SUP board tracking

Proper SUP board tracking is essential for an enjoyable ride on the water. Not properly tracking your SUP board costs extra energy resulting in a tiring trip. Contrary to what many people think, this is not about the technology for tracking your SUP board but about the sailing direction of the board.

On this page, we will tell you all about SUP board tracking and how to improve it if necessary.

What is tracking from a SUP board?

Proper tracking of a SUP board means that your sailing direction goes straight. If the tracking is not right, it will go in all directions resulting in a tiring SUP trip. 

These tiring actions come from the fact that you have to switch sides and adjust with your paddle every time, something you also see a lot in beginner suppers.

The fin(s) under the SUP board provide the right tracking, but the shape also plays a role, so keep this in mind when you buy a Want to buy a SUP board. We elaborate on them below.

What makes for good tracking of your SUP board?

The shape and fin of your SUP board are responsible for tracking. The fin in particular is very important. You will notice this when you remove it from under your board, if possible. Try it out, the fun will soon be gone.

You will constantly have to switch sides and straight sailing is virtually impossible. Good for your muscles, less so for your stamina. For proper tracking of your SUP board, the fin(s) are essential, so don't forget to fit them.

Read also: SUP boards with seat

How do I straighten the tracking of my SUP board?

If you find that your board swings more back and forth in the water (and you have to change sides more often than you want), you can largely correct this by changing the positioning of the fin.

Note: Changing the position of the SUP board fin is not possible with every board.

• Lighter riders can often paddle straight ahead just fine with only one centre fin. 
• Heavier riders sometimes find themselves swinging back and forth more than they would like. 

To remedy this, we recommend adding a pair of side fins to complement the centre fin and give your board more traction. 

If you don't want to add two side fins to your board, you can also just replace the middle fin with a large rudder-like fin. This will also help you paddle in a straight line.

Is your problem still not fixed? You may also be dealing with a leaky SUP board or too low PSI, logically this does not benefit sailing direction.

Conclusion

Going straight ahead on your SUP board is also known as tracking. Contrary to what many people think, it has nothing to do with remote tracking of your board. Make sure you have fitted the right fins and have the right shape for your needs on the water. Thereby there are also differences between a hard and inflatable SUP board. 

The better the tracking of your SUP board, the less effort you need to give to move forward.

Last updated on 03/02/2023