HOW TO CHOOSE A SURF SUP

Author: Doug Anderson @LA_Sup

Many of you might already have your first Surf SUP especially if your paddle board has the traditional longboard shape and has DIMS around 10’x32”x5”. The traditional longboard shape lends itself very well for new paddlers as well as new SUP Surfers! Find a gentle wave that crumbles and learn to catch it, then once you can turn that big log with ease you are ready for a new challenge. Always remember to follow correct surf etiquette- don't worry, we’ve got an easy-to-understand guide ready to go for ya’ll.

So, do you think you’re ready for a new SUP board now? Well, let's get to it!

The most important question to ask yourself is “Where am I going to Surf”? Think about if you are going to be surfing a beach break with steeper more powerful waves or point break peelers. Once you figure that out you can start to make the best decision about your next board.

     Pointed nose boards, like the Focus Torpedo MCT Carbon surf SUP, are typically ridden more in powerful, faster breaking waves as they can angle better when the drop gets steep. Due to this shape, pointed nose SUP boards will have more performance and these features can make the ride pretty fast and loose, so be careful to pick a paddle board that is appropriate for your skill level. I have found that the pointed nose boards are also better when having to deal with paddling through white water on your way back to the line-up. A great first short board option is the Carbon Fiber Torpedo 8’9”, (link to the model page) nice and wide but very maneuverable.

Traditional Longboard style shapes, like the Focus SUP Hawaii Classic MCT Carbon surf SUP range, are great for peeling type of waves and for helping you develop that classic style. MY favorite choice for this is a performance longboard shape with a low nose rocker and a pin tail. The low nose rocker will aid you in catching the wave, which equals more fun, while the pin tail will carve smooth arcs which are kinda fun too! Learning to ride a longboard SUP and make it fit in the pocket of a wave is great training to prepare you for a pointed nose board. This shape also works out well if you have to paddle a little distance to your secret spot. The 9’ Smoothie in Carbon ACT construction is an amazing first Surf SUP along with the 9’10” Classic Carbon SUP,  both constructed from carbon fiber allowing for a light and durable board.

     These types of Stand-Up Paddle Boards come in many sizes with VOLUME in LITERS referenced. Liters is important to know so start to pay attention to the “liters” of the boards you have paddled. Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure your Surf SUP board choice comes with a 5-fin set up, this way you can run a tri fin set up or a quad fin set up so that you are free to choose different options. Changing up your fin set up can breathe new life into a paddle board.

     A great way to try some different Stand-Up Paddle boards is take a SUP Surf lesson and see if the instructor has a different board you can try out. The instructor will want you to have a good lesson so a stable option is going to be the right call. Learn some skills, try some new boards and get on to your next Stand-Up Paddling adventure!

See you out in the water!