SUP board choices for beginner/improver SUP paddlers.

SUP board choices for beginner/improver SUP paddlers.

Dec 22, 2021 | Classic Surf SUPs, SUP Advice

What to consider when buying your first SUP.

There are so many stand up paddle boards available today that making a choice is a hard task. For many newbies, it can seem overwhelming. Do you go hard board or inflatable? And what about SUP length, volume and width? Style of board can also play a part. So where to begin?

SUP skill (and being honest with yourself).

When in the market you need to consider multiple aspects. First up is your personal skill level. Whilst it’s good to have aspirations and goals good practice is to be honest with yourself. You may yearn for that uber narrow race machine, or low volume performance surf sled. But these will be hard craft to pilot if you’re barely out of the beginner stages of stand up paddling.

SUP surfing: waves are where you find them.
Are you an aspiring wave head or flat water SUP paddler?

Something that’s accessible, but with traits to grow into, will be the best course of action. This will deliver maximum fun as you progress on your SUP journey. And it’s the fun element that’ll keep you coming back for more. Owning a board that’s too tricky to use won’t do much for your continued enjoyment of the sport. If you find yourself groaning at the prospect of paddling your own SUP then you might not have chosen the best fit.

  • SUP board choices
  • SUP board choices
iSUP or hard SUP? The choice is yours…

Usual stand up paddle board stomping grounds.

Your local stomping ground should dictate what type of stand up paddle board should be purchased. By this, we mean what type of conditions you get and are most likely to be riding in.

For instance, if your local is generally mirror flat water, with some interesting nooks and crannies, then it’d be foolish to buy an all out surf SUP. Something touring orientated would make more sense.

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Or if you want a dabble in waves on the same board a SUP like Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co.’s Classic would be a good option. Perhaps the bigger 10’6 if it’s going to be a more flat water bias to your paddling (or you’re a heavier rider). But the 9’11 works as well.

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The inflatable SUP option.

Your first stand up paddle board doesn’t have to be the hard variety. Inflatables are good to go as well. In fact, based on what the masses generally buy, iSUPs are it. Usually around the 10’6 mark. But you don’t need to follow trends. Following your own path is often the course of direction.

The issue with inflatables – as has been discussed at length across various forums – is the manufacturing and material quality with some of these boards. Cheap iSUPs are just that: cheap. Not budget. Budget, wallet friendly is something else entirely. You can get quality inflatable SUPs that are budget orientated.

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Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co offer two styles of iSUP. Our 10’6 is designed to give enhanced glide and tracking (via its slightly elongated nose). Whereas the longer 11’5 compact touring SUP is fit for any adventure you can to throw it at. Both these designs are examples of time and effort spent getting the shape right and making them fit for purpose for many different styles of paddler.

Don’t forget your SUP paddle!

We talked about upgrading your SUP paddle in this article. To reiterate: your SUP paddle is everything. Arguably more important than your board, the paddle defines what stand up is and should therefore be given due thought and consideration.

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Far too often we see riders happy to make do with any old paddle. This is never going to enhance the fun factor of stand up paddling. So the best advice is leave a few coffers in the kitty for an upgrade if your included package paddle isn’t up to the job. (Unlike Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co.’s package paddle which has a good deal of thought and design behind it).

SUP board choices
Inflatable SUP boards are sometimes the best choice.

Stand up paddle board progression.

Whatever type of stand up paddle board you plump for it ideally should have some progression elements inbuilt. SUPs can be high price ticket items for many so having to upgrade mere weeks down the line isn’t that cost effective.

Fortunately most well respected brands, offering quality stand up paddle boarding gear, have plenty of applicable kit that can be used to advance your skills with. For instance: Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co.’s 10’6 Classic is a great longboard style surf SUP. It’ll quite happily cover some ground (or water) on the flat. But, for those who fancy some wave carving fun or toes over the nose riding, it does the job perfectly.

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The 9’11 Classic is just as progressive and versatile. Albeit with slightly more leaning to waves for bigger riders. Mid to featherweights will have plenty of flat water paddling fun aboard it though. And still be able to slide small to medium sized waves.

