Walk the Talk: How Yster SUP Boss Per Vallbo took on the iconic 220KM SUP 11-City Tour

Industry stories where Founders personally take on the challenge themselves resonate deeply. It’s inspiring to see the leaders who not only stand behind their products but actively push their own limits, embodying the spirit of their brand and passion for the sport.

This is exactly the case with Yster SUP, the premium Swedish brand, based in Malmö, that has become the go-to name for ultra-endurance and adventure SUP boards, and its Founder and CEO, Per Vallbo.

The brand has not only become the official sponsor of the SUP 11-City Tour this year, but its Boss has personally conquered the gruelling 220KM / 130 miles race, showcasing the power, endurance, and values for which Yster SUP truly stands for.

Hi Per, first of all, huge congratulations on your incredible achievement—crushing the iconic 220KM (130 miles) SUP 11-City Tour! What motivated you to take on this challenge yourself?

Hi Anna. Thank you very much! Last year when I went to Leeuwarten to support the Yster paddlers Göran Gossa Gustavsson and Craig Sawyer doing the Non-Stop, I had a chat with Ritske Merkus and Marije Elgersma on the SUP 11-City Tour board and we agreed to explore the idea of Yster becoming an official partner of the event, and I made a commitment on the spot. If Yster was to become a sponsor, they I would do the race myself. So I had no choice but to keep my promise! Seriously, the ‘11cities’ has been on my bucket list for a while.

Practice what you preach! How important is it for you, as a Founder, to lead by example and actively engage with the SUP community through your own participation and passion for the sport?

Indeed, SUP is my passion and that is why I started Yster in the first place. I want the Yster brand to fully reflect that. Touring and long-distance paddling are at the core of Yster’s identity—being out on the water for long periods with a board that makes you feel like you can go on forever.

I believe that when you’re passionate about something, it’s important to show it through action, not just words. That’s why you won’t find any mass market allround boards from Yster, because where’s the passion in that? It’s hard not to be excited about something you’re actively involved in!

You faced some seriously tough conditions right at the start. What were the most challenging moments for you during the race?

The first day was actually called off due to thunderstorms, which meant we had some catching up to do on the second day. We were thrown straight into the deep end with 10°C, a headwind, and pouring rain. Things could only improve from there.

You competed on the new Basalty board. Could you tell us more about your setup and how it performed over the course of the 5 days?

I was on a Yster SUP 14’ x 22.5” Basalty all-water board which turned out to be the perfect companion for the changing conditions. At times, the canals can get quite messy from boat traffic and reflecting chop from the hard shores. Lake crossings can have wind-driven chop, and there are also long stretches of flat water. In those versatile conditions, the Basalty was the perfect companion.

The droplet-shaped outline provides phenomenal glide, as the board is designed for maximum forward momentum and straight-line tracking. In shaping this board, I disregarded the characteristics needed for making efficient turns. This means that the design is not a compromise; it solely focuses on achieving maximum forward motion in the water, which is why it has such great glide.

For its width, it offers fantastic stability—a feature that someone trying it for the first time notices right away. It took hard work and serious iterative prototyping to perfect this design. Essentially, it is about volume distribution, bottom profile, rocker, rail design, and standing area design in combination. In the waterproof hatch in the front of the cockpit, I had some extra power bars and a dry wind jacket, just in case.

As an avid endurance paddler, how did you prepare for this challenge, and what was the longest distance you covered during your training?

Obviously, I had covered some mileage before the race. My main training program consisted of 7k intervals at sea with a short paddle to activate my legs. I combined my water training with running and cycling to further strengthen my legs. Strong legs are key when you are going to stand on a board for many hours.

What’s your advice to paddlers looking to take part in SUP 11-City Tour?

Build endurance with cross-training: Activities like running, cycling, or swimming will enhance your overall strength. Strength training, particularly for your core, shoulders, and legs, will help you maintain stability and power while paddling for extended periods.

Train in messy waters: Don’t just stick to calm and flat waters during your training. Get comfortable paddling in choppy, messy conditions as well. This will help you build confidence and improve your technique for when you encounter variable conditions during the tour.
Build some calluses on the hands: Start training early to develop calluses on your hands. This will help you avoid blisters during the tour.

Chose a board with great glide: Opt for a paddleboard that offers excellent glide and speed. This is crucial for long-distance paddling as it will make your strokes more efficient, helping you maintain speed and reduce fatigue over the course of the event.

Find a hydration solution that works for you: Staying hydrated is vital, especially during long paddling sessions. Experiment with different hydration solutions—such as hydration packs to find what works best for you. Make sure you have a reliable method to drink while paddling, as you don’t want to lose momentum during the event.

Prepare mentally: The SUP 11-City Tour is not just a physical challenge; it’s also a mental one. Prepare yourself for the long hours on the water by practicing mental strategies to stay focused and motivated.

Nutrition matters: Pay attention to your nutrition both leading up to and during the tour. Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to support your training. During the event, bring energy-boosting snacks such as energy bars, gels, or fruits to maintain your energy levels throughout the race.

Are there any plans for the 2025 collab?

Yes, we are in it for the long term and I am personally looking forward to next year’s edition of the SUP 11-City Tour.

Amazing! We’ll definitely get back to this conversation in the run up to the 2025 edition 😉

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

*Image source: SUP 11-City Tour; Courtesy of Per Vallbo