People were already paddling on the original windsurfer in the 1970s when it was calm. Back then, it was more of a sitting position. Stand-up paddleboarding is now called "SUP", is a trend sport and has special boards. But why not combine the pleasurable with the useful? Because what the forefathers already knew on the original windsurfer still works just as well today - only the other way round. The family SUP can be converted into a windsurfer in just a few simple steps when there is "too much wind to paddle". This is because boards of around ten to a good eleven feet in length (around 3.20 to 3.50 metres) are just as suitable for moderate SUP tours if they are wide enough as they are for windsurfing beginners to practise tacking and jibing, for trapeze surfing and on some models even up to the first gliding feeling at four Beaufort. The inflatable WindSUPs in particular, with an optional fin just behind the centre of the board, conquer a small, fine windsurfing niche. The thick, round edges, which are almost identically shaped on all inflatable boards, offer hardly any support against lateral drift. Even surfing back and forth across the wind is difficult even for experienced windsurfers - turning upwind is almost impossible for intermediates. However, with a "centre fin" or, in the case of the hardboards, even a real folding centreboard, as well as an integrated mast foot holder, all the boards in this test are at least reasonably or even very well equipped for windsurfing in lighter winds.
WindSUPs on land:
Before we introduce you to the test models, here are a few tips on the right size:
Ideal sizes
Several models are available in alternative sizes to our test boards. This allows the characteristics to be further customised to individual requirements. Board lengths between around 9'6" and 10'8" (the length specifications in feet and inches are common for SUPs, we have added the metre specifications to the board data) have proven to be the optimal, compact length for windsurfing. Tacking and jibing with smaller sails also work particularly well on these boards. From around eleven feet in length, the focus is more on straight-line performance - which makes these boards ideal for touring paddling. Tacking and jibing with sails, however, requires much more active steering and is hardly possible with children's sails. The 3.65 metre (almost 12 foot) long and quite narrow "Windsurfer" hardboard is a real challenge for windsurfing beginners when jibing.
The smaller the sails used, the shorter the board should be.
In terms of width, 32 inches (81cm) is a good minimum size for combined use with a paddle and sail, which should not be too much for most intermediates. Widths of up to 34 inches (86cm) are available for heavier surfers, in choppy areas or if the SUP is also to be used as a family coach - these are then very solid, stable boards with maximum safety padding.
Equipment - far above discounters
Additional rubber tear-off edges on Starboard and Indiana, foot straps on the iG0, large centre fins on GunSails and RRD - such features have their price and also show the difference to average goods and discounter products. Brands such as JP-Australia and Starboard, for example, weld large parts of the seams and double the edges with extra reinforcements. The board from Indiana also looks particularly solidly reinforced. The board from F2, which is often offered as a price promotion, performed well on the water, but there are hardly any special reinforcements - which makes for a low weight. The rucksacks are almost all of high quality and solid, some are equipped with wheels. On the other hand, you have to make do with a simple bag in the F2 package.
In the following clip, we present the test boards to you in detail. You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel from surf !
The WindSUPs on the water
Altitude run
With inflatable boards, how well a board rides upwind - i.e. how well it can turn upwind - depends primarily on the fin surface. The edge shapes are almost identically round due to the design, which is hardly any different for inflatable boards. However, the glued-on sharp tear-off edges on Indiana and Starboard are an exception. GunSails and RRD are optimally equipped for light winds with huge fins in the centre, but all other boards also allow the somewhat experienced intermediate rider to get home safely.
However, if you want to go on a long windsurfing tour, the hardboards with a folding centreboard are the best choice.
Upgrading a SUP for windsurfing is super easy in principle and works well up to three wind forces. You can also get a taste of glide surfing with some boards. But you shouldn't expect anything more.
