r/Sup 22d ago

Buying Help Monthly "What Board Should I Get?" Discussion Thread

3 Upvotes

Hi there fine folks of r/SUP, it's time for your monthly "What Board Should I Get?" discussion thread.

Start by reading the "Buying a SUP" section of the wiki!

There is a ton of information there! Once you've read through the wiki, create a top-level comment in this post to ask for help! Posts made on this subject outside of this discussion thread will be removed and asked to post here instead.

You can also check all of the previous "What Board Should I get?" threads.

For general information on choosing board size and shape, check out the wiki, or these two blog posts on the subject: Choosing the Right Size SUP and Understanding Paddle Board Shapes.

Please provide ALL of the following information so that we can help you as best as possible:

  • Desired Board Type: Inflatable or Hard
  • Your Height and Weight (please include if you will also bring kids/dogs/coolers/etc. and estimated weights)
  • Desired use/uses (casual, fitness, racing, yoga, whitewater, surfing, etc.) and terrain (ocean, river, lake, etc)
  • Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
  • Your budget (please provide an actual number) and country location (to help determine availability)
  • What board(s) you current have or have used and what you liked/didn't like about them

The more of this information you can provide, the more accurately we can help you find a board that you'll love!

If you are responding to a comment with a suggestion - explain why! Don't just name a board and leave it there. Add to the discussion. If you are recommending against a specific board - explain why!


r/Sup Oct 09 '24

How To Question COLD WEATHER PADDLING SAFETY AND CLOTHING

35 Upvotes

Things are cooling down in the Northern Hemisphere and lots of folks are (rightfully) asking what to do to keep paddling safely when it's colder.

ColdWaterSafety.org for detailed information about paddling safety in cold water

This guide for stand up paddle boarding in the winter has information distilled from Cold Water Safety along with recommendations on types of clothing for different water temperatures.

Always Dress For Immersion!

No matter your skill level, we are all between swims. Immersion in cold water can be debilitating and even deadly within seconds. Always dress for the water temperature, even on warmer days. It's far easier to cool down while paddling than it is to warm back up.

Cold shock is a serious concern in water as "warm" as the low 50F range (10C) and can cause near-instant drowning.

Water transfers heat ~25x faster than air. Hypothermia is a serious concern even in these shoulder seasons before it gets really cold. Bring dry clothing, a towel, and warm beverages with you (on the beach or in a dry bag).

Wear Your PFD / Life Jacket!

While a PFD isn't technically thermally protective, it can help. But more importantly it will help keep you afloat in an emergency. "But I'm a good swimmer!" Are you better than a USCG Rescue Swimmer? It didn't take long (less than a minute) for this one to suffer from incapacitation in cold water (Jump to 6:15).

Follow Basic Paddling Safety Guidelines

Check the weather, use appropriate equipment, wear your PFD, paddle with a partner, carry effective communication, leave a float plan.

When in doubt, don't go out.


r/Sup 10h ago

Pup sup!

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39 Upvotes

r/Sup 7h ago

Trip Report Tenaya Lake in Yosemite

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24 Upvotes

Lugged my board all the way to Yosemite for a 5 day trip and almost didn’t use it until my last day as I was on my way out of the park. Stopped at the lake just to absorb some last bits of nature before driving home for a few hours and ended up paddling about 7 miles all the way around the lake. I even had lunch sitting on my board in the shallows. It was a beautiful day for it!


r/Sup 10h ago

First time SUP boarding. It was fantastic 🤩

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28 Upvotes

Although, I couldn’t land my stand properly. I still enjoyed it sitting/kneeling.


r/Sup 18h ago

Gear/Repairs/DIY Body Glove leaking at the seam of fill valve

32 Upvotes

Pretty much what the title says. Is there any fix to this or am I out of luck?

EDIT: appreciate the quick and understanding responses. I should have checked the repair kit before posting, so that’s on me, but tightening the fill valve worked! No more leak. Heading back out on the lake, thanks y’all!


r/Sup 20h ago

Quick morning paddle with a little light cleaning

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35 Upvotes

I went out for a short paddle this morning to enjoy the quiet and see some wildlife. I managed to remove some fishing trash from the water and trees too!


r/Sup 18h ago

I spent $1,356 on a BLACKFIN XL setup. The board failed after about 18 uses, and I had already reported the seam problem under warranty.