Whatever you stump up for should deliver on the smiles front. Do some research, ask questions of reputable sources and speak to the brand you’re looking at. Knowledgeable retailers should also be able to guide you accurately. The more happy paddlers we have the more longevity SUP has. So it’s in the best interests of all parties to get riders partnered up with their ideal stand up paddle boarding craft.

If you have any questions about Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co.’s range of hard or inflatable SUP boards get in touch. And for more articles like this hit up the following links from our blog.

Carbon SUP paddles – worth the upgrade?
SUP hard living? The hard board question.
SUP surfing a hard board vs an inflatable – the main differences.
How are Freshwater Bay hard boards constructed?
SUP surfing: waves are where you find them.

SUP surfing: waves are where you find them.

Nov 2, 2021 | Classic Surf SUPs, SUP Advice

SUP and scoring the best surf conditions for your paddling ability, wherever that may be.

SUP surfing conjures up all manner of big wave images in your head. Pro riders ripping, shredding and tearing. Throwing buckets of spray left, right and centre. Big moves. Big air. And big wipeouts when it all goes wrong. There’s no question; the upper echelons of stand up paddling in waves are a spectacle. And so it should be. After all, the pro game’s an advert for the sport in general. We need the aspirational/inspirational. Even if it’s not what really happens in the real world.

SUP surfing: waves are where you find them.
Ripples for SUP surfing are all good.

SUP surfing conditions for the mere mortal.

Some riders, who are paid up superstars of SUP, can certainly hold their own in surf. A raft of paddlers exist who can put on a displays to turn heads. Yet the majority of SUPers these days are a world away from this. Everyone knows how stand up has grown these last few years. And out of those new recruits, there’ll be a handful who will step up and shine. The largest proportion, however, may not.

But this isn’t to say your average paddle boarder can’t mix it up in waves. Far from it. Conditions aren’t XL all the time. In fact, many popular SUP surfing spots are pretty mellow. And very doable for all. With this in mind waves are game on for any paddler who’s nailed the basics and fancies getting involved.

SUP surfing: waves are where you find them.
If you’ve nailed stand up paddling’s basics you’re good to go!

SUP surfing’s beauty.

One of SUP’s beautiful aspects (especially where surf’s concerned) is you don’t need a big wave. We’ve mentioned this before. But with an oversized wave machine – like the Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co Classic – ankle slappers are good to go.

With a SUP board’s glide, and additional momentum, even ripples can be worth a slide. Add a paddle (and use it efficiently) and suddenly any type of moving lump can be ridden. This means you’re not just confined to ocean locations.

A SUP surfing vid from a few years ago showing how the Classic works on a wave.

Ripples and bumps can appear anywhere. On lakes. In rivers. Even in duck ponds. If there’s any kind of energy moving through water then a stand up paddle board could (in theory) ride it. And by ‘ride’ we mean slide. We’re not talking rail to rail ripping. Merely being pushed along and enjoying the sensation.

The beauty of glide.

Whether you realise it or not, one of the reasons you’ve been bug bitten by SUP is because of glide. Having learned the basics of standing and paddling it quickly becomes obvious that a few paddle strokes give a decent amount of forwards momentum. This feeling of moving forwards, whilst standing tall, is the hook in. Glide is addictive. And there’s no better way of enhancing this than when being shoved along via natural energy.

For plenty of riders, SUP surfing is simply about getting on a wave and enjoying being pushed along. Paddles are held high; grins are miles wide. There’s no engaging of rails or attempts to gouge turns. And that’s OK. This is SUP surfing for the majority. Of course, should any paddler fancy taking things to the next level then go for it!

SUP surfing: waves are where you find them.
Glide away SUP surfing style.

Sniffing for waves – wherever they may be.

Once a stand up paddle boarder has experienced the enhanced glide feeling of waves their view of SUP changes. From big wave chargers to tiny tiddler sliders it’s the same. Paddling on flat water and then suddenly a bump or two appears. Instantly thoughts of whether these can be ridden enter the mind. This is followed quickly by frantic paddle strokes to see if that thought rings true. 

