Which SUP nose bottom shape is best for you? SUPboarder video

In this video Reuben talks you through the basics of the 3 main nose bottom shapes you will see on the SUP market.
Round, round V and extreme V. If those words mean nothing to you... no worries, watch on!
We get so many questions around this subject, in a wide range of SUP disciplines. Whether it's racing, touring, fitness or fast leisure paddling, lots of you are after boards to paddle faster or further. Getting the right nose shape can really make a difference between getting a nice board and the perfect board!
By the end of this video you'll hopefully understand which SUP nose bottom shape works best in which water conditions, allowing you to choose the best shape for you and your paddling needs.
We really hope this video has helped you learn more about this topic. Let us know what boards you're riding in what conditions, in the comments below. And remember, if you want even more help to find the best board for you, sign into SUPboarder Pro and get in touch via ‘Ask the Experts’.

[@didierplouhinec4899]

A very interesting vid with the most comprehensive explanations. Having a low volume very seaworthy inflatable Tikhine and being sometimes in trouble keeping my course 45 degrees upwind in +25 knots, you confirms my next choice will not be an Allstar but more a versatile board like the Generation. My pleasure essentially comes when I can paddle long distances and feel the glide whatever the sea conditions. Most paddlers go by car to start a downwind . I think with the good board for your practise you can even have fun on other courses than downwind. This morning 12 km at 3,77 knots of average speed in the chop... while enjoying the ride I just was dreaming how faster I could be on the perfect hardboard for my program.

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Didier, like you say getting the right board can make paddling in all conditions enjoyable. I'm glad this video was useful. Happy paddling Reuben

[@user-nk9lg4cz8s]

Good video . Thank you

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad you liked it!

[@seawalkarrg]

This is great because there is not a lot of info on SUP design (I think). I’m confused on tail designs a bit as well. You have the square tail which is supposed to be more effective at releasing water and reducing turbulence .. vs the narrower pointy tail which is better for turning. So why then do these Olympic row boats for example have a long skinny pintail? Would seem to me that this is the shape for least drag and turning as well?

[@SUPboardermag]

For sure we can do a video on tail shape. There are some interesting points to discuss, and even like you have said with the rowing boats some which are a bit more confusing. thanks Reuben

[@flynnwtf2910]

Hi, i have seen your sup foiling videos from a couple of years back and i just want to know the beach name as i want to get into sup foiling but i need to find a quiet beach to do so i understand if its a secret spot and you cant tell me but do you recommend any other quiet places to learn to SUP FOIL i would really appreciate it

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey TBH theres no big secrets really. We do all our riding all over Cornwall and even if we go to ride a super busy beach like Watergate you can always find a quite spot that you can surf on your own. You may just have to walk a bit beforehand. Lower tides are better for more space. The the best thing about learning the foil is the type of wave you want to surf the surfer won't. Hope that helps a bit , maybe lol . Thanks Reuben

[@rdyer8764]

What about down-winding? It seems those boards are more round bottom, but with a lot of rocker. True?

[@SUPboardermag]

You got it. More round so they can easily change direction when riding bumps and the rocker helps the board not to nose dive into the wave or bump infront. But not too much rocker though because they still need to have good glide and overall speed. thanks Reuben

[@PRS792]

Hello, I would like to buy a rigid board in its 12.6 version to take walks near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it is a fairly calm sea, sometimes a bit windy but quite flat in general. I am undecided between sic maui Okeanos or sic maui Bullet. Both in their DF version. What do you think is the best option for to train and paddling near the coast? Thank you so much. PD: I currently have a Go 11.2x32 starboard model and I would like to buy a faster board

[@SUPboardermag]

Hello and thanks for the question. The Okeanos will perform best in calm waters and offer the most stability when paddling. The Bullet is designed for more choppy waters (but can be ridden in calm waters too) and will be more manoeuvrable and reactive when paddling. Hope this helps. Thanks, Beau

[@PRS792]

@@SUPboardermag Thank you very much

[@donnawetter1513]

The Red Paddle Voyagers ISUPs have a very distinktive V shape. ;)

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Donna, good to hear from you. Yeah the Red has that further back round V'ish nose shape. Better tracking and riding over bumps (less slapping as the chop hits the bottom of the board). Good tracking. But can become a slight hand-full is riding in certain directions in chop. Its a interesting board shape that one almost a bit of everything. Nice one Reuben