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Find that SUP-er paddle board!

Are you new to stand up paddling? Has the warmer weather and blue skies and flat glassy water turned your head towards grabbing a paddle and getting pumped about SUPing? Have you tried Stand Up Paddle Boarding but now want to get your own board? With so many options you may not know which direction to paddle towards. Here at The Official Test Centre and SurfDoctor we have a team of experts waiting to help you navigate these unchartered waters to help you find that SUP-er paddle board!


When choosing your Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board there are many factors to consider. Your skill level, the type of riding you’ll be doing, preference and board construction in terms of the board’s size, capacity, volume, shape and price.


We have the perfect opportunity for you to come and try a range of boards tomorrow at the HONU SUP DEMO DAY!


By Emma Nicholson.

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A flock of HONU SUP paddle boards head towards The OTC!

Here at SurfDoctor we sell HONU inflatable boards, these are especially convenient if you don't have much room for storing or transporting your SUP. These boards come with a backpack which makes it even easier to transport. Inflating only takes 10 minutes and their durable construction means they can withstand the occasional bump, if you use the HONU e-pump inflating takes no time at all!


So now for the technical bit.. The hull, or body, of a paddle board plays a major role in determining how the board performs in the water, who is designed for and the type of paddle boarding it is best used for. Most SUPs have either a planing hull or a displacement hull. HONU SUPs use a complex construction method that uses a heat+pressure welding that mechanically fuses the inner rail with a 25mm wide strip with a 50mm 3K carbon rail bonded under the outer rail PVC layer.


The length you choose largely depends on what you will use your board for. The general rule of thumb is longer boards are faster than shorter boards, but shorter boards are more manoeuvrable.


Width - beginners may find a wider board more comfortable and stable initially, going narrower for speed and manoeuvrability.

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The HONU Byron is a great example of a planing hull.

The HONU Byron is a great example of a planing hull - A planing hull is flat and wide, similar to a surfboard. It is designed to ride on top of the water and be very maneuverable. Boards with planing hulls are a good choice for leisure paddling, surfing, SUP yoga and whitewater.

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The HONU Sorrento is a great example of a displacement hull.

The HONU Sorrento is a great example of a Displacement hull - SUPs with displacement hulls have a pointed nose or bow (front end) similar to that of a kayak or canoe. The hull slices through water, pushing the water around the nose to the sides of the SUP to improve efficiency and create a fast, smooth ride.


If you are looking for a short board the Honu Airlie 8'6'' Kids All Rounder / Perfect Day is the perfect Short board (under 10’). These type of boards are the best for surfing and/or kids. These usually always have a planing hull. 


Looking for an all-rounder, then look no further than the Honu Seaton 10'8'' Clear Waters - Compact All Round SUP! this is the perfect Medium board (10’ to 12’) and ideal for all-round use and SUP yoga. These boards come in a mix of planing and displacement hulls. 


Want to go the distance? Then The Honu Sorrento 12'6'' Touring iSUP is the perfect Long board measuring at (12.6’) this board is best for fast paddling and long-distance touring. These boards mainly have displacement hulls.


Consider:

  • Type of paddling:

  • Body Type:

  • Experience Level:

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The HONU fin comes with the board.


HONU SUP boards come with a Single Fin: This is one large fin directly in the back centre of the board near the tail. The fin itself can range from 8” to 10” in length, helping the board to track along the water and face any waves whilst surfing.

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Paddle this way to discover the magic of HONU!


The Honu Evo 3 Piece is a high quality paddle, with great functionality, a rock solid feel and very good performance. Its modern high-aspect blade shape is best suited to those with good technique, and its high stiffness factor makes it particularly relevant to the larger paddler.


The Honu Evo 3 Piece Paddle is available in either the Bamboo Carbon version, with three different color ways, and also the full carbon version.


The Element Paddle combines a virtually indestructible nylon blade with the same high quality carbon-fiber shaft.

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The HONU e-pump

The Honu e-Pump is a 12V electric SUP pump designed to get you on the water with ease. Just set your desired pressure which can be anything up to 22 PSI, and hit start. The two-stage pump then gets to work and will inflate your board in 5-8 minutes, depending on the board volume.


All HONU boards come with a heavy-duty roller bag, leash, fins, and a high-quality GRI double action pump. HONU do not include a paddle as standard.


At The Official Test Centre you can enjoy some SUP Tuition, It costs £35.00 for One hour of tuition, including kit hire (board, paddle, leash and wetsuit). Looking for SUP HIre? It Costs £15.00 per hour to rent a board, paddle, leash and wetsuit. We have plenty of boards available, but for big groups call the centre to reserve prior to arrival. Click here to book online. or call 07817 717904.


All the details for the HONU DEMO day are below; it is a wonderful opportunity to really immerse yourself and try all the different boards and get the best advice!


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HONU DEMO DAY tomorrow at The OTC!








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