Improver SUP Racing
Ready to take your racing to the next level? This pathway is designed for paddlers who want to refine their race technique, improve efficiency and deepen their understanding of performance equipment. Follow each section in order to develop faster, more confident paddling and make better-informed equipment choices on and off the race course.
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Section 1: Developing Race Skills & Technique
Refine your paddling technique and build the skills needed to become a faster, more confident racer. Improve your paddle stroke, balance and board control while exploring training ideas and the equipment choices that support better performance.
The best way to get good at something is to do it lots! When SUPs are involved this means lots of time on the water, but unfortunately we don't all have...
Pro
5 reasons why you should try surfing a race board
The best way to get good at something is to do it lots! When SUPs are involved this means lots of time on the water, but unfortunately we don't all have...
Preview Lesson
If you have a race SUP or any SUP longer than 12' and haven't been in the surf with it yet, then this is a video for you. We go...
Pro
First time tips for surfing a SUP race board / How to video
If you have a race SUP or any SUP longer than 12' and haven't been in the surf with it yet, then this is a video for you. We go...
Preview LessonIn this Readers Video Breakdown, we highlight the five phases of our paddle stroke and how you can become more efficient and faster on the water. Ralf from Germany has...
Pro
Readers Video Breakdown ‘5 Phases of the Paddle Stroke’ – SUP Racing
In this Readers Video Breakdown, we highlight the five phases of our paddle stroke and how you can become more efficient and faster on the water. Ralf from Germany has...
Preview LessonIn this new SUPboarder Pro video series we are going to get you paddling on small SUPs. With the right techniques and afew tips you will be more comfortable using...
Pro
How to paddle small SUPs / Brace, brace,brace
In this new SUPboarder Pro video series we are going to get you paddling on small SUPs. With the right techniques and afew tips you will be more comfortable using...
Preview Lesson
Wetsuit boots or barefoot that is the question? For many of us, going bare foot on a SUP is just not an option if we live somewhere where the water...
Pro
Getting the most grip & control / Wetsuit boots or barefoot?
Wetsuit boots or barefoot that is the question? For many of us, going bare foot on a SUP is just not an option if we live somewhere where the water...
Preview LessonIt's a very popular question that many of you are asking when moving down from your mid length boards, to longer and thinner boards. But not knowing really where to...
Pro
Want to paddle further or faster? / Choosing the best board width for you
It's a very popular question that many of you are asking when moving down from your mid length boards, to longer and thinner boards. But not knowing really where to...
Preview LessonIn this SUPboarder PRO video, we explain the pros and cons of the different nose profiles and rocker lines found in inflatable SUPs. Our 2021 iSUP Touring Head To Head Test...
Pro
iSUP Nose Profile & Rocker Line Explained
In this SUPboarder PRO video, we explain the pros and cons of the different nose profiles and rocker lines found in inflatable SUPs. Our 2021 iSUP Touring Head To Head Test...
Preview LessonAs with any sport there are things you'll need to consider, and compromises you'll need to make regarding…. the gear you use, your ability, the conditions you're paddling in, and...
Pro
Considerations and compromises to ‘become a better SUPer’
As with any sport there are things you'll need to consider, and compromises you'll need to make regarding…. the gear you use, your ability, the conditions you're paddling in, and...
Preview LessonSection 2: Understanding Race Board Performance
Take a deeper look at the design features that influence speed and efficiency. Learn how fins, rails, rocker and board shapes affect stability, tracking and performance, helping you better understand why race boards behave the way they do.
Which factors affect SUP board stability? This question was sent to us from a SUPboarder Pro subscriber and its definitely something to consider when looking at buying a new board. There...
Pro
Factors that affect board stability / How to video
Which factors affect SUP board stability? This question was sent to us from a SUPboarder Pro subscriber and its definitely something to consider when looking at buying a new board. There...
Preview LessonIn this mini SUPboarder Pro series about fins, we test some theories around fins and show you how fins really do make a difference to your paddling. The first episode...
Pro
Fins Do Make A Difference #1 / Tracking and Speed
In this mini SUPboarder Pro series about fins, we test some theories around fins and show you how fins really do make a difference to your paddling. The first episode...
