Which Board Should I Choose?

Which Board Length Should I Buy? 10, 11 or 12 Foot?

One of the key decisions to make when buying a SUP ATX stand up paddle board is the length of the board. Generally, paddlers who weigh under 160 lbs tend to buy the 11 foot length board. Paddlers who weigh over 160 lbs tend to buy the 12 foot length board. The 12 foot length board also works fine for people under 160 lbs who want to maximize glide and momentum on longer distance paddles. The 12 foot boards are also a great choice if paddlers of many sizes will be sharing the same board. The 12 foot boards work well for paddlers who weigh even up to 300 lbs. The 10 foot board is designed more for ocean surfing and wake surfing, but it is also a great choice for younger paddlers or smaller paddlers who do not have the need for an 11 foot or 12 foot board. The 10 foot board is great for kids!

Which Model Should I Choose?

The LR (Lakerider) model boards are a great all-around SUP board that are fast and stable on flatwater, but are also versatile and will work fine in smaller surf. The LR board is one of the best recreational SUP boards on the market that is great for any rider of any size with any experience level. The different numbers (LR2, LR4, LR5, etc) are simply different colors, but still the same shape.

The HR model board is categorized as a Comfort Top board and is the same shape as our LR model. The HR boards are still an all epoxy board (HR stands for Hard Rails as it replaced our older soft rail version). The only difference between the HR and LR models is that the HR has an all recessed Comfort Top deck that extends nose to tail for extra traction which allows for added passengers such as your favorite animal friend. All our Comfort Tops also come with 4 tie-down anchors on the front of the board which is nice to allow you to carry cargo. The HR models are also glassed a bit heavier which makes them a bit more durable; ideal for high usage.

The 10 foot SR (SR stands for Surfrider) model is not only a great board for those wanting to maximize performance on waves, but it is also a great board for children and smaller people. The 10 foot board has a swallow tail, a tri-fin setup, and it also has much more curve in the tail which allows for more maneuverability and better performance in the surf.

How do I install the fin on my SUP ATX stand up paddle board?

Click here to view SUP ATX fin installation instructions (in pdf format).

How do I cut my SUP ATX paddle to fit my exact size?

Ideally, overall paddle length should be between 8 and 10 inches taller than the rider using it. Click here to view SUP ATX paddle cutting instructions (in pdf format).

Overview:

- SUP ATX boards are suited for novices and seasoned experts

- EPS/Epoxy construction offers great durability and light weight

- SUP ATX boards are constructed of the best quality EPS foam, epoxy resin and Fiberglass available anywhere. These materials are manufactured in the United States.

- Balsa wood stringer provides strength and rigidity

- The length combined with a high volume and extra width offers a stable platform for all sizes of riders

- SUP ATX boards easily handle long-distance trips and waves

- Low rocker design from nose to tail provides speed and straight tracking when paddling on flat water

- Designed also to handle medium and light surf and rolling waves with ease

- Integrated Deck Pad offers comfortable, reliable wax-free traction

- Flat bottom design offers solid stability and high speed

- Hard rails and a narrow tail increase performance in waves

- Stability also lets you focus more on your surroundings and less on balancing during longer paddles

- 10 in. single fin promotes straight tracking in the water

- Integrated center handle makes transporting your paddle board easy and simple

How SUP ATX Makes The Best Quality Boards and Paddles and Sells Them for a Fraction of the Cost Charged by Competitors for Equipment Inferior to SUP ATX...

SUP ATX President, Mike Bill and SUP ATX General Manager, Steve Mellem have 24 and 28 years experience in all aspects of the surfing industry. Their vast experiences includes managing Becker Surf, the largest chain of surf stores in Southern California, surfboard manufacturing in the United States and overseas, surfboard distribution, online surfboard retailing and surfboard shipping expertise. No one knows the surfing industry better than Mike and Steve and no other company knows how to guide the Stand Up Paddle industry into the 21st century than SUP ATX. We're honored and proud to have them head SUP ATX operations.

