SUP boards - Beginner

Stand Up Paddle is a fabulous sport because everything about it is playful and accessible. You discover the ocean, ride all types of waves, and have a blast with friends.

Without a doubt, it is the water sport that is accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. All you need is a paddle and a board to explore the beautiful landscapes and emotions offered by our aquatic environment. The simplicity, the sensations, the friends, but also the performance, as this sport can take you very far, whether in the waves or on a cruise.

SUP provides comprehensive physical exercise for the human body; it’s true fitness surfing 😜. The upper body (back, arms, shoulders), abs, glutes, and legs are all engaged in this sport that will enhance your balance and tonicity.

Here are all our tips to help you make the best choice based on your skill level, navigation conditions, and preferred style of practice.

GONG is a shaping workshop born in the mid 90s. At first solely dedicated to surfboards, then kitesurf, it was in 2006 that GONG was the first ever brand to believe in the Stand Up Paddle (SUP).

We have been the first brand worldwide to offer factory produced SUP boards, making it accessible to all.

We have an extensive knowledge of the sport, its history and its infinite details since we have lived its evolution, from its birth all the way to its now massive worldwide adoption. Who better to help you choose the right gear for you ? To immerse you in the spirit of the sport ? GONG, its actors, ambassadors and customers are all proud figures of a SUP culture. A culture that we could depict as, happy performance, in which the search for pleasure and enjoyment is the number one motivator  whatever the level.

Our product range has always been the widest because we want to appeal to everyone’s style.

GONG is a surf shaper, and that DNA will always be present in our shapes, in our approach and our relation to the ocean. Noseriders, guns, shortboards, we have pioneered all these trends and have kept pushing them a little further each day.

Passion is what brought us together and created the strong community surrounding GONG. Our forum is a prime example of this. Each of us tries to help out the other, to motivate and share. This is something that can also be seen in our groups on social networks.

Naturally, and in addition to the production of exceptional rigid boards, we also offer inflatable SUP boards in order to widen even more the reach and potential of the sport by making it always more accessible to all of you. Our rigid boards are used by champions, but also have more accessible variants to discover the many facets of the sport. The inflatable range adds even more fun to this resolutely fun oriented approach.

By choosing to trust an historic brand of the sport, you will in return get your share of the authenticity that made and still makes us pioneers. You will also support an honest approach that puts you at the center of our preoccupations, an approach also dedicated to a French quality standard.

Trust our renowned expertise.

It can be challenging at first to navigate through the theoretical concepts of length, width, and volume of boards. Here are some guidelines to help you understand more easily:

In SUP, the rule is quite simple: a long board, known as a longSUP, will be 9 feet or longer and a short board, or shortSUP, is under 9 feet. To start confidently, choose a board that is a minimum of 9 feet long.

• Less than 9 feet: for a 100% surfing program.
• 9 to 10 feet: surfing program / cruising option.
• 10 to 11 feet: cruising program / surfing option.
• 11 feet and above: long-distance paddling / sporty paddles, also suitable for sharing your session with a child or pet.
• 12 feet 6 inches and above: training and races, downwind, also suitable for family use for very large sizes.

So, a beginner will immediately feel comfortable with a longer board. It ensures good paddle speed and a high wave-catching rate 😜. All that’s left is to choose the right width to be stable enough and have the ideal pleasure/performance ratio.

We recommend a minimum width of 30 inches, which is a good starting point. For example, the four largest sizes of the Karmen are more suitable for discovering SUP surfing. A board with at least 30 inches in width is versatile; you can do almost everything with a single board: paddle around, learn to surf, and have memorable moments 🤩.

Right from the start, the first question to ask yourself is: ‘Inflatable or rigid?’

If you face storage or transportation challenges, and you seek a board that is secure and reassuring, the inflatable option is the solution. It’s perfect for throwing in the trunk of a car for a weekend getaway or taking it on a plane for your vacation.

If transportation is not an issue for you, you value the craftsmanship of a board’s shape, and you want to progress with a high-performance board in surfing, then the rigid option is what you need. The hull design, volume distribution, and rail thickness contribute to better glide and enhanced performance.

