How to Start SUP

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Daneli
Daneli
QLD
1538 posts
QLD, 1538 posts
10 May 2008 8:46pm
I have a Kona One Windsurfer Board.

http://www.kona-windsurfing.com/products/konaone.asp

They say if I take the centreboard out you can SUP on it.

What is the best way to start?
Do you use a legrope or paddlerope?
What sort of paddle should I get?
Any other secrets?
I used to surf, still do a bit. Is it the same wave etiquette for SUP?

Thanks
Daneli
Daneli
QLD
1538 posts
QLD, 1538 posts
10 May 2008 8:58pm
Do I need to change the fin?
DavidJohn
DavidJohn
VIC
17570 posts
VIC, 17570 posts
10 May 2008 11:21pm
This is what I think.

It will be fine for flat water paddling....You will not even need to change the fin..and you wont be needing a legrope..(leash)

But using it in the waves might be another story....You will defiantly need to change the fin..IMO..and fins aren't cheap.

If you change the fin for a smaller swept back fin you will also need to take the footstraps off because you will trip on them.

You will also defiantly need a legrope..and a good one..something like a Balin 10' and they're about $50.

You might also find that in the waves the gripdeck..or rough surface on the deck might be too abrasive when you are crawling back on after a fall..if you fall often.

I would buy a cheap paddle..and you don't need a paddle leash..just make sure the paddle is long enough..see this pic..



No secrets..just that you stand parallel not in a surfing stance..Move forward and back till you find a sweet spot...and paddle..

I would recommend sticking to flat water at first..and if you venture out into the surf..stay out the back..use a legrope..maybe catch a few waves and get off them before they closeout.

Oh yeah..stay out of other peoples way....and one more thing..HAVE FUN.......and let us know how you go.

DJ
tasflyer
tasflyer
TAS
48 posts
TAS, 48 posts
11 May 2008 1:14pm
I have a Kona One as well which I use for SUP'ing, mainly in small surf up to head high. Actually it works Ok. Its quite a bit wider than old school long boards but is probbaly not quite as stable as a "proper" SUP. Just a couple of things to add to what DJ has posted:-

- For SUP'ing I use a 24cm Wave fin out of my wave board (windsurf) which also has a powerbox fitting. This works a lot better than the stock fin. You should be able to get a second hand sailboard wave fin fairly cheap.

- I use a Longboard legrope looped through one of the rear footstraps. I actually leave the front straps on most of the time but obviously better to take them off. Leave the rear ones on though as apart from being a useful way of attaching a legrope they are also good for towing the board thorugh the shore break.

- The EVA deck on the Kona is fine and not to much different from the decks of the SUPboards that I have seen. I do wear boots though.

- I use a home made paddle. The first one I made you can see at the links below as well as some dolly wheels I made for transporting the board. I have since made a second paddle with a smaller blade which I have found much better for use in the surf. It allows you to paddle quicker from rest and accellerate the board pretty much what you need to do to catch waves. DJ has a couple of great posts on homemade paddle ideas and blade shapes.

- Definitely take the daggerboard out. The knob will get in the way much worst then the footstarps. Also the empty dagger well makes a great place to stick your hand when carrying the board.

- If you google around theres' heaps of articles on getting started but basically you want it as flat and glassy as possible. Coming from a windsurf background the main surprise I found is the effect of the wind. You will find it pretty tiring if you have to paddle directly into a 5 knot breeze. Neeless to say, avoid offshore breezes. If theres any sort of wind I chuck the rig on it and windsurf it anyway. I have also had some fund sessions in 5 - 10 knots with an old 5.3 wave sail in the surf.

www.dropshots.com/mbinet4889
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