Yster SUP Linear 14×28 Inflatable Touring Board: The SUP Driven Choice

From left, Leah Richardson of SUPdriven Expeditions and Per Vallbo of Yster SUP

Hi Per, let’s talk about the winning  Yster ISUP 14’x28” Linear board that was tested in some of the toughest conditions – Gossa x Yukon River quest – What’s new when it comes to this Linear design?

The Yster ISUP 14’x 28″ Linear features several design features perfect for performance touring, long-distance, endurance and adventure paddling. The board’s droplet-shaped outline ensures excellent hydrodynamics for speed and stability. Inflating up to 26 psi ensures a rigid structure. The board is also equipped with multiple handles, strategically placed for easy carrying and lifting. The board is also designed with a camber like that of cross-country skis. This design evenly distributes both the paddler’s and cargo’s weight along the full length of the board, resulting in a flat rocker that maximises the waterline.

This provides an excellent glide with better momentum and less deceleration between paddle strokes. A new feature that was piloted by Göran Gustavsson on the Yukon River Quest in 2023 is the Yster ISUP Paddle Stringer Technology TM that increases the longitudinal stiffness by using an extra paddle as a stringer. Since you should bring an extra paddle on your SUP adventure anyway, with the Yster ISUP Paddle Stringer Technology, the paddle serves a dual purpose.

Where can paddlers test the board?

Please visit our website and under the “Take a Test Ride” section, you can filter to find a test centre near you.

You’ve also launched an Expedition Dry Bag 60. Is there a gap in the SUP accessories market? What was your focus behind the design and what are the key features? Also, the bag is designed to perfectly connect to the D-rings on the Yster ISUP 14’x28” Linear and the leash plugs in the Basalty series.

The Yster SUP Expedition Dry Bag 60 fills a gap in the market by offering a robust, waterproof storage solution for adventure and expedition paddlers as the bag is designed to easily hook directly onto your Yster SUP board. The special carabiners are designed to perfectly connect to the D-rings on the Yster ISUP 14’x28” Linear and the leash plugs in the Basalty series. We found that a 60 litre bag is just the perfect size for most adventures. Not too large, not too small – just “lagom”. At 600 mm in length, the bag easily fits most 1-3 person tents, a sleeping bag, clothing and food. There’s a secure pocket inside that keeps essentials like car keys, a power bank, and a wallet well organised and safe.

Hi Leah, you’ve just completed your first SUPdriven expedition—congrats! It looked amazing on social media. The Linear 14×28 is the board powering your expeditions. Can you tell us more about your experience with it?

The Yster Linear 14×28 has been a game changer. Even when we were paddling south on Sweden’s longest river, the Klarälven, and the wind started pushing against us, the board stayed on course. It was like paddling into a wall at times, but this board just kept on gliding straight and steady.

The multiple handles are another lifesaver. There are handles at the tail and nose, perfect for carrying it with a buddy when you’ve got all your gear, and more on the sides for when you need to manoeuvre in shallow water without worrying about damaging the fin. And despite its length, it’s super light! This makes hauling it in and out of the water so much easier, especially after a long day of paddling. Less strain on sore muscles means more energy for the fun paddling times.

You’ve really tested it in different conditions! What key features do you look for in high-performance boards for multi-day expeditions where the elements can vary?

For me, the top priority is stability. You want a board that’s not going to send you flying with every wave or gust of wind, but also not so wide that it feels like you’re dragging a door through the water. It’s all about balance—stable enough to handle heavy packing without tipping, but narrow enough that it won’t put too much strain on your shoulders and back.

Tracking is also huge. When you’re battling wind and chop, you need a board that will stay on course. Once this board gets moving, it’s like it locks into a groove and just stays on track. Responsiveness is key too—you want a board that reacts to your shifts in weight, paddle strokes, and how you’ve packed it. It’s like riding a well-trained horse; you feel connected and in control on this board and where it takes you.

Can you share your thoughts on these aspects of the board?

Performance on flat vs choppy water: In choppy water, it’s all about keeping that straight, stable line. It cuts through waves like it was built for it, though you do get some splash on the nose, so you’ve got to make sure your gear is in solid waterproof bags (such as the Yster and SUPdriven 60L waterproof duffel bag collaboration). he length of the board also means that you have plenty of room to move around and trim how the board sits in the water in variable conditions despite the fact that while on multi-day touring you have bags both strapped on the front and the back. On flat water the board is just like a swan, seamlessly cutting through the water in a smooth glide. Or perhaps more apt to say just like a powerful northern pike fish. It’s just beautiful.

Cargo capacity: This board can handle a lot of gear. I’m talking a large 60L duffel, a 35L backpack, a 15L day bag, and still have space for shoes, wet bathing suit, and your “leave-no-trace” rubbish bag. You could probably pack around 100kg if needed. Plus, still have room to stretch out and take a floating nap if the mood strikes – which I can tell you is always a highlight of the SUPdriven expeditions. A little freshly brewed coffee, a snack and a 15min nap. Yes, please.

What would you say to paddlers who want to transition to a narrower board but are still unsure about the 28” width?

First off, don’t get too hung up on the width alone. “Narrow” is relative—what really matters is how the length of the board interacts with it. A longer, narrower board can still give you plenty of stability because of the surface area in contact with the water. We’ve had guys 2 meters tall paddling these boards with full gear without any issues. At the end of the day, it’s all about how you plan to use it and what suits your body size comfortably—your height, reach, and weight. But if you’re looking for a touring board that’s stable, responsive, can carry everything you need for a multi-day trip, and is just fun to paddle, the Yster 14’ x 28” ticks all the boxes!

Thank you for your time. We can’t wait to follow your next year’s SUP expeditions!

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To find out more about SUPdriven Expeditions, visit supdriven.com

*Images courtesy of SUPdriven Expeditions and Yster SUP