Our range of Stand Up Paddleboards for beginners is broad and accessible. Some are versatile, while others are specialized for one or two specific activities, but all are designed to follow you throughout your evolution.

An inflatable board

The choice of an inflatable SUP board is often driven by storage and transportation constraints. It’s the ideal equipment, easy to stow in the trunk of a car or carry on your back if you’re walkin or on two wheels. However, it’s also a fabulous support for exploration and progression.

An inflatable SUP board is more reassuring and secure: it’s difficult to get injured even if you fall on it. It’s perfect for children and for introducing your family or friends to the sport. It’s also simpler and more cost-effective to travel with compared to a rigid board.

RANGE FIRST

The First range is our entry-level series. Not to be confused with a low-cost pack from the local supermarket! We are SUP specialists: the shape and all aspects are meticulously studied down to the smallest details. Far from a supermarket board because an inflatable board also requires precision and reliability.

• The First junior

The 8’0 JUNIOR is designed for children to experience the joy of SUP in the best conditions.

• The First Allround

It’s THE board that makes SUP accessible to everyone. Perfect for a beginner who will understand SUP in a few minutes and can use it both for cruising and for having fun in the waves.

The First is offered in 3 different sizes:

– The 9’0 is designed for lightweight individuals who want a versatile, lightweight SUP that inflates quickly.

– The 10’0 is a perfect compromise for surfing and leisure paddling for average-sized individuals.

– The 11’0 is accessible to everyone, comfortable, and reassuring. You can even have two people on it (an adult and a child).

• The First Cruising 

Your partner for long rides with all the comfort in terms of lightness and stability.

The First Cruising is offered in 2 different sizes :

– The 11’6 is ideal for lightweight/average-sized individuals up to 85 Kg who want to discover SUP during long rides.

– The 12’6 is suitable for all sizes.

I-SUP RANGE

• The I-SUP Allround 

The all-around inflatable SUP. Its stability and exemplary maneuverability are enjoyable both in surfing and cruising. You can switch between the two activities in the same session without any problem.

The I-SUP Allround is offered in 3 different sizes:

– The 10’6 is for smaller individuals who want maximum responsiveness.

– The 10’9 is for everyone and is the most versatile model.

– The 10’11 is more tailored for larger individuals and those who want maximum stability.

• The I-SUP Cruising

Designed for cruising, it has been elaborated to enhance speed and paddle comfort. It is ideal for adventure.

The I-SUP Cruising is offered in 3 different sizes:

– The 11’6 is for smaller individuals who want to go on a cruise of less than an hour and a half.

– The 12’6 is suitable for all sizes and is designed for enjoyable cruising.

– The 13’6 is intended for those who engage in very long sessions

• The I-SUP Explorer

Geared towards cruising, its double chamber will allow you to go beyond the 300m limit to take you even further. It is equipped for extensive bivouac-style long-distance journeys.

The I-SUP Explorer is offered in 2 different sizes:

– The 12’6 is suitable for all sizes and is designed for exploration over long distances.

– The 13’6 is intended for those who embark on very long journeys with equipment.

• The I-SUP Family 12’

This playful, family-friendly, and fun shape is made for the whole family! More focused on cruising than surfing, you’ll have good times together with the I-SUP Family. Whether it’s a paddling board, a surfing board, a diving board, or a sunbed for tanning at sea, there’s no shortage of ideas to enjoy this family board.

– The 12’0 is designed to accommodate an adult and a child.

• The I-SUP Family 15′

Even larger than its counterpart, the 15′ is designed for two adults and two children.

• The I-SUP Family 16′

If the I-SUP Family 15′ tempted you but was not sufficient to accommodate the whole family, then do not hesitate no more and delight everyone with the I-SUP 16′.

• The I-SUP Windsurf

Twin sister of the Allround, this model inherits all its advantages and features the same shape… with one difference! A mast foot insert allows it to be used as a windsurfing board, a very practical accessory when conditions are too windy.

