Stand-up paddleboarding is a water sport activity where a rider stands up on a large board and uses a paddle to glide over the water. When buying a stand-up paddle board, there are various factors you need to consider. Your skill level, the type of riding, where you will need a paddleboard, and paddler preferences all play a crucial role. Most importantly, you need to consider the board’s weight, volume, capacity, size, and of course, cost.
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Here you find various factors you need to know while choosing the right paddle board!
Types Of Stand-Up Paddle Board: Solid vs Inflatable SUPs
There are two types of stand-up paddleboards, namely, Solid SUPs and Inflatable Sups.
1) Solid SUPs
Hard SUPs, or solid stand-up paddleboards, are commonly built from different materials like foam, fiberglass, epoxy, etc. The foam core creates buoyancy, while layers of fibreglass create durability and rigidity. The epoxy finish hardens the board and ensures it’s watertight. Most solid boards feature an EPS foam core wrapped with fiberglass and epoxy. This is a lightweight, durable as well as affordable construction. Carbon fiber is a lighter and more rigid option; however, it’s also more pricey. Furthermore, plastic SUPs are a more affordable alternative, but they are heavy and lack the performance of other materials.
When to use a solid SUP:
Performance is a priority: Solid paddle boards deliver the best performance on the water. They glide faster, smoother and with minimum effort than an inflatable. If you want to paddle fast and far, a solid SUP is an option.
For a perfect fit: Solid paddle boards are available in a wide variety of sizes. So you’re more likely to get the best one that fits you right.
Need stability: A solid SUP is more rigid than an inflatable board, providing a more stable feel. Solid boards also tend to glide lower in the water, thus creating a more stable feel.
2) Inflatable SUPs
Inflatable SUPs are manufactured using layers of PVC with drop-stitch construction that creates an air core. They typically come with a pump for inflating the board and a carrying bag when it’s not in use. Some iSUPs even come equipped with carbon strips or rods that run along the rails or stringer to increase stiffness. Inflatable SUPs are usually lighter than most solid boards as they are composed mostly of air and plastic. Moreover, they’re also generally less costly.
When to use an inflatable SUP:
You have less storage capacity: If you own a small house or have limited storage space, iSUPs are best. Inflatable SUPs are lightweight & compact when deflated. Also, they can easily be stored in small storage places such as a closet or a car trunk.
You’re traveling: If you’re traveling or hopping on a plane, you can bring your inflatable SUP along with you. You can pack the board in its storage case. An inflatable SUP can be checked on an airplane or carried in a train, bus or car. Most carrying cases have backpack straps for easy transportation.
You like SUP yoga: If you’re looking to perform yoga or other fitness activity on the water, iSUPs are the best bet. Although you don’t need to get an inflatable for SUP yoga, they are a bit softer than solid boards, making them comfortable for yoga poses.
Types Of SUP Hull
The hull (or body) of a stand up paddle board plays an essential role in determining the performance of the board. SUPs consist of either a planing hull or a displacement hull. Either hull type can be enjoyed by beginners, but there are a few differences that make them better than others. For this reason, it’s better to choose the hull type based on how you plan to use your board.
1) Planing Hull
A planing hull is flat as well as wide, similar to a surfboard. It is designed to glide on top of the water and is easily maneuverable. If you’re looking for yoga, surfing, or leisure paddling, this one is perfect for you.
2) Displacement Hull
SUPs with displacement hulls have a pointy nose or bow similar to that of a kayak or canoe. The hull glides through the water, pushing the water around the nose to the sides for a fast, smooth ride. The boards having a displacement hull require less effort than a planing hull, allowing you to ride longer distances at faster speeds. Paddlers opt for displacement hulls for various applications, including fitness paddling, SUP touring/camping and racing.
SUP Volume And Weight Capacity
A SUP paddle board must work as per your size. If the board doesn’t displace the right amount of water according to your weight, you won’t be supported well. Plus, the board may feel unstable on the water. Therefore, paddle board volume and weight capacity are two major factors that affect stability and performance through the water.
SUp volume and weight capacity are determined by the length, width and thickness of the paddle board. SUP manufacturers use these dimensions in different ways to achieve better performance characteristics.
Volume: A SUP’s volume, expressed in liters, is an indication of the board’s capacity to float with weight on it. The higher the volume of the board will be, the more weight it can support.
Weight capacity: Each stand up paddleboard has a rider weight capacity. It is important to know weight capacity because if a rider is too heavy for a paddle board, it will ride lower in the water. When checking weight capacity, consider the total weight you will put on the board, including body weight and the weight of stuff you’ll be taking along with you.
Stand Up Paddleboard Length
The length of a stand up paddle board plays a significant role in determining how well the board handles it. Usually, longer SUPs are faster than shorter boards; however, shorter boards are easily maneuverable.
Short boards (under 10′): These SUPs are great for surfing and are kid-friendly. They always have a planing hull. Shorter boards are more maneuverable than longer boards, making them great for surfing purposes. Boards designed for kids are usually around 8′ long.
Medium boards (10′ to 12′): Medium size boards are suitable for all-around use and for doing SUP yoga. Most of these boards feature planing hulls, but you’ll also find a displacement-hull SUP at this length.
Large boards (12’6″ and above): They are great for experienced paddlers and long-distance touring. Most of these paddle boards are displacement-hull-type SUPs. They glide faster than short and medium boards and tend to track straighter. If fast paddling or touring long distances are your interests, you’ll want a large board.
Stand Up Paddle Board Width
SUPs width is another essential factor to consider while buying a paddle board. A wider board will offer more stability than a narrow board. But a wide board can be slower, and if the board is too wide, it’s difficult for you to paddle. SUPs generally have widths ranging from about 25 inches to 36 inches to accommodate a variety of needs.
If you’re traveling long distances that require extra gear, choose a wider board to have more storage space. Additionally, if you’re doing SUP yoga, a wider board at least 31 inches wide will give you space and stability for doing yoga poses. On the other hand, narrow boards are faster and more maneuverable, making them the best choice among surfers and racers.
Stand-Up Paddle Board Thickness
After choosing a board with the proper length and width that suits your paddling style, consider another important factor, which is board thickness. The main reason to consider SUP thickness is that it affects the overall volume and weight capacity. For example, if there are two boards of the same length and width but have different thicknesses, the one with thicker dimensions will have more volume than the thinner board. The higher the volume, the more weight capacity it can hold.
Final Words On Stand Up Paddleboard
Consider how you’re going to use the stand-up paddle board before making your selection. Additionally, how well it will suit your preferences and function on the water. The board’s shape, volume, and capacity, as well as the right length, width, and thickness, are important considerations. Depending on how you transport it and how much storage room you have, you should decide whether to buy an inflatable or a solid SUP. After that, you’ll consider a board’s fins and any additional features or accessories that work for you.