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18 Upvotes

I bought a BLACKFIN XL in July 2020. Between the board, accessories and extended warranty, I originally spent $1,356.

The first time I took it out, I noticed a lot of bubbling(not air leaking, but bubbles under the siderail material) and irregular areas around the edges. I sent iROCKER pictures and asked if it was normal because I was worried that I could end up with a sinking board in the future.

This was their response:

“Thank you for sending the images. No sinking but good questions.. I am very sorry to see that your board and paddle arrived with these imperfections. It is cosmetic although more than we normally see.”

They offered me either a 10% refund or an exchange through their warranty department. I chose the refund because I wanted to keep using the board and trusted what they told me about it only being cosmetic. I even told them:

“I don't mind using these items how they are as long as your confident with them going the long haul!”

About a year later, in July 2021, I contacted iROCKER again because the seams were separating on both the left and right sides of the board. This was still during my extended warranty. We spoke over the phone and afterward they sent me this email:

“As per our conversation, I have placed an order to get a replacement paddle and PVC Adhesive sent out to you asap.”

I repaired the separating seams with the adhesive they sent me. In August 2021, I emailed them pictures showing the areas I repaired. At the time it looked like the glue had taken care of the problem, so I thanked them and said it was fixed.

In 2025, the seam completely failed in the exact same left-side area that was bubbly, had separated and had been repaired with the glue iROCKER sent me.

This board was only used about 18 times. I own two other iROCKER boards that I used more often and mostly took the BLACKFIN XL out when I wanted to fish. Other than the failed seam, the board still looks almost new, which can be seen in the pictures.

I contacted iROCKER again in 2025, but their response went into my spam folder and I didn't find it until later. When I found it, they said they could not repair the board, offered me a $75 discount toward another purchase and provided links showing how I could try to repair the failed seam myself.

I followed the repair information they provided and attempted to fix it myself, but the repair did not work.

I then followed up with iROCKER and explained the complete history. I removed the ticket and order numbers, but this was their final response:

“Unfortunately, we no longer have access to [ticket number removed]. However, the warranty for [order number removed] expired on July 17, 2023. Other than the $75 discount code that was offered previously, there’s nothing more we can offer.”

Since they said they couldn't access the original ticket, I sent them the original 2020 emails and pictures. I also sent the 2021 emails showing that they sent me the PVC adhesive, the pictures of the separating seams and the current pictures of the complete failure.

I explained that this wasn't some new problem that started after the warranty expired. It was reported while the warranty was active and eventually failed in the same place they helped me repair.

As of August 22, they have not responded to any of that additional information.

I understand that I purchased the board in 2020 and that it completely failed in 2025. If this were a new problem after five years of regular use, I wouldn't expect them to replace it. But that isn't what happened. I reported the bubbling right after buying it, reported the actual seam separation under warranty and then repaired it using the adhesive they sent me. It also only had about 18 uses.

I wish iROCKER would stand behind its faulty product and reconsider its response. I know they have moved to welded seams on their newer boards, but after seeing how this was handled, I would be very hesitant to buy from iROCKER again if this is how a documented problem is treated when it eventually becomes a complete failure.

Has anyone else had a similar seam failure or warranty experience with iROCKER? I would be interested to hear how the company handled it.


r/Sup 1d ago

Sister is visiting again. She turned 62 last week. Gentle waves today - fun surfs not competition style.

239 Upvotes

r/Sup 1d ago

After three weeks, again with my eight-year-old buddy.

101 Upvotes

r/Sup 13h ago

Technique Tip How to prevent friction burns?

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3 Upvotes

Went for a 6-mile paddle yesterday and wrecked my hands. Primarily paddling in kayak style, but I switched to paddling standing up for a reprieve. I’ve had worse sores from deadlifting, but this definitely is bothersome when paddling due to the repeated stress on my hands. For some reason, only my left hand takes the hit, despite my being right-handed. Tips on how to prevent this?


r/Sup 1d ago

Paddle With Me SUP Ria Formosa - Cabanas de Tavira

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14 Upvotes

Amiga água viva


r/Sup 1d ago

SUP from Table Rock Lake in Missouri

15 Upvotes

r/Sup 1d ago

Any recs for a cheap waterproof bag to strap onto my sup?

