How to get started with SUP: equipment and first steps
With its explosion in notoriety in recent years, the belief has also erroneously spread that Stand Up Paddle is the "little brother" of surfing and, as such, requires less attention and caution.
Nothing could be more wrong than this statement!
If you are approaching this discipline for the first time, the first thing you need to do, not only before getting into the water, but also before purchasing the board, is to be clear about what you want from your SUP.
I'll explain.
There are two different types of boards, rigid and inflatable, and with them different sizes and accessories: each choice is essential, because the type of discipline you want to practice directly affects the specific equipment.
LET’S START WITH THE BOARD
Rigid or inflatable? That is the question!
If you are just a beginner in SUP, then you should definitely opt for the inflatable board.
First things first, safety: for beginners, having an inflatable Stand Up Paddle board means more peace of mind in the event of a fall, which is very common the first times you ride. Compared to a rigid board, it is certainly less painful and dangerous in the event of a collision.
Added to this is an economic advantage, not only because of its lower price, but also in terms of "repair" costs: in the event of small bumps or scratches, an inflatable board is still perfectly functional and does not require maintenance or interventions.
Finally, the convenience of transport: the inflatable solution is easier and lighter to transport - even by bicycle or on foot - thanks to the practical backpack in which it is stored.
SUP EQUIPMENT
As mentioned above, SUP boards vary based on materials and dimensions. Consequently, the equipment each of them needs is also variable.
If you are getting started with SUP, you certainly won’t be able to do without:
- the paddle, composed of the blade, a shaft and a handle;
- technical clothing, which differs depending on the summer or winter season;
- the leash, i.e. the rope that ties you to the board and which must never be missing (for greater safety in the event of a fall);
- the life jacket, a strictly necessary element, especially if you go out into the water alone.
SUP ACCESSORIES
In addition to equipment, when talking about getting started with SUPs, it is very important to take into consideration all the accessories useful for its maintenance and operation:
- the protective case for the board and tip, to avoid damage during transport;
- a repair kit that allows you to fix any small damages in the event of impacts or falls into water;
- the inflator best suited to your needs.
There are three main types of inflator for an inflatable Stand Up Paddle board: manual, pedal, and electric.
The first two models are cheaper but also easier to transport, especially the pedal one, which takes up very little space. However, it is not possible to reach the maximum pressures required for SUP boards with the foot inflator alone. The pressure varies depending on the models, but usually it is no less than 1 bar. Foot inflators can reach, with a lot of effort, 0.8 bar.
The foot inflator can be useful for inflating the initial "volume" quickly, because the foot pump has a greater flow rate than hand or electric pumps. But to complete the inflation (i.e. to reach the optimal pressure levels for the board) a different type of pump is needed: hand or electric.
The electric solution is without a doubt the most convenient, even if more expensive: we at Scoprega have been dedicated to the world of inflators for inflatable SUP boards for over 40 years. On our website, you will find all the best solutions on the market, but if you want a free consultation or more information, do not hesitate to contact us: we will be more than happy to help you.