SUP Surfing Insight Collection
Go beyond technique and explore the bigger picture of SUP surfing. This collection brings together in-depth reviews, board and fin comparisons, interviews, rider insights and expert discussions to help you better understand equipment, design, performance and the sport itself. Dip into the topics that interest you and discover the knowledge that will help you make more informed decisions on and off the water.
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PART1 - SURFING INSIGHTS & EXPERIENCES
Explore the wider world of SUP surfing through rider experiences, technique breakdowns, equipment observations, trips and stories. Dip into the topics that interest you and discover ideas and insights from across the sport.
Hear Lucy's perspective on starting out in SUP surfing, including why she chose a paddleboard over prone surfing and what she's learned through her progression.
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Why SUP surf over prone surf as a beginner? / Lucy shares her thoughts
Hear Lucy's perspective on starting out in SUP surfing, including why she chose a paddleboard over prone surfing and what she's learned through her progression.
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Reuben reflects on years of surfing with two very different paddles, sharing how the Black Project Surge and Starboard Enduro compare and what he's learned from using both.
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Life with a Black Project Surge Vs Starboard Enduro / Hear Reuben’s thoughts
Reuben reflects on years of surfing with two very different paddles, sharing how the Black Project Surge and Starboard Enduro compare and what he's learned from using both.
Preview VideoWatch Leco Salazar's surfing in action, then click through to the article where we break down his technique alongside the video and explain what you can learn from it.
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SUPboarder video breakdown / Leco Salazar – the vertical turn master
Watch Leco Salazar's surfing in action, then click through to the article where we break down his technique alongside the video and explain what you can learn from it.
View VideoWatch Yvan Quilfen’s foam climb and 360°, then click through to the article for our written breakdown of the video, highlighting the technique and key details behind the moves.
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SUPboarder video breakdown / Yvan Quilfen SUP foam climb & 360°
Watch Yvan Quilfen’s foam climb and 360°, then click through to the article for our written breakdown of the video, highlighting the technique and key details behind the moves.
View VideoExplore how Quobba fins perform across different boards and conditions as Beau shares his testing insights, explains what makes them different and considers which sizes and setups work best.
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Quobba Fins – Full Review & Analysis
Explore how Quobba fins perform across different boards and conditions as Beau shares his testing insights, explains what makes them different and considers which sizes and setups work best.
Preview VideoTake a look at the Quobba Fin Shifter and discover how easily changing your rear-fin position can alter the way your surf SUP feels and performs.
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Quobba Fins Shifter Review / Move Your Rear Fin Forwards or Backwards
Take a look at the Quobba Fin Shifter and discover how easily changing your rear-fin position can alter the way your surf SUP feels and performs.
View VideoEscape to the Maldives with the SUPboarder crew for a taste of SUP surfing in tropical waves and a glimpse of what a dedicated surf trip can offer.
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Surf, Eat, Sleep…Repeat – The Maldives 14
Escape to the Maldives with the SUPboarder crew for a taste of SUP surfing in tropical waves and a glimpse of what a dedicated surf trip can offer.
View VideoCan a drysuit really work for SUP surfing? Join Reuben on the water as he puts one to the test and shares the realities of surfing in colder conditions.
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Can you SUP surf in a drysuit? / SUPboarder Vlog
Can a drysuit really work for SUP surfing? Join Reuben on the water as he puts one to the test and shares the realities of surfing in colder conditions.
View VideoInflatable SUP surfing isn't always pretty! See the crashes, wipeouts and real-world moments behind our testing and get a more realistic look at surfing an iSUP.
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The real world of surfing an iSUP!.. All the hammerings from the latest SUPboarder Pro test
Inflatable SUP surfing isn't always pretty! See the crashes, wipeouts and real-world moments behind our testing and get a more realistic look at surfing an iSUP.
