Tag: SUP racing

Having purchased your spanking new inflatable SUP you’ve been quietly beavering away, putting in the miles, working on your paddling technique and nailing down all those fundamental skills needed for a lifetime of stand up paddling. Having overcome the beginner plateau you suddenly become aware of your enjoyment for high cadence mile smashing. Then the cartoon lightbulb above your head goes off as you realise: SUP RACING! Maybe that’s for me, but can I compete in events on an iSUP?

So, can you?

There’s no avoiding the fact ultimate race performance comes from piloting a hard shell SUP. Yet there’s no reason why a paddler can’t enter SUP racing comps using their trusty air board. In some cases, especially at bigger events, such as Battle of the Thames and the SUP Clubs UK Champs, there are inflatable fleets. If entering races without these classes then handicaps will be set, taking into account all riders and making things as fair as possible.

Currently the UK has only one specific inflatable race series that encompasses two events culminating in an overall championship event. This is one design racing and unfortunately dominated by a specific brand – a shame as we’re sure more inflatable racers would enter comps if they were on offer. Still, that’s a debate for another time.

In terms of tips for inflatable racing then you should ideally be using a pointy nose board for maximum efficiency. While it’s perfectly applicable to compete on round nose SUPs there’s no getting away from the fact something with water piercing properties, even if filled with air, will stand you in better stead and make chugging round a race course less arduous.

Although McConks doesn’t offer a specific race sled (yet) our Go Explore 12.8ft will accommodate budding podium finishers no troubles. It may be a board with touring leanings but this won’t detract from its glide and tracking characteristics – something that’ll benefit all SUPers not just those with a penchant for racing.

As rigid a board as possible will also stand you in better stead when facing off against the opposition. McConks’ high quality manufacturing techniques allows a bit more air to be squeezed inside. By all means do this as every little helps. And while the fins we supply are perfectly fine for general paddling a more race orientated type will only help when on the race course.

A word of warning regarding the above, however. If you’re considering swapping out your fins then try before you buy! And try as many as you can – as with all gear not everything will suit. Find your optimum and roll with it.

Lastly, a point that’s been talked about endlessly, is your paddle type and paddling technique. McConks paddles are top end and certainly applicable for the job in hand – be that recreational paddling or other. Experiment with the correct shaft length and then know and understand what efficient paddle strokes are. Racing will put added strain on your body so an efficient technique will help stave off potential injury.

 

From the above you can see that iSUP racing s certainly doable and as more paddlers enter the sport we’re pretty confident you’ll see more events opening up air board specific classes. Do some research prior to jumping straight in and then it’s down to you. Being a fast paddler is as much to do with the pilot as it is the kit you’re using. Train, learn, adapt, experiment, never give up and above all have fun…

We’d love to hear your experiences of racing an inflatable paddle board. Please give us a shout and let us know your tips, tricks and share your findings and photo finishes with us using the social media sharing buttons above.