Preview Lesson
New boards are expensive, but new fins are not just fancy accessories. Without fins, our boards would be useless and hard to control, so building a quiver of fins in...
Pro
Fins Do Make A Difference #4 / SUP Fins For Different Conditions
New boards are expensive, but new fins are not just fancy accessories. Without fins, our boards would be useless and hard to control, so building a quiver of fins in...
Preview LessonThere are so many things that go into a boards design. In this SUPboarder Pro video we talk about how rail thickness at the tail affects a boards performance in...
Pro
SUP Rail thickness at the tail / Design & Performance
There are so many things that go into a boards design. In this SUPboarder Pro video we talk about how rail thickness at the tail affects a boards performance in...
Preview LessonSo lets talk SUP rocker-lines or board rocker shapes. Understanding what rocker is on a board doesn't have to be complicated or a subject that only applies to more advanced...
Pro
SUP rocker-lines explained / How to Video
So lets talk SUP rocker-lines or board rocker shapes. Understanding what rocker is on a board doesn't have to be complicated or a subject that only applies to more advanced...
Preview LessonIn this new SUPboarder Pro video series we are going to be looking and talking about the design features and shapes on your SUP. In this first video we are...
Pro
SUP Shapes Explained / SUP bottom shapes
In this new SUPboarder Pro video series we are going to be looking and talking about the design features and shapes on your SUP. In this first video we are...
Preview LessonIn this third video we are going to be talking about SUP Rail shapes and how they effect your boards performance. Just like the other videos is the series this...
Pro
SUP SHAPES EXPLAINED / SUP RAIL SHAPES
In this third video we are going to be talking about SUP Rail shapes and how they effect your boards performance. Just like the other videos is the series this...
Preview LessonIn this new SUPboarder Pro video series we are going to be looking and talking about the design features and shapes on your SUP. In this second video we are...
Pro
SUP Shapes Explained / SUP tail shapes
In this new SUPboarder Pro video series we are going to be looking and talking about the design features and shapes on your SUP. In this second video we are...
Preview LessonIn this Readers Video Breakdown, we explain how you can gain speed and efficiency and apply it to races, long distance touring or your everyday paddling. Philipp has sent in...
Pro
Readers Video Breakdown / Speed & Efficiency
In this Readers Video Breakdown, we explain how you can gain speed and efficiency and apply it to races, long distance touring or your everyday paddling. Philipp has sent in...
Preview LessonSection 3: Optimising Your Equipment
Fine-tune your race setup by understanding paddles, fins and board design. Explore how different equipment choices influence power, efficiency and speed, while learning what separates dedicated race boards from other SUPs.
In this SUPboarder Pro readers video breakdown we look at a clip from Georgie who wants to paddle straighter and with more power. Georgie is paddling an RRD Air Touring...
Pro
Readers Video Breakdown ‘Paddle straight with power’
In this SUPboarder Pro readers video breakdown we look at a clip from Georgie who wants to paddle straighter and with more power. Georgie is paddling an RRD Air Touring...
Preview Lesson
How to choose the size of your paddle blade – there’s more to it than just body weight!
Start Lesson
So, you’ve got the 32” wide isup at the moment and you’re looking to buy your first hard board to upgrade your quiver. What width are you going to settle...
Pro
How Wide Should My Hard Board Be Compared To My iSUP? / Dropping Width
So, you’ve got the 32” wide isup at the moment and you’re looking to buy your first hard board to upgrade your quiver. What width are you going to settle...
Preview LessonIn this SUPboarder Pro video Will talks about why many iSUPs have tail runners at the back of the board, how tail runners work on iSUPs and if they're something...
Pro
We talk about tail runners / edge releases on your iSUP / What do they do & why?
In this SUPboarder Pro video Will talks about why many iSUPs have tail runners at the back of the board, how tail runners work on iSUPs and if they're something...
Preview LessonIn this Readers Video Breakdown, we cover the paddle phase elements of reach, catch and exit. Plus we break down how to track better in a straight line and how...