Two of the most underrated areas of SUP are downwind paddling and white water river paddling. Downwinding sees paddlers use strong wind, which whips up rolling swell, to propel themselves along the coast. With the extra oomph from breeze and paddle it’s possible to drop into these moving lumps of water and ride them. Sort of like drift surfing if you will. White water runs meanwhile see paddlers aiming to use standing waves for fun. There are things like drops and rapids also but standing waves are one of the most fun parts of river paddling.

Sniffing for SUP waves, wherever they may be.

SUP surfing progression.

If you’ve been grabbed by SUP surfing, and want a performance boost, then a kit change may be on the cards. As we say above you may not want the rip, shred and tear low volume, narrow and tricky to ride kit. But you don’t need it…

Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co’s range of Classic longboard style surf SUPs are more than applicable for your real world wave riding activities. SUP really lends itself to longer board riding and the Classic fits this style perfectly.

Freshwater Bay Classic SUP - Blue & White

Freshwater Bay Classic SUP – Blue & White

£945.00
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Anyone with skills will find a manoeuvrable SUP whilst those that want to just slide will also be well served. Plus, there’s additional flat water performance built in as well. What’s not to like?

Waves are where you find them. SUP gives everyone the ability to slide on lumps, however big or small. If you’ve never experienced the sensation then it’s something that’s very doable for intermediates and above. Keep safety in mind, work your way up slowly and we’re pretty sure you’ll be having maximum fun soon enough.

If you want to find waves, or conditions that generate moving bumps of water, it’s worth getting acquainted with websites like Magic Seaweed. Weather forecast sites will give you a heads up of when you’re most likely to score. Find your local spot via here.

For more articles like this check out the following.

SUP surfing: transitioning from flat water paddling to waves.
SUP surfing a hard board vs an inflatable – the main differences.
SUP hard living? The hard board question.
SUP hard living? The hard board question.

SUP hard living? The hard board question.

Oct 22, 2021 | Classic Surf SUPs, SUP Advice

SUPs with hard shells; are they hard to live with?

‘SUP boards that don’t pack down into a convenient bag make the whole stand up paddle boarding thing much less fun. Don’t they? SUPs that are hard make storage really tricky. Don’t they?‘

And so on…

Stand up paddle boarding’s recent surge in popularity has been unprecedented. Harking back to days of old when new outdoor fads were taken hold of by the masses. (Think windsurfing and skateboarding where every man and his dog suddenly owned kit). Unlike those heady days of the 80s we’ve also had a pandemic to contend with. And it’s this that’s kept the growth machine going over an 18 month (or so) period. Although actually, at time of writing (October 2021), SUP’s popularity hasn’t slowed.

SUP hard living The hard board question.
Which one’s best for you? Hard SUp or iSUP?

The inflatable stand up paddle board option.

There are lots of questions about SUP gear. With so many options on the market, it’s inevitable. One question about gear was met with surprise. This is because we suggested a hard SUP option might make more sense. The response from our subject didn’t think that was a thing. Instead, their perception was stand up paddle boards were only of the air filled variety.

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Inflatable SUPs certainly have their place. There’s no question they’re easier to travel with. Particularly overseas. Another great advantage, not as widely spoken about, is their ding free properties. Unlike their hard shell siblings, air boards can be chucked about with reckless abandon. You may scuff the PVC a little. And perhaps with total uncaring puncture the board. But if you did the same with a hard board it’s end up in ding repair A&E.

We won’t get into direct comparisons between iSUPs and hard SUPs. This has been covered elsewhere. And actually, how can you really compare apples and pears?

The hard SUP choice.

Those who purchase a hard shell stand up paddle board – like the Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co Classic – are doing so because they want a performance boost. Perhaps they already own an iSUP and want equipment for more efficient progression. Or maybe the paddler in question’s looking at tackling a specific area of SUP. Possibly SUP surfing, where a hard board will always win over an iSUP.