Glide surfing - mainly half throttle
First things first: an inflatable board is no substitute for a real hardboard for planing in the footstraps. And the two hardboards (Windsurfer and Tahe) are also no substitute for a classic large freeride board. But anyone who has ever experienced the first kick of acceleration on a Windsurfer, Starboard or Indiana, when the water breaks off at the tail and a white, foaming track is left behind, will get more than just a small taste of fast planing windsurfing. "Centreboard in, fin out" - that brings speed. On hardboards, the centreboard is simply folded in; on inflatable boards, the removal of the centre fin ensures less resistance, although turning up requires a lot of practice. Large and stiff fins at the back, as on Starboard or Indiana, help with this. This means that these boards do not come close to the qualities of classic "pure" windsurf boards with a centreboard. But they have the big SUP plus in the back. Even if you have long since reached the next level in windsurfing, they still remain a fully-fledged SUP board.
Manoeuvre
Just as every extra foot of length improves the straight-line performance, the turning characteristics deteriorate. The liveliest boards are only just over 10 feet long and make basic windsurfing manoeuvres easier.
Stand-up paddling
Most boards receive a full five stars as "SUP". The SUP qualities are different, but each of these boards is fully suitable in its league: the short inflatable boards are more of a family all-rounder for shorter tours, while the iSUP boards over 11 feet are also suitable for longer distances. Their preferred habitat is leisurely rivers and calm lakes. The iSUPs score points with their small pack size and good suitability as (children's) swimming islands. Hardboards - two were tested - are heavier and there are more suitable surfaces for sunbathing. On the other hand, there is no need to inflate them. In addition, the "glide" - the almost weightless gliding after each paddle stroke - is a pleasure on laminated hardboards, especially on longer tours. The greater length of the windsurfer and the Tahe Performer Wind also help you to progress more quickly and with greater directional stability.
The tested WindSUPs
The test reports:
Duo Eco 10'6" x 33"
One third hard, two thirds inflatable - the "Duo" concept aims to combine the advantages of both worlds with its laminated tail and soft bow. In fact, the shape of a real surfboard is possible in the rear section (photo left), which, based on the experience of previous tests, makes it possible to surf smaller waves, even if not at the level of a real hardboard - a little "inflatable feeling" is always retained. Only the front part is inflated - with less pressure. This - otherwise tedious work - is so easy to do. For windsurfing, the board was properly upgraded for the test with five fins in the tail, which enables the minimum required upwind running even without a centreboard or centre fin - intermediates also learn the necessary sensitivity when turning upwind, which is also required later for short planing windboards. Of course, it is not possible to run upwind at such steep angles to the wind as with a large centre fin. When stand-up paddling and windsurfing, the rider stands on the soft part just before the separating edge; the comparatively thin board is more stable in the water than pure inflatables. During windsurfing manoeuvres, the tail can even be pushed back into the water with a wide step. This even makes plate jibes possible, even if you have to stretch quite a bit - the mast foot is quite far forward. The duo is an acceptable cruiser for intermediates, but the numerous fins and the strong rocker (tail bend) slow the board down a little when the wind picks up. Leisurely SUP tours in flat water are just as possible as paddling in small waves. surf conclusion: A very special concept that lies between iSUPs and hardboards in terms of space requirements.
F2Glide WS 10'2"
The Glide is not only the lightest board in the test, but is also particularly small to roll due to the soft, thin material. Even though there has been a noticeable reduction in the amount of material used, the six-inch thick board doesn't really feel any softer on the water and is equally suitable for stand-up paddling and windsurfing. As a special feature, two centre fins are mounted far forward in sliding boxes. When windsurfing, the overall large fin area ensured good upwind performance in light winds, but as the sail draft increased, the centre fins developed noticeably more life of their own. We were also able to windsurf the board with only one of the two centre fins in wind forces of around four. Thanks to its short length and central mast foot position, it turns equally quickly when tacking and jibing and is therefore also suitable for smaller (children's) sails. The colourful pad is elaborately glued as a mosaic, while other equipment details include four eyelets for attaching a canoe seat and a neat luggage net. Two of the three fins at the rear are glued in place, which requires a little more care when rolling in. With a width of 32 inches, it is one of the narrower iSUPs, but still offers sufficient stability when paddling. The paddle can be used straight, the board runs straight with three fins in the tail, the numerous boxes slow it down a little.
