Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport that involves standing on a board that is floating on the water and using a paddle to propel oneself through the water. There are different types of SUP boards, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, small and short SUPs are good for surfing, while longer SUPs are great for taking yoga onto the water. Most SUP boards are in the range of 10 to 12 feet, with boards over 12 feet used mostly for racing, and those under 10 feet primarily used for SUP surfing. The size of the board a user would choose depends on the user’s weight, although height can also be a factor. Wider boards give better stability for beginners.

There are two main types of SUP boards: inflatable and solid. Inflatable SUP boards are gaining popularity as the materials and construction improve. They are rigid and provide incredible stability that rivals epoxy hard boards, as well as being super durable. Solid SUPs can take up a lot of space, but they tend to be more rigid than inflatable boards, which can provide a more stable feel, especially when riding waves.

SUP is not just a sport, but a versatile activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, almost anywhere. There are several activities related to paddleboarding, each as fun and exhilarating as the next in its unique way, including SUP yoga, SUP fishing, and SUP racing. SUP Yoga is the practice of yoga while on a SUP board. Any SUP board can be used; however, an inflatable SUP (iSUP) is said to be more forgiving for yoga practice.

Determining which board to use depends on the activity and the users skill level. For beginners, it is recommended to take a SUP lesson or rent a beginner paddle board at a local center before buying one.