WindSUPs are becoming more and more popular. Nevertheless, some surfers are not yet convinced by the concept. WindSUPs are SUP boards to which a mast and paddle board fins can be attached. They are now regarded as a real alternative to light wind surfing.
Who is a WindSUP suitable for?
WindSUPs are best suited for surfing in light winds. They are also used by some surfers in medium wind speeds. However, the windsurfing basics should already be mastered.
Avoid buying mistakes:
The range of WindSUPs is very diverse. The wrong windSUP can quickly lead to frustration on the water. In BeyondSurfing’s buying guide you can find out what is important when buying a WindSUP.
The best WindSUP 2024?
Content
In a hurry? Our WindSUP favorite:
- Sail size: up to 8 square meters
- For beginners and as an all-round board
- Very robust
- Easy to transport
- Stretched outline
- Silicone tear-off edge
- Incl. Finns
- US fin boxes
- Transportation network
- Long non-slip pad
- Transport handle
WindSUP Checklist
- Function: WindSUPs are SUP boards that are used for windsurfing. With a WindSUP, you can spend time on the water even when it’s calm.
- Transportation: They are very easy to transport.
- Size: Longer boards are best for gliding on the water. Shorter boards perform better in the waves. Beginners should not choose a board that is too short.
Also interesting: The most popular windsurf boards 2024.
The top 5 WindSUPs in 2024
Advantages
- Sail size: up to 8 square meters
- For beginners and as an all-round board
- Very robust
- Easy to transport
- Stretched outline
- Silicone tear-off edge
- Incl. Finns
- US fin boxes
- Transportation network
- Long non-slip pad
- Transport handle
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Not suitable for children
Summary
With its stretched outline, the Fanatic Air Viper is very stable and less prone to tipping, a feature that beginners in particular will appreciate. As the board is quite long, it is easy to paddle.
The material used is robust and resistant to cuts. With a weight of 15 kg, the WindSUP is easy to transport when deflated. A transport handle is attached to the middle of the board to make it easier to carry when inflated.
Useful extras:
To reduce water resistance, there is a silicone tear-off edge on the nose. The scope of delivery includes a center fin and a tail fin. These can also be replaced with other fins that fit into the board’s US fin boxes.
For paddling tours, the Fanatic Air Viper Premium has a luggage net in which drybags or other items can be stowed. Sails up to a size of 8 square meters can be used.
The high quality and features of the board justify the price. This WindSUP is not suitable for children due to its sail size.
Conclusion
High-quality all-round WindSUP for beginners and advanced riders.
Product details
Length: 11’0” feet (3.3 m) | Width: 33.5” inches (85 cm) | Fins: included | Fin boxes: US Box | Transport net: yes | Sails: not included; up to 8 square meters | Weight: 15 kg
FAQ
2. zray unisex windsurf
Advantages
- Light
- Transport handle
- Very stiff
- Many accessories included
- Inexpensive
- Good for beginners and families
Disadvantages
- No center fin
Summary
The WindSUP from Zray is ideal for windsurfing and offers excellent sailing performance in light to medium winds. The special double fin system ensures stability and good steering.
The WindSUP weighs 15 kg and, thanks to the transport handle, can be easily transported both inflated and not inflated. The surface of the WindSUP is equipped with a non-slip pad.
The best:
The scope of delivery includes the board, paddle, sail, pump and rucksack. The mast and sail can be easily folded up and stored and transported in the backpack bag supplied.
The board was manufactured to the highest quality standards and is characterized by an extremely robust, scratch-resistant, patented drop-stitched construction.
Conclusion
Affordable WindSUP for families and beginners.
Product details
Length: 320 cm | Width: 81.3 cm | Fins: N/A | Fin boxes: N/A | Transport net: N/A | Sails: included | Weight: 15 kg
FAQ
3. Brunelli Windsurf Set
Advantages
- Extensive set
- For WindSUP beginners
- Included: pump, sail, bag, fins
- Non-slip standing surface
- Luggage net
Disadvantages
- High price
Summary
This comprehensive WindSUP set includes the board, a pump, an inflatable sail, a carrying bag for the WindSUP, a repair kit and a paddle.