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The biggest thing with a hard shell stand up paddle boards is rigidity. It may sound obvious but being hard, and not full of air, gives greater stiffness. And this translates to reactivity, performance and efficiency. Over an iSUP you probably gain an extra 30-60% performance, depending on the design. We know many a stand up paddler that’s started on an inflatable, tried a hard version, and switched straight away.

A BIG difference with a hard shell stand up paddle board is that you have a rigid platform to stand on. There’s no flex in the centre, as you get with an iSUP. And without deflection, the efficiency at which a hard SUP travels across water is much more efficient and pleasant.

We’ve talked about wave environments before and how an air board bends on take off, sticks to the water’s surface and doesn’t fully release. But most importantly you can’t fully engage an iSUP’s rail edge for turning. Unlike its harder sibling which is extremely good at this. Of course, this again is SUP surfing specific, but you get the point. There are many more scenarios where a hard stand up paddle board just fits the bill so much better. But that’s your call to make as and when…

SUP hard living The hard board question.
When you’re ready, the Classic’s ready…

Owning a hard stand up paddle board.

When you choose to purchase a hard shell stand up paddle board you’re doing so with all of the peripheral ‘stuff’ that comes with it. Consciously or subconsciously you’ve already determined how (and where) you’re going to store it. Likewise with transport to and from your chosen SUP location(s). For anyone seeking pinnacle stand up paddling performance these so called issues aren’t even a factor. You want the best so you just deal with all the things you need to make it happen.

Getting your gear to the water’s edge for instance can be as simple as chucking the board on a roof rack and tying it down. It doesn’t matter what vehicle you own lashing a SUP to the roof is 100% doable. And to be honest, we see so much of this with iSUPs it’s really not a thing to be concerned about.

Hard SUP transport? Simply chuck it on the roof!

For those truly committed (and there are many) the mode of transport chosen is directly relatable to time on the water paddling. This is why the watersports fraternity at large own vans. It’s a full lifestyle choice. As we said above, it’s no issue ratcheting down a SUP to the roof of your suburban run around. But owning a van does make things easier we’ll acknowledge.

As far as storage goes where there’s a will there’s a way and all that. Even paddlers residing in smaller one bedroom city apartments we know of manage to stow away 10’6 hard SUPs. It may be a squeeze getting it through the front door, or perhaps you pass it through the window. Some may pay for a lockup to dump all their stand up paddling kit. As we said, where there’s a will there’s a way. Ultimately it comes down to how much the rider in question wants to get on the water and enjoy their sport to the max.

iSUP set up and pack down hassles.

Whilst there are a large number of inflatable stand up paddle board owner who leave their air boards pumped up there is a good % that don’t. The ones who do possibly leave them ready because, actually, the process of inflating and deflating is a hassle. Even with an electric pump there’s time stood around twiddling thumbs whilst your ride fills with air. and you still have to get the air out at the end of your session.

Laborious or hassle? Setting up your Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co inflatable SUP.

Hard stand up paddle boards don’t require this. Grab your board out of the van, or from the top of your car, suit up, paddle at the ready and away you go. Having finished it’s then a case of chucking your wet gear inside and hoofing the board back on the roof or inside. It really is much simpler (and quicker) in terms of getting set up and finishing off.

Dings and damage.

We touched on this earlier in the article but a hard shell stand up paddle board is more susceptible to damage compared to inflatable counterparts. At some point you will scratch, scuff and potentially hole your SUP. But it’s no biggy as repairs are fairly simple – either yourself or a professional doing the work.

Going back to the making it work point and an offshoot of owning a hard SUP board is learning how to maintain and repair your kit. It’s not uncommon to find a recreational hard SUP board paddler who’s pretty good with resin and fiberglass.

classic longboard style SUP at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Pushing it in the surf can sometimes mean dings and knocks are picked up. But it’s no biggy.

Taking things one step further and this has led onto some actually hand shaping their own boards. But for most, simply knowing how to repair a ding will suffice.

If you do pick up a ding this article from SUP Connect may help.

The (hard) bottom line.

