Question

When buying a SUP do you prefer a set, e.g. fin and paddle included or to buy separately?

Answer 1

It is much easier to buy a fin and paddle in a set with a SUP. The reason for this is because if you buy the fin separately, you need to be careful to buy the one that fits on your paddle board and many times the fin ordered doesn't fit correctly.

Comments

Makes sense. I was at REI talking to the manager and he told me they do not sell sets, e.g. yes the fin but no the paddle. They prefer to sell the paddle separately or customers prefer to buy separately. I am about to start marketing a new I-SUP, which is very cool.

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There is a lot to say on this question but I’ll keep it relatively short. Most boards come with a fin, after market fins offer higher performance for specific uses. If you need to ask this question then buy a board that comes w a fin as you may choose to buy one or two more fins later.  Cheaper boards sometimes require their own fin to fit.  Red Paddle sometimes has fin compatibility issues but is a top end ISUP and comes w fins designed to match the boards use. A standard 8” dolphin fin will work fine as a multi purpose fin for beginners. Snap in FCS-2 type fins are much easier to use and start at about $30. intermediate paddlers prefer touring fins that track straighter and shed weeds, turning can become more difficult for beginners though.  Better boards are including a snap in fin. The paddles that come included with most boards are very heavy and have blades that are too large for most people, upgrading the paddle will be the first thing you want to do. Buy an adjustable carbon fiber or fiberglass paddle to start. A fixed length paddle can become too long or short as your technique improves, also different legnths are used for surfing or touring. Blade size is usually based on body weight for beginners. Don’t spend too much on your first paddle- $150-$200 can get a decent 2 piece paddle at about 1.5 lbs. Included fins and paddle are good for resale of beginner level boards and help keep your costs down when getting started. If you have a budget for a $300-$500 Paddle QuickBlade is the best, check out online videos or call them. Werner is another good choice as their company also only makes paddles. Buying a matching paddle from the company that makes the board is sometimes cosmetically appealing but the performance is “usually”mid level at premium pricing- their focus is on boards not paddles. Getting an included paddle can buy you time to learn about what type of paddle is best for you and give you time to save up for a good one. Included 3 piece aluminum paddles sink and corrode if not washed and broken down after every use....they are fine for short trips, fitness classes and new paddlers. You can upgrade later. Most ISUP, inflatable boards, come with everything you need to get started and are great choices for beginners. Inflatable boards are much more durable. You will also need a PFD and leash- $60 and up for both. An electric pump would be your first upgrade 90-$130. A hard board will need a roof rack and straps  to transport and a board bag to store- $250 minimum. Unless you live on the water I recommend an Inflateable as a first board. I still use my inflateable boards but prefer my hard boards for most trips.