The I-SUP Windsurf is offered in 2 different sizes:

– The 10’9 is ideal for those who want to alternate between surfing, SUP paddling, and windsurfing sessions.

– The 15’0 is for those who want to have fun together in SUP or windsurfing.

A rigid board

On rigid boards, the shape of the hull and the rails are designed for the glide and maneuverability of the board down to the smallest details.

In SUP surfing, the information transmitted between the water and the board is crucial. While an inflatable SUP may absorb some of this information – which can be an advantage for navigating choppy waters – a rigid SUP will allow you to gain precision.

If you are already a surfer or if your goal is to surf, lean towards a rigid SUP. You will experience the gliding sensations you are already familiar with.

• La Karmen

Originally designed for experienced surfers, the Karmen serves as a fantastic entry point into SUP for beginners, especially with its larger models. It is forgiving, easy to paddle, smooth, and progressive — the perfect choice for starting out with a responsive board.

The Karmen is available in eight different sizes (FSP 2X and FSP Pro). Four of them in the FSP 2X version are particularly suitable for beginners:

– The 8’4 is ideal for sporty individuals weighing less than 70 kg. – The 8’9 is suitable for individuals under 80 kg who may not be very sporty but seek comfort. – The 9’2 is ‘easy’ for those under 90 kg, not very sporty, but looking for comfort. – The 9’10 is super easy for everyone

• La NFA

A modern longboard, performs exceptionally well in small to medium conditions. When paddling, the NFA is incredibly stable and maintains good speed. Always comfortable, smooth, and reliable, it’s perfect for beginners, especially in the larger sizes!

The NFA is available in 5 different sizes in FSP 2X (8’0, 9’0, 9’0 XL, 10’0, and 10’0 XL) and 8 different sizes in FSP Pro (8’0, 9’0 XS, 9’0, 9’0 XL, 10’0 XS, 10’0, 10’0 XL, 12’0). As a beginner, the FSP 2X construction is the most practical choice. The PRO version being dedicated to advanced users:

The classic models are among GONG’s best sellers.

The XL models were created to facilitate the transition from an inflatable model to a rigid board or for larger individuals seeking comfort, making them ideal for beginners.

– The 9’0 is the reference size, versatile and a true longboard character. – The 9’0 XL is stable while remaining very maneuverable, perfect for larger individuals or riders looking for stability. – The 10’0 is perfect for surfing knee to shoulder-high waves. Easy and early take-off, excellent nose hold. An ideal size for mixing surfing and leisure paddling. – The 10’0 XL is ultra-stable and reassuring while maintaining its modern longboard program.”

Our range of beginner paddleboards is divided into two main categories: inflatable SUPs and rigid SUPs. On the inflatable side, two options are available to you: the First range and the I-SUP range. You can enjoy these boards with the whole family, from children to grandparents. Reassuring, secure, and stable, an inflatable board provides all the comfort needed for you and your loved ones. And it fits into a backpack… a luxury that is hard to resist once you’ve experienced it!

On the rigid side, the FSP 2X technology elevates the performance to the maximum and offers astonishing durability – provided it is well taken care of. Your paddle strokes will be even more precise, and you will be amazed by the maneuverability and glide offered.

Inflatable First

The First boards are assembled with one layer on the deck and on the hull, two layers on the rails that allow excellent rigidity. This technology is aimed at beginners who have little experience in water sports, practice occasionally, and wish to discover the joys of SUP.

Technologie inflatable I-SUP

The I-SUP range represents the highest quality available in the inflatable market. They are ideal if you want to engage in more intensive practice or indulge in top-of-the-line equipment. This high-end technology is designed for those seeking performance and quality gear while remaining accessible to all skill levels, whether beginners or experienced!

The I-SUP boards feature a double thermo-welded layer on the deck, hull, and rails, making the board more rigid while remaining lightweight. The drop-stitch used for the I-SUP boards is the woven drop-stitch, which is the most performance-oriented assembly method in the inflatable world, providing both rigidity and lightness.