Owning a hard shell stand up paddle board really is no issue. For all the supposed plus points of inflatables vs hard SUPs they’re actually a non-entity when all said and done. Air SUPs may suit the majority but there are plenty in contrast who want exactly what a board like the Freshwater bay Paddleboard Co Classic can deliver.

If you’re debating over whether to fork out for a hard shell SUP and upgrade from your inflatable, then give us a shout to discuss. Likewise, if this is your first purchase from Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co and you just need more of a steer on the performance traits of each model, give us a holla.

Below are some recent blog posts you may have missed.

SUP surfing a hard board vs an inflatable – the main differences.
SUP surfing: transitioning from flat water paddling to waves.
How are Freshwater Bay hard boards constructed?
SUP surfing: transitioning from flat water paddling to waves.

SUP surfing: transitioning from flat water paddling to waves.

Oct 9, 2021 | Classic Surf SUPs, SUP Advice, SUP Inspiration

Core skills for effectively crossing over to stand up paddle board surfing.

With autumn rolling through, and surf more likely in all corners of the UK, thoughts of riding your stand up paddle board in waves (SUP surfing) may have entered your mind. Transitioning from flat water paddling to waves, however, requires more than just throwing yourself headlong into the fray. Not least because that would be unsafe! Fundamental skills need to be in place beforehand as well as base knowledge. You’ll then need to consider your options. 

Ready to give SUP surfing a go? Read this article to find out how.

What follows are the main points to think about/work on BEFORE heading into the surf. It may be that a lesson or two, with guidance from a qualified and experienced professional will also be of benefit.

SUP experience.

It should go without saying that when contemplating your first stand up paddle surfing session, the amount of time you’re going to spend up on your board is far outweighed by time spent in the water. Constantly falling, before clambering back onto your platform gets exhausting. Fatigue sets in with all the physical demands of the process. And a cold sea, cooler air temperatures, thick (more restrictive) wetsuits and the constant battering of waves won’t help either. 

Moving from flat water to SUP surfing
Making that transition from flat water stand up paddling to SUP surfing.

The surf environment – even on the mellowest of days – has current, tidal movement and the surf itself aims to unseat you. Without being prepared, swimming will be mostly what you do. A short session ending abruptly. We all have to start somewhere but having some key building blocks in place will stand you in good stead.

Ideally, you’ll have some time under your belt stand up paddling in rougher coastal water. We’re not suggesting you head out into ‘orrible conditions but understanding how things like side chop, breeze and current affect you and your board are key. Then, being able to cope with this and navigate your SUP should be ticked off. Paddling in adverse conditions is as much a safety thing as it is SUP surfing skill!

Freshwater Bay Classic SUP - Blue & White

Freshwater Bay Classic SUP – Blue & White

£945.00
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A solid stand up paddle boarding stroke.

Your paddling and piloting of said stand up paddle board is extremely important. And not just for SUP surfing either. Paddling is your source of momentum and the way you move from A to B. It’s how you maneuver and avoid situations that may otherwise go awry.

Being able to fully bury the paddle’s blade and transfer all your energy into a forward stroke will see maximum efficiency in terms of propulsion and glide. Knowing when to hammer down and when to back off is also important. Changing cadence, and altering the subtleties of each stroke are skills born of time spent on the water. This transfers directly to SUP surfing as it allows riders to hone their take offs. Improved board trim, once on the wave, is a byproduct.

Transition to SUP surfing from flat water
Ready to jump in? The SUP surfing transition explained.

Having other types of SUP paddle stroke in your arsenal is another good idea. Whilst waiting for your wave you’ll need to be moving and positioning yourself according to where the waves are peaking. Waves don’t break in the same place – unless you’re surfing a reef break (which isn’t the best idea when starting out). Sweep strokes, reverse paddling, sculling, J-strokes, C-strokes and more are all worth researching and practicing. 

The SUP pivot turn.

