A Beginner’s Guide To Stand Up Paddle Board Surfing

Stand up paddle board surfing is a variation on traditional surfing that involves pretty much exactly what it says on the tin… That’s riding waves on a stand up paddle board, whilst using a paddle to propel yourself through the water. The benefit of stand up paddle board surfing is that you get the thrill of catching waves with the added advantage of a paddle to help you balance and power through the water plus you are already stood up which can be a barrier when starting to surf. Tempted to give it a go? These are the key factors to consider as you get started:

Assess Your Experience Level

Paddling in wavy or choppy water is inevitably more challenging than paddling in flat water conditions, and so we would only recommend stand up paddle board surfing for experienced paddlers. You need to be confident enough to have full control of the board in less than ideal conditions, as your balance and strength will be tested more than usual by the waves. When you first start stand up paddle board surfing, you should make sure to get plenty of practice in small waves (go for white water first) before launching into bigger waves. 

Choose The Right Board…

While it’s possible to surf on pretty much any board. If you are looking for good performance in the waves, you’ll need a board that’s shorter than your regular all-round SUP, with a narrower nose and tail. This makes it easier to manoeuvre in the surf. Red Paddle Co’s 8’10” Whip MSL Inflatable Paddle Board features a lightweight yet durable design that’s specifically designed for the surf. An embossed deck pad enhances grip whilst a removable, adjustable fin made by the world’s leading surfboard fin creators FCS, offers maximum stability and manoeuvrability. That’s not the only reason this is the best inflatable stand up paddle board for surfing. A rounded nose helps you get through white water with ease, and the board fits easily into a backpack so you can surf in the best locations in the world!