The WindSUP has all the important features such as a non-slip standing surface and fins. Luggage can be stowed in the net provided on the nose of the board.
This set is particularly suitable for WindSUP beginners who do not want to buy each part separately. Although the price is slightly higher, buying individual parts would be even more expensive.
Conclusion
Comprehensive beginner WindSUP set .
Product details
Length: 329 cm | Width: N/A cm | Fins: included | Fin boxes: N/A | Transport net: yes | Sail: inflatable sail included | Weight: 9 kg
Customer ratings
Customers are satisfied with this WindSUP set. However, they state that small defects appear on the board over time.
FAQ
Advantages
- 3 sizes
- Allround WindSUP
- For beginners and advanced
- Round outline
- Click Fin
- Transportation network
- Transport handle
- Attractive design
- Paddle included
Disadvantages
- High price
- No center fin
Summary
The Fanatic Fly Air Premium is a real all round paddle board for windsurfing, surfing or just paddling. This board lacks a center fin, which is why it is not recommended for ambitious windsurfers.
The WindSUP is available in several sizes, depending on what it is to be used for and how tall the rider is. The round outline makes the board particularly stable and beginner-friendly.
Two fins are firmly attached to the board, the rear center fin has a click system and can be changed in a short time. The board is equipped with a non-slip pad and a transport net for luggage on the nose. A transport handle is attached in the middle of the board for carrying.
The Fanatic Fly Air Premium looks good and even comes as a set including a SUP paddle. The largest version of the WindSUP costs just over 1000 $.
Conclusion
All round paddle board for surfing, paddling and windsurfing.
Product details
Length: 9.8 feet (2.98 m), 10.4 feet (3.17 m) and 10.8 feet (3.29 m) | Width: 9.8 feet (2.98 m), 10.4 feet (3.17 m) and 10.8 feet (3.29 m) | Finns: included | Finn boxes: US Box | Transport net: yes | Sails: not included | Weight: 10 kg, 11.1 kg and 11.8 kg
FAQ
Former products reviewed
F2 SUP Peak WS Windsurf
Advantages
- Set with paddle, pump, bag, repair kit and sail
- For beginners and advanced
- Center fin and rear fin included
- Non-slip standing surface
- Carrying handle
Disadvantages
- High price
- No transportation network
Summary
This WindSUP from F2 comes with a paddle, a pump and a repair kit. The highlight is clearly the high-quality sup paddle board bag. This offers space for all SUP accessories, except for the sail, which is also included in the scope of delivery.
The board is suitable for beginners and advanced riders, is very stable and has the center fin necessary for windSUP surfing. This and another fin for the tail are also included.
The non-slip base offers enough space to walk around the pole. When inflated, the board can be easily carried by the handle attached to it.
This set costs just under 800 $, which is justified by the accessories. A transport net is not included in the scope of delivery.
Conclusion
WindSUP set, with almost everything that goes with it. Not included: Leash.
Product details
Length: 10.7 feet (3.26 m) | Width: 33 inches (83.8 cm) | Fins: included | Fin boxes: N/A | Transport net: no | Sails: not included | Weight: 12 kg
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular WindSUPs
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy a WindSUP:
How to make the right decision
While WindSUPs were still quite simple a few years ago, manufacturers have now come up with a few ideas to improve the performance of the boards.
In the BeyondSurfing guide, you can find out how windSUPs differ, which windSUP is suitable for whom and which features are essential.
What you need to consider when buying a WindSUP
When looking for the best WindSUP, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Types of WindSUPs
- Skill
- Length
- Thickness
- Fixed vs. inflatable WindSUPs
- Finns
- Sail
- Set
- Foot straps
Types of WindSUPs?
