GEAR: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST SUP?

Find the Stand Up Paddle board that matches your needs

With so many different sizes, volumes, and construction technologies available, choosing your first SUP can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, a few simple criteria can help you quickly identify the ideal board and get the most out of your first sessions.

Define your riding program

The first question is simple: what will you use your SUP for?

Cruising and exploration: paddling on lakes, calm rivers, or the coastline in flat conditions.
Fitness and sport paddling: focusing on speed and covering distance.
SUP surfing: catching waves and progressing in maneuvers.
Versatile family use: shared use between several paddlers.

For a first purchase, most paddlers choose a versatile board that offers stability, ease of use, and immediate enjoyment. In the GONG range, the First Allround and I-SUP Allround models deliver this versatility through particularly accessible shapes designed for beginners.

If your main goal is touring, the First Cruising and I-SUP Cruising models will provide more glide, allowing you to cover greater distances with less effort.

In 2026, the range expanded with the I-SUP Do It. It is the most accessible board in the lineup. Its shape is inspired by the design that made the Allround such a success, but with additional width that provides obvious stability and opens the sport to a wider audience, without compromising on fun.

SUPer: Moritz, GONG team rider, on the I-SUP Do It.

Choosing the right dimensions

A board's dimensions directly influence its stability, speed, and maneuverability.

Length

Under 10': mainly designed for surfing.
10' to 10'6: versatile and accessible format.
11' to 12'6: more oriented toward cruising and long-distance paddling.

Width

Under 30": reserved for experienced paddlers.
30" to 32": balance between stability and performance.
32" to 34": excellent stability for beginners.

Volume

Volume should be generous and suited to the rider's weight. However, volume alone is not a guarantee of stability; it simply provides flotation.

For example, a 12'6 race board that is 26" wide may have a generous volume of over 300L, but it will not necessarily be stable. Volume should always be considered together with the board's width to prioritize comfort rather than choosing a board that is too technical.

If you're unsure about which SUP to choose, contact our technical advisors.

SUPers: Pamella and Evelin, GONG team riders, with the First Allround pack.

Inflatable SUP or rigid SUP?

This is often the most common question when buying a first board. Both technologies offer distinct advantages and are designed for different needs.

Inflatable SUP: simplicity and versatility

Inflatable SUPs are popular above all for their ease of use.

Once deflated, they can be stored in a bag and fit easily in a car trunk, an apartment, or even on a motorcycle or scooter. They are often the ideal choice when storage space or transportation is a major consideration.

Inflatable boards also offer many advantages for beginners:

More reassuring in case of falls.
Ideal for family use.
Highly resistant to impacts and paddle strikes.
Easy to transport when traveling.
Particularly well suited for touring, lakes, and rivers.

Modern inflatable SUPs now offer excellent performance and allow riders to progress confidently for many years.

SUPer: Kim, GONG team rider, on the I-SUP Allround.

Rigid SUP: the benchmark for performance

A ribid SUP allows you to fully exploit a board's gliding characteristics.

Thanks to the precise shaping of the rails, rocker, and hull, it offers greater speed, responsiveness, and precision in turns and footwork.

In surfing, a hard board transmits information from the water more effectively, allowing much finer control on the wave face. For cruising, modern inflatable technology now delivers performance levels that make long-distance paddling easy, almost as if you were riding a hard board.

However, if you are already a surfer or if your main objective is SUP surfing, hard boards offer undeniable advantages.

SUPer: Moritz, GONG team rider, on the Zero FSP Pro with a Carbon Pro paddle.

In Summary

Choose an Inflatable SUP if:

You are a beginner.
You have limited storage space.
You want a versatile family board.
You mainly practice touring and recreational paddling.

Choose a Hard SUP if:

You are looking for maximum performance.
You plan to surf regularly.
You have suitable storage space.
You prioritize pure gliding sensations.

The most important thing: spend time on the water!

Whatever sport you are starting, choose comfort over performance. The key is to progress quickly, have fun, and share great moments with friends.

That means choosing an easy-to-use SUP that makes you want to get on the water regularly. A board suited to your riding style, skill level, and transport constraints will help you improve quickly and, above all, maximize your enjoyment on the water.