Apart from the First and I-SUP Packs, our beginner SUP boards are sold without a paddle if you choose to purchase the board alone. Therefore, you need to add the paddle of your choice.

We recommend beginners to choose an adjustable paddle rather than a fixed one. Since this sport and its sensations are new to you, you will likely want to try different activities such as surfing, cruising, racing, etc. Adjustability in the paddle length allows for versatility in various conditions and activities (surf, cruise, race…).

Paddle Alu Adjustable 3 pieces 

High-end accessory, adjustable and detachable in 3 parts. This paddle can be conveniently stored in the bag of your board. It is adjustable every 2 cm with a clip and features an ABS edge (soft and non-abrasive material) to protect the rails of your board. The handle is an ergonomic slim T. This Aluminum paddle is a perfect compromise between a low price and performance.

Weight: 1.1 kg

Paddle CARBON MIX 30% adjustable 3 parts

This paddle is adjustable and detachable in 3 parts. Equally efficient in surfing and cruising, the Carbon Mix 30% is ideal for beginner or progressing SUPers who want an effective, lightweight, and affordable accessory.

It’s a versatile model that performs well both in surfing and cruising.

Weight: 730 grams

Paddle CARBON MIX 100% adjustable 3 parts

An accessory that meets the expectations of progressing SUP enthusiasts looking for an effective, lightweight, and well-finished paddle. The perfect match with a Karmen or an NFA to improve paddle stroke precision and elevate your skill level. This model is adjustable and detachable in 3 parts.

Total Weight: 625 grams

While we recommend starting with an adjustable model, the Carbon Mix 30% and 100% are also available in a fixed paddle version. This can be useful if you plan to focus on a single SUP discipline (surfing, cruising, racing, etc.).

Your paddling technique, posture, and the frequency of your paddle strokes, all these factors depend on your program or activity. You will need to adjust your paddle relatively high for a beautiful several-hour-long cruise. On the other hand, your paddle will be set very low when surfing because you’ll need a high frequency to catch a wave during takeoff.

Take the time to properly adjust your paddle. It’s the engine of this activity and will be largely responsible for your stability and performance.

Know how to prepare your session well

As explained earlier, SUP is an easy sport to pick up, but you need to prepare well before getting started. Begin your initial sessions on a day with no wind and no waves; this will make your beginnings easier, and you’ll gain confidence. Wind is the number one enemy in SUP, as it creates waves, leading to instability and drift. Paddling against the wind can be a real challenge. Opt for paddleboarding when the sea is calm—it’s much more enjoyable, easy, and fun!

Learn to read the Ocean

Reading, assessing, and anticipating a wave is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of surfing, but also undoubtedly the most exciting. Understanding how a wave works, how a swell behaves, observing a set rolling in, and quickly analyzing whether a wave is suitable for you or not. This kind of knowledge requires a lot of experience and is acquired over time, through spending time in the water and practicing your passion. 😎

Find here a comprehensive guide to developing a good wave-reading skill.

Have the right posture

Stand-up paddleboarding is a very forgiving sport: its practice adapts to your level, not the other way around. If you lack a bit of balance and find it challenging to stand, you can start on your knees. Then, once you feel comfortable, try standing up and maintaining that position while paddling. It starts to become a lot of fun!

Here are some tips for adopting good posture:

• Distribute your weight on the board: Too far forward, and you’ll nose-dive and push water. Too far back, and you’ll paddle in a wheelie, dragging water. The goal is to have the maximum surface area of the board in contact with the water to glide as quickly as possible.
• Consistently position your torso facing the nose of the board while keeping your feet parallel and aligned with your shoulders.
• Engage your core and arch your back: The secret to paddling fast is to eliminate all unnecessary movements. Don’t sway, don’t gesture, be as stiff as a bamboo.

Don’t miss any advice and adopt all the right habits for your first SUP sessions with our how-to guides.

A precise rowing technique

Once you have the right posture, it’s time to adopt the correct paddling technique.