Pro
Readers Video Breakdown ‘SUP Race Technique’
In this Readers Video Breakdown, we cover the paddle phase elements of reach, catch and exit. Plus we break down how to track better in a straight line and how...
Preview LessonSUP racer Ben Pye talks through the basics about race fin constructions from the cheaper plastic lower performance fins to the stiffer top performance carbon construction fins.
Free
Basics on race fin constructions / How to SUP video with Ben Pye
SUP racer Ben Pye talks through the basics about race fin constructions from the cheaper plastic lower performance fins to the stiffer top performance carbon construction fins.
Start Lesson"What can I expect from a hard or 'real' raceboard?" is a question many paddlers are asking. Maybe you have an iSUP race shape already and are thinking of switching...
Pro
What can I expect from a ‘real’ raceboard! / iSUP vs Hard
"What can I expect from a hard or 'real' raceboard?" is a question many paddlers are asking. Maybe you have an iSUP race shape already and are thinking of switching...
Preview LessonSection 4: Advanced Equipment & Performance
Complete the pathway by exploring advanced equipment choices, race board design and performance insights. Learn how experienced racers fine-tune their setup and discover the equipment decisions that can make a real difference on the water.
Our race doctor Bryce Dyer is looking at answering the question... Are expensive SUP paddles worth it? With so many paddles out there to choose from, at all kinds of price...
Free
Are expensive SUP paddles worth it? – Race Dr Bryce Dyer
Our race doctor Bryce Dyer is looking at answering the question... Are expensive SUP paddles worth it? With so many paddles out there to choose from, at all kinds of price...
Start Lesson"What composite SUP board construction should I buy? Is it worth spending the extra for a full carbon over a wood/glass board?" This has to be one of the most...
Pro
What composite SUP board construction should I buy? Full carbon or wood/glass?
"What composite SUP board construction should I buy? Is it worth spending the extra for a full carbon over a wood/glass board?" This has to be one of the most...
Preview LessonIn this SUPboarder Pro video Jonny Hebert talks hard noses on iSUPs, and whether they are something that will make our paddling experience easier and more enjoyable.
Pro
Hard Nose cones on iSUP’s… Do they work? Jonny tells all / SUPboarder Pro
In this SUPboarder Pro video Jonny Hebert talks hard noses on iSUPs, and whether they are something that will make our paddling experience easier and more enjoyable.
Preview LessonIn this video Harry joins Reuben to explain why a longer board is faster than a shorter board. Harry has a Master’s degree from Plymouth University in Marine Technology and...
Pro
Why are longer boards faster? / SUP Tech talk
In this video Harry joins Reuben to explain why a longer board is faster than a shorter board. Harry has a Master’s degree from Plymouth University in Marine Technology and...
Preview Lesson
Readers Video Breakdown ‘Increase Power & Prevent Injury’ / SUP Race Technique
Preview Lesson
Our race doctor Bryce Dyer has an informal chat asking the question which many are asking ''Are narrow race boards nuts?!!" Bryce has been borrowing a 21.5'' wide Starboard Sprit...
Free
“Are narrow race boards nuts?” Race Dr Bryce Dyer
Our race doctor Bryce Dyer has an informal chat asking the question which many are asking ''Are narrow race boards nuts?!!" Bryce has been borrowing a 21.5'' wide Starboard Sprit...
Start LessonIn this Readers Video Breakdown, we have Lou who is transitioning from touring to racing and wants some tips on how to paddle faster for longer. This Readers Video Breakdown...
Pro
Readers Video Breakdown ‘Long Distance SUP Racing’
In this Readers Video Breakdown, we have Lou who is transitioning from touring to racing and wants some tips on how to paddle faster for longer. This Readers Video Breakdown...
Preview LessonWeight, volume and shape are all things that SUP racers should be thinking about when it comes to their boards. But not all top racers actually know what they really want...
Free
Top SUP racer Pete Holliday talks about his SUP race board modifications
Weight, volume and shape are all things that SUP racers should be thinking about when it comes to their boards. But not all top racers actually know what they really want...
Start Lesson