Preview VideoGo behind the scenes at SUPboarder and discover some of the thinking and practical techniques involved in turning raw SUP surfing footage into a finished film.
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Tips for editing a SUP film / Behind the scene
Go behind the scenes at SUPboarder and discover some of the thinking and practical techniques involved in turning raw SUP surfing footage into a finished film.
View VideoPART 2 - BOARDS, DESIGN & EQUIPMENT INSIGHTS
Look beyond individual board reviews and develop a deeper understanding of SUP surf equipment. Explore board design, construction, fins, paddles and comparisons that reveal why different equipment feels and performs the way it does.
Meet Infinity's Dave Boehne and hear his thoughts on board design, shaping and SUP surfing, alongside the experiences that have influenced his distinctive approach to surf SUPs.
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Voices of SUP – Dave Boehne / Infinity SUP designer
Meet Infinity's Dave Boehne and hear his thoughts on board design, shaping and SUP surfing, alongside the experiences that have influenced his distinctive approach to surf SUPs.
View VideoContinue the conversation with Dave Boehne for more insight into his design thinking, surf SUP development and the ideas behind some of Infinity's most distinctive boards.
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Voices of SUP – Dave Boehne / Infinity SUP designer – PRO EXTRA
Continue the conversation with Dave Boehne for more insight into his design thinking, surf SUP development and the ideas behind some of Infinity's most distinctive boards.
Preview VideoUnderstand the differences between common composite SUP constructions and what you gain by spending more, helping you decide whether full carbon or a wood/glass construction better suits you.
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What composite SUP board construction should I buy? Full carbon or wood/glass?
Understand the differences between common composite SUP constructions and what you gain by spending more, helping you decide whether full carbon or a wood/glass construction better suits you.
Preview VideoSpecifications only tell part of the story. Compare three similarly sized boards and discover why boards that look almost identical on paper can feel completely different on the water.
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3 boards similar on paper, so different in feel
Specifications only tell part of the story. Compare three similarly sized boards and discover why boards that look almost identical on paper can feel completely different on the water.
More InfoUse the Starboard Wedge as a starting point to explore wider surf SUP design and understand how changes in shape can create very different stability and performance characteristics.
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Discussing The Starboard 8’0 Wedge
Use the Starboard Wedge as a starting point to explore wider surf SUP design and understand how changes in shape can create very different stability and performance characteristics.
More InfoCustom or off-the-shelf? Explore the advantages and compromises of production and custom surf SUPs, and the questions worth asking before deciding which route is right for you.
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Production or Custom SUP? / How to videos
Custom or off-the-shelf? Explore the advantages and compromises of production and custom surf SUPs, and the questions worth asking before deciding which route is right for you.
More InfoTake a closer look at Starboard's Twin Fin and Acute Custom Carbon construction, exploring the thinking behind this performance-focused board and its distinctive design.
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We look at the NEW Starboard Twin Fin Acute Custom Carbon Construction
Take a closer look at Starboard's Twin Fin and Acute Custom Carbon construction, exploring the thinking behind this performance-focused board and its distinctive design.
View VideoCan two paddlers successfully share their SUP equipment? Explore what to consider when choosing boards and paddles that need to work for different riders, abilities and sessions.
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Sharing SUP gear / SUPboarder Pro ‘How to video’
Can two paddlers successfully share their SUP equipment? Explore what to consider when choosing boards and paddles that need to work for different riders, abilities and sessions.
Preview VideoPART 3 - NOTABLE SURF SUPS & REVIEWS
Revisit standout surf SUPs we've reviewed over the years. From major head-to-head tests and influential shapes to unusual designs and memorable boards, these reviews offer a fascinating look at how surf SUP equipment has developed.
Compare a selection of inflatable surf SUPs head-to-head and see how different shapes and sizes affect stability, surf performance and suitability for different riders.
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iSUP Surf Board Test 2022 / SUPBOARDER PRO HEAD TO HEAD
Compare a selection of inflatable surf SUPs head-to-head and see how different shapes and sizes affect stability, surf performance and suitability for different riders.
