Pro Choice: Cruising vs. Racing SUPs for Hawaii and Australia Coastal Events
I’ve been paddling for 20 years. I’ve seen beginners show up to charity races in Hawaii or local events in Australia with cheap, saggy boards that feel like wet noodles. If you want to finish in the top half of the pack, you need to understand the isup vs sup performance gap.
A high-end blow up sup can actually beat a hard board if it’s engineered correctly. For beginners in NZ, AU, and Hawaii looking to transition into Touring Paddle Board missions or Race SUP competitions, the choice comes down to "Cruise" vs "Sprint."
The Expedition King: Pro WERSIY Cruising SUP
If your goal is a cross-water expedition or advanced coastal cruising, you need a board that tracks straight but can still handle a bit of gear. This is for the person who wants to paddle from one island to the next or explore the East Coast for four hours straight.
The Pro WERSIY Cruising SUP (Up to 395cm) is better for advanced navigators because its 18PSI high rigidity and streamlined 78cm width minimize drag while maintaining enough stability for long sessions. It feels nearly as stiff as a hard board but fits in your car trunk.
The WERSIY Cruising Series (including “Aqua-Shade Blue 380”) is professional-grade long-distance navigation gear. It features a streamlined narrow design (78cm width) to reduce water resistance. Made of 1.1mm ultra-thick drop-stitch PVC with reinforced side rails, it reaches 18PSI inflation hardness. The deck pad only covers the standing area to reduce weight, and optional foot straps allow for aggressive paddling. The 3-fin setup improves tracking in currents. It comes with a 0.7kg ultra-light carbon fiber paddle, a high-pressure pump (18PSI in 10 mins), and a hard-shell storage case. It is built for advanced cruising and precision expeditions.
The Speed Demon: Pro WERSIY Racing SUP
When the race whistle blows, every centimeter of width is your enemy. You need a Race Paddle Board that is narrow enough to fly but rigid enough not to flex under a powerful stroke. For serious training in Waikiki or the Gold Coast, this is the specialized tool you need.
The Pro WERSIY Racing SUP (400cm) is better for competition because it pushes the limits with 20PSI extreme rigidity. At only 71cm wide, it’s the narrowest board we make. This is designed for pure speed and podium finishes.
The WERSIY Racing Series (available in "Vital Leaf Green" and "Blossom Aura Pink") is a professional competitive SUP. It uses a 71cm ultra-narrow width and 400cm length with a pointed bow to kill resistance. Made of 1.2mm high-modulus drop-stitch PVC with carbon fiber reinforcement, it reaches a massive 20PSI. The board is ultra-light at 8kg. It features a low-profile design, integrated foot straps, and a single large center fin for maximum tracking accuracy. Accessories include a fixed 2.6m carbon racing paddle, a high-pressure electric air pump (20PSI in 8 mins), and a quick-release low-drag leash. This is the ultimate gear for speed training and professional competitions.
The Pro Tip: Don't Hand Pump to 20PSI
I’m going to be straight with you: hand-pumping a board to 20PSI is a nightmare. You’ll be too tired to paddle. Save your strength for the best paddle board for beginners and pro-level events alike.
Listen to me: Rockerwave focuses on the boards, but you must buy a 12V paddle board pump locally. An electric pump for sup boards will save your race day. While it pumps, you can focus on your yoga paddle board stretches or checking the wind forecast.
Speed vs. Expedition Comparison
| Feature | Pro Cruising SUP (Navigation) | Pro Racing SUP (Competition) |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 78 cm (Straight & Stable) | 71 cm (Ultra-Narrow Speed) |
| Max Pressure | 18 PSI | 20 PSI (Extreme) |
| Material | 1.1mm Reinforced PVC | 1.2mm High-Modulus Carbon Reinforcement |
| Best For | Cross-water Expeditions | High-Intensity Racing |
Protect Your Gear
Professional PVC is tough, but the sun in Australia and Hawaii will eat any board if you aren't smart. Rinse the salt off every time. If you want to know how to store paddle boards properly, keep them out of direct sunlight when not in use.
Use a sup board rack or a paddle board wall rack in your garage. Proper paddle board storage ensures your racing hull stays perfectly flat. A paddle board wall rack also keeps your expensive carbon fins from getting stepped on in the garage.
Final Thoughts
If you want to spend the whole day exploring the coast with precision, get the Pro Cruising SUP. If you want to win, get the Pro Racing SUP. Grab an electric pump locally, hang up your rack, and I'll see you at the start line.
Ready to compete? Check out the Rockerwave pro series today.
