anybody tried it? i’m thinking it might be a hoot during the spring when the big yachts go plowing up the waterway. they throw some impressive wakes. i have an old school windsurfer board about 11’x 30" that looks a lot like a SUP board. now all i need is a big canoe paddle…
I was wondering about that -
My old Fanatic Fox is probably 200L. Wonder if anyone has tried foot straps with a SUP board? Leave the skeg on, I guess?
I wish I had an old WS or Mistral
Superlight still …
If you are not looking to surf or race, and have a board such as above … Use it with smug satisfaction that you are going as fast as the newer 12’ “cruiser” boards.
P.S. We will have a full line of SUP paddles this spring. Prototyping since last year.
I have
been looking into this, too. I like the simplicity of it. Not a lot of info on it up here in the Pacific NW that I can see, but it looks pretty fun.
I think Native Watercraft is coming out with a paddleboard this summer.
I’ve checked it out.
– Last Updated: Feb-28-09 8:35 AM EST –
Hi dannyb9 et al. I have not tried it, but since I posted about it on here 2.5 years ago, and after reading the dozen or so posts since then, I have researched it pretty thoroughly. Here's what I have distilled (and I have not yet tried it) that others have said who have tried it (including on the SUP dedicated forums from many who do it regularly):
It's slow moving on flatwater. Best on water with some action, aka waves, where it is slightly faster whe riding waves.
It tends to work out one side of body more than other. Some people stand even footed to get around this; most simply stand like on a skateboard and overdevelop/overuse a unilateral set of muscles for that "I'm Igor, pleased to meet you" look.
There is a ton of bending. Not typically as upright as one would think; taxing on the spine.
It is very tiring to stand for any length of time. The slow pace (on flatwater) plus the standing position is great for workouts, but after 30 minutes or so, even a cramped cockpit would be a Godsend. SUP is used mainly in HI for surf lessons, and the instructor ca get out there from the beach, help a paddlrs, then surf back into the beach. Here's a very fit guy, paddling like a fiend, and going okay fast (but could he keep it up) to get out to the boat, basically, for the "free ride".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEzZWWKd1HI&feature=related
So, I have never tried it, but think I will pass other than as a novelty. Albeit, the river SUP may be more fun because water moving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T3u6tDe82I
PS One of the few advantages of SUP: it's more effective than a kayak or canoe for attracting mates.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffFn-dE_Ff4&feature=related
SUP can be a great way to show some tail.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cHt6Er0T2c&feature=related
Ciao dannyb9.
Good info
Coincidentally, I drove into Seattle this morning to visit REI and do some “pre-dividend scouting.”
They are now carrying SUP boards. They had 4 in stock, but their info sheet says they’ll be carrying 12 - from Laird, Bic, Surftech, Naish and Holoholo, with prices ranging from $900 to $1800. They also had some SUP paddles on hand, from Werner and a few others.
Probably pricier than getting them from a dealer, but if you have an REI dividend check or an REI visa, it may work out in the end.
yes ive paddled my board as a sot
it was slow and boring so i moved on. however i think the standing position would give me a different view plus the exercise angle, but the REAL raison for me is to get to surf some small waves