Why switching to an 11-foot SUP board can unlock new paddling experience

Looking to take up your paddling experience a notch? Making the switch from an all-round beginner SUP board to an 11-foot model comes with numerous benefits, especially for intermediate paddlers aiming to level up their skills and explore a greater range of paddling experiences.

TotalSUP caught up Dominika Głąb, ISA Flat Water Coach, Founder of BANANA—a SUP, Ski, and Snowboard School – and one of Poland’s most active stand-up paddle schools, fostering a vibrant cross-country community, to chat about a popular board model in her quiver – the MOAI 11×30 inflatable stand-up paddleboard.

Hi Dominika, welcome back to TotalSUP! We have to ask: all-round or straight to touring for beginners? What would you recommend for those just starting their SUP journey?

I believe that if you’re going to invest in equipment, it should be something that will serve you for a longer time. During training sessions, I discuss the types of boards and always explain the differences between all-round and touring. I’m personally a fan of touring boards, but there are also specific cases and individual needs where an all-round board would be the better choice.

The 11’ is a popular model, often serving as a transitional board between all-round boards and touring boards from 12’6 and up. What has been your experience with the 11′, both for yourself and your students? Do they often start with boards of this size?

I really like this model, and training participants also appreciate the advantages of this specific board! As you mentioned, it’s not a classic all-round, but it’s not quite a touring board either. One of its biggest benefits is its slim, streamlined shape along its entire length. In my experience, this design keeps it from feeling bulky, making it easier to propel and turn than classic all-round boards, while still providing great stability.

What was your first impression?

While unboxing: As with all other MOAI models, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the equipment and accessories!

When launching: At first, I thought it might lack stability because it’s relatively short and sleek for an all-rounder. But it was a pleasant surprise, which is exactly why I like it so much! It provides solid stability with an impressive ease of propulsion, tracking, and turning.

Could you add a few words on the following?

First impression: Quality of craftsmanship! I’d rate it a strong 4/5! I’ve had these boards for several seasons, use them constantly, and apart from normal signs of wear, they still look great!

Board weight: For its 11 x 30 size, it’s manageable!

Stability and tracking: I’d give it a 4/5. Very stable for me and holds course well; for a complete beginner, it may take a few sessions to get comfortable with it.

Performance on flat water vs rougher conditions: This model definitely performs best on calm water. It handles steady waves well, too, but when a mountain lake gets choppy, it’s better to switch to a touring model like the 11’6 with a slightly wider deck. 🙂

Is the MOAI 11’6 the right board for enthusiasts who are just starting their SUP journey but want to make quick progress?

I think we can definitely consider this model a beginner-friendly board, especially for women! Of course, it all depends on specific needs and abilities, but if someone is considering these parameters, the MOAI 11 x 6 will not disappoint them 😉

Here’s what you can expect from an 11-foot board:

Reduced Drag = Enhanced glide and speed: The streamlined design helps minimize water resistance, enhancing your paddling efficiency, especially on flat water. The added length allows the board to glide more efficiently, meaning you’ll cover more distance with each paddle stroke. This can help you paddle faster and with less effort, which is a key improvement for those ready to move on from a beginner board.

Improved tracking: Compared to shorter boards, an 11-foot board will track better (stay on course) with each stroke. This can make it easier to handle in various water conditions and improves overall paddling efficiency, reducing the need to switch paddling sides as frequently.

Increased buoyancy, weight and cargo capacity: An 11-foot board usually comes with a bit more volume than a standard beginner board, which can support a wider weight range and accommodate gear for longer paddles. This added buoyancy is useful if you plan to carry extra items or paddle with a pet or child.

Room to grow in skills and experiences: The size and design of an 11-foot board make it ideal for expanding into new SUP activities, particularly if you’re aiming to get into touring and exploring various environments, from lakes and rivers to calmer coastal areas.

To find out more about the MOAI brand, visit moaiboards.com 

Explore MOAI 2024 collection here 

Follow MOAI on Facebook and Instagram

Follow Dominika and her Banana SUP school on Instagram and Facebook

Revisit MOAI 14′ Board Review here

*Images courtesy of BANANA / Dominika Głąb