Surfing verdict: As a slightly narrower board, the F2 should appeal to lighter windsurfing beginners and kids in particular. A large fin area is recommended with a windsurf sail, especially in light winds. For paddling distances that are not too long, you also get a SUP that is easy to turn. The F2 is available for Fun Sport Vision or Otto available.
GtsCruiser Surf 11'6" x 32.5"
As a premium SUP brand, the GTS offers all the features that the discerning touring paddler desires. No wonder - the Cruiser is a genuine stand-up board. But with a windsurfing option. The paddling characteristics are impeccable, the bow tip is additionally reinforced on the underside - paddlers like to be a little more robust on the gravel beach - and numerous handles make the board really suitable for touring. There are also some nice extras: The valve, for example, is elegantly covered with a PVC lid. For windsurfing, the cruiser has been fitted with a second fin and a mast foot holder - and the result is a well-functioning light wind windsurfing board. The flat but pointed nose also cuts through the choppy waves well when windsurfing, and when the wind picks up, you can easily stand on the windward edge and get plenty of height without the board capsizing. The fin set-up appears to be well suited to the most important wind range of four to ten knots, and the sliding fins are quick and easy to fit. The centre fin can also be left out in stronger winds. Barefoot, the less structured pad is a little less grippy, but still sufficiently non-slip for windsurfing. The mast foot is positioned almost in the centre of the board, so the board can still be steered well in both directions despite its generous length. In choppy water, the board is not quite as firm as the shorter, wider RRD, for example, and feels a little softer underfoot, similar to the boards from JP-Australia or F2. surf conclusion: GTS has upgraded a top SUP with good windsurfing characteristics for light winds.
GunSailsCruz'Air 10'6" x 34"
Short and wide, the board from GunSails has similar proportions to the representatives from RRD or JP-Australia. In contrast to the straight-line Starboard, the outline favours maximum width at the front and a narrow tail - with correspondingly rounded curves. When windsurfing, as when paddling, the 86 centimetre width at the base of the mast ensures very good tipping stability. This conveys a secure feeling and the perceived very good stiffness (similar to RRD, somewhat "firmer" than F2 and GTS) also contributes to this. The particularly large centre fin offers guidance like an unfolded daggerboard in light winds and makes it much easier for less experienced windsurfers to go upwind - and thus often to get home safely. The centre fin is mounted in a normal fin box and can also be swapped for a smaller model in stronger winds. This can be useful when surfing in three to four wind forces with a pull in the sail and harness. All large centre fins then develop a tendency to cross upwind rather than heading downwind. With good wind in the sail, the board with the narrow tail accelerates well, but does not quite achieve the light-footed semi-planing like the models with an additional trailing edge; it looks more like the F2, JP-Australia or RRD. The turning characteristics with sail are good, paddling only becomes a little wobbly when one foot is placed far back on the narrow stern for a sporty "pivot turn". In a straight line, the board paddles smoothly for its width and can take a good load. surf conclusion: A good all-rounder with a particularly large centre fin and therefore particularly suitable for windsurfing in light winds. The board from GunSails is e.g. available at Decathlon .