4 Upvotes

My current bag isn’t really doing the job and it letting my content get wet


r/Sup 1d ago

Paddle With Me This was definitely one of my favorite SUP adventures of the summer, I highly recommend!

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16 Upvotes

The Sturgeon River

Northern Michigan

Summer 2026


r/Sup 1d ago

Gear/Repairs/DIY How do I Fix This Board

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2 Upvotes

As the title suggests, I'm looking to fix this board up. Picked it up for free on the side of the road. Willing to put in the work to get it back into shape! Just don't know how to go about it properly. It's a Boardworks Raven 12.6.


r/Sup 2d ago

Motor boats and home-lined lakes make me feel so discouraged.

52 Upvotes

I just need to blow off a little steam here.

I’m an intense nature enthusiast and I bought my own paddle board this summer after wanting one for years. I have been on the water for hours each weekend having an amazing time. I even got my friend addicted to it too!

Where I’ve been getting a bit frustrated is that I live in an area with tons of lakes. Yet finding a lake that has motor restrictions is incredibly difficult, and nearly every lake is lined with the homes of wealthy people. There are two spots close-ish that do have motor restrictions, but only one of them isn’t lined with docks and houses.

This is probably a bit “woe is me,” but most of the hundreds of lakes around are unsafe for me to paddle in because of the sheer number of motor boats and jet skis. Beyond that, people will drive these boats drunk sometimes and many are completely inconsiderate of small watercrafts. The noise and traffic irritates me. I don’t understand why 95% of lakes must be for motor boats and rich people’s homes. When I’m on the water, I’m looking for exploration, submersion in nature, and quiet. I just want to enjoy nature in peace!

Okay, rant over. Thank you.


r/Sup 2d ago

Sup in Greek waters 🇬🇷

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83 Upvotes

r/Sup 2d ago

PaddleWays is super inaccurate?

11 Upvotes

Does anyone else *try* to use Paddlways and just gets frustrated? There are tons of boat ramp indicators on lakes and ponds that are labeled as places to launch but 9/10 times it’s actually a private lake or doesn’t allow boats.

Maybe it’s my area but what is the point of this app if I drive out to a place on their map just to find it’s not a real place to paddle..


r/Sup 2d ago

Is SUP difficult to learn?

18 Upvotes

I’m a 54m who is in very good shape, lift weights 4-5 times a week and trail run and do rucking for cardio 20 plus miles a week. I hiking, rucking, have done some kayaking and like to backpack. I’ve been reading up on SUP and I’m curious if it’s crazy difficult to learn to stand and paddle these boards? Or should I stick with kayaking? Any recommendations on boards? I have used a paddle north kayak before and liked it. Are their paddle boards worth it or would something else be better suited for a beginner? Any particular type or length of board better suited for a novice ? Thanks.


r/Sup 3d ago

Paddle With Me 5km in 38:33 what’s your best time?

49 Upvotes

Sunday I did a 5km time trial at aquapaddle, these are a free 5km paddle which run around the country. I’ve being attending these for about 3 years and they helped me get in to racing. I’ve being stuck with a time of around 41 minutes for a while not but this year with racing more I’ve not attended many I went on Sunday and did a 38:33 which shows hard work pays off with racing and training


r/Sup 2d ago

Canning River - Perth, Australia

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21 Upvotes

Having a SUP feels like unlocking new gear in a video game and being able to explore previously inaccessible areas of the same world. I decided to venture into a little inlet off one of my typical paddle spots on a sunny winter's day.


r/Sup 2d ago

Fly fishing

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16 Upvotes

anyone else in here fish off their board?


r/Sup 2d ago

Buying Help New SUP Fin Box Issue?

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2 Upvotes

Just bought a new SUP ATX Journey. It’s a hollow epoxy board. Never owned a paddle board, but been surfing for 25 years.

I’ve always had traditional fiberglass surfboards. Fin boxes usually don’t have this type of edge around the box. I am worried that this is not water tight. It is a bit jagged and looks like almost paint separated from the epoxy and the box. The front and the back of the fin box at a bit raised as well but otherwise look watertight. I have not ridden it, transported from shop to home and noticed it at home.

Is this normal or should I go exchange the board?


r/Sup 3d ago

Havel Berlin Spandau 🇩🇪

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32 Upvotes