WindSUPs are available in three different types, which differ in terms of their shape and riding characteristics. The three best-known types of WindSUPs are:
- Allround WindSUP
- Touring WindSUP
- Shortboard WindSUP
1 Allround WindSUP
- Suitable as a family board
- Length 9.6 feet (2.92 m) to 11.0 feet (3.35 m)
- Width: 31 inch (78.74 cm) to 34 inch (86.36 cm)
- Good for stand-up paddling
- Can also be used by children
- For beginners and advanced
- Low speeds
- Also works with small sails
All round paddle boards are so named because they are a good compromise between a SUP and a windsurf board. They are suitable for most conditions and can be used by the whole family, as even small sails (approx. 3 square meters) still work on Allround WindSUPs.
The best:
Beginners and advanced riders can have a lot of fun with this type of WindSUP, and these WindSUPs are also suitable for learning to windsurf in light winds. Nevertheless, we recommend taking a windsurfing course first instead of learning on your own with a WindSUP.
Allround WindSUPs only reach low to medium speeds and are not suitable for surfing. However, they are very suitable for paddling as a SUP board. These WindSUP boards run a little less straight than a touring WindSUP, which is due to their shorter length.
2 Touring WindSUP
- Very long: 11 feet (3.35 m) to 12.6 feet (3.84 m)
- Width: 30 inch (76.2 cm) to 34 inch (86.36 cm)
- Good for light windsurfing and stand-up paddling
- Elongated shape
- Maximum speed for half gliding
- Rather unsuitable for children
Touring WindSUPs are suitable for ambitious beginners and advanced riders alike, especially if the focus is on long SUP tours. Its elongated shape makes paddling straight ahead very easy and energy-saving.
Towards the nose, the tip of the WindSUP, the board is relatively pointed. They are also ideal for windsurfing, the maximum speed of these boards is semi-planing.
Touring WindSUPs for children?
These WindSUPs are rather unsuitable for youngsters. Children need a small sail between 1.5 and 3.5 square meters. These sails have a small angular momentum, which is why such a large board is difficult to control with a small sail.
3 Shortboard WindSUP
- Length: 8.2 feet (2.49 m) to 9.6 feet (2.92 m)
- Width 29 inch (73.66 cm) to 33 inch (83.82 cm)
- WindSUP for windsurfing
- Unsuitable for stand-up paddling
- Ideal for children
- Very easy to turn
- Available with fin boxes
If you are looking for a WindSUP just for windsurfing, shortboard WindSUPs are very interesting. As the boards are the shortest and narrowest reviewed, they are not suitable for stand-up paddling.
The shape makes it difficult to go straight ahead, and when paddling the boat would constantly turn sharply instead of going straight ahead. Going upwind also works better with longer WindSUPs.
WindSUP for the next generation:
If you are looking for a WindSUP especially for your children, we recommend a Shortboard WindSUP. Short models are the right size for children so that they don’t stand too far forward and can turn easily.
Are WindSUPs replacing classic windsurf boards?
No, the performance of a WindSUP cannot match that of a fixed windsurf board. Nevertheless, even advanced windsurfers have fun with it, especially in light winds. Some manufacturers produce WindSUPs with fin boxes. High-quality windsurf fins can be attached to the WindSUP, which noticeably improves performance on the water.
Skill?
When looking for the right WindSUP, SUP board and windsurfing skills play an important role. We explain the differences between windSUPs for beginners and experienced windsurfers.
WindSUP for beginners
Beginner WindSUPs are aimed at windsurfers who have just completed their first course and are looking for their first windsurf board. Or as an additional alternative to the classic hard surfboard.
This is what a WindSUP for beginners should look like:
WindSUPs for beginners should be long and wide (approx. 80 cm), as this makes the board stable. The performance does not have to be perfect, as this does not play a major role for beginners.
WindSUP for advanced riders
We recommend that advanced riders put together their own WindSUP to get the best board for their personal requirements. Buying a set is generally not worthwhile for advanced users. The longer the board, the larger the sail must be. It is best to use a sail with a minimum size of 5 square meters.
SUP board for windsurfing or windsurfing board for stand-up paddling?
Advanced riders should ask themselves whether they want a SUP board that they can also use for windsurfing if the conditions are right. Or a windsurfing board that can also be used as a SUP when there’s a lull. If you mainly want to SUP, you should opt for a long WindSUP, as these models run best in a straight line.