IndianaWind & Wing Allround 10'6" x 32"
A really special feature of the board from the Swiss brand Indiana is the all-round, sharp tear-off edge at the rear of the board. The effect on the water is clearly noticeable: as with the Starboard iGO, the board can free itself from the suction effect at the tail as speed increases. The water current then "tears" cleanly off the edge without sucking up the tail. The result is a noticeable advantage, especially for surfers who sometimes go out on the water in a solid four-force wind and perhaps even with a harness: namely a little more speed with noticeably less drag. With a width of 32 inches, the board is one of the more sporty models, but certainly not too demanding for windsurfing beginners, but a touch more light-footed and "sporty" when paddling. Indiana relies on a hull that is only 4 3/4 inches thick. This provides a good surfboard feeling and only slightly restricts the payload thanks to the solid construction. For our 80-kilo testers, the rigidity was absolutely sufficient and the upturned bow makes the board easy to push over smaller waves when windsurfing. Speciality number two are the centre fins - two medium-sized fins next to each other. Together, these two fins offer enough surface area for safe upwind riding, while the small track holders are so soft that they don't get in the way too much even when the wind picks up. The large fin in the tail is really stiff, which further enhances the gliding feeling. The mast foot holder is glued on without weakening the hull and very elegantly integrated under the pad. The board is available e.g. at Bergfreunde .
surf conclusion: Top windsurf SUP with the best "gliding properties" among the inflatable boards.
I-99Windsurfer LT
There is a worldwide regatta scene for the windsurfer (identical boards are available from several brands) and you can feel this pedigree in many details: the large race centreboard (smaller amateur version is available) protrudes from the top of the board when folded, the hull is comparatively narrow and very stretched. xx.x kilos make handling on land noticeably more difficult, but once in the water, this is no longer noticeable. You almost automatically step onto the centreboard with your foot - after the somewhat wobbly sail catch-up - and when fully unfolded you get great height and the board is easy to edge. We recommend the smaller centreboard for windsurfing beginners. With this, the qualities when turning upwind are still very good, but the board rides a tad tamer and the centreboard is no longer "in the way". However, the frequent use of the centreboard remains a challenge for delicate feet. Good windsurfers will probably enjoy the board the most - very fast on all courses and the best "glider" in the field in wind speeds between 2 and 12 knots. On room courses, you get a real feeling of speed in four knots of wind, but real planing jibes are still not the order of the day on such long boards. Although the board is suitable for intermediates, it is hardly suitable for advanced beginners or children. It is a little too demanding to steer and jibe for that. The windsurfer accelerates best with a paddle and runs super straight, fully utilising the advantages of the firm hull.
Surfing verdict: A sporty longboard for learning harness surfing and planing. It is also a very fast, but heavy SUP touring board.
JP-AustraliaWindsupAir 11'0" x 34" LE3DS
With an upgraded centre fin, JP-Australia has also adapted well to the requirements of windsurfing. The tail still has the relatively small "sabre", in the middle a comparatively large touring fin (page 30), which is not quite as massive as the centreboard fins from RRD or GunSails. In the "LE3DS" design, the board is still light despite its large width and length, and its ample volume makes it ideal as a family and touring SUP - even for heavier paddlers. The 11-foot length ensures fast progress. In windsurfing mode, the generous 34 inch width acts like an outrigger and stabilises the board very well. This means that beginners and intermediates are well supported in choppy water as they take their first steps from catching a sail to harness surfing. The slightly tapered bow runs very nicely through and over smaller waves even when travelling a little faster under sail, more elegantly and with less spray than the more bulky Starboard bow, for example. With the very central mast foot position, the board reacts well to sail steering and the otherwise short deck pad is also perfectly adequate for tacking. In stronger winds of a good three wind forces and more, with pressure in the sail and hooked into the harness, the JP board also achieves a decent half planing, which gives a good first impression of "real" planing surfing. Even then, the centre fin only develops a little life of its own and the fin tuning seems to be successful. surf conclusion: The JP board is a particularly stable touring SUP that can easily carry an adult plus child and is also well suited as a light wind wind windsurfing board for beginners and intermediates. The JP-Australia WindsupAir is available e.g. from Fun Sport Vision available .