Adjust your paddle to your height. To determine the appropriate length for your activity, the rule is simple: in SUP surfing, the paddle length equals your height; for leisure paddling, add 10 centimeters, and for racing, extend it by 10 to 20 centimeters based on your board.

Hold your paddle the right way! The blade should be facing forward when the shaft is straight, as shown in this photo. You’ll gain power and, consequently, balance.

The arm holding the handle should always be straight. It’s the rear arm that bends and pulls the paddle backward. This is a fundamental point for developing a powerful and fast paddle stroke.

Generate momentum. Think about reaching far ahead. Lean your torso while keeping your legs straight and your back upright! Then, use the paddle like a lever and transfer energy by pulling it backward.

Pour aller plus loin dans l’accompagnement, l’Ours vous a concocté une vidéo parfaite pour apprendre tous les secrets d’un bon coup de rame. Vidéo How to row.

The leash serves as both the lifeline for the stand-up paddler and ensures that they keep their equipment close. Properly securing it to the board is crucial. Here is an instructional tutorial to learn how to securely attach your leash:

1. First, check the knot of the leash cord and tighten it perfectly. This knot is your guarantee of security! Then, pass the loop of the cord through the leash plug, so as to obtain two equal loops on each side of the metal bar. The lark’s head knot on the leash plug is not a good alternative to this technique because it lengthens the cord too much, which could damage the rail of your board.

2. Pass your leash rail saver strap through the two loops thus formed with the cord.

3) Close the “rail saver” Velcro properly. The two strands of the cord should pass through the fold of the strap. As the name suggests, the rail saver of your leash is a section of the strap that should be the only part pressing against your board.

If you are using a GONG inflatable board, a stainless steel ring allows you to attach the rail protection directly to your board. It is important to never use the cord on an inflatable board for the same reason that you should not unnecessarily extend the cord on a rigid board.

Next, all you have to do is attach the other end of the leash to your body. Ensure that the leash attachment is comfortable and secure by fastening it tightly around your knee or ankle, depending on the type of leash chosen. Don’t forget to guide the cord toward your back; this will prevent it from getting tangled in your feet and missing out on waves! 😆

Important reminder, again for those who do not read user’s manuals ;), a leash deteriorates quickly, despite appearances, and must be renewed at least every year. Replace it at the first signs of wear. It could be the worn hook and loop or micro cuts in the rope. It is for your safety, the safety of those around you, and the durability of your board. Legally, your leash is your life jacket since it connects you to an unsinkable object.

The secret to the longevity of your equipment? His maintenance. 

Whether you’re using an inflatable or rigid SUP, several essential actions are crucial to ensuring the longevity of your board:

Protect your board from extreme heat.

Regardless of the construction type, whether PVC or rigid, the board dislikes prolonged exposure to high temperatures. For a rigid board (monolithic or sandwich construction), keep in mind that the resin loses its qualities beyond 30°C above its polymerization temperature. If your board hasn’t been cured in an oven at 55°C, as we do at GONG, but at room temperature, you may encounter problems quickly. That’s why you must absolutely avoid leaving a board in your car in the sun. The interior temperature can quickly reach 50 degrees, even if it’s only 20 degrees outside.

Even worse, direct sunlight (on the beach or under the windshield) can raise the surface temperature of your board beyond 90°C in just a few minutes! It literally risks melting. Therefore, store a board in the shade in a ventilated area, regardless of its brand and technology. It may seem extreme because, obviously, not all boards will “cook” in the first rays of the sun, but even if the damage is not immediately visible, your board will age ten times faster in the sun. Preserve your board for yourself or others by not leaving it in the sun.

For an inflatable board, sunlight and heat can also impact the properties of PVC. It’s crucial to release the pressure between each session so that the board, while remaining inflated, allows you to press your finger or bend it. If the board remains constantly inflated under pressure, it directly affects the bonds and eventually causes structural damage.

