Cooldown, fun and activity: Stand Up Paddling conquers the summer!
Editor: Kerstin Stenger
In recent years, SUP has become one of the most popular leisure activities for water sports enthusiasts in Germany . In this sport, you stand on a board, similar to a surfboard, and move around with a paddle. Whether on the sea or on a lake, stand-up paddling allows you to explore the beauty of nature in a whole new way.
Strengthen health, escape stress
In addition to the fun factor, Stand Up Paddling also offers a variety of health benefits. The balance required while standing on the board not only exercises your muscles, but also your body's balance system. The paddling itself is an excellent full body exercise. From your arms to your torso to your legs, SUP is an effective workout for your entire body. At the same time, it is also a very joint-friendly sport, as the water acts as a springy surface.
In addition, Stand Up Paddling offers a welcome break from the hectic pace of everyday life. It allows you to escape from stress. Enjoy the nature! Clear your head! The gentle movements on the water have a calming effect and can help relax your mind and relieve stress.
Buying tips:
If you too are gripped by the fascination of Stand Up Paddling and want to enjoy this sport, choosing the right equipment is of course your first priority. When buying a SUP board, there are some important things to consider.
Paddle boards are available either as an inflatable version or as a Hard Board. The latter is comparable to a real surfboard. Both variants have advantages and disadvantages.
The big advantage of the inflatable variant is the transportability. They can be rolled up and transported in a backpack. The board is quickly inflated thanks to a special air pump. You can see a difference to the Hard Board only in the slightly thicker board line.
Other advantages: The soft material is more comfortable in case of a fall. In addition, the weight is significantly lower and it requires less storage space.
Disadvantages: Before each use, the inflatable board must be inflated (about 10 minutes). It is more susceptible to wind and if something breaks, the repair is more complex.
The Hard Board, on the other hand, is ready to use immediately. It is more robust and resistant. It is also less susceptible to wind and therefore more stable against tipping.
Disadvantages: A lot of storage space is required. It is also more prone to scratches and more expensive.
There are Stand Up Paddling Boards for different uses: All-rounders, touring boards, wave boards, race boards or white water boards.
Where do you want to ride your SUP? For families, all-rounders or touring boards are more suitable. For the ambitious athletes among us, a race board can be your board of choice. You can only answer the question by yourself.
LANXESS in SUP boards
The outer shell of inflatable paddle boards is often made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a hard and brittle base material. To make the boards inflatable, plasticizers are added to the PVC. LANXESS Mesamoll® is such a plasticizer. They ensure the solid PVC becomes soft and flexible. Simple boards are surrounded by one PVC layer (single layer). The more robust boards consist of two PVC layers (double layer). Plasticizers also ensure that you can enjoy your board for a long time. Because thanks to the special plasticizers, the PVC does not become brittle so quickly despite water, sun and heat.
"Plasticizers are important additives in the production of a stand up paddle board. They make the PVC flexible for further use. Without plasticizers, there would be no inflatable boards, because the base material is as hard as a plastic window frame. All board owners would have to drive to the lake or the sea with a roof rack and bulky boards on the car. Thanks to plasticizers like phthalate-free Mesamoll®, these boards can be inflated in the first place and then folded back up."
Stay up-to-date
Curious now? Subscribe to our Inside LANXESS newsletter and stay up to date.
