Introduction
So you want to get into SUP racing. This burgeoning sport has plenty of room for newcomers, so grab your paddle and jump in. You may start out racing for fun as an amateur and then catch the bug and aim for gold later on. Like triathlons, cycling, and marathons, paddleboard racing is not just for pros and semi-pros. Anyone can train for a race as a useful benchmark in the long-term project of getting fit or staying in shape.
Building Your Foundation
If you are completely new to paddleboarding, the first step is to get some hours in on a board. Rent, borrow, or buy an all-around entry-level SUP to get started. Develop some familiarity with the water before you start competing at any level. Aim for confident 30-minute blocks of non-stop paddling. Only then can you start thinking about your career as the next Connor Baxter.
Choose a Race or Organize a Club
As an amateur SUP racer, your first project will be figuring out what to do first. Assuming you have some paddleboarding experience, I’d recommend a couch-to-5k style approach. Pick a low-key local race at least 3 months out and train for it incrementally leading up to the event. Start with a 1 to 2 miler in flat water before registering for a 10-mile open ocean race. Signing up for a race from the get-go is useful on two fronts:
- If you have an event scheduled, you’ll likely talk about it, prepare for it, and maybe even get other people to join.
- You’ll have something concrete to get excited about, which is a great motivator in any training program.
Avoid going too big too quickly to prevent frustration or injury. Choose flat water events that are clearly for amateurs rather than a 140 km enduro race.
There is no centralized database for SUP events worldwide, so use Google, local SUP Facebook groups, and regional searches to find suitable events. If you can’t find one in your area, consider partnering with a local community center or waterfront business to organize a casual race day yourself.
SUP Race Categories
SUP racing is still coming into its own and is growing and changing all the time. Check out supracer for a calendar with big-time events and a star and points rating system. The more stars and points, the bigger and more competitive the race. Majors are the super bowl style events of the SUP racing world, and specialty events are niche races like the Olukai Ho’olaule’a downwinder.
Popular Types of SUP Racing
- Casual Racing: These are local races and beginner-friendly events organized as community gatherings. This is the place to start, and you could even create a local tradition yourself.
- Competitive Racing: The majors draw big sponsors and big-name SUP racers. These are fun to watch but might be intimidating for beginners. However, even big races often have multiple classes and a range of participants.
- Endurance Racing: These are long-haul races where participants focus on covering massive miles rather than short, sharp bursts of speed.
- Downwind Racing: This type of paddling requires more skill to read the waves and use wind and swell to help push you forward. The best season for this in many places comes with cooler weather.
What You Need for Paddleboard Racing
For casual racing and training, you can start on a standard all-around SUP board. You may need a wetsuit and a life jacket, depending on the race requirements, so be sure to check before showing up.
How to Train
Start with a realistic plan but avoid making it too grueling if it’s your first race. Your muscle strength and cardiovascular ability will likely progress quickly, but be mindful of your joints and soft tissues. Implement thorough warm-ups, a realistic training schedule, and adequate recovery time to keep yourself on track and injury-free.
Prioritize time on your sup boards over distance or speed. Build up your ability to paddle without breaks incrementally and pay attention to your posture. Once you can paddle for 30 minutes non-stop at a moderate pace, try increasing the tempo and distance gradually. Mix up your training with short, sharp speed work and longer endurance sessions.
Train to finish rather than to win. Plan to get in 3 sessions a week, 2 minimum. This will help you have more fun, get in better shape, and reduce the risk of injuries.
Technique: How to Paddle in a Race
Fine-tuning your hard work with proper SUP paddle technique is essential. Technique allows you to remain injury-free and perform at your highest level. Filming yourself or having a friend do it can provide valuable feedback on your form.
In conclusion, SUP racing is an exciting and accessible sport for anyone willing to put in the time and effort. Start with the basics, choose the right race, and train smartly. Soon enough, you’ll be out on the water, racing to the finish line with confidence.
