Stand up paddleboarding – SUP for short – has become hugely popular around the world in recent years and is one of the fastest-growing water sports. The reason? SUP has something for everyone. It gives you a fantastic core workout, strengthens the whole body and improves your endurance and, not least, your balance. It is great fun, and you can do it anywhere there is water – as long as you have the right equipment. Here is how to choose.

Want to see the boards straight away? Browse all our SUP boards.

1. Where and how will you paddle?

Start by thinking about what kind of water you will paddle on and what the board is for. Calm lakes, or the coast with more waves? Mainly exercise, or a fun board for the whole family?

• All-round board – suits most people, from family fun to SUP yoga. It is a little wider and more stable. Example: the Havspaddeln Oden 10'8" SUP package.
• Touring board – for those who want more speed and mainly paddle for exercise or longer distances. It is narrower and slightly longer, with a more pointed nose that cuts through the water. Example: the Havspaddeln Oden 12'6" SUP package.

2. Why choose an inflatable SUP?

An inflatable SUP takes up little space and goes anywhere – even abroad. Everything you need fits in the backpack that comes with the package, so it is easy to store at home and take with you in the car.

3. Make sure you have the right equipment

The four most important accessories are:

• Paddle – see below.
• Fin – keeps the board tracking straight.
• Foot leash – keeps the board close if you fall in.
• Life jacket – always.

A complete inflatable SUP package includes everything except the life jacket, packed in a sturdy backpack. See all SUP accessories.

4. Which paddle should you choose?

It depends on how much and how you plan to paddle. An aluminium SUP paddle works perfectly well. If you will use the board more for fitness, a fibreglass or carbon fibre SUP paddle is lighter, faster and more fun to paddle with. Want to paddle sitting down too? A hybrid paddle works as both a SUP and a kayak paddle, combined with a SUP seat.

New to SUP? How to stand up

As a beginner, choose an all-round board – it is wider and more stable. It can still be tricky to find your balance at first, but it is easier if you do things in the right order:

1. Attach the foot leash around your ankle.
2. Place the paddle across the board and kneel just behind the centre, with one knee on each side of the carry handle.
3. Find your balance on your knees, then slowly stand up one foot at a time. Keep your eyes on the horizon, not your feet.
4. Stand with a straight back and slightly bent knees. Hold the top of the paddle with one hand and the shaft with the other.
5. The paddle blade should angle forward, away from you – not towards you, as might feel natural.
6. Take long, calm strokes, keeping the whole blade under water for as long as possible in each stroke.

Almost anyone can learn to paddle a SUP. When you want to take it further, try SUP yoga or longer touring trips. And if you have any questions about which board suits you, contact us – we are happy to help.

Fun fact: national and world championships in SUP are held every year.