The right WindSUP length?
The length of the WindSUP depends primarily on the type of WindSUP. Nevertheless, we would like to explain what influence the length has on the riding behavior of the board.
- The longer the WindSUP, the more suitable it is for gliding on the water. With the paddle, more length means a better straight-line ride.
- Length provides stability, so beginners should not choose a WindSUP that is too short.
- Short windSUPs have the best performance when surfing in waves.
The right WindSUP thickness?
The thickness of the WindSUP affects its performance and stability. Thick boards are more stable and a certain thickness is necessary to prevent the WindSUP from bending.
A thickness of 15 cm is standard for WindSUPs. Whether the material bends also depends on the plastic used and its thickness. Especially with inexpensive WindSUPs, you should make sure that the board is sufficiently thick.
Fixed vs. inflatable WindSUPs?
Inflatable WindSUPs are very popular because they are easy to transport. They make up the majority of WindSUPs on the market, although there are also WindSUPs made from a solid material. We explain what the differences are and what advantages and disadvantages the two types have.
Inflatable WindSUPs
- Easy to transport
- Good for children and beginners
- Low risk of injury
- Also for advanced users
- Robust
- Cheaper than hard windSUPs
- Early planning
- Poorer performance
- Long inflation time
The biggest advantage of these WindSUPs (also known as inflatable SUPs) is the fact that the boards are perfect for transportation when deflated. When rolled up, the board has a very small pack size and can also be transported on a bike in a special rucksack.
However, this is difficult with the sail. In addition, inflatable WindSUPs are cheaper than those made of solid material.
Low risk of injury:
These WindSUPs are ideal for children and beginners in particular, as they are very soft even when inflated and therefore pose a low risk of injury. But that doesn’t mean that advanced windsurfers won’t get their money’s worth. The boards are quickly placed in tarpaulins, which is one of their greatest advantages.
Inflatable WindSUPs are very robust and don’t get dents and dings. Nevertheless, it should be noted that pointed and sharp-edged objects are particularly dangerous and can cut holes or tears in the material.
Inflatable WindSUPs are usually cheaper than hard models, but they also offer poorer performance, especially when planing. Another disadvantage is the time required for inflation. At least 10 minutes must be planned for this. If you want to use your WindSUP frequently, you should bear this in mind.
Hard windSUPs
- Good performance
- For beginners and advanced
- Better gliding
- More radical driving style possible
- Susceptible to dings and damage
- Difficult to transport
Hard windSUPs are rare on the market, but not unseen. The performance of these boards is far better than that of inflatable WindSUPs, especially when planing. The material and shape make a more radical riding style possible.
However, hard windSUPs are more susceptible to dings and other damage. If you want to transport your WindSUP, you will inevitably need a large car or a roof rack.
The right WindSUP fins?
Finns, the plural plays an important role here, should not be missing on any WindSUP. Regular sups get by well with one fin, but with a windSUP there must always be at least two.
One or two fins are mounted at the back of the tail, but the fin or centerboard under the mast is just as important. This ensures that the board is more stable, drifts less sideways and runs better in a straight line. It therefore counteracts the weak points of WindSUPs.
Fins are often included, but the middle fin is not always big enough, so an extra fin has to be purchased. If the WindSUP is used as a normal SUP board for paddling, the center fin or daggerboard can be removed.
The right WindSUP sail?
The regular windsurf sail can be used for the WindSUP, provided it is the right size. The combination of a small sail and a large board (for a surfboard) works best. In addition to the sail, you also need a mast, boom, mast foot system and a trim line. All of this together with the sail is called a rig.
Sails with a size of 5 to 6 square meters are best suited for adults. Children should use a smaller sail of 1.5 to 3.5 square meters, but these work poorly with long WindSUPs.
Sails especially for WindSUP:
Many manufacturers now also offer sails especially for WindSUPs. If your sail is unsuitable for the WindSUP, it is worth considering buying one.
WindSUPs and footstraps?
