How to choose your first SUP Race board? Tanja Ecker shares her top tips

It’s most likely the million dollar question in our sport: “How to choose my first SUP racing board”, especially when it’s a one-time investment and it has to be done right from the get-go. To tackle the subject, TotalSUP caught up with Tanja Ecker, 11x German SUP Champion, Coach and Founder, who has recently taken over the European distribution of the Californian brands 404 and Hippostick, developed by the legend, Danny Ching.

Hi Tanja, we’ve been receiving heaps of questions regarding SUP race boards. Especially choosing the very first (and right one) to kick off the SUP racing adventure. What did you learn about SUP racing boards when you first started competing?

When I first started the narrowest race boards on the market where 23-24. Back then I was paddling on the 24” wide 404 V3 and later on the 24” 404 Arrow. In the last couple of years, the boards got narrower and narrower. There is not “the one board fits all” choice. It always depends on the shape, volume, how stable the board is and more.

To everyone who wants to start racing I would suggest, choosing a board that is stable enough for you to apply a nice technique and put all your power in your paddling, without focusing on balance. A small and light person can go for a narrower board. I found out that for me the 22 width is a good choice for most conditions, because I’m quite tall and have been struggling with my knee stability. I’m also a more powerful paddler with longer strokes than some one who has a high frequency, so I also need a board that has a bit more volume in the front. If conditions get rough I even choose a wider board to be more stable.

Did you have to go through many different board choices before you found “the one”?

I started with an inflatable race board and switched to the 404 V3 in 2017. From then on, I stuck with the 404 boards and the different designs that were developed. My first two boards were 24” wide, then I had the 22” 404 M4 and 22” 404 LTD and now I normally use the 22” 404 Jump and I love it. Everytime I’m on another board, while somebody is testing mine for instance, I want to jump back on my Jump!

Photo by Edwin Westra | SUP11 City Tour

Based on your SUP coaching experience, what are the key barriers for aspiring paddlers to start competing?

In my experience, the challenges are multifaceted. Firstly, there’s the financial aspect; competing often requires significant investment in travel expenses. Then there’s the time commitment involved in training and attending events, which can be demanding. However, the most prominent barrier I’ve observed is the fear of inadequacy. Many individuals hesitate to compete because they worry about their skill level and fear finishing last. My advice is simple: everyone starts somewhere, and the key is to take that first step and embrace the experience.

Can your students test the full 404 range with you?

Yes, for sure. I always have test boards and paddles to rent out and to try!

Photo by Marloes Kaal

The gear dilemma: flat water or all-water? Many paddlers lean towards the all-water option, recognizing that race conditions seldom offer perfectly calm waters. What’s your take on this?

I can agree with you! Even in supposedly flat water races, the conditions are rarely entirely still at the starting line. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your predominant paddling preferences. If your training and paddling primarily revolve around flat water, a flat water board might be the better choice, allowing you to acclimate to occasional chop. Over time, an all-water board could feel cumbersome on consistently calm surfaces, though this largely depends on the specific board and its design.

Board width: many paddlers initially opt for super narrow boards, only to find them quite challenging and eventually switch to something wider. What’s the safest approach in your opinion?

The construction:

a) Dugout or flat deck? Depends! Both have their pro and cons. With a flat deck, most of the boards must first be brought up to speed and then you have to keep it there. A dugout normally has better glide and is easier to keep on speed. Once you fall into the water or at the beach start a dugout can be tricky, but you can also get used to it. With the lower stance (on or below the water level) a dugout offers more first stability, whereas a flat deck can feel a bit tippy.

b) Carbon or sturdier choice (fibreglass etc.)?
I would go for carbon because it’s easier to fix myself (ha ha) but difficult question I think carbon is the most common construction at the moment.

Is there even such a thing as a perfect board?

Well, I believe you can indeed discover your ideal board, though, as always, it’s contingent on various factors (and yes, that might sound like a typical coach’s response!). It boils down to determining your preferences, predominant paddling environments, specific needs, and then seeking out a board that aligns with these criteria. Utilizing reviews, tapping into fellow paddlers’ experiences, and delving into the specifics of different board brands can all aid in your decision-making process. My advice? Test out different options extensively until you find the board that feels like the perfect fit for you.

What’s your favourite 404 board set up and why?

At the moment my favourite set up is the 404 Jump 14×22 and the Hippostick Triple G paddle. I’m eagerly anticipating the release of the new Hippostick Paddles, particularly the Verve and Orca models. I’ve developed a fondness for the Jump paddle due to its remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning from flatwater to ocean paddling, even in smaller waves. Its exceptional glide and lightweight design make maintaining speed effortless. Moreover, the paddle’s construction and volume distribution perfectly complement my paddling style.

Your golden tips for choosing the first SUP racing board?

• Create a “wish list” outlining the desired specifications for your perfect board.
• Research different models, brands, widths
• Test different types
• Invest in a high-quality board that will last a long time.

Thank you Tanja for your time and insights, and see you soon on the racing circuit!

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