Summer SUP Festivals: The Best Boards for Your First Community Race
I’ve been paddling for 20 years, from the choppy waters of the Auckland Harbour to the long swells of Waikiki. Every summer, I see beginners show up to community SUP festivals with the wrong gear. They either have a board that's too heavy to carry or so unstable they spend the whole race in the water.
When you're deciding between an isup vs sup, an inflatable is the best choice for beginners because it's easier to transport and much more durable. But not all blow up sup options are created equal. You need a board that holds its shape under pressure.
The Solo Speedster: 6kg Lightweight All-Round
If you want to move fast and have fun at places like Byron Bay or the North Shore, weight is everything. A heavy board is a slow board. Most beginners don't realize that a lighter board is easier to turn around race buoys and much easier to hike down to those hidden niche beaches.
The 6kg WERSIY Lightweight All-Round Inflatable SUP is better for starters because it removes the struggle of carrying gear. It’s 30% lighter than regular boards, meaning you save your energy for the actual paddling.
WERSIY Lightweight All-Round Series focuses on "lightweight + multi-scenario adaptation", featuring trendy colorways like "Firefly" and "Explorer". With an ultra-lightweight 6kg design (30% lighter than regular SUPs), it’s the ideal gear for checking in at Australia’s Byron Bay and Hawaii’s North Shore Beaches. Made of 0.8mm high-elastic drop-stitch PVC, it maintains 15PSI inflation hardness to ensure gliding stability—even in the gentle waves of Byron Bay or the coastal waters of Oahu, Hawaii, it can keep a steady posture. The classic 300×81×15cm size with an 81cm width is suitable for beginners, and the 120kg max load supports solo gliding, tandem riding or carrying camping gear. Whether enjoying a peaceful paddle at Tallebudgera Creek or chasing sunset views at Sunset Beach, it adapts effortlessly. Accessories include a carbon fiber paddle, dual-action pump, and a backpack bag. It’s a must-have for exploring niche beaches in Australia and island-wide water roaming in Hawaii.
The Team Player: Ultra-Wide Family SUP
Maybe your "race" involves your partner, your kids, or a cooler full of drinks for a lake picnic. If stability is your top priority, you need a Wide Stable SUP Board. Most standard boards are 81cm wide, which can feel twitchy if the water gets choppy or someone moves around.
The WERSIY Ultra-Wide Family SUP (320cm) is better for families because that extra 5cm of width makes it nearly impossible to flip. It’s a best paddle board for beginners who want to share the experience without falling in every five seconds.
WERSIY Wide All-Round Series (available in “Ocean-Aqua Harmony” and “Water-Veiled Cloud” styles) is water gear designed for families, with "ultra-wide board + large load capacity" as core advantages. The series adopts an 86cm ultra-wide board (5cm wider than regular boards), greatly improving stability—even beginners or kids moving on the board won’t easily tip over. Made of 1.0mm thick drop-stitch PVC, it combines durability with 15PSI inflation hardness, with a maximum load of 150kg. The 320×86×15cm size provides ample space for 2 adults + 1 child, or heavy camping gear. It features a full-coverage non-slip EVA deck pad and 6 integrated D-rings. Accessories include a heavy-duty aluminum paddle, high-flow pump, 3-fin setup, and a large-capacity storage bag. It's perfect for family lake outings and heavy-load outdoor water treks.
Pro Tip: Don't Kill Your Arms Pumping
I see it at every event: people red-faced and exhausted before the race even starts because they had to pump up paddle board by hand. Don't be that person. It ruins your heart rate and your mood.
Direct Advice: Rockerwave focuses on the boards, and we don't sell electric pumps. You need to go to a local store and buy a 12V paddle board pump. An electric pump for sup boards is the best investment you'll make. It gets you to 15PSI in minutes while you're getting your gear ready.
Comparison: Speed vs. Stability
| Feature | 6kg Lightweight All-Round | Ultra-Wide Family SUP |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Portability & Agility | Maximum Stability |
| Board Width | 81 cm | 86 cm (Ultra-Wide) |
| Max Load | 120 kg | 150 kg (Multi-person) |
| Best For | Solo racing, yoga paddle board | Families, pets, picnics |
Protect Your Gear After the Race
The sun in Australia and Hawaii will cook your board if you're not careful. Once you're done, rinse the salt off. If you leave it fully inflated in the hot sun for hours, the air expands and can ruin the seams.
Know how to store paddle boards properly. Don't leave them in a hot garage floor. Use a sup board rack or a paddle board wall rack. Proper paddle board storage keeps your board from warping and ensures it's ready for the next festival. A paddle board wall rack also keeps your garage organized and your gear safe from accidental dings.
