What is a Stand Up Paddle Board?

By: James | Last update: 1 January 2023

To be able to Stand Up Paddle Board you need a Stand Up Paddle Board. But what is a stand up paddle board? Many people think that you stand on a surfboard while paddle boarding. I have to admit: it does indeed look very similar and if you didn’t know any better you would never know the difference. Yet there are some strong differences between a surfboard and a SUP Board. Below I explain exactly what a paddle board is and why a surfboard does not give the same result as a sup board.

What is a Paddle Board?

A SUP Board (also called Stand Up Paddle Board) is a special board with which you can move on the water in combination with a SUP paddle. These boards are specially designed for supping. Don’t know what stand up paddling is? Check out our blog about stand up paddling. Supboards contain unique qualities that make them ideal for paddling. Check out the unique qualities below:

Unique qualities of a SUP

A SUP Board contains a number of unique qualities. View the qualities in the overview below:

• Both inflatable and non-inflatable sups are available
• There is a board for every purpose
• SUP boards are generally very stable
• Usually contain a net / elastic, under which you can take a bag
• Paddle boards come in different sizes, the smaller the more manoeuvrable, the longer the faster
• There is a sup for every level; beginner, intermediate and advanced
• Since you stand on the board, each board contains a special grip pad

Types of Paddle Boards

Earlier we talked about the fact that there are various types of paddle boards, but there are also various variants of paddle boards. View the various variants of SUP Boards in the row below:

• Hardboards (boards which exist out of one solid piece)
• Inflatables (boards which can be in- and deflated)
• Soft Tops (these boards are made of a soft material)

Differences between a SUP and surfboard

As mentioned in the introduction, many people think that a Stand Up Paddle Board and surfboard are the same. However, this is not the case, because there are various differences between the boards. These differences also make a lot of difference in performance. Check them out:

• A SUP is more stable and has more volume (air content) than a surfboard
• Other shapes, especially depending on the type of board (surf boards are almost always shaped with a round nose and tail. SUP Boards can have different variations)
• A Stand Up Paddle Board is generally lighter than a surf board
• A SUP contains different characteristics than a surfboard

Are you planning to purchase your first Stand Up Paddle Board? If it is your first paddle board then I would recommend an all-round board, ideal for the novice paddler. Check out our research into the best all-round paddle board for more information.