Optimized competition SUP

A combination board for paddling in lakes and demanding sea

During recent years the number of SUP paddlers has increased who are looking for new challenges and who compete in various SUP races and exercise races, both nationally and internationally.

To be able as an exerciser to use one and the same board to paddle in both lake and sea then simplifies a lot in terms of choosing suitable equipment, transport, and storage.

We have therefore developed a combination board that handles a wide range of water conditions but is optimized for the most difficult, including dynamic water and breaking waves.

What are the most challenging conditions to create speed in?

We investigated in which conditions and types of water it is most difficult to create speed in. We found challenges with changing wind directions, breaking waves, and shallow, hot, current, and broken water.

All are conditions that contribute to instability, increased resistance and that the paddle blade loses grip.

Design criteria for tough conditions and maximum speed

After lots of tests, analysis of collected data and with Kona Race Team's experiences from SUP-racing in different types of water, Kona Ocean Model 2 is designed as follows.

• Balanced volume - The board's volume is balanced to provide increased buoyancy for paddling in hot, shallow, and broken water. And to prevent the bow from diving into tougher seas. The volume in the tail provides stability when turning and when surfing. It is easier to catch waves. 

• Well-thought-out bottom curvature - The bottom of the board goes from round to V-bottom for an optimized sliding ability in different conditions. It also makes the board easy to maneuver and handle in turns. An increased bottom curvature in the bow makes it easier for the board to get up over waves.

• Edges for maneuverability - The edges of the board go from rounded in the bow over to sharp edges in the tail. Round edges in the bow simplify the handling of the board in side waves and when drafting. The sharp edges in the tail make it easier to maneuver the board in downwind and waves.

• Perforated deck pad - The deck pad's hole pattern provides good foot grip and control over the board while reducing the board's total weight

Developed in Sweden and produced in Europe

Kona Ocean Model 2 is a series-produced SUP board and the first in a series of Kona Sports' efforts to make SUP more accessible and sustainable through local production. From now on, we will move manufacturing home to Europe.

With our many years of experience in designing SUP, we will further develop the manufacturing process of SUP to a whole new level. Together with our development team and solid test programs, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within SUP.