RRDSup Air Evo Convertible 10'4" x 34"
The "Convertible" from RRD offers the most compact windsurfing dimensions: A short 315 centimetres are supported by a 34 inch width. This results in good turning characteristics with a stable position in all situations. Our testers liked how stiff and free the board is, even over steep choppy waves, and how secure and non-slip the particularly grippy pad is. With the central mast foot position, the RRD is easy to steer in tacks and gybes even with smaller sails and offers maximum stability at all times. With the large centre fin fitted (page 30), the RRD offers particularly good characteristics for an inflatable board with round rails for staying on course and cruising upwind. When the wind picks up, the board surfs almost like an unfolded centreboard and reacts very strongly to foot control in jibes. The centre fin box can be completely unscrewed so that it doesn't interfere with rolling in or acting as a brake block when paddling. As resilient as a Himalayan mule, the RRD can easily be used as a "dinghy" for an adult plus child or even a little more luggage for a longer SUP tour. At 34 inches wide, however, the RRD is more of a leisurely cruiser. The overall high-quality equipment is complemented by an included buoyancy chamber for SUP tours and a small waterproof pannier. As a sportier SUP alternative, RRD has the long 12'0" in 31 inch width in its range: experience has shown that it is more sporty to paddle and more suitable for long strokes than for many manoeuvres in windsurfing. surf conclusion: The Air Evo offers very good windsurfing suitability for intermediates, lighter beginners and children in light to moderate winds.
StarboardiGo WS-DSC 11'2" x 31+"
The Starboard should carry the addition "Wind" in its name at least as confidently as some other representatives. After all, it features exclusive footstraps and a long, sharp trailing edge at the tail. This earns the iGO the golden sports badge in the windsurfing discipline. With good pressure in the sail and hooked into the harness, the ride feels much closer to "real" planing and is quite sporty and fast for an inflatable board. The tail doesn't suck in, the water "tears" off the edge better and the riding resistance is noticeably reduced in stronger winds. However, it is not a substitute for a hardboard for planing windsurfing. But it does make harness surfing a bit more fun in stronger winds and even the front foot strap is used more often. The two rear loops, on the other hand, are superfluous; a single loop in the centre would have been better. Nevertheless, you can still get a taste of the gliding league with quite a speedy feeling - at least as a windsurfing beginner. The two fins are well tuned, allow you to go upwind in light winds and don't look too big even with a good pull in the sail. An adapter for the mast foot is attached to the board with four screws, which inspires confidence. As a SUP board, the iGO also pleases with its narrow width. The narrower outline also makes the board a little more challenging for windsurfers and at over 11 feet, the board runs well in a straight line, but doesn't turn quite as quickly. surf conclusion: Top windsurf SUP with the best "gliding properties" among the inflatable boards. For more manoeuvrable windsurfing characteristics, the shorter 10'8" board is the tip.
TaheBreeze Wind SUP
It is not for nothing that the "Tahe" (formerly known under the brand name BIC) is more common at centres: Due to its low thickness, the board is much more stable in the water than inflatable boards and is therefore equally suitable for lighter surf beginners, for all windsurfing beginners and as a SUP board (also for touring). The easy-to-operate folding centreboard makes it effortless to turn up in light winds and when the wind picks up during windsurfing, it can be easily folded up and a fast planing ride can begin. The board remains very easy to control even in wavy conditions and is particularly soft and cushioned in choppy waves. The ride therefore feels very comfortable even at slightly higher speeds - when you're hanging in the harness in four wind forces. The Tahe does not quite achieve the same performance as the Windsurfer with its stronger tail curve, but it is clearly the easier board to surf. The tail bend and the optional small side fins also indicate the wider range of use: The board can certainly be used as a "longboard" with a paddle to surf smaller waves by the sea. Easy handling is a top priority overall: The centre fin is mounted in seconds with a practical "click-in" without tools. Our 11'6" test board runs super straight as a SUP and is particularly stable against tipping. The weight of the board is okay for a hardboard with a centreboard and the price is comparatively low. In our practical test, we used the same board from the previous year, still in the old "Bic" design.
surf conclusion: A versatile intermediate board that is even suitable for light beginners and is very easy to paddle.
