SUP Glossary

Bottom. Flat-bottom boards are quite stable and easy to find your balance on. However, for maneuverability and planing needs in racing and touring, board bottoms will feature different angles, concaves and contours.
Bouyancy. The rating given to a board based on how it sits in the water
Brace. A paddling technique used to prevent the board from heeling over.
Deck. Top surface of the board.
Deck Pad. Area on the deck where the paddler stands.
Displacement Hulls. Nose design similar to kayaks or canoes allowing better glide.
Fin Box. Are recessed compartments under the tail where the fins attach.
Fins. Mounted under the tail, they help stabilize the board and assist in tracking.
Fishing. The most important feature in selection of a SUP for fishing is stability.
Leash. A cord used to keep the paddler attached to the board.
Leash Plug. A fixture at the tail to attach the leash.
Length. Length of the board.
Maneuverability. How well the board changes direction in the water
Nose. The front of the board.
Paddle. What the paddler uses to propel the board across the surface of the water
Planing Hulls. Flatter nose design allowing surfing capabilities.
Rails. The side of the board where the top and bottom meet.
Rocker. Like the rocker of a rocking chair, this shape of a hull allows the SUP to maneuver more easily.
Skin. The surface of the board.
Softtop. A board which is fully covered with a rubber traction pad.
Stability. The tendency for the board to stay upright. If the “righting moment” is greater than the “heeling moment”, the board will return to the upright position.
SUP Handle. Located in the center of the deck to carry the board.
Tipping or Heeling. A force, either unintentional or intentional, tipping the board over to one side. Also described as “heeling moment”.
Tracking. The ability to go straight.Like the rocker of a rocking chair, this shape of a hull allows the SUP to maneuver more easily.
Turns. Pivot and Crossbow
Tail. The back end of the board.
Width. The width of the board.

Types of Boards:
All-Around SUP
​Fishing SUP
Inflatable SUP
Racing SUP
Surf Sup
Touring SUP