Built to track: The Yster SUP Basalty All Water board unpacked by Thomas Hanke-Hanel

We caught up with Thomas Hanke-Hanel, Yster SUP Ambassador and passionate long-distance paddler based in Augsburg, Bavaria, fresh off a strong result at the Bavarian Championships on Lake Simssee, where a tough 12 km race tested every stroke.

Thomas’s move into competitive SUP mirrors a wider shift: more amateur paddlers, quite often those coming from long distance touring, are stepping up to the start line. It reflects the true appeal of our sport – “the longer you paddle, the tougher the challenges you crave” mindset, which forms the basis of natural progression that comes with refined technique, countless hours on the water, and finally, finding the gear that just fits.

We sat down with Thomas, 45, to talk about his move into racing and how the right quiver can make all the difference for those looking to push their performance on the water. The search that ultimately led to the Yster SUP Basalty, a high-performance all-water board series designed for paddlers who value speed, tracking, and stability in mixed conditions.

Photo by Andy Klotz

Hi Thomas, welcome to TotalSUP! Could you tell us about yourself and how did you get into stand-up paddleboarding and the competitive side of the sport?

Thank you, I feel honoured. I got into SUP more or less by chance in 2015. My wife signed me up for a beginner’s course, and the foundation was laid. Boards came and went quickly, all the way up to the race board. Back then, they were all inflatable boards 🙂

For the first few years, I did a few races on an iSUP, including Lost Mills on Lake Brombach and the SUP Alps Trophy. Until I finally caught the racing bug. I bought my first hardboard. And after that, many boards came and went until I found the right one. I’ve since completed instructor training and got a coaching license.

Thomas Hanke-Hänel on the Yster SUP Naked Carbon Race Board | Photo by Andy Klotz

You’ve built quite an Yster SUP (Yster Naked Carbon, Linear 14×25, Basalty 14×22.5) quiver – what is it about their gear that really clicks with you?

Yes, that’s right. It’s the shape and design of the boards. I started with the Yster SUP Naked Carbon board and quickly noticed how straight it rides. Exactly my taste. However, the Naked is designed purely for flat water. Yster also offers the Basalty, which handles rougher conditions better. So I had to get that board for our Bavarian lakes. The Basalty’s construction – the elongated nose, the construction of the bottom with two concaves, and the design – also appealed to me.

Yster SUP Basalty

How do you decide which one to use for a specific race or expedition? What factors influence your choice?

Hmm… If I’m familiar with the water and have experienced different conditions, I can assess which board is best. If I’m unfamiliar with the water at all, it can be helpful to ask locals or use various weather apps. And if that doesn’t help, I pack both boards and all the fins – large and small – and decide on the spot. I usually take my Yster iSUP with me to help me get used to it.

Could you tell us more about your collaboration with the Yster SUP brand?

Yster SUP was looking for team riders, and I wanted to try something new, so I followed Yster on Instagram. I found the shape and design interesting and wanted to try it out. That’s how we connected.

Let’s talk about the Basalty 14×22.5 – what’s the biggest difference you feel underfoot compared to your other boards?

The biggest difference is the extremely straight line you can ride with the Basalty. Furthermore, the board glides smoothly through the water in wind and waves without rocking as much. This is truly unique compared to my other boards. I think it’s the design: the long, pointed nose, two concaves on the bottom, and the high nose. It is a fantastic board.

How does the Basalty handle in all-water conditions? Has it changed the way you approach long-distance paddles or downwinders?

Paddling with and against waves is easier with the Basalty. It runs particularly smoothly against waves, and I need less power. By using less power, I can cover longer distances or increase speed, depending on the race. In addition, the tracking stability makes effective paddling easier.

Photo by Andy Klotz

What’s the longest or most demanding paddle you’ve done on the Basalty and how did it hold up?

This year, it was on Lake Constance, in Arbon, Switzerland. It was a 12-mile race. Lake Constance is known for its changeable conditions with the water movement from the boats. I haven’t had the Yster Basalty for very long, but it performed well – no drops in the water.

Do you see the Basalty as strictly an adventure/touring board, or does it have a place in certain race conditions?

A definite recommendation for long-distance racing. I could also imagine the Basalty being a good choice for sprinting.

Do you have any specific events, crossings, or challenges on your radar where you’re planning to test the limits of your Yster setup?

My biggest goal this year in Switzerland was to paddle the 12-mile race. The 12-er Race (12 km / 6 mile) on Lake Simssee (Bavaria) just took place with changeable conditions. The German Championships are coming up in the fall. The SUP 11-City Tour is still on my to-do list, maybe next year.

Thank you for your time and insights Thomas!

Explore Yster SUP quiver at www.ystersup.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram

Follow Thomas Hanke-Hanel on Instagram 

*Images courtesy of Thomas Hanke-Hänel