How to Speak SUP

The foam layer glued to the top of a board for grip and traction.

A special deck attachment that connects the tie-downs.

When a board slides laterally across the water’s surface. Minimised by fins and runners.

A moulded plastic foil attached to the underside of a board to give the rider extra control.

Term describing how smoothly a board runs over the water – ‘The glide on this board is great.’

The front end of a board.

The edge of a board. Thicker rails give greater stability.

The curve in a board from nose to tail. Flat rocker for speed; more rocker for manoeuvrability.

A straight, plastic insert into a board that helps prevent drift.

The back end of a board.

An elasticated cord running across the deckpad for holding objects (eg a dry bag), in place.

Abbreviation of stand-up paddleboarding. Refers to both the sport and the board.

A big ripple in the water caused by storms at sea. As this ripple comes towards shore it breaks (caused by an underwater sandbank), creating waves.

The volume of a paddleboard (air capacity in an inflatable) is a useful indicator of its size and rider suitability.