SUP ATX is the largest manufacturer of Stand Up Paddle Boards in the world. We sell the best fully equipped EPS/Epoxy Stand Up Paddle Boards and Carbon Fiber Paddles, hand-crafted from the highest quality materials available, at a fraction of what comparable equipment costs because SUP ATX manufactures its own equipment in high volume and sells directly to the end customer. Others selling stand up paddle boards buy from distributors who buy from wholesalers, who buy from manufacturers, etc. Equipment changing hands, sometimes several times in the process, adds significantly to the cost along the way which is passed on to end customers. This results in many sellers hawking equipment inferior to the standard set by SUP ATX at much higher prices. Several such competitors like to give the standard pitch, "you get what you pay for" in order to justify their lofty prices relative to SUP ATX pricing, but that just doesn't hold water. In fact, in this case, just the opposite is true. We make the best quality EPS/Epoxy Stand Up Paddle Boards available and sell them at a fraction of cost of others selling inferior Stand Up Paddle equipment. That's the simple reason why SUP ATX is #1 maker and seller of Stand Up Paddle boards on Earth.

1) SUP ATX stand paddle boards are shaped and designed for use on oceans, lakes and rivers.   SUP ATX Customers

2) SUP ATX boards are shaped by the same factory that shapes many brand name 12 foot SUP boards, using same materials and standards as the $1500+ 12 foot SUP boards the others offer.

3) SUP ATX 12 foot SUP boards are about half the price of other comparable brand name 12 foot SUP boards on the market.

4) SUP ATX is an Austin, Texas based company, founded by Nick Matzorkis inspired by his passion to introduce, popularize and make the sport of stand up paddling accessible and affordable throughout the United States and the rest of the world, beginning in Austin, Texas.

The following were our objectives in developing the SUP ATX line of stand up paddle boards, followed by how we went about achieving each of those objectives in order to realize our dream of bringing our standard-setting, industry defining stand up paddle boards to a new market in the price range envisioned.

Objective 1: Craft the Best Overall Quality SUP Board on the Market

We approached our friends at Becker Surfboards, a 35 year old (and the longest standing) southern california manufacturer of surfboards and asked them to partner with us in the design and overseeing the building of our stand up paddle boards. Enthusiastically sharing our vision for spreading SUP theoughout the world, Becker agreed to partner with us in the project. As a result, SUP ATX boards are manufactured in the same factory and by the same craftsmen that build the majority of other previously top selling SUP boards, using the same EPS/EPOXY construction processing, materials, quality and care that goes into boards selling for twice the cost of SUP ATX boards.

Objective 2: Optimize SUP ATX Board Shape for use in Waves, Lakes and Rivers

For testing and comparative purposes, we purchased 20 SUP boards from makers such as Ron House, Jerry Lopez, Naish, Becker and King. A variety of Longer boards. Shorter boards. Wide boards. Narrow boards. Thick rails. Thin rails. Steep rocker. Subtle rocker. Long fins. Short fins. Pads. No Pads. Handle. No Handle. Carbon fiber paddles. Fiberglass paddles. For a year, we rode them on the ocean in Malibu. In calm water. Choppy water. In waves. Into the wind. With the wind. With currents. Against currents. In central Texas lakes. In flat water. In lakes with wakes. In the rain. In 40 degree temperatures. In 100 degree plus temperatures with heavy humidity. Sent boards to "SUP ATX Pioneers" in other areas for further third party feedback. We took everything we learned and worked with the shapers and designers at Becker to come up with the ultimate shape for all around SUP board in all water types. We became convinced we were armed with more information than anyone had ever gathered on what would make the ultimate stand up paddle board.

Objective 3: Make Accessories Such as fins, Traction Pads, Handles and Vent Plugs Standard Equipment

We found certain board accessories to be necessities for an overall positive SUP experience from point of purchase to floating on the water, so we've included them as standard equipment on all of our SUP ATX boards. This includes an installed 10" fin. A traction pad installed on the top of the board to stand more comfortably and with greater traction while riding. Handles make carrying a SUP board comfortable and easy. We wouldn't make a SUP board without one. Vent plugs solve a variety of potential problems with the core of SUP boards. All EPS/Epoxy boards should have vented plugs, particularly in areas with high temperatures and humidity. We include vented plugs as standard equipment on all of our boards.

