404 JUMP 14′ Pro Carbon Race: Board Review with Tanja Ecker and the 404 Euro Squad

Tanja Ecker, the 11x National German SUP Champion, Ultra-Endurance Paddler, Coach and 404 and Hippostick Europe Boss, appears to have sparked a wave of enthusiasm across Europe. She’s created a vibrant community centred around the 404 brand, attracting dedicated riders who tackle some of the toughest SUP races on the planet including the SUP 11-City Tour.

We caught up with Tanja and the European riders dubbed the #404EuroSquad to gain their user-experience and view on the new 404 Jump board, developed for both ocean and flatwater SUP racing.

Hi Tanja, let’s Jump right in 😉 and zero in on the 404 Jump board. The first aspect that pops up is its versatility: It performs in both ocean and flat water conditions. Could you tell us more about it?

The 404 Jump is one of the most versatile boards on the market. It’s design and light weight makes it easy and effortless to paddle in flat water, but its stability and the rocker design into the rails make catching waves easy. It’s a careless board, because you don’t have to worry about a boat wake, chop, wind, etc. It just cuts through, that’s why it’s called Jump.

I have been using the 404 Jump from short distances up to the 204 km Non-Stop race or 725 km challenge on the Loire. Also on canals, lakes, rivers, ocean and it has never stopped to amaze me how easy to paddle this board is. Also, for example, April Zilg won the 2022 ICF 200m Sprint World Title on the 404 Jump.

Photo by Tomas Ecker

Jump is the model you swear by and have tested it in some of the most challenging race formats. What makes it your first choice?

With the 404 Jump I know I have a board with me, that can handle most of the conditions and I can comfortably paddle on it. Not only its stability and efficiency, but also its durability against any impact. The Jump is the only board on the market made with the molded carbon sandwich technology. This makes it not only more durable, but also lighter and more sustainable.

Like I said, it’s a super careless board and once it goes, it goes. The bottom design feels like being on a plane, because it comes out of the water and has an amazing glide.

Photo by Tomas Ecker

Could this be a board for aspiring SUP racers just entering the competitive circuit?

I would definitely say: Yes! Because it’s stable, fast, easy to handle and if you only want to buy one board, the 404 Jump should be your choice. The Jump comes in 3 different sizes for 14’, in 22”, 23.5” and 25” and I have some 12’6 by 22” for young aspiring paddlers in Europe.

404 doesn’t just size up a board, they redesign the hull for every width, which makes the 25” as fast as the 22”. With these measurements the hull design will help the paddler to go faster, be more efficient and more stable. Smaller paddlers should go for a 22” and taller, heavier paddlers for the 23.5” or 25”, but still all the models weigh between 9 to 11 kg.

From left: Katharina Kiecksee,  Tanja Ecker and Anat Dines

Where can paddlers test this model of the board in Europe?

You can contact me via info@404-sup.de to set up an appointment to meet. I’m based in the South of Germany, close to some airports. Or I can connect you with one of my 404 Euro Squad members based in the Netherlands, Italy, Great Britain, Germany (Middle and North) and Israel to test.

Ella Oesterholt | Photo by Rondje Haarlem

404 Eurosquad: Ella Oesterholt

Location: The Netherlands
Favourite SUP format: Long distance

Hi Ella, what key factors led you to choose the 404 Jump over other models or brands when making your decision?

Having worn out knees I needed to step over to a board that allowed me maximum time on the water. In the 404 Jump I found a stable board that is still fast thanks to the light weight and great water line.

Thanks to Tanja Ecker, the 404 boards are now available in Europe and there’s a growing number of paddlers virtually forming a SUP community dubbed the #404eurosquad. Could you share your view on that – Have you already connected with other 404 riders?

I’m still recovering from surgery and I haven’t had the chance to paddle in international races. But the great thing about social media is still being able to stay connected or get inspired for new adventures.

What advice would you give someone considering the move to a high-performance paddleboard for the first time?

Try to specify your needs and buy into that. A board that works for one might not work for you. Select a couple of boards that match and try to test boards by reaching out to the community around you.

Katharina Kiecksee | Photo by Edwin Westra

404 Eurosquad: Katharina Kiecksee

Location: Hanover, Germany
Favourite SUP format: Ultra Long Distance

Hi Katharina, what key factors led you to choose the 404 Jump over other models or brands when making your decision?

The Jump is a stable and at the same time fast board that is easy and efficient to paddle. Another important factor for me was that I can use it in many different conditions. If you don’t have a lot of space, it’s good to have a board for (almost) all conditions.

Thanks to Tanja, the 404 boards are now available in Europe and there’s a growing number of paddlers virtually forming a SUP community dubbed the #404eurosquad. Could you share your view on that – Have you already connected with other 404 riders?

I have already met other 404 paddlers. Mostly at German events, of course, but also at the SUP 11-City Tour, for example, and it’s nice to see how we support each other during and around the races and stay in touch afterwards.

What advice would you give someone considering the move to a high-performance paddleboard for the first time?

