What Sup?

No doubt you’ve also seen a stand up paddleboard (SUP) on a nearby stretch of water, and wondered what it was all about.

- Martin Coetzee

That’s why we jumped at the opportunity to test a few inflatable boards from the market-leading Red Paddle Co.

Paddling these boards is fun! They offer a great vantage point to quietly explore the waterways, they can provide a solid workout if you choose, and they’re an easy way to keep the more active family members busy. It’s really not nearly as difficult as it looks, but rather a matter of choosing the right board and then getting out there and paddling. In the beginning, stability is definitely your friend – and the rule of thumb is that a longer and wider board offers more of this. Long and narrow boards equate to greater speed, while a short board is generally slower and more manoeuvrable. It’s always best to try before you buy, and chat to an experienced SUP’er, or to the folk at Red Paddle Co.

Why an inflatable board?

Packed away, the inflatable is considerably more compact than a hard board and doesn’t require a vehicle roof rack. A sturdy backpack which contains the board and all its accessories can easily be transported in your car, inside your caravan, on your back, or in the hold of an aircraft, as you head off on holiday.