Speed & Performance: Choosing the Best Pro Paddle Board for AU and HI Races
I’ve been paddling for 20 years. I’ve seen the sport evolve from bulky hard boards to high-performance inflatables that can actually win races. If you’re a beginner in New Zealand, Australia, or Hawaii looking to step into the competitive scene, you need to stop looking at "all-around" boards and start looking at speed.
When discussing isup vs sup, the main advantage of a high-end blow up sup is the stiffness-to-weight ratio. A best paddle board for beginners is fine for the bay, but for a race, you need something that cuts through the water like a knife.
The Expedition Specialist: Pro Cruising SUP
If your goal is to explore the coast of Oahu or the East Coast of Australia over several hours, you need a Touring Paddle Board that balances speed with enough stability to handle mild currents. You need a board that maintains its shape even when loaded with safety gear.
The Pro WERSIY Cruising SUP (Up to 395cm) is better for professionals and advanced explorers because its 18PSI rigidity mimics a hard board. This ensures that every ounce of your energy goes into forward motion, not into the board flexing in the middle of a swell.
The WERSIY Cruising Series is a professional-grade long-distance navigation gear. It features a streamlined narrow design (78cm width) to reduce water resistance, suitable for maintaining speed. Made of 1.1mm ultra-thick drop-stitch PVC, it reaches 18PSI inflation hardness for excellent gliding performance, with a 140kg max load. The deck is optimized for efficiency with a reduced-weight non-slip pad and optional foot straps. A 3-fin setup improves tracking accuracy even in mild currents. Accessories include a 0.7kg ultra-light full carbon fiber paddle, a high-pressure pump, and a hard-shell storage case. It’s perfect for advanced cruising and cross-water expeditions.
The Podium Chaser: Pro Racing SUP
When the starting whistle blows at a beach festival, you don't want a board that's "stable." You want a board that's fast. A Race SUP is designed for one thing: velocity. These boards are narrower, which requires better balance, but the payoff in speed is massive.
The Pro WERSIY Racing SUP (400cm) is better for competition because it hits 20PSI extreme rigidity. At 71cm wide, it is the narrowest and fastest board we offer. If you’re serious about high-intensity speed training at Bondi or Waikiki, this is the gear you need.
The WERSIY Racing Series is a professional competitive SUP using "ultra-narrow board + high-modulus material" for extreme speed. It features a 71cm width and 400cm length with a pointed bow to minimize resistance. Made of 1.2mm high-modulus drop-stitch PVC with carbon fiber reinforcement, it reaches 20PSI inflation hardness—equivalent to hard racing boards. The board is streamlined for performance, weighing only 8kg. It includes integrated foot straps and a single large center fin for precise tracking. Accessories include a fixed 2.6m carbon racing paddle, a high-pressure electric pump (20PSI in 8 minutes), and a low-drag racing leash. This is professional racing gear designed to push the limits.
Direct Advice: High Pressure Requires the Right Tools
Hand-pumping a board to 18 or 20PSI is a brutal workout. If you do it manually, your legs and arms will be shaking before the race even starts. That is a recipe for losing.
Pro Tip: Rockerwave focuses on the boards, not the pumps. You need to go to a local shop and buy a 12V paddle board pump. An electric pump for sup boards is essential for these pro-level boards. You can set it to 20PSI, walk away, and focus on your yoga paddle board warm-up or race strategy while the machine does the hard work.
Speed Comparison: Cruising vs. Racing
| Feature | Pro Cruising SUP (395cm) | Pro Racing SUP (400cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 78 cm (Navigation Stability) | 71 cm (Extreme Speed) |
| Max Pressure | 18 PSI | 20 PSI |
| Weight | Reinforced / Durable | 8kg (Ultra-light Competition) |
| Best For | Expeditions & Touring | Podium Racing & Training |
Protect Your Speed: Storage Matters
High-modulus PVC doesn't like being dragged across hot asphalt or left in the midday sun. Salt buildup can also ruin the 3-fin setup or the racing fin box. Rinse your gear with fresh water after every session at Noosa or Sunset Beach.
Know how to store paddle boards correctly. Don't leave them inflated in a hot car. Use a sup board rack or a paddle board wall rack in your garage to keep them off the floor. Proper paddle board storage prevents the board from warping, ensuring the hull stays perfectly flat for your next race. A paddle board wall rack also keeps your racing fins safe from being bent or snapped.
Final Thoughts
If you're ready to stop being a spectator and start being a competitor, choose your tool. The Pro Cruising SUP is for the long-distance navigator, while the Pro Racing SUP is for the speed demon. Grab a 12V pump, set up your rack, and I'll see you on the water.
Ready to win? Shop the Rockerwave professional collection today.