Objective 4: Design for Ease of Portability and Storage

In addition to taking performance notes for shaping the Lakerider, we also noted and worked to resolve many of the nuanced challenges in managing and storing SUP boards when they're out of the water. SUP ATX boards come with integrated handles. If you've ever carried a SUP board, you know how important and convient handles are. We have also tested and offer a series of affordable accessories to fit your specific needs in handling your SUP board out of the water. Simple car racks. The easily attaching surfboard "mule" that allows you to pull your board on wheels or tow it behind a bicycle. Wall, ceiling and floor racks. Having the right combination of accessories to move and store your SUP board to meet your specific lifestyle, makes the overall experience of owning a SUP board far greater, allows you to spend more time on the water, and will result in more frequent use. We have researched and are prepared to advise and supply you with what you need to easily manage and enjoy your SUP board in AND out of the water.

Objective 5: Introduce SUP ATX Boards on the Market for Half the Price or Less of Comparable Quality SUP Boards

SUP boards are expensive because good quality boards require a lot of quality materials, skilled craftsmenship, they're expensive to transport, store, handle and deliver, and necessary accessories run up the cost. Additionally, SUP boards often change hands several times between the manufacturer and consumer, and are sold with typical retail mark-up. SUP ATX solved many of these problems with a combination of economies-of-scale, effective use of online marketing technologies, a vision to access the untapped potential SUP market in high growth pockets around the world surrounding recreational lakes and rivers, and a willingness to greatly reduce profit expectations. By developing the unique SUP ATX product line in the highest growth area of the sporting goods sector, by taking it in volume to the heart of an untapped market, by eliminating many of the middlemen and handlers traditionally invloved in the process and by developing innovative methods of getting boards directly to consumers, SUP ATX is able to drive the cost of fully equipped, delivered SUP boards down to about half or less of what comparable quality, similar size boards sell for in the marketplace.

Quality, not the reasonable pricing, is the most important and compelling aspect of SUP ATX Boards and Paddles. You can quickly become an expert Stand Up Paddle Board buyer by familiarizing yourself with this information...

1) SUP ATX Stand Up Paddle Boards Come Fully Equipped, including a Deck Pad featuring EVA Memory Foam with mylar 3M Adhesive, an integrated Handle, Fiberglass Fin, Leash Plug, and Automatic Air Vent. Accessorizing a board with all of these necessary features would cost hundreds of additional dollars on non-SUP ATX unequipped boards. But all these features come standard on ALL SUP ATX Boards!

- EVA Memory Foam Deck Pad provides for greatest comfort, durability and resistance to harsh elements such as sunlight and salt water.

- Integrated handle makes lifting and moving your board around easy for anyone of any size.

- Leash plug makes it easy to attach the board to your ankle, particularly for use in surfing waves to prevent the board from getting far away from you if you fall.

- Automatic air vent allows the core of the board to breathe without ever having to remove and replace the air vent. It works automatically, all the time. Many other boards come with vent plugs that require removal for them to work, which often results in losing the plug or forgetting to let the board breath which could cause damage to the board, particularly due to changing temperatures.

2) Carbon Fiber Paddles are not created equal. SUP ATX ALL Carbon Fiber Paddles are just that, ALL Carbon Fiber! Paddles from many other makers are made of aluminum and/or fiberglass. Or, they have one part that is Carbon Fiber, and the remaining parts are fiberglass, aluminum or plastic painted black to look like Carbon Fiber. You should only use ALL Carbon Fiber Paddles for these reasons...

- All Carbon Fiber Paddles are lighter.

- All Carbon Fiber Paddles are more durable.

- All Carbon Fiber Paddles have the best overall feel in the water, with just the right mix of strength, action and bend.

