Summer Racing & Touring: Best Boards for Australia & Hawaii | Rockerwave
I’ve been on the water for 20 years. I’ve paddled the coastlines of the Gold Coast and the calm bays of Waikiki. When you start looking at isup vs sup, the main thing to remember is that modern inflatables are now stiff enough to compete in local community races.
A blow up sup is great for road trips across New Zealand or Hawaii because you don't need a roof rack. But as you progress, you’ll find that the best paddle boards for beginners aren't always the best for long-distance missions. You need a board that tracks straight and glides efficiently.
The Long-Distance Cruiser: 350cm Extended SUP
If your goal is to explore the coast for hours without your feet going numb, you need an ergonomic setup. A standard board can get tiring. For those long morning glides at Byron Bay, you want a board that minimizes fatigue.
The WERSIY 350cm Extended SUP – Ergonomic Comfort for Long-Distance Gliding is better for recreational explorers because it prioritizes comfort over raw aggression. It’s light, stable, and designed to keep you moving without killing your back.
The WERSIY Extended All-Round Series (available in styles like “Tide-Blue Crest” and “Crimson Tide Red”) is designed for long-distance gliding, with "extended board + ergonomics" as the core to enhance comfort. The series uses a 350cm extended board (20-50cm longer than regular SUPs), improving gliding efficiency—each paddle stroke covers more distance, reducing fatigue during long trips. Made of 0.9mm high-density drop-stitch PVC, it maintains 15PSI inflation hardness for stability, with a single board only 7.5kg for easy carrying. The 81cm width ensures basic stability, and the 15cm thickness provides sufficient buoyancy (max load 130kg). The deck pad adopts an ergonomic contour design (thickened in the standing area) to reduce foot soreness. Accessories include a high-efficiency carbon fiber paddle, a dual-action air pump, and a removable large center fin for tracking accuracy.
The Speed Specialist: Pro Cruising SUP
For those entering summer races or cross-water expeditions, you need rigidity. If your board flexes when you paddle hard, you’re losing speed. In open water at the North Shore or the East Coast, a streamlined shape is your best friend.
The Pro WERSIY Cruising SUP (Up to 395cm) – 18PSI High Rigidity for Speed & Precision is better for performance-oriented paddlers because it reaches 18PSI. This makes it feel nearly identical to a hard board, giving you the precision needed for competitive paddling.
The WERSIY Cruising Series (including models like “Aqua-Shade Blue 380”) is a professional-grade long-distance navigation gear. It features a streamlined narrow design (78cm width, up to 395cm length) to reduce water resistance. Made of 1.1mm ultra-thick drop-stitch PVC with reinforced side rails, it can reach 18PSI inflation hardness to ensure excellent gliding performance (max load 140kg). The deck is optimized for efficiency with weight-reducing non-slip pads and optional integrated foot straps for aggressive paddling. The 3-fin setup improves tracking accuracy, maintaining straight gliding even in currents. Accessories include a 0.7kg ultra-light full carbon fiber paddle, a high-pressure pump (18PSI in 10 minutes), and a hard-shell storage case.
Direct Advice: The Pumping and Storage Reality
Don’t be the person sweating on the beach for 15 minutes before a race. If you have to pump up paddle board by hand, you’re going to be exhausted before you start. It’s a bad way to begin a session.
Pro Tip: Rockerwave focuses on the boards, but we don't sell pumps due to shipping battery rules. Go to a local marine or camping shop and buy a 12V paddle board pump. An electric pump for sup boards is the best investment you’ll make. While it works, you can focus on your yoga paddle board stretches or checking the wind conditions.
Comparison: Comfort vs. Speed
| Feature | WERSIY 350cm Extended (Cruiser) | Pro WERSIY Cruising (Racer) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Leisurely Long Distance | Advanced Cruising & Speed |
| Max PSI | 15 PSI | 18 PSI (Ultra Rigid) |
| Width | 81 cm (Stable) | 78 cm (Fast) |
| Paddle | Carbon Fiber Telescoping | Ultra-Light Full Carbon (0.7kg) |
Don't Waste Your Money on Poor Maintenance
I’ve seen great boards ruined by bad storage. The sun in Australia and Hawaii will eventually kill any PVC if you leave it out. You need to know how to store paddle boards so they last. Rinse the salt off every single time.
Once you’re home, don’t leave them in the bag on a wet garage floor. Use a sup board rack or a paddle board wall rack. Proper paddle board storage keeps the board dry and safe from punctures. A paddle board wall rack also makes your gear a part of your home décor instead of a trip hazard in the hallway.
Final Thoughts
If you want a relaxing summer exploring hidden coves, get the WERSIY 350cm Extended. If you want to push your limits and join local races, the Pro WERSIY Cruising is the tool for the job. Grab a 12V pump locally, set up your rack, and I’ll see you at the start line.
Ready to step up? Shop the Rockerwave collection today and find your perfect ride.
