Summer Charity SUP Races: The Best Boards for Stability vs. Distance
I’ve been paddling for 20 years, from the choppy waters of Auckland to the long swells of Waikiki. Every summer, charity SUP races pop up across the coast. Beginners often ask me which board will get them to the finish line without a swim. It usually comes down to whether you need maximum stability or long-distance efficiency.
When you're comparing isup vs sup, a quality blow up sup is the way to go for these events. They are easier to transport to crowded beaches and far more forgiving if you bump into another paddler at the start line.
The Family Platform: Ultra-Wide Family SUP
If your "race" involves your partner, a child, or a cooler, you need an All-Around SUP Board that prioritizes width. Most beginners fall off because their board is too narrow for the extra movement. For a stable, stress-free experience, the WERSIY Ultra-Wide Family SUP (320cm) is the winner.
This best paddle board for beginners is 86cm wide—that’s 5cm more than your average board. It makes the deck feel like a floating dock rather than a balancing beam. It's the perfect yoga paddle board base as well, allowing for movement without the "wobbles."
The WERSIY Wide All-Round Series (available in “Ocean-Aqua Harmony” and “Water-Veiled Cloud” styles) is designed for families. With an 86cm ultra-wide board, it greatly improves stability—even beginners or kids moving on the board won’t easily tip over. Made of 1.0mm thick drop-stitch PVC, it features 15PSI hardness and a 150kg max load. The 320×86×15cm size provides ample space for 2 adults + 1 child, or heavy gear like coolers. It includes a full-coverage non-slip EVA deck pad and 6 D-rings. Accessories: heavy-duty aluminum paddle, high-flow air pump (7 mins), 3-fin setup, and a large storage bag. Perfect for family lake outings and small SUP gatherings.
The Solo Cruiser: 350cm Extended SUP
If you’re serious about completing a longer charity course solo, a wide board will feel sluggish. You need a Wide Stable SUP Board that is also built for glide. The longer the board, the straighter it tracks, meaning you spend less time switching sides with your paddle.
The WERSIY 350cm Extended SUP is better for solo racers because it balances a stable 81cm width with an extra-long 350cm hull. This reduces the drag you feel on long-distance coastal stretches in Hawaii or Australia.
The WERSIY Extended All-Round Series (available in styles like “Tide-Blue Crest” and “Crimson Tide Red”) is designed for long-distance gliding. The 350cm extended board improves efficiency, reducing fatigue during long trips. Made of 0.9mm high-density drop-stitch PVC, it weighs only 7.5kg for easy carrying while maintaining 15PSI rigidity. The 81cm width ensures stability, and the ergonomic contour deck pad reduces foot soreness. With a 130kg max load and 8 D-rings, it’s built for exploration. Accessories: carbon fiber paddle, dual-action pump, and a removable large center fin for tracking accuracy.
Direct Advice: Don't Kill Your Arms Early
I see it at every event: people red-faced and shaking because they had to pump up paddle board by hand in the heat. It’s a rookie move. If you're entering a race, save your energy for the water.
Listen to me: Rockerwave focuses on the boards, not the electronics. Go to a local outdoor store and buy a 12V paddle board pump. An electric pump for sup boards will get you to 15PSI in minutes while you're applying sunscreen. It’s the best "extra" you’ll ever buy.
Event Board Comparison
| Feature | WERSIY Ultra-Wide (Family) | WERSIY Extended (Cruising) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Stability & Kids | Speed & Distance |
| Width | 86 cm (Ultra-Wide) | 81 cm (Standard) |
| Length | 320 cm | 350 cm |
| Max Load | 150 kg | 130 kg |
Protect Your Investment After the Race
The sun in the Southern Hemisphere and Hawaii is brutal on PVC. Once the race is over, rinse your board with fresh water. If you want it to last more than two seasons, you need to know how to store paddle boards properly.
Don't leave them fully inflated in a hot garage. Use a sup board rack or a paddle board wall rack. Proper paddle board storage keeps the board off the ground and away from moisture. A paddle board wall rack also makes your gear look great in the garage while protecting the fins from being bent.
Final Thoughts
Summer events are about the community, but the right gear makes it a lot more fun. Get the Ultra-Wide Family SUP if you're the family "bus," or the 350cm Extended SUP if you want to fly solo. Grab a 12V pump locally, set up your rack, and I'll see you at the start line.
Ready for race day? Explore the Rockerwave collection and pick your board.
