SUP SURFING TIPS WITH ARTHUR ARUTKIN

Can you ride a wave parallel with a SUP and pull a few turns earlier than with a Surfboard? Based on the size and quality of the waves?

You can definitely win some time entering the wave as the SUP board starts planing much earlier on the wave due to a better glide as it is longer. Plus you are already standing up, so you don't lose time at the take off so you may be able to sneak a turn earlier or turning in closeout condition! 

Can you ride a wave parallel with a SUP and pull a few turns earlier than with a surfboard? Based on the size and quality of the waves?

You can definitely win some time entering the wave as the SUP board starts planing much earlier on the wave due to a better glide as it is longer. Plus you are already standing up so you don't lose time at the take off so you may be able to sneak a turn earlier or get a turn done in close out condition! 

How does a real wave SUP differentiate from a classic all-round cruiser or funboard in terms of shape?

Depending on which type of waves they may differ but mainly they have less volume and more rocker that makes the boards slower on flatwater and also a bit less stable, but you have a lot more manoeuvrability in the waves.

In the wave you maily see composite SUPs, rather impractical for transport (even if they are not as long as i.e. touring boards. What about inflatables, which are much easier to transport? Can you get into the wave with it? And what differences will you find?

Yes you can use inflatables in waves too. We have our inflatable Stubby Air for example, obviously it's not as practical and radical but you can definitely take it into the waves and even making turns with it like my team mate Airton Cozzolino does - he is  ripping like no tomorrow with that Stubby Air! I quite often take my Falcon Air in waves when taking it for training when traveling - it's super fun!

What should you pay attention to when you get your first equipment to go into the waves?

It's important to know your level and start in moderate conditions and have safety gear like a leash, (lifejacket if needed), make sure fins are screwed in tight and your paddle is at the right size.

Do you need a different paddle in the waves than when paddling on a lake or river?

You can use the same one but I wouldn't recommend it, size-wise I'd use +15/10 on flat water and +0/5 on the waves.

 Do you need a different paddle when paddling in waves than when you SUP on a lake or river?

You can use the same one but I wouldn't recommend it, size-wise I'd use +15/10 on flat water and +0/5 on the waves.

What types of paddles are there?

There are lot´s of different models - construction, blade soze, flex, adjustable or not, etc.

Does it have to be the outrageously expensive carbon paddle? Or is a cheaper alternative ok as well?

I'd say it's like in beiking and other sports ondustries. You can always use a regular basic one, but if you want more performance you will want to have suspension or on flat a light stiff carbon one! Depends on what you are looking for 🙂

What tips can you give those who already have experience in SUPing, but never ridden in waves and fancy to try it? What are the typical beginner mistakes?

Make sure you get the right equipment don't take something too small and struggle with it. I'd rather than having something a bit too big that might be not maneuverable, but will allow me to take plenty of waves! Get into a surf stance when getting onto the wave and start almost perpendicular on the waves. Also don't paddle on the knees in waves - especially when going over the waves. It's much safer lying down if you don´t feel secure to stand up.

Which spots/conditions are suitable for learning to SUP in waves?

Any surf spot with mellow waves around knee to chest high will be great! Also try to avoid the crowds for safety reasons!