Protect your board from moisture

Contrary to popular belief, boards don’t appreciate humidity. Leaving your board in a wet bag for days can genuinely damage the finishing layers or the pad for inflatable models. They are designed to be in the water but not to stay there constantly like boats. Even a board with a gel coat finish, like a boat, will have accessories such as a pad that won’t appreciate being constantly soaked. So, when you get home, make sure to dry your equipment!

Protect your board from shocks

Impact concerns are specific to rigid boards. This is the significant advantage of inflatable boards—there’s no risk of impacts due to their PVC construction.

The full PVC sandwich means the entire board is covered with a layer of 3mm hydrophobic high-density PVC foam. And 3mm is quite substantial, especially when you consider that a wooden sandwich is typically 0.6mm. At GONG, our sandwich includes the rails, providing better resistance and perfect waterproofing in the case of moderate impacts. In this scenario, repairs are done similarly to a non-sandwich board, only involving the surface layers. It’s simple and quick.

If the impact has damaged the PVC layer, professional repair is required. The advantage of sandwich technology is that it can be repaired lastingly. The base on which the repair will rely is extremely solid and thick, so the repair won’t deteriorate over time. That’s why the full sandwich allows for refurbishment even after very violent impacts.

Basic rule: If it catches on your fingernail, it needs to be repaired.

Second rule: Never let the core come into contact with water. It would act like a sponge.

If you have the space, you can certainly leave your inflatable board inflated, whether between sessions or during winter storage. However, you should make sure to release the pressure sufficiently so that, with the board remaining inflated, you can press your finger into it or fold it. If the board stays constantly inflated under pressure, it will directly impact the bonds and eventually cause structural damage that can lead to leaks.

The place where your board will be stored should be clean, dry, well-ventilated, and shielded from direct light. In this scenario, your board should be stored perfectly flat.

In the case of winter or long-term storage, whether inflated or rolled in its bag, ensure that your board is thoroughly rinsed and dried. Be careful not to fold your board too tightly; the bags are large enough. Remove all the air and close the valve. You can also leave the zipper of the bag slightly open, allowing air to ventilate the inside of the bag and preventing potential issues in case of humidity.

Pads and wax naturally protect the deck of your SUP from paddle strokes. However, the rails are particularly susceptible to damage from paddle hits as well as impacts on rocks or in the parking lot.

Therefore, we recommend applying rail protectors to your board. These are adhesive strips that will protect the rails of your paddleboard and increase its durability without compromising the board’s glide.

These strips absorb paddle strokes on the SUP, keeping your board in better condition for a longer time! Remember to replace them when they are worn, generally every 2 to 4 years. These strips will protect your board’s rails from marks and scratches, but not from heavy impacts, as they are not bumpers.

Before applying rail savers, make sure to clean the rails of your board thoroughly with alcohol or paint thinner.

• The small rail protection  is suitable for boards up to 8’5″. Sold in pairs, dimensions: 161 x 5 cm.
• The large rail protection is suitable for boards over 8’5″ and race SUPs. Sold in pairs, dimensions: 191 x 06 cm.

It’s mainly on land that we damage our boards when transporting or storing them. That’s why it’s essential to equip yourself with a protective cover for your rigid SUP.

There are covers for all types of boards, from short SUPs to race boards. The key is to choose one that fits your board. Because a cover that is too wide will be less effective against daily impacts and may flap on the roof of the car.

To plug a water entry or fix a leak with an inflatable board, having a repair kit on hand will prevent you from waiting several days before getting back in the water.

For a rigid board, make sure you have a UV repair kit. After sanding the ding, apply the repair kit to the wound, then let it dry in the sun (UV rays will do the job!). Sand it again when everything has dried to maintain a smooth board surface. It’s a quick and highly effective operation to get back on the water promptly.

Inflatable boards come with a repair kit containing PVC patches. These will allow you to make repairs in case of a leak (rail, deck, hull). PVC polyurethane glue will be necessary for bonding.

All our inflatable SUP packages come with a dual-action pump included. It is equipped with a pressure gauge to monitor the correct inflation pressure and a nozzle that is only compatible with SUP and inflatable surfboard valves.

Like any equipment exposed to salt and sunlight, a pump requires maintenance.

