Can a SUP Keep Up With a Kayak?

To be honest, when it comes to whether a SUP can keep up with a kayak, it depends on many things. However, the short answer is a big yes; a SUP is super enjoyable like a kayak, but it’s not as stable as a kayak.

Alongside stability, SUP is not as fast as a kayak, but it is more convenient, portable, better for fishing, and allows greater freedom of movement. In short, when it comes to the overall fun factor, the SUP will easily beat the kayak.

However, if you’re interested in learning more about why SUP can keep up with kayaks, stay tuned to this article. Here I will explain everything in detail to clear up any confusion.

SUP: What is it?

SUP, or stand-up paddleboarding, is the modern competitor of a kayak that allows you to propel yourself through the water with a paddle. And it works exactly as its name implies: the board will float on the water, and you have to paddle while standing.

The fun fact is that SUP is one of the fastest-growing board sports that also offers an overall workout as well. Well, the endless possibilities are what are helping SUP gain such a huge level of popularity. 

Anybody can use SUP, including young and old, and even dogs can jump on the board. However, you don’t always have to stand on SUP because many brands, such as Freein Kayak SUP, make boards with attachable seats. 

Kayak: What is it?

Kayaking is another fun watersport that involves a canoe-like boat and a double-bladed paddle that allows you to move through the water. Unlike SUP, this one has closed decks and also has a seat on top.

You must sit with your back to the seat wall and your legs in front. Like the SUP, you don’t have to use the kayak in a standing position, which is more comfortable and effortless. Along with comfort, the kayak is more stable and offers fast speed.

Moreover, the sitting facility offers more power while paddling, which aids in gaining more speed. On the other hand, the side walls maintain proper balance and ensure stability. Plus, you’ll have plenty of room in the kayak to store your necessary stuff.

Can a SUP Keep Up With a Kayak?

Before diving deep into why a SUP can keep up with a kayak, let’s figure out why that is. In the section below, I have demonstrated a table that compares both SUP and Kayak. Have a look:

Now you have a brief idea about why a SUP can keep the same pace as a kayak in terms of usability and fun. However, that’s not all, I’m going to explain both of them, so you can clearly understand them in detail: 

• Speed:

Unfortunately, in terms of speed, the SUP is not as fast as a kayak. However, there is a reason for this:

• The kayaks have a narrow design, a low center of gravity, and a double-bladed paddle to achieve high speed. 
• SUP, on the other hand, requires you to stand up, which makes paddling and balancing more difficult due to the higher center of gravity.
• Portability:

SUP will undoubtedly win when it comes to portability, as it is lightweight and easy to handle. Although both kayaks and SUPs are available in inflatable versions, the SUP will take up less space due to its fewer body accessories.

Therefore, in terms of portability and storage, the SUP will surely keep up with a kayak. And because the kayak is bulkier than the SUP, it is definitely heavier. 

• Fitness:

If you want something that will give you both fun and workout possibilities, then you should go for SUP. It provides a full-body workout, helps burn more calories, and effectively strengthens your muscles.

Kayaking also involves some sort of exercise, but it is not as effective as SUP, which engages all the core body parts. While kayaking requires arms and abs to propel you forward, your legs and core won’t be used as much.

So, when it comes to overall fitness and fun, the SUP will not only keep up with kayaking but also beat the kayak.

• Freedom of Movement:

The SUP will give you more freedom of movement than a kayak because it has no position restrictions. Let me explain it in the section below:

• Kayaks come in a fixed position with a seat for one or two people. Since it has a fixed position, there is pretty much nothing you can do.
• On the other hand, SUP is just a flat board where you can paddle the board in different positions. You can sit, stand, kneel, and even lie down to move around with a SUP.

Additionally, SUP offers more space or room where you can take your partner, your loved ones, kids, and even pets. And unfortunately, you won’t get such facilities on a kayak.

• Fishing & Visibility:

When it comes to fishing, the SUP is definitely the winner, as it offers many perks that you cannot find in a kayak. The SUP provides versatile staying positions, including standing, sitting, and many others. 

Therefore, you can easily change your position based on your needs. Moreover, you get a 360-degree view from a SUP, which you will never get with a kayak. Along with improved visibility, fishing on a SUP can also provide improved balancing as well. 

• Weather Condition:

To be honest, kayaking is an all-weather watersport and SUP is not. You cannot be able to keep your balance on a stand-up paddleboard in windy conditions, while a kayak will stay stable. Plus, kayaking will be the best choice for windy and wild conditions. However, you can enjoy SUP riding perfectly in any hot or calm condition.

• Stability, Comfort & Accessibility:

Both kayaks and SUPs are stable, but the kayak will be more stable than the SUP because it has a seating facility. So that you’ll get more comfort, which will make your board sports experience exceptional.

And when it comes to accessibility, SUP will give you easier standing, sitting, lying, turning, and moving facilities. In short, you’ll get more comfort and stability on a kayak, but a SUP will give you more accessibility.

Closing Thoughts

Ultimately, choosing between kayaking and SUP is entirely up to you. However, one thing is certain: SUP can keep up with a kayak and that is something you should not overlook. And I personally prefer to go for SUP as it offers more freedom of movement, portability, accessibility, and so on.