r/Sup

I just need to blow off a little steam here.

I’m an intense nature enthusiast and I bought my own paddle board this summer after wanting one for years. I have been on the water for hours each weekend having an amazing time. I even got my friend addicted to it too!

Where I’ve been getting a bit frustrated is that I live in an area with tons of lakes. Yet finding a lake that has motor restrictions is incredibly difficult, and nearly every lake is lined with the homes of wealthy people. There are two spots close-ish that do have motor restrictions, but only one of them isn’t lined with docks and houses.

This is probably a bit “woe is me,” but most of the hundreds of lakes around are unsafe for me to paddle in because of the sheer number of motor boats and jet skis. Beyond that, people will drive these boats drunk sometimes and many are completely inconsiderate of small watercrafts. The noise and traffic irritates me. I don’t understand why 95% of lakes must be for motor boats and rich people’s homes. When I’m on the water, I’m looking for exploration, submersion in nature, and quiet. I just want to enjoy nature in peace!

Okay, rant over. Thank you.

I’m a 54m who is in very good shape, lift weights 4-5 times a week and trail run and do rucking for cardio 20 plus miles a week. I hiking, rucking, have done some kayaking and like to backpack. I’ve been reading up on SUP and I’m curious if it’s crazy difficult to learn to stand and paddle these boards? Or should I stick with kayaking? Any recommendations on boards? I have used a paddle north kayak before and liked it. Are their paddle boards worth it or would something else be better suited for a beginner? Any particular type or length of board better suited for a novice ? Thanks.

Does anyone else *try* to use Paddlways and just gets frustrated? There are tons of boat ramp indicators on lakes and ponds that are labeled as places to launch but 9/10 times it’s actually a private lake or doesn’t allow boats.

Maybe it’s my area but what is the point of this app if I drive out to a place on their map just to find it’s not a real place to paddle..

After a week of strong sun and 30 degrees, I finally bought my first SUP, a Matchu Deluxe. Of course immediately it plummeted to rainy days and 15 degrees here in The Netherlands.

So while waiting to have my first chance to take out my board, I wanted to ask what accessories or other purchases do you regret putting off, or what things do you find nice to take with you on your journey? Cleaning supplies you love, a towel that works better than my shower towel, what's always strapped to your SUP?

I'm thinking of getting water proof bone conducting headphones so I can enjoy audio books and the sounds of waves. Wouldn't want to be that person with a speaker on the water!

All I have so far is:

A 22L dry bag that comes no where close to carrying my pump in it so I'll need to size up.

And of course I have a solid life jacket on the way right now.

Edit: Thanks for all the replies! It's become cumbersome to reply to everyone, but I've made a list of the recommendations to look through myself!

What methods do you use to fasten your paddle to your board when not in use?

If I'm out on the lake for the day sometimes I just like to lay down and relax on my board or get off and swim but I always struggle to find a good place to put my paddle. Sometimes I strap it under the bungee cord but that doesn't work as well when I want to just relax on the board. I've also tried paddleboard yoga a few times but the paddle really seems in the way there. When I'm getting in and out of the water sometimes the paddle is also in the way and it's a bit annoying. What solutions have you come up with?

I've gotten the bug, I've been 3 times now, once on the sea (estuary) and twice on a river/canal system. I'm now looking at upgrading and getting a better paddle, my intended use of the SUP is for paddling expeditions and camping trips.

I've found the paddle that comes with the board okay, but its not particularly ergonomic (sore hands after prolonged use not terrible but not great) an the angle of the padel doesn't seem ideal for stand up paddling (I belive they should be dog legged so that it can be vertical as it passes you in your stroke). My current paddle is a 4-piece design in which you can replace the handle part with a second paddle and use it in a kayak configuration, which I suppose is why there is no angle to the paddle face from the shaft.

I came across this paddle from this video by Stevie Wyatt and was wondering what people's thoughts were? It is very affordable, and I wonder if it will even be an upgrade/improvement on the stock paddle? It has the angle that I was looking for, but otherwise seems fairly similar in construction.

I understand some people spend mega-bucks on their paddles (i've seen suggestions in the hundreds of pounds) and recommendations saying the paddle should be more than the board itself, but in taking up a new hobby I'm probably not keen to spend that quantity on a single item when this paddle is getting my by for the time being. in time yes, but it's already been a lot of expenditure including all of the camping gear, so if the benefits arent that huge I would probably stick to stock for the time being (or is it just worth buying as a marginal improvement and then having the stock one as spare?)

I'm new to SUPs and I've been learning about what certain fins are got. My board has one really big one in the center, with three at the back, the middle of those being larger.

I would love some insight on what fins I need or what is most helpful for balance and stuff.

But my real question is... What do you do with the fins when you pull it up on land? I'm afraid I'm going to break mine, but I can't shore my board without scraping them on the rocks. Especially the big one in the middle.

Do you flip your board over, fins up? Or are they a lot more sturdy than I fear? Can the board rest safely leaning on the fins?

Had a great time experiencing the Kromme Rijn in Utrecht from start to finish. I'm a beginner supper, don't realize that 24 kilometers in 2 days is quite some paddling :)

We camped and took all of our gear with us (minimal). I loved getting to know my surroundings through the water. The pace is amazing as well, this trip convinced me to try it in more remote areas (Norway, the Alpes). Hope you enjoy my video about it :)