One key skill in SUP surfing is being able to step back onto the tail of your stand up paddle board, sink it, perform a wide sweeping paddle stroke and spin your SUP 180 degrees. This is the most effective (and quickest) way of getting your stand up paddle board in position for taking off on your chosen wave. And it’s super easy to practice on flat water. In fact, the SUP pivot turn is an essential skill across all areas of stand up paddle boarding.

Catching waves on your inflatable stand up paddle board is perfectly applicable.

On a safety note being able to pivot turn means you can avoid sticky situations in the surf. If you need to ‘get out of Dodge’ quick smart then spinning 180 and zooming off in a different direction may help you avoid being wiped out by an incoming wave or other riders.

General SUP surfing knowledge.

‘Knowledge is power’ so the old saying goes. And it’s especially true when talking about surf environments. You mightn’t realise it but there’s a lot going on where breaking waves are concerned – even if you can’t immediately spot those tiny tell-tale signs.

From flat water to SUP surfing
Knowledge is power – especially in a SUP surfing wave environment!

Nothing equates to actual hands on experience. But this should always be backed up by theory. (We can hear the groans already!). The more knowledge you have about waves, how they break, types of surf, tides and how this affects the surf, wind and its effects on swell, how to interpret weather forecasts and apply them to your local break (or most frequented) and so on means the better your SUP surfing sessions will be. On top of this, you’ll be safer. Heading into a surf zone with a blissful state of ignorance can be a recipe for disaster. And it only takes a small amount of genning up to accumulate understanding.

We appreciate this may befuddle at first. But have it in mind and slowly all will be revealed. A classic example is riptides and how they play a part. Rips can be your worst enemy or best friend. Learning about them beforehand and then heading to the beach to see if you can spot rips is good practice.

Flat water paddling to SUP surfing transitions
Surf breaks – friend or foe? With time, practic and perseverance definitely your friend.

One big piece of understanding to wrap your grey matter round is surfing etiquette and how to behave in waves next to others. Best practice dictates you should be well away from surfers and water users whilst learning to SUP surf. But having a grasp of surfing etiquette is super important and will play its part as you move in closer proximity to wave shredding bethren. Surfing etiquette commands its own article so in the meantime hit this link to learn more about it.

https://surfing-waves.com/surfing-etiquette.htm

Patience: waiting, watching, absorbing.

One of the biggest skills you can own as a SUP surfer is patience. You’ll certainly need this in the UK as weather forecasts, swells and all manner of other factors conspire against you to scupper plans of wave shredding.

We often get flat days through the year (even in winter!). This can be a good opportunity to head down the beach and check out your chosen venue without too much froth and flotsam in the way. It’ll give you chance to assess where potential hazards are you mightn’t have seen before. If you’re keen then head out for a dip and put the diving mask on. Observing the break’s bathymetry will tell how the waves form and spill. You’ll get a better idea of where to sit for optimum take offs and score the longest, most fulfilling rides.

You often see surfers sitting, watching and looking at the forming and pitching waves for long periods of time. On particularly solid days the experienced crew may sit and scope what’s going on for considerable minutes, before getting suited and booted. Learn from this and understand why. Fools rush in and all that…

Freshwater Bay Classic SUP - Orange & White

Freshwater Bay Classic SUP – Orange & White

£945.00
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SUP surfing equipment and suitable conditions.

Coming off the back of an idyllic summer flat water SUPing with your trusty 10’6 inflatable and heading to SUP surfing spots may be your situation. Alternatively, you could have stumped up for an 11’ plus pointy nosed touring board and now contemplating swell rides. In the back of your mind, thinking could be your current stand up paddle board isn’t the ideal for those first forays into SUP surfing – which may be true. If you have aspirations of ripping waves, rail to rail shredding and busting sick airs then the aforementioned equipment isn’t ideal.

For most, however, SUP surfing is about a longboard surf style – after all, stand up paddle boards are big and oversize so they suit this niche arguably much better than shortboards. Not to take anything away from those who pilot short surf SUPs well but in terms of mass appeal, it’s the longboard ethic that rules. And with the original point in mind: any type of stand up paddle board can be taken into waves. And by waves, we’re talking dribblers and up. Waves come in all sizes after all.

charlie SUP surfing a Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co longboard style SUP
The aim of the game – Charlie Cripwell SUP surfing in Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co’s backyard.

