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At Northkayak, you can buy SUP (Stand Up Paddleboards) for several different purposes. We offer SUPs that are stable and easy to paddle, making them versatile and suitable for most family members. Our inflatable SUPs pack easily into the included backpack, along with all the accessories you need, while fiberglass SUPs require a bit more planning and storage. Have questions about which SUP suits you? Contact us directly at 08-740 05 05.
Interest in Stand Up Paddleboarding, or SUP paddling as it is called, has exploded in recent years. The reason for the growing interest is the wide range of uses and that it suits all ages. It is a great form of exercise and training. It is also suitable for yoga, and most commonly – the whole family can paddle around the summer cottage and use the SUP as a fun watercraft/platform.
As the sport grows, more and more SUP providers enter the market, both large and small. As a consumer, it can be very difficult to know which provider to turn to. You want to make sure the board you buy meets the promised quality and that the price is right. You may also want someone to turn to for quick support with questions or if problems arise. To help you, we have put together a buying guide with the 5 most important things to consider when buying a SUP.
The market is flooded with SUP boards. To make the best purchase possible, we recommend turning to a trustworthy provider. They typically have industry experience and can guide you through the pros and cons of different boards. You should be skeptical about the quality of SUPs sold in certain grocery stores and hardware stores at extremely low prices. Boards under the 3,000 SEK price range are often soft/spongy.
Read the provider's ratings and reviews (on e.g., Google Reviews) to determine if the company is trustworthy and likely to offer the support you are looking for.
The technology for manufacturing inflatable SUPs (also called iSUPs) has developed incredibly fast in recent years. Today, there are inflatable boards with essentially the same rigidity as hard boards.
Inside the inflatable board is a material called "drop-stitch." It consists of thousands of polyester threads that hold the board's top and bottom together. Generally speaking, the more threads per unit area, the stiffer the board and the better the quality. Cheaper boards (2,000-3,000 SEK) often have lower quality drop-stitch threads and fewer threads per unit area. This makes the board "spongy," meaning it bends in the water, which unfortunately takes away much of the joy of paddling.
Rigid boards are usually made with a foam core enclosed in a layer of epoxy and on top of that a layer of fiberglass. This type of board gets a fantastically smooth finish, and the board's rigidity makes it perform optimally in the water. It is important to remember that rigid SUPs made this way are relatively delicate.
Who will be paddling your newly purchased SUP and in what type of water will it be paddled – these are crucial factors for which type of board you should choose. The board's shape/design has a significant impact on how it performs in the water. Different designs suit different types of uses. The 3 most common types are described below:
The paddle is one of the most important accessories for making your SUP paddling as rewarding as possible. A lightweight carbon fiber paddle makes a big difference in the experience, as it is both lighter and stiffer than a classic aluminum paddle. If you have the option to buy a carbon fiber paddle, you get great added value. An aluminum paddle works well for family and beginner purposes, when you need an extra durable paddle. If you buy a standard paddle as part of an inflatable SUP kit, it is important to:
Whether you choose a carbon fiber paddle or an aluminum paddle, it is important that the paddle is adjustable. It is important that you can set it to your height and that it has a comfortable and robust handle.
A good quality inflatable SUP in size 10'-12' should cost between 4,000-8,000 SEK (a price lower than approx. 4,000 SEK often signals lower quality).
A good quality rigid fiberglass SUP in size 10'-12' should cost between 6,000-10,000 SEK.
Inflatable SUP boards are manufactured with what is known as drop-stitch material – this is the material that allows the boards to hold high pressure. Inside the board, there are many thousands of nylon threads attached vertically between the top and bottom of the board. All SUPs today use this material, so it is nothing unique, but what can vary is the number of threads. If there are many threads placed close together, this helps the paddleboard withstand higher pressure, while fewer threads lead to lower pressure and poorer quality. If you find a board that is not made with drop stitch, you can call the product more of a mattress than a board.
SUP is an abbreviation of Stand Up Paddleboard and stands for "stand up board." When paddling a SUP, you stand on a type of surfboard and paddle with a single-blade paddle.
The first thing you should consider is what type of water you plan to paddle in and what the purpose of the board is. A wide inflatable board (e.g., 10'8) is a good allround board that suits all target groups and most activities such as play, fitness paddling, touring, and also SUP yoga. It is also easy to store and transport. An inflatable paddleboard is also significantly cheaper than a rigid board. If you want a board that you know you will only use in one place, and you have no storage limitations, a rigid SUP board may suit you well. You do not need to inflate it before use – you can quickly and easily get out on the water. SUP boards can also be more or less beginner-friendly, which also affects what suits you best. A wider SUP is more stable and a narrower model is less stable.
With the right technique and balance, anyone can easily stand on a paddleboard, regardless of experience or age. Start by kneeling, then rise up with one foot at a time while supporting both hands on the board. Stand up slowly and work from there to find balance and stabilize your body. Once you have gotten the feel for balance and technique, you can start paddling. You can also choose a paddleboard that is stable, making it easier to stand and paddle on.
Paddling SUP strengthens the entire body and provides fantastic arm and core training, regardless of how you use it. The water's dampening effect makes the strain on the body gentle and easy on the joints. You also get better endurance and not least balance!
A high-quality SUP board that is well cared for can last for many years. Typically, you can expect a good SUP board to last at least 5-10 years, if not longer, depending on usage frequency and maintenance. It is important to remember that SUP boards, like all sports equipment, wear with time depending on use and care. If you notice signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or dents, it is best to repair or replace the board to ensure safety and performance. Inflatable boards usually come with a repair kit that can be very useful.
The maximum pressure on an inflatable SUP board should be at least 15 PSI or more for it to be of high quality. For a well-made board, it may be sufficient to inflate it to 13-14 PSI.
The board is nearly impossible to tip over, but if you should fall off, it is easy to climb back on and continue paddling. If you are paddling with someone else, you can help each other hold the board when it is time to climb up from the water. A SUP package also includes a foot leash that you attach to your ankle and to the board. This leash ensures the board does not drift away when you fall in, so you never need to swim after it.
There are many providers selling SUP boards cheaply, but then the risk is high that it is of lower quality and more likely to break. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay at least 4,000 SEK for a good, high-quality SUP board. It is important to keep in mind that SUP boards may require additional accessories, such as paddles, leash, and pumps, which can increase the costs.
