Choosing the right SUP board for rental depends on your experience, what you want to do on the water and where you plan to paddle. Beginners do best on wider, more stable inflatable boards; for longer trips on rivers or lakes, longer and narrower touring boards are the better choice; and for paddling as a pair, there are special two-person and three-person boards. In this guide you will find tips on how to pick the model that suits your time on the water best.
The basics of choosing a SUP board
When choosing a board, pay attention to two key parameters: width and length. These dimensions directly determine how the board behaves on the water.
- Width determines stability. A wider board is more stable, so it is easier to keep your balance. This matters for beginners and for anyone paddling with children or pets.
- Length determines speed and tracking. A longer board holds a straight line better and moves faster, but it is harder to turn. Shorter boards are more manoeuvrable, which makes them better suited to narrow rivers.
The next thing to consider is construction. Inflatable boards are easy to transport: they pack into a backpack and fit in the boot of your car. Hard boards are stiffer and glide better on the water, so they suit sport paddling or long expeditions where maximum speed matters.
Board type by what you want to do
Relaxed paddling on a lake
If you are planning a relaxed day at the lake and simply want to unwind on the water, go for an all-round beginner board. It is wide enough to make you feel safe. Our beginner model is the Aztron (rental price 25 € per day). If you want more comfort and better paddling performance, the premium-class Starboard board (39 € per day) is a good fit.
Longer trips and sport
If you plan to cover longer distances on rivers or lakes, an all-round board will demand more effort. The advanced Starboard touring board (45 € per day) is designed for exactly such trips. It is longer and more pointed, so it cuts through the water more easily. For sport paddling or serious expeditions we offer the hard Starboard Expedition or the sporty Sprint boards (70 € per day).
Paddling as a pair, with family or a group
Two people on one standard board is uncomfortable and unsafe because of how the weight is distributed. For that there are special multi-person boards:
- The two-person Aztron Nebula (45 € per day) is ideal for paddling with your partner.
- The three-person Aztron Galaxie (45 € per day) is designed for a family with a child.
- The eight-person Starboard Starship (120 € per day) is made for groups of friends or team-building events.
Unique shots and exploring
If you want to watch the underwater world and take beautiful photos, we offer the Starboard Vision, a SUP board with a window (45 € per day). It has a transparent window through which you can see the water and the bottom beneath the board.
When is a kayak the better choice?
A kayak is worth choosing if you prefer to paddle sitting down, go for longer and get less tired, or if you plan to spend the whole day on the water with your gear. On a windy day, some people also feel more confident sitting than standing on a SUP board. We offer two-person and three-person inflatable Aquatone BLAST kayaks (35 € per day). You will find all kayaks in the kayak rental (in Lithuanian) section.
Comparison of our rental SUP board models
| Best for | Our model | Price per day |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners, calm lakes | Aztron | 25 € |
| Those looking for maximum comfort | Premium Starboard | 39 € |
| Longer trips (touring) | Starboard Touring | 45 € |
| Watching the underwater world | Starboard Vision (with a window) | 45 € |
| Paddling as a pair | Aztron Nebula | 45 € |
| A family or three people | Aztron Galaxie | 45 € |
| Large groups (up to 8 people) | Starboard Starship | 120 € |
| Sport and expeditions (hard boards) | Starboard Expedition / Sprint | 70 € |
Safety rules on the water
When paddling a SUP board, you must follow the safety rules. Always use the leash that connects your ankle to the board: if you fall in, the board will not drift away. We recommend wearing a life jacket, especially on deep water, on rivers or when paddling with children. Always check the wind direction and strength before you set off. With a strong offshore wind, getting back to the shore can be very hard.
FAQ
What is included in a SUP board rental?
When you rent a SUP board, the set includes the board itself, a paddle, a leash, a fin and, if needed, a pump.
What extra equipment can I rent?
You can additionally rent a life jacket (5 €), a lighter carbon paddle (10 €), a hybrid paddle (5 €), an electric pump (10 €) and roof rack bars for your car (5 €). All extras are a one-off fee.
Do you give a briefing before paddling?
Yes, before handing over the equipment we always give a short briefing and explain how to stand on the board correctly and how to behave on the water.
Where can I pick up the rented equipment?
You can pick up the equipment in Vilnius at Žygio g. 90 (Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–15:00). Rental is also available in other cities; you will find all rental locations (in Lithuanian) on a separate page.
If you would like to book equipment for your weekend, choose a model and a date on the rental page or call us on +370 685 96387. If you are planning a company party or a birthday, you will find information about our services in the events (in Lithuanian) section.
Read also: Where to SUP in Vilnius and around.