- All Carbon Fiber Paddles allow you to travel farther and faster with less effort, greater ease, maximum stamina.

3) SUP ATX is the #1 maker and seller of Stand Up Paddle Boards worldwide. The SUP ATX sales/customer service staff has a combined 100 years experience in all aspects of the surfboard industry. We make more boards, sell more boards and ship more boards than anyone else and pride ourselves on our reputation for 100% customer satisfaction. We will sell you a top quality board at a reasonable price, ship it to you for FREE and do whatever is necessary to make the experience a great one from the moment you place your order, to when you receive it, to the many years of enjoyment you're bound to have on the water.

- No company has more knowledge and experience making, selling and shipping Stand Up paddle Boards worldwide than SUP ATX.

- Unsurpassed customer service

- All SUP ATX Boards are fully guaranteed. SUP ATX will do whatever is necessary sustain our 100% customer satisfaction rate!

- SUP ATX ships everything it sells for FREE within the continental United States, directly to your doorstep. We don't believe shipping costs should be a factor in buying a stand up paddle board, so we include FREE shipping with EVERYTHING we sell!

4) This is why SUP ATX never paints its boards, but others do...

SUP ATX NEVER paints its boards. You should never buy a painted board for several reasons...

- Painting a board adds several pounds of unnecessary weight.

- Painted boards are slower in the water.

- Painted boards are harder to lift and move around out of the water.

- Painted boards damage and chip easily.

- Painting boards is a technique typically used to cover poorly crafted boards, covering up weak craftsmanship, covering low quality foam core and poor quality non-United States manufactured epoxy. You never really know what you're getting under a painted board. No company would ever want to paint over a beautifully hand-crafted EPS/Epoxy Stand Up Paddle Board. That's why SUP ATX will never paint its boards. You can see and feel the difference with SUP ATX!

5) SUP ATX only uses U.S. made, highest quality Epoxy and Fiberglass in our boards!

Not all epoxies and fiberglass are created equal! SUP ATX only uses the best quality, most expensive epoxy manufactured in the United States by Resin Research and fiberglass manufactured by Hexcel Corporation of Seguin, Texas. Here are several reasons why you should only buy a Stand Up Paddle Board manufactured with Resin Research epoxy and Hexcel Fiberglass...

- Resin Research epoxy and Hexcel Fiberglass are lighter.

- Resin Research epoxy and Hexcel Fiberglass are stronger and more durable.

- Resin Research epoxy and Hexcel Fiberglass are more weather resistant in cold and heat.

- Resin Research epoxy and Hexcel Fiberglass are clear, non-yellowing, sustaining the beauty of your SUP ATX board for many years.

6) SUP ATX only uses EPS foam!

Not all Stand Up Paddle Board foam core is created equal! SUP ATX only uses 1.65 LB molded EPS foam core in its Stand Up Paddle Boards. Many other board makers use lesser quality, "extruded" foam core, some with using letters like "XPS" to describe it rather than "EPS", to make it seem like they're the same thing. They are not. Here are several reasons why EPS foam is substantially superior to "extruded" and other non-EPS foam cores...

- 1.65 LB molded EPS foam core is lighter in weight.

- 1.65 LB molded EPS foam core lasts longer and performs better in adverse weather conditions, in the heat and the cold.

- 1.65 LB molded EPS foam core is brighter and has a better appearance.

- 1.65 LB molded EPS foam core is highly durable, more resistant to damage and creates better strength in the board.

7) SUP ATX only uses balsa wood for its stringers!

SUP ATX only uses authentic balsa wood for its stringers. The stringer in a Stand Up Board (the strip of wood running down the center of the board from the nose to the tail) is essential in creating board durability, board strength and provides a classic surfboard appearance. You should only buy a Stand Up Paddle Board with a balsa wood stringer for these reasons...

- Balsa wood is light and durable.

- Substitute stringers made of lesser quality materials, such as aluminum and lesser quality woods (and in some cases no stringer at all), lack the unique characteristics of balsa wood stringers in both function and appearance.