The origins of SUP undoubtedly lie in the wave. In the beginning, people used oversized tandem longboards, added a canoe paddle and surfed small waves – somewhere on the horizon where no one else was. SUP surfing enabled surfers to reach waves that were breaking further out on the reefs off the coast.
It was pioneers such as Laird Hamilton, Robby Naish and the then still young Kai Lenny who recognized and demonstrated the potential of this new type of surfing. The even greater potential of the SUP quickly became apparent: the surfboard developed into one of the most versatile water sports equipment ever to hit the water.
Whether small waves, big waves, very big waves, downwind or simply relaxed cruising on flat water – the principle remains the same: it’s the fascination of gliding on the water. The possibilities are almost unlimited – but so is the choice of boards.
To give you some guidance in the jungle of waveboards, you can find the norden-surfboards SUP Buyers Guide here.
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The entry-level model – Big Diamond 10’8
An all-round model that is suitable for cruising, tricks and as an entry-level wave board. With a width of 32 inches, it is very stable and, thanks to its 180 liter volume, it can easily carry heavier paddlers.
As a rule of thumb for beginner all-round boards, the volume should be around 1.5-2 times your body weight.
Example: You weigh 80 kg – your board should have a volume of around 140-160 liters.
Be careful with extra-wide boards over 32 inches: although they offer comfort and stability, they are much more difficult to maneuver in the waves.
Specifications:
• 10’8 x 32, 190 L Softtop, weight approx. 12.3 kg ±5%
• 10’8 x 31½, 180 L Wood Sandwich, weight approx. 11.4 kg ±5%
Construction:
Wood Sandwich or Softtop, EVA deck, incl. Norden Dolphin Fin + FCS Side Fins
The intermediate model – Pintail 9’6-10’0
Do you already have SUP experience and perhaps have already been in the waves – with a SUP or surfboard? Then the pintail longboard is the elegant way into the wave. It glides easily, takes waves effortlessly and can be maneuvered effortlessly even at low speeds.
Its length makes it ideal for smaller waves, but thanks to its narrower width of 28-29.5 inches, it also works in more powerful conditions.
These boards are intermediate boards. Here you are traveling with slightly less volume and width:
As a guideline, about body weight plus ½ to ¾is enough .
So an 80 kg rider will be fine with 120-140 liters.
Specifications:
• 9’6 x 28.75, 129 L, SGT, weight approx. 8.2 kg ±5%
• 10’0 x 29.75, 146 L, Wood Sandwich, weight approx. 10.4 kg ±5%
Construction:
Surf Glass Technology (SGT) or Wood Sandwich, EVA deck, Norden Dolphin Fin + FCS Side Fins, SGT version supplied without fins
For longboard SUPs such as the Pintail, 28–30 inches width still offers good stability. For shorter boards, a bit more width works – which leads us to the next model, the Wide Body Fish.
The maneuver-oriented intermediate model – SUPer Fish 8’4-9’0 Wide Body
If you’re not interested in cruising and just want to surf and improve your manoeuvres, the SUPer Fish is the ideal choice.
Its short, fuller outline allows for playful turns even in smaller waves. The width of 29–31.5 inches provides stability, enabling you to ride shorter boards with confidence. For volume, use your body weight plus about half. Example: 80 kg → approximately 120 liters. Again, don’t exceed 32 inches in width—too wide, and the board becomes hard to control on the rail.
Specifications:
• 8’4 x 29, 116 L SGT, weight approx. 7.4 kg ±5%
• 8’9 x 31½, 130 L, Wood Sandwich, weight approx. 9.2 kg ±5%
• 9’0 x 31¾, 145 L, Wood Sandwich, weight approx. 9.8 kg ±5%
Construction:
Wood Sandwich or SGT, EVA deck, cargo net, incl. Norden 5 Fin Set (SGT without fins)
The expert model – Combat 7’11-8’3
If you’ve moved beyond the beginner and intermediate stages and are ready to really shred, the Combat is your board. The perfect companion for surf from chest-high to double overhead
You can confident going on a lower volume:
Volume is about ¼ above your body weight (80 kg rider → around 100–110 litres). Width should not exceed 29 inches to get the most out of the shape. Dare a little more – you’ll be rewarded with direct response and maximum performance.
Specifications:
• 7’11 x 28⅛, 100 L, weight approx. 7.0 kg ±5%
• 8’3 x 28⅛, 110 L, weight approx. 7.2 kg ±5%
• weight approx. 9.1 kg ±5%
Construction:
SGT construction, EVA deck, supplied without fins
Which Shape Suits You?
Your surfing style plays a decisive role in choosing the right board:
• Relaxed, flowing manoeuvres? → Longboard Shape
• Fast, radical turns? → SUPer Fish or Combat
Too much volume or width offers comfort but reduces control and agility. As so often, the art lies in finding the balance between stability and performance.
Important accessories
Paddle
The more neutral the paddle, the better. Minimal blade curve, a moderate angle and smooth contours ensure a natural, balanced feel in the water.
In the surf, the paddle mainly helps you get onto the wave – once riding, it should support your manoeuvres, not dominate them.
Length:
Maximum one hand’s length above head height, preferably shorter.
A paddle that’s too long makes switching sides difficult – a disadvantage, especially in the surf.
Rule of thumb: The smaller the board, the shorter the paddle.
One-piece or adjustable?
Once you’ve found your ideal length, switching to a one-piece paddle is worth it.
It’s lighter, more flexible and more durable – once you’ve made the switch, you won’t go back.
The norden Wave Paddle S & M
With a flat blade, light V-shape and minimal angle, it offers the perfect balance between drive and control.
The filament shaft made from diagonally laid carbon fibres provides pleasant flex and reduces shoulder strain.
The blade features a durable ABS edge – minor ground contact is no problem.
Blade sizes:
• Riders up to 165 cm / 60–70 kg → Size S
• Riders 170 cm+ / 75 kg+ → Size M
Personal style also matters – if you prefer more power, go for the larger blade.
Specifications:
- S / 7.5″ One-piece
- Blade area: 533 cm²
- Weight: approx. 557 g ±3%
- • M / 8″ One-piece
- Blade area: 632 cm²
- Weight: approx. 615 g ±3%
- • M / 8″ Two-piece / Adjustable
- Blade area: 632 cm²
- Weight: approx. 695 g ±3%
Features:
Filament shaft 75-100% carbon, 12K blade with ABS sidewall, 12K top handle
Last but not least – the norden Wave Leash
Avoid coil leashes in the surf – they don’t belong there. The coiled section causes the board to snap back too quickly after a wipeout, which can be dangerous.
norden Wave Leashes are available in various lengths, usually at least as long as your board or slightly longer.
Whether you wear it on your knee or ankle is personal preference: shortboarders tend to prefer the ankle, longboarders the knee.
Specifications:
• 8’0–10’0
Construction:
BASF urethane, double stainless-steel swivels, non-slip PU coating, knee or ankle strap
I hope this guide has given you some helpful insights into the world of SUP waveboards – and perhaps you’ve found the right board for you in our norden Waveboard range. For further questions, feel free to contact me directly through our website:
👉 www.norden-surfboards.com
If you would like to find out more about our selection of paddles or our fin guide, you will find the relevant links here.
Who is Andy Wirtz?
Andy Wirtz is the founder and owner of Norden Surfboards, one of the first brands to produce SUP boards in series production. As designer, he is responsible for all of the brand’s board shapes and contributes his extensive knowledge of shapes and fins. On the water, he has long been regarded as one of Germany’s leading SUP wave surfers – a skill that has already earned him a German Championship title in SUP surfing.
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