All pumps are lubricated from the factory, but their operation can be affected by sand and/or salt that eventually enter your pump, or simply due to its more or less intensive use. To maintain the performance of your pump, we recommend regular maintenance by lubricating all friction areas with a silicone grease-type lubricant.”

The specific points to maintain are:

• The inside of the tube.
• The piston seal.
• The inside of the pump body.

Step 1: Clean the Pump

The grease initially has a whitish appearance, but after some time of use, the color of the grease tends to darken due to dirt that may enter or the degradation of the piston seal. Therefore, it is necessary to clean it first. For this, use paper towels and a degreaser.

Disassemble your pump by unscrewing the top of the tube. Remove the seal from the lower part of the pump. Clean and then degrease the seal, the area where the seal was positioned, the piston, and the inside of the pump.

Step 2: Lubrication of the pump

When all these areas are cleaned, lubricate all sensitive areas, including the inside of the pump, the piston, and the seal. Then reassemble your pump, and it is ready for use again. By performing regular maintenance (at least once a year), you extend its lifespan and contribute to environmental conservation.

If you choose an inflatable SUP, transportation will be a breeze! Everything fits into a bag, and you can take your gear anywhere, whether it’s on a bike, on foot, or even in the cargo hold of an airplane.

If you opt for a rigid SUP, a few precautions are necessary 😎 Is the trunk of your car not spacious enough to store your rigid SUP? No worries. You can transport it on the roof of your vehicle!

Opt for foam roof racks, efficient and stylish. They feature a reinforced canvas, of the same quality as our GONG boardbags, with a 15mm foam thickness. As for installation, it’s a breeze: these roof racks come with a Velcro system that is easy to put on and take off.

And to ensure that your board doesn’t end up in the middle of the road, don’t forget to equip yourself with straps. Some, like Kanulock’s, even have a locking system to keep your equipment securely on your roof.

Transporting your gear from the parking lot to the spot can be tiring at times. Our trolleys offer all the desired comfort! These small transport carts can cross large dunes or attach to a bike. One thing is for sure, with a trolley, you’ll still have enough arms to paddle out to the lineup.

To simplify everyone’s life, we gather here a wealth of information regarding safety and water etiquette. It’s not always easy to coexist on a spot with others, but living together harmoniously is necessary for enjoyable sessions.

Here’s a post that lists some rules of surfing, priorities to know and respect, and some advice to ensure that each session happens with joy and mutual respect.

In summary, priority is given to the person in the best position to ride the wave effectively. By convention, this is the person furthest inside (closest to the initial breaking point at the moment of breaking). Therefore, the person paddling back out is not granted priority and must yield to the surfer on the wave. The same applies to someone waiting. Consequently, the surfer who catches the wave closest to the starting point of the white water has priority over the entire wave.

Two fundamental principles underlie surfing rules:

1. Do not endanger others.
2. Do not ‘waste’ waves: Dropping in on someone who has been riding the wave from the beginning will inevitably disrupt the full exploitation they could have achieved. It’s not just about technical prowess on the wave but making the best use of what nature provides. A counterexample is two surfers interfering with each other and falling right from the start, leaving the wave to break alone.

Maintaining a good atmosphere is, of course, linked to sharing, respecting others’ safety, and engaging in polite and discreet communication. We are in a natural environment that invites contemplation: excessive movement, splashing water, and speaking loudly may disturb the tranquility of the moment. But if you’re all alone, go ahead and enjoy yourself 😉

The time you spend on the water on one type of equipment will enrich your experience with other types. Nothing replaces the hands-on experience, time at sea, exposure to various weather conditions, and the connection with the elements.

In addition to your SUP board, why not explore other activities to spend more time on the water? Wing foiling or kiteboarding gear to enjoy windy days? A surf foil board to experience new sensations? A regular surfboard to better understand the waves and the ocean?

Find all our ‘how-to’ guides here, which will help you start easily and progress quickly.

Need advice? Ask all your questions about equipment, techniques, directly on our forum.