow you to further explore an area, but by using your strength. This not only offers new on-water experiences, but it’s a healthy workout without even knowing it (after some use).
They are also easily accessible, can be stored on your boat (and elsewhere), be taken out on the water at a moment’s notice, and are simple to maintain. Plus, SUPs can be enjoyed all year (don’t be surprised to see some hardcore enthusiasts out on Okanagan Lake as early as March with appropriate cold-weather gear).
Daniel-Frank
With their stability and ease of use, they provide a ‘therapeutic space’ for yoga enthusiasts.
Hull Types and Designs
There are many designs available and the hull (bottom) of a SUP determines how it performs on the water. Two choices are commonly available including displacement hulls and planing hulls. Both are ideal for beginners but there are a few differences and it all depends on how you plan on using your SUP.
- Displacement Hulls
These are easily distinguishable by their pointed nose or bow - similar to a kayak - and are designed to cut deeper into the water for optimal efficiency and smooth, quick rides. This means less effort is required to paddle (compared to a planing hull) and allows you to go faster for longer distances.
Combined with efficient tracking, a SUP with a displacement hull can be used for touring, fitness training and general enjoyment. However, keep in mind that there are some cons as they tend to feel a little nimble (e.g. ‘tippier’) and difficult to turn in some conditions.
Reed Naliboff
Go out to open water or stay close to the port - the choice is yours.
- Planing Hulls
Most SUPs have this type of bottom and compared to a displacement hull, boards with a planing hull are flatter and wider with a smooth bottom integrated with a slight convex design, allowing it to ride right on top of the water. This makes the board easy to maneuver as well as balance since a wider board provides more stability. They are suitable for beginners who want to enjoy casual paddling, short touring, on-water yoga sessions, and more.
Inflatable SUPs
While SUPs can be transported with designated racks that mount on your boat or vehicle, inflatable SUPs are more convenient to bring on a trip or to the water. They fit in a designated carrying case - about the size of a large backpack - and are inflated with a hand pump in about five to 10 minutes (or faster with an electric pump).
With their many benefits including a flat bottom, optimal stability and rigidness, some models may ‘flex’ during use, resulting in a little more effort to paddle. However, while features and designs were once limited to inflatable SUPs, a number of models are becoming more customizable like the Bluwave Karma iSUP for yoga enthusiasts, Aquaglide Catalina 126 iSUP for touring, and Blackfoot Angler 11’ iSUP for fishing enthusiasts. A variety of inflatable models are now even available with a higher rating of drop stitches and can inflate to higher PSIs, which prevents flexing.
Tourismkelowna.com One Peak Creative
You can also simply relax on a SUP after a hard paddle.
SUP Lengths
When browsing all of the SUPs on the market, you’ll come across a variety of lengths. This determines how fast it can go and how well (or responsive) it turns and maneuvers.
A good rule of thumb to remember is that the longer the board, the more surface area it covers, which offers added buoyancy and higher load weight. Shorter SUPs that are under 2.7 m (9 ft) are recommended for more active applications like surfing; SUPs with medium lengths of 2.7 m to 4 m (9 to 12 ft) are versatile for casual, everyday on-water use; longer SUPs are great for touring and racing.
Are PFDs Required When Using SUPs?
In one word: Yes. The Canadian Coast Guard requires you to have a PFD with you at all times when using a SUP and while some restrict movement, many enthusiasts opt to use an inflatable PFD or one that fits around your waist.
Basic SUP Care
According to YoloBoard, a manufacturer of SUPs and outdoor gear based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, it’s pertinent to care for your board. Here are a few tips to ensure reliable use season after season.
- Wash and rinse your board after every use. Sand, dirt and any other debris can damage your board and even cause discolouration. Always use warm, freshwater with a light detergent or mild soap.
- Apply WD-40 to lubricate metal parts on the board to prevent rust and corrosion. This can be done at the start of the season and before you store it for the winter.
- Consider purchasing a board bag with a reflective surface to protect it from UV rays. You can further protect your board by applying a solution like 303 Protectant once or twice a year to also prevent UV damage.
- Avoid putting any pressure on your board during storage as this can cause cracks and deform the exterior.
Although there are additional criteria to consider when purchasing a SUP, it’s best to visit your local retailer to determine the right model for the activities you want to enjoy this season.