Paddleboard

A paddleboard, commonly referred to as a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), is a broad, stable board used on water and propelled by a single-blade paddle. Users stand or kneel on the deck and push the water with the paddle to move forward. Paddleboarding is practiced for recreation, fitness, touring, yoga, and surfing.

Stand-up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii in the mid-20th century, where surf instructors used long boards to better observe students. It gained widespread popularity worldwide in the 2000s as a versatile water sport and lifestyle activity.

Boards are built with a buoyant core and a laminated skin. Most modern SUPs use foam cores (EPS or polyurethane) with fiberglass or carbon fiber skins and epoxy resin; many are also inflatable, made from drop-stitch fabrics with PVC shells. Decks include a traction surface or pad, and boards vary in length, width, thickness, rocker, and fin configuration. Touring and racing boards are longer and narrower; all-around boards emphasize stability; inflatable boards emphasize portability.

Board types vary by purpose. All-around boards emphasize stability for beginners and general use, touring boards are longer and narrower for improved speed and tracking, and race boards are optimized for high-speed performance. Inflatable SUPs provide portability and storage advantages, with varying stiffness. Fin configurations commonly include a single center fin or multiple side fins to influence tracking and stability.

Safety considerations include wearing a personal flotation device where required, using a leash to prevent loss, checking weather and water conditions, and learning basic bracing and turning techniques. After use, rinse with fresh water to remove salt, dry thoroughly, and store away from direct sunlight.