You don’t need to be aiming for overhead pounders to begin with. In fact, many paddlers enjoy stand up paddle surfing in much tamer conditions. Ankle slappers are perfectly fine (and encouraged) for your first forays into waves. That trusty 10’6 inflatable SUP will catch and glide along happily, giving you much needed muscle memory and experience. Same with touring boards. Some touring/race SUPs actually do a sterling job of surfing waves, albeit smaller ones. They glide for ages and can deliver super long rides. The point is: consider your location and the conditions on offer. If in doubt don’t go out. If others don’t reckon it’s a good idea give it a miss. But do paddle out on the right day with your already owned SUP gear. You can always upgrade to specialist kit later.

As an example, Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co’s Classic range of longboard SUPs is at home both on flat water and in waves. With a SUP like this versatility’s a given. If you’re pricing equipment up it’s worth keeping this in mind as you’ll be getting more bang for Buck. See what’s in the Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co shop via the link below –

https://freshwaterbaypaddleboards.co.uk/shop/

Summing up.

This isn’t a conclusive guide to stand up paddle surfing – far from it. But hopefully, it’ll give anyone transitioning from flat water to waves a starting point. Have fun in the surf but above all stay safe!

If you have any questions about Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co’s gear or SUP in general then get in touch. We’re only too happy to help.

For more articles like this check out the following –

Top tips for catching your first waves
Longboard SUP Surf at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Accessible Stoke – SUP surfing Vs Prone Surfing
Catching the next set

Catching the next set

Nov 20, 2020 | Story So Far

Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co came to life in 2015, as a small company dedicated to making high quality longboard style surf SUPS, and premium quality inflatable paddleboards (iSUPS).  

Long before SUP was mainstream and the industry was flooded with cheap boards and companies jumping on the bandwagon of popularity, choice was pretty limited.  It mostly came from windsurf brands using similar styles and construction methods as their windsurf boards.

Having had boards from all the major brands and trying to find something more suitable based on classic surfboard design, Freshwater Bay Paddleboards Founder, Charlie Cripwell, decided that if the main brands weren’t going to make the boards he wanted, then he’d better find a way of doing it himself! 

As the company grew, it attracted fans and accolades from both the Surfing World and Paddle-Sports World.  Riders included Former British Masters Longboard Champions, the Head of Paddle-Sports for SportScotland, and even the Editor of SUPMag which, considering he tests so many boards and could ride anything he wants, is a pretty good recommendation.  Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co also became known for its high-quality inflatable boards, using the best construction methods but with shapes more suitable and better designed than many of the big iSUP brands.  These boards were used by SUPers all over the UK and shipped as far as New Zealand. 

As the popularity of SUP started to increase, more and more companies came to the market.  Many of whom had no interest in paddleboarding or paddleboarders – it was just a way to make a quick buck and get boards to market as quickly and cheaply as possible.  After years of prototyping, testing and growing Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co, Charlie came to realise that he just didn’t want to compete in an industry that had changed beyond recognition. 

Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co remained something of a cult brand, with used boards hardly ever coming up for sale. Once people bought one, they rarely let them go. Those that did come up for sale often sold for more than the original price of a new board, as demand was higher than supply.

Towards the end of 2020 someone wanted a Freshwater Bay Paddleboard so much that they bought the company, just so that we would start making them again! 

So now, Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co isn’t just Charlie; it’s Charlie and Chris.  Chris happens to be a pretty cool guy for an ex-CEO of a £Billion company.  He also owns custom Bike Companies, making high-end carbon and steel bikes for Athletes and discerning riders, so he’s used to dealing with products and people at the premium end of the market.  Together, Chris and Charlie plan to put the quality back into the SUP industry and get people out on the boards they’ve been waiting for.

There’s still plenty of cheap brands on the market, plus a few that are ‘good enough’.  But for when ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough for you, there’s a Freshwater Bay Paddleboard.