INTRODUCTION
Are trying to decide whether you want a stand-up paddle board or kayak? You're lucky. SUPs, while still relatively new to the outdoor community, are growing in popularity at an amazing rate. Kayaks continue to be popular at lakes and waterfronts all over the world.
Before we begin, let's define what these two hobbies are.
Kayaking is often confused with canoeing. Kayakers sit on a low chair with their legs spread forward and use double-bladed paddles. Canoers can use single-bladed paddles. To move, a Standup paddle board (SUP), you will need to stand on a board with a long, single-bladed paddle.
What is easier to use KAYAK or A PADDLE BOARD?
Both SUP and kayaking are easy to learn. Each skill can be learned in a matter of days. To be able to kayak efficiently, you will need to practice lots to improve your upper body strength. There is a risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) if you are in the same position as your kayak for long periods. You will also need instructions if you fall into the water when kayaking.
SUPs are, however, extremely intuitive and highly customizable. Balancing on the board is the most difficult part. This requires coordination as well as core strength. After you are able to control your basic balance, learning how to paddle board becomes easy. The chances of you getting RSI are much lower because you can freely move on the SUP and change your paddling stroke.
WHAT CAN A SUP DO WITH A KAYAK TO HELP IT STAY UP?
The kayak is more efficient than a SUP for straight-line speed in most cases. Both SUPs and kayaks come in a range of different shapes, each designed for a specific purpose. Although kayaks are faster than SUPs in water, it isn't always the case. For example, a race SUP or downwind (pictured below), is faster than a whitewater or recreational kayak.
Like SUPs, kayaks come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some allow you to sit on top of the kayak (sit in), while others allow you to paddle from the inside. Sit-in kayaks, which are more casual in nature, are less efficient than their sit-in counterparts. They are also slower than those that were designed for open-water voyages. Because of the many shapes and functions of SUPs and kayaks, it is difficult to tell which one is quicker.
When you consider how long it takes to get into and out of water, SUPs are much faster than other types. Inflatable SUPs take this into consideration. Even if the kayak is too slow for your friend, it will be easy to get a head start on paddling when you both arrive at the beach.
SUP IS BETTER
SUP provides a fantastic workout for the whole body. It was popularized by surfers who used it as a cross training method. You need to use your core to balance on a SUP. This means that every time you spend on the board, you are strengthening your core and your arms. Every SUP session will improve your abs. Kayaking is not good for your leg muscles. While you can get a great arm and shoulder workout, and your core will be working hard, kayaking is not a full-body fitness exercise.
SUP IS EASY
You only need to spend a few hours learning how to use a SUP and be patient. SUP basics can be learned quickly and are very adaptable.
Kayaking requires strength and stamina, something that not everyone can do on their first attempt. While you can learn the basics of kayaking in just a few days, expect to have some arm and shoulder pains. Your body will take time to adapt to all the shoulder power it needs. Beginners are often exhausted after the first few sessions. While it's normal to feel tired after a good workout, nobody wants to injure themselves by using poor technique or RSIs.
SUPPORTS VERSATILITY
A kayak allows you to travel from Point A and Point B. Although there are kayak racers, most people will use their boat to travel back and forth. The possibilities for stand-up paddling are endless. While you can use your paddle board to transport yourself, it is also a great tool for exploring new activities. SUP Yoga, or SUP Pilates are options for those who want to do boutique fitness and mindfulness. SUP racing and whitewater SUP are options for adrenaline junkies. SUP touring with a group is also a great way of exploring your surroundings.
HOW TO CONVERT YOUR SUP TO A KAYAK?
You can convert your paddleboard to a kayak with a simple kit. And you thought magic wasn't possible! A paddle conversion kit, and a kayak chair are the two main things you will need.
Setting Up Your Kayak Pad
First, convert your SUP paddle to a kayak paddle. Although some people prefer to purchase separate kayak paddles, others can easily switch between them using a blade set. The kit will enable you to take your SUP paddle's handle off and swap it for the kayak blade.