Test a lot and in different conditions and choose a board that you feel comfortable on. High-performance doesn’t mean unstable or super narrow, the important thing is that it suits you and allows you to perform at your best.

Anat Dines | Photo by Edwin Westra

404 Eurosquad: Anat Dines

Location: Haifa, Israel
Favourite SUP format: Tech and ultra long distance

Hi Anat, what key factors led you to choose the 404 Jump over other models or brands when making your decision?

⁠I was looking for a board that would be fast for paddling in flat water but could also be stable in the sea conditions. Many fast boards are very narrow, and I knew it would be less comfortable, if I only use one board. Tanja suggested that I try the Jump 14’x22” and I was very satisfied – its versatility answers my needs and makes it perfect also for ultra-long distance. The fact that the board is super light supports its ability to be fast, but also it’s a nice bonus that I can carry and load it on the car easily.

Thanks to Tanja, the 404 boards are now available in Europe and there’s a growing number of paddlers virtually forming a SUP community dubbed the #404eurosquad. Could you share your view on that – Have you already connected with other 404 riders?

⁠I got to know several paddlers from the 404eurosquad during the SUP 11-City Tour in the last two years. Everyone is super nice and willing to help with anything needed. Especially when it comes to sharing gear, knowledge, and experiences. You can be sure that, if you need help or a board in Europe, the 404eurosquad community will be happy to help.

For me it’s nice to make connections with other paddlers from different places and it’s a great idea to connect people to paddlers so they can try the board in several places in Europe. I gave my board several times to paddlers who were interested in trying the 404 Jump.

What advice would you give someone considering the move to a high-performance paddleboard for the first time?

Find a board that aligns with your needs, while also pushing you to improve.

Sandra Hinkel | Photo by Oliver Faris

404 Eurosquad: Sandra Hinkel

Location: Bonn, Germany
Favourite SUP format: There is no special SUP format, I like to do everything.

Hi Sandra, What key factors led you to choose the 404 Jump over other models or brands when making your decision?

I wanted a board that I could handle in a variety of conditions. My home spot is the Rhine, which has everything to offer and sometimes also choppy water.

Thanks to Tanja, the 404 boards are now available in Europe and there’s a growing number of paddlers virtually forming a SUP community dubbed the #404eurosquad. Could you share your view on that – Have you already connected with other 404 riders?

I think it’s nice that it’s spread across Europe, so you can also meet and support each other outside of Germany.

What advice would you give someone considering the move to a high-performance paddleboard for the first time?

Test several boards and where you feel good, feel safe and have a smile on your face, that should be the right thing.

404 Eurosquad: Thomas Hinkel

Location: Bonn, Germany

Hi Thomas, what key factors led you to choose the 404 Jump over other models or brands when making your decision?

After I had bought various boards without trying them out and only because of other people’s enthusiasm and only liking one in sterile conditions, I was able to test the Jump for a while in uncomfortable conditions. Thanks to the actually unusual opportunity, I couldn’t decide on anything else. I think there is nothing more important for good training and competition than a reliable, functioning board. Not the fastest, but very patient in choppy water.

Thanks to Tanja, the 404 boards are now available in Europe and there’s a growing number of paddlers virtually forming a SUP community dubbed the #404eurosquad. Could you share your view on that – Have you already connected with other 404 riders?

The 404 Euro Squad is a nicely growing but manageable group of paddlers, where it is something special to meet one or the other at certain events and/or to get to know new people.

What advice would you give someone considering the move to a high-performance paddleboard for the first time?

If you have the opportunity to try out a few boards, you should take advantage of it and try them in many conditions. Otherwise, narrow is not always fast, but standing stable is more important. Otherwise, the first “feeling of well-being” is important.

Julia Georgi | Photo by Andy Klotz

404 Eurosquad: Julia Georgi

Location: Hanover, Germany (Lake Maschsee and River Leine)
Favourite SUP formats: Recreational and competitive Long Distance

The 404 Jump: The very first impression was that the Jump is a fast but stable board. Back then, I was replacing my old Starboard Sprint (23 width) with the Jump (22 width). Which was a very good decision. I would say I’m much faster on flat water with the Jump now. At that time, other boards and brands didn’t convince me as much as the Jump.

The 404 Euro Squad: One of my SUP club paddle buddies at home (Katha) is also a member of the squad (the two of us are the #404MaschseeTwins ) and I was able to connect and stay connected with I guess all 404 squad members in Germany. Unfortunately I couldn’t connect with other members from Europe in person just yet, but hopefully in the future.

What advice would you give someone considering the move to a high-performance paddleboard for the first time?

I would recommend to test as many different high performance boards and brands as possible and trust your gut instinct. With the Jump, I instantly had a good feeling. I also had tested other brands and boards before but with most of those I just “didn’t feel it”. I think you feel it when you’re on the “right” board for you.

To find out more about the 404 brand, visit www.404-sup.de . Follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook

To find out more about Hippostick, visit Follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook

Follow Tanja Ecker on Instagram and Facebook and visit her website tanjaoutdoors.de

*Images courtesy of Tanja Ecker