A float for each foot improves stability and body mechanics for the stand-up paddleboard user.
That’s the theory behind the new SplitSUP by Colorado-based Shabomee. The design has two connected floats instead of a single board under foot.
Multi-hulled SUP boards aren’t entirely new, but the SplitSUP has some interesting new design elements.
The SplitSUP has two independent hulls attached on the inside rail at the top and bottom. Because of the dual-connections, the two floats cannot fold away or onto themselves, yet do have a little freedom to move up and down and forward and aft.
The company claims the unique design employs natural body mechanics and allows each leg to move independently, resulting in increased mobility, stability and balance as well as more efficiency in cutting through wind, waves and whitewater.
The SplitSUP will be available in 9’6” and 11” models in May 2015 for between $1,100-$1,400.
I haven’t tested the design, but have spent plenty of time on multi-hull boats and know that there are some advantages (stability and speed), as well as disadvantages (maneuverability), to multi-hulled vessels compared with mono-hulls. It seems like a logical development in the SUP world and worth investigating if you’re in the market for a board.