Preview VideoSee a range of beginner-friendly surf SUPs tested side-by-side and discover the differences that matter when choosing a board to build confidence and progress your surfing.
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Beginner SUP Surf Test 2024 / SUPBOARDER PRO HEAD TO HEAD
See a range of beginner-friendly surf SUPs tested side-by-side and discover the differences that matter when choosing a board to build confidence and progress your surfing.
Preview VideoCompare some standout longboard-style surf SUPs and discover how their different shapes translate into glide, stability, turning and traditional longboard-style performance.
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Longboard Surf SUP Board Test 2022 / SUPboarder PRO Head To Head
Compare some standout longboard-style surf SUPs and discover how their different shapes translate into glide, stability, turning and traditional longboard-style performance.
Preview VideoCan one surf SUP handle almost everything? Compare a selection of versatile 'quiver killer' boards and see how each balances stability, manoeuvrability and all-round surf performance.
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Quiver Killer SUP Surf Test 2023 / SUPBOARDER PRO HEAD TO HEAD
Can one surf SUP handle almost everything? Compare a selection of versatile 'quiver killer' boards and see how each balances stability, manoeuvrability and all-round surf performance.
Preview VideoPut the Shark SUP Surf+ through its paces and see how this compact inflatable performs in the surf, including where its shape and dimensions work best.
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Shark SUP Surf+ Inflatable 2025 – Pro surf mini test
Put the Shark SUP Surf+ through its paces and see how this compact inflatable performs in the surf, including where its shape and dimensions work best.
Preview VideoCompare ITIWIT's 8' and 9' inflatable surf SUPs to understand how the difference in size affects stability, accessibility and performance on a wave.
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Itiwit 8′ & 9′ 500 surf inflatable SUP comparison review
Compare ITIWIT's 8' and 9' inflatable surf SUPs to understand how the difference in size affects stability, accessibility and performance on a wave.
View VideoTake a closer look at Honu's Bondi inflatable surf SUP and see how its surf-focused shape performs for paddlers wanting more from an iSUP in the waves.
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HONU Bondi Surf iSUP 2024
Take a closer look at Honu's Bondi inflatable surf SUP and see how its surf-focused shape performs for paddlers wanting more from an iSUP in the waves.
View VideoExplore Starboard's inflatable Wedge and discover how its wider, surf-focused design translates from the composite concept into an inflatable board for a broad range of riders.
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Starboard Wedge Inflatable 2024 – Full Review
Explore Starboard's inflatable Wedge and discover how its wider, surf-focused design translates from the composite concept into an inflatable board for a broad range of riders.
More InfoCompare Starboard's 2024 Longboard range and see how the different sizes and shapes alter stability, glide and performance for riders looking for a longboard-style surf SUP.
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Starboard Longboard 2024 Range – Reviewed & Compared!
Compare Starboard's 2024 Longboard range and see how the different sizes and shapes alter stability, glide and performance for riders looking for a longboard-style surf SUP.
View VideoExplore RRD's LongSUP 9'4" and see how its longboard-inspired shape combines glide and stability with the ability to turn and perform on a wave.
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RRD LongSUP 9’4”
Explore RRD's LongSUP 9'4" and see how its longboard-inspired shape combines glide and stability with the ability to turn and perform on a wave.
View VideoRevisit Fanatic's Stylemaster and see how this longboard-style SUP blends glide and traditional surf characteristics with a shape designed to perform when the waves arrive.
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2020 Fanatic Stylemaster 10’x28.5″ SUPboarder review / SUP Longboard
Revisit Fanatic's Stylemaster and see how this longboard-style SUP blends glide and traditional surf characteristics with a shape designed to perform when the waves arrive.
View VideoExplore Starboard's Twin Fin and discover how its distinctive fin setup and surf-focused shape influence speed, turning and the overall feel of the board on a wave.
