Wednesday, April 20, 2016

How To Choose The Right SUP Accessories For Your Needs

By James Harris


For anyone who is interested in watersports, the range of gear can be diverse and overwhelming. Whether you want to participate in SUP or another form of paddling, choosing the right equipment can help to ensure you are comfortable and safe when you are out on the water. Here is what you need to know about choosing the right gear if stand up paddleboarding is something you want to try.

This sport can be fun and challenging. It can help you develop strength, balance and endurance. Basically, an individual rides on a large board that can be made from various materials. Riders propel their board through the use of a long, single bladed paddle and steer their board in much the same way as they would paddle a canoe.

When you start looking at gear, you will quickly notice that there is a wide range of board sizes and styles. Some are meant for racing and may be more sharply pointed at the front. They tend to be quite easy to tip over. If you plan to travel longer distances or want a more stable model you may want to look at boards that are designed for touring instead of racing.

You may be surprised to learn that there are different paddles as well. The shaft is usually quite long although there are several different lengths available. If you are quite tall or fairly short you will need to consider whether the length of a particular model will suit your physique.

One thing that is necessary is a life jacket or personal flotation device. Some people don't mind wearing a jacket while others prefer a model that is designed like a belt that is worn around the waist. If you do choose a vest rather than a belt, you may want to try on various models and make sure that you can move your arms freely.

When you are on your board you should also consider an ankle strap or tether so that if you are thrown off your board you will not lose it. Make sure that the loop which goes around your ankle or wrist is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

You may also want to consider different pieces of equipment that you will use based on the kind of trip you will be taking. If, for example, you will be traveling on your board and camping, you may want to consider dry bags or other items that can hold gear safely. If you expect that the weather may be less than perfect, clothing such as a dry suit may make your days on the water feel much more comfortable.

Although you may be tempted to buy everything at once, there can be advantages to spreading out your purchases. You may want to consider borrowing gear from a friend so that you can try out different products and figure out which ones suit your needs. Then, you can shop at sports stores, specialty websites and outdoor outfitters to find deals on the products you find you prefer.




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