Overview of Basic SUP Deck Shapes
Paddlers often ignore deck shapes. But decks are designed with different shapes that greatly affect performance.
There are three basic sup deck shapes
- Domed
- Flat
- Concave
Domed Decks (Crown)
Domed decks are popular and used on all types of paddle boards. But they seem to work best on performance surf sups.
A dome shape “hides” the volume (float) near the center of the board but allows thinner rails for more bite and control when surfing waves. Surf sups with a dome shaped deck feel more responsive rail to rail.
Sup surfers using a surfing stance find a dome shape gives their feet a better grip and feels comfortable.
But some flat water paddlers using a parallel stance find a dome shape is hard on their feet, ankles and knees. Not every paddler has this problem however.
Flat Decks
Flat decks have become popular with all-around paddle boards. But flat decks work well with all types of paddle boards including performance surf and race sups. Of course, all inflatables have flat decks.
Flat decks are often seen on wider paddle boards. Many paddlers feel more stable on a flat deck. Flat decks allow you to move your feet close to the rails, maximizing the distance between your feet for better stability. In fact, with a flat deck you can comfortably move your feet all over the board from nose to tail.
Some paddlers find a flat deck the most comfortable for their feet, ankles and knees when paddling in a normal parallel stance.
Concave Decks
Concave decks have become popular with race sups, downwinders and long distance touring sups. The basic advantage is a lower center of gravity for better stability. Concave decks vary greatly on the degree of concave. Many touring sup decks have only a slight concave while some race sups have a very deep concave called a dugout.
Recessed Tray Decks
Some concave decks are recessed with a slight tray around the rails. The slightly lowered deck will increase stability and glide. A paddler can wedge his feet against the rail trays for more stability and comfort. These decks are popular with long distance touring, downwinding and race sups.
Decks with a deep concave have drain holes to get rid of water on the deck.
Dugout Decks
Dugout decks are the most extreme of concave decks. These decks are used almost exclusively on race sups. The standing area is dugout with steep rails on the sides. The deep dugout lowers a paddler for greater stability and a better connection to the water. A sup racer can focus his efforts on paddling hard without wasting energy trying to keep his balance.
The dugout allows the volume of the board to be concentrated on the nose and rails which adds more stability and better overall glide. With extra volume (float) on the nose, tail and rails a race sup can have a very narrow width which greatly increases speed.