Footstraps provide a link between the surfer and the WindSUP and help to transfer movements to the board and thus control it:
- Wide loops:
They make it easier to get on, but if the straps are too wide, they no longer provide a good grip and the board is harder to control. - Tight loops:
Ensure a firm hold, but the loop must not be too tight, pinch or rub uncomfortably. - No loops:
Some surfers like to move around on the board, which is necessary for certain maneuvers anyway, in which case footstraps are more of a hindrance.
If you want to attach footstraps to the WindSUP, you should make sure that the WindSUP has the option to do so.
Types of foot straps
Foot straps are not normally included and must be purchased separately. When purchasing, you can choose between different types of foot straps.
- Velcro foot straps:
Have a Velcro fastener with which the size of the foot strap can be adjusted to the foot. - Loops with several foot loop holes:
A foot loop with several holes. For different positioning on the board. - Non-adjustable foot straps:
These footstraps are one size fits all and are only suitable for surfers with a similar shoe size and foot shape. - Slingshot foot straps:
Semi-open foot loops that make it easier to get in and still provide a good grip.
Footstrap distance
The distance between the center of the two foot loops is measured. How large the distance needs to be depends primarily on the surfer’s height.
| Height (in cm) | Loop spacing (in cm) |
|---|---|
| <165 | <50 |
| 170 | 52 |
| 175 | 54 |
| 180 | 56 |
| 185 | 58 |
| >190 | >60 |
Difference between SUP board and WindSUP?
What is the difference between a WindSUP and a normal SUP board? A WindSUP absolutely must have these three features:
- Bracket for the mast base
- Center fin
- Non-slip pad
Bracket for the mast base
There should be a thread slightly behind the center of the WindSUP into which the mast base plate (holder for the mast base) can be screwed. In contrast to windsurf boards, the position of the mast base is not adjustable. As a rule, this is not a problem, but it would usually be better for children if the mast were a little further back.
Center fin
The option of attaching a center fin or daggerboard is essential for every WindSUP. The biggest weakness of the WindSUP is the strong wind resistance and the associated lateral drifting of the board.
Crossing to the wind is made considerably easier by the center fin. The larger the surface area of the fin, the less lateral drift.
Non-slip pad
The top of the WindSUP should be made of a non-slip material. This ensures a firm stance and allows the surfer to move freely on the board.
The non-slip surface should extend a good 30 cm beyond the mast so that maneuvers can also be performed where the surfer has to go around the mast. Otherwise there is a risk of slipping.
Some Touring WindSUPs are equipped with a luggage net at the top. If this is the case, make sure that the net is not too close to the pole and that you do not trip over it.
Is it worth buying a WindSUP set?
In your search for the right WindSUP, you will also come across WindSUP sets. These usually include the WindSUP, sail, bag, fins and sometimes also a paddle. This is particularly attractive for beginners because such sets are cheaper than a WindSUP that you put together yourself.
Set vs. individual parts:
A set can be well worthwhile for beginners, but good quality is important. Poorly processed sets do not perform well and are often no longer adequate after a short time. You should therefore spend a little more to get a good product that meets your individual requirements over a longer period of time.
For advanced users:
If you prefer to put the WindSUP together yourself, the setup can be perfectly adapted to your personal requirements and the area of use of the board.
If you already windsurf and have a sail of a suitable size, you don’t need to buy an extra sail. Large sails can be used, but the combination of a small sail and a large board works best.
Well-known brands and manufacturers
The best-known and most popular WindSUP brands and manufacturers include
- Fanatic
- STX
- Red Paddle
- JP
- Aqua Marina
- F2
- starboard sup
- Zray
- BIC
- starboard sup
So far there are no WindSUP test reports from Consumer Reports or Öko Test. With the manufacturers listed here, you can be sure of getting a high-quality WindSUP.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about WindSUPs
How does a WindSUP work?
What does a good WindSUP cost?
Where to buy a WindSUP?
Where can you ride a WindSUP?
Is a WindSUP as good as a real windsurfing board?
When is it worth buying a WindSUP set?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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