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Starboard Twin Fin 2025 – Reviewed
Explore Starboard's Twin Fin and discover how its distinctive fin setup and surf-focused shape influence speed, turning and the overall feel of the board on a wave.
View VideoTake a closer look at the SMIK Style Lord from our 2022 longboard test and see where its shape, stability and surfing characteristics place it among the competition.
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Head To Head Longboard Surf SUP Board Test 2022 / SMIK Style Lord
Take a closer look at the SMIK Style Lord from our 2022 longboard test and see where its shape, stability and surfing characteristics place it among the competition.
More InfoDiscover Infinity's distinctive Escape Pod and see how its compact performance shape translates into stability, responsiveness and a very different approach to surf SUP design.
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Infinity SUP Escape Pod 2024
Discover Infinity's distinctive Escape Pod and see how its compact performance shape translates into stability, responsiveness and a very different approach to surf SUP design.
View VideoCompare two very different RRD performance surf SUPs and discover how their contrasting dimensions and shapes change stability, handling and performance on the wave.
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RRD COTAN Vs RRD iWAVE / Comparison – Review Video
Compare two very different RRD performance surf SUPs and discover how their contrasting dimensions and shapes change stability, handling and performance on the wave.
View VideoRevisit the Starboard Spice and see how this performance-oriented shape balances speed, control and manoeuvrability for riders looking to push their SUP surfing further.
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Starboard Spice 2023 Review
Revisit the Starboard Spice and see how this performance-oriented shape balances speed, control and manoeuvrability for riders looking to push their SUP surfing further.
View VideoRevisit JP Australia's Surf Wide and discover how its additional width combines stability with thinner rails and a performance-oriented shape designed to keep the board turning smoothly.
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JP Australia Surf Wide 8’2″x31.5″ 2020
Revisit JP Australia's Surf Wide and discover how its additional width combines stability with thinner rails and a performance-oriented shape designed to keep the board turning smoothly.
View VideoCompare two compact Starboard surf SUP concepts and see how their very different shapes influence stability, manoeuvrability and the way they perform on a wave.
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Starboard Pocket Rocket VS Hyper Nut / Comparison video
Compare two compact Starboard surf SUP concepts and see how their very different shapes influence stability, manoeuvrability and the way they perform on a wave.
View VideoCompare the Starboard Wedge and Fanatic AllWave to see how two wider surf SUPs approach the balance between rider-friendly stability and genuine surfing performance.
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Head To Head Wide Body Surf SUP Board Test 2022 / Starboard Wedge VS Fanatic All Wave
Compare the Starboard Wedge and Fanatic AllWave to see how two wider surf SUPs approach the balance between rider-friendly stability and genuine surfing performance.
More InfoReuben shares why this particular surf SUP made such an impression, exploring the design, feel and performance characteristics that made it one of his favourite boards to ride.
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Best board I have used… Reuben reviews his new surf SUP
Reuben shares why this particular surf SUP made such an impression, exploring the design, feel and performance characteristics that made it one of his favourite boards to ride.
Preview VideoCompare three generations of wider Starboard surf SUP design and see how the Whopper, Wide Point and Hyper Nut approach stability and surf performance in very different ways.
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Wide surf shapes from Starboard compared / Whopper, Wide Point and Hyper Nut
Compare three generations of wider Starboard surf SUP design and see how the Whopper, Wide Point and Hyper Nut approach stability and surf performance in very different ways.
Preview VideoExplore three very different SMIK surf SUPs and discover how the Paradox, Style Lord and Hipster Twin target different styles of surfing, riders and wave conditions.
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2023 SMIK SUP Review / Paradox + Style Lord + Hipster Twin
Explore three very different SMIK surf SUPs and discover how the Paradox, Style Lord and Hipster Twin target different styles of surfing, riders and wave conditions.
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