Installing a SUP Kayak Chair
There are two types of kayak seats that you can choose from for your paddleboard. A lower back band is the better option. It offers some back support but it isn't a full chair.
A full kayak chair is more comfortable. A full kayak seat offers greater back support and provides more padding. It is easy to attach the seat's attachments onto the D-rings on the board. The GILI boards include extra D rings so that you don't have to worry about installing additional ones to fit the seat.
Try experimenting to find the best place for your seat on the board. Do not assume your seat should be in the board's center. Instead, sit on the board in the water and ask your friend to observe the board's movements. Begin by sitting in the middle of the SUP. Ask your friend if it is flat or tilting. Your position on the SUP should be adjusted so that your nose is slightly elevated. This is the perfect spot for you to sit!
You can transform your SUP into a kayak within minutes! You are just a step away from great adventures! Add key SUP accessories HTML to your toolkit and make sure you have everything you need.
SUP FISHING VS Kayak FISHING: WHAT CAN YOU KNOW?
SUP Fishing and Kayak fishing both have their strengths, but SUP fishing offers many benefits that aren't available on a sit-down vessel. First, standing on a SUP gives you a greater vantage point than sitting down in a kayak. You'll have the ability to choose the ideal spot from which to cast your line. Fishing from a boat is not fun if you crane your neck.
SUP fishing is a great workout. Although sitting for too long is not the best way of burning calories, SUP fishing can still be a great exercise. When you paddle to your fishing spot, before casting the line, you get great exercise.
SUPs have a host of D-rings, bungees, and storage options for your tackle box, snacks, and fishing equipment.
WHY ARE GOOD PADDLE BOARDS & KAYAKS VERY EXPENSIVE?
A well-built, reliable watercraft is a smart purchase. You will be dry and safe out in the elements. What is the problem with kayaks and SUPs?
These watercrafts are simple in appearance, but there is a lot research and development (R&D), involved in their design and production. Kayaks come in more complicated shapes and designs than SUPs. However, they are still very popular and well-known. Because of this, R&D expenses have been spread over a longer period.
SUPs are relatively new, and SUP even more so than their rigid predecessors. High-performing, durable SUP takes the best design and materials. A good Paddle Board will cost you more because of its design, construction, and materials.
MANEUVERABILITY
SUPs, unlike watercraft, are much easier to maneuver. You can easily adapt them to any type of watercraft, and they're easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around sharp corners.
LEARNING CURRENT
Both are very easy to learn. As a beginner, the movements you need to SUP are simple and require strength that can be gradually developed over time. Kayaking requires arm strength. Although it is relatively easy to learn, you may find your arms very sore after a few kayaking trips.
PORTAGING
Portaging refers the act or carrying your vessel across a land surface. Portaging is the act of carrying your watercraft across land. Because SUPs can be carried easily, especially inflatable SUPs, portaging is very simple. SUPs come with grab handles that allow you to lift heavier boards without needing a carry cart or other tools. You can attach a SUP transport strap to your SUP in certain cases to make it even easier to transport.
Kayaks can be larger than SUPs because they are made of heavier material. These kayaks can be difficult to lift. Anyone who's kayaked before knows the nails-on-a-chalkboard feeling of dragging a boat through heavy wet sand or ragged, scratchy stones. To avoid this feeling, you will need a kayak cart and someone to help you lift the boat.
KAYAK OR PADDLE BOARDING: WHICH IS BETTER?
When it comes to kayaks and SUPs, there is no doubt that paddle boarding is superior than kayaking in nearly every way. Paddle boarding is a complete body workout. This includes your legs, glutes and core. Kayak paddling offers an isolated exercise for your upper bodies, which includes your shoulders, back, arms and chest.
We don't lie! There is nothing wrong with kayaking - it's an absolute joy - but we need to accept that it will always be second-best. Some kayakers may be feeling #FOMO with their SUPs right now, according to our estimates. Grab a SUP and jump on board knowing that you have chosen a winning hobby.
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