Are you tired of renting a paddle board? Looking to get your own but unsure where to start? It seems that you’re in luck, we may have what you’re looking for.
In 2015, the worldwide stand-up paddle market was valued at almost $5 billion. By 2020,this number is forecast to nearly double. To meet this exponential demand, paddle board options are now plentiful.
From inflatable, to surf, touring, or even yoga types of paddle boards, you should be able to find the ideal model that meets your needs. With a large number of choices available, purchasing your first board can turn into a frustrating experience.
We’ve gathered here all the information you’ll need to understand how to choose a paddle board. We’ve covered how to pick the right size and the accessories you’ll want to look for.
What Size of Paddle Board Do I Need?
Stand up paddle boards (SUPs) mainly come in three sizes: short, medium, or long. Most brands come up with their paddle board size grid based on the paddler’s weight. This might be a good place to start before narrowing down your specific needs.
Paddle Board Length
The ideal length will vary depending on your needs and uses. To surf, or for a child, a shorter board—up to 10 feet—is preferable. These models are simpler to steer and are, in general, more stable.
You’ll find boards conceived explicitly for kids. They’re usually 8-feet long and are easy to control, even for little ones.
If you enjoy paddle boarding all year round, and in various water conditions, we suggest going for a slightly longer model—10 to 12 feet. These boards combine both efficiency and stability. They’re also great if you’d like to give SUP yoga a try.
Finally, if you’re looking for speed, longer SUPs are designed for you. Their length ranges from 12.6 feet to 14 feet. Because they tend to move in a straight line, you’ll be able to cover long distances with less effort.
Paddle Board Width
The length of your board isn’t the only factor to consider when it comes to size. Most paddle boards have a width of between 25 and 36 inches, which should accommodate all needs.
Generally speaking, the wider your board, the more stable it will be, and the slower it will move. If you’re getting started on SUP yoga, wide boards might be ideal. They help you to keep your balance and provide the needed space for yoga poses.
Wider boards also give you more room to carry additional gear. This can be helpful if you’re planning on SUP fishing and need to bring a cooler along.
Last but not least, evaluate your body type. If you’re short and tiny, wide boats aren’t the best option. You’ll likely have a hard time reaching the water with your paddle.
Thickness and Weight Capacity
SUPs are usually thicker than regular surfboards, helping you maintain proper balance. Paddle boards average between 4 and 6 inches in thickness.
Every SUP comes with a maximum weight capacity, which includes your own weight as well as your equipment. The main advantage of a thicker SUP is the increased weight capacity. For the same length and width, a thicker board will be able to carry more weight.
How does this translate to you? If you’re heading on a long trip and need to bring a tent or even fishing gear, weight can quickly add up. Heavier paddlers—over 240 pounds—will also feel safer and more comfortable on a 6-inch thick model.
Storage Space
When purchasing your board, don’t forget to plan ahead of time for a dedicated location in your home, garage, or yard. Proper storage is critical to keeping your SUP in good condition. If space is limited, a smaller or inflatable model might be the best alternative.
Transportation Method
The transportation method you’ll use to bring your SUP to its destination will also impact the size you’ll need. Do you own a trailer? Will you have to lift it on a set of car racks?
Longer and wider boards are often heavier. If you’re primarily paddling solo, you’ll only have two arms to place it on the top of your vehicle’s roof. In this case, shorter, narrower, or at least lighter SUPs would be easier to manage.
Types of Paddle Boards
When shopping for the best SUP, you’ll notice seven different types.
Flatwater Boards
As the name indicates, these models are designed to be used in calm waters, such as lakes. They show rounded sides and a pointy nose. This allows them to move in a straight line and faster than other types.
Flatwater boards come in both wider versions for beginners and slightly narrower versions for more experienced paddlers.
Touring Boards
Touring boards are the preferred vessels for those heading on long trips. They also feature a pointy nose but are narrower than all flatwater models. This type of SUP is most suitable for intermediate and experienced paddlers.
The displacement hull makes the boat glide on the water, allowing it to travel faster. If you’re unfamiliar with hulls, don’t worry, we’ll expand further down.
Surfing Boards
If you enjoy playing around the waves and aren’t afraid of getting wet, a surfing board should meet your needs. You’ll be able to make sharp turns, but these are also the least stable boards.
If you’re using a surfing board on flat waters, it might be challenging to move in a straight direction. These boards also tend to be slower than touring models.
Surf paddle boards are more challenging for beginners to use, yet if your mind is set on surfing, you should quickly get the hang of it.
All-Round Boards
Have you ever noticed paddle boards with the same rounded shape both at the front and back of the board? These are the all-round boards. Because it can be challenging to differentiate the rear from the bow, beginners often use them in the wrong direction.
Besides this small detail, they’re ideal vessels if you’re getting started with paddle boarding. Versatile, they can be used both on flat waters and in choppy water conditions. Wider than other types, they also provide a great balance.
This design is commonly found in yoga, touring, fishing, and even a few surf SUPs. For paddlers interested in windsurfing, you’ll even find models able to fit a sail.
Inflatable Boards
If you live in a small apartment or have limited means of transportation, inflatable models might be your way to go.
They usually come with a storage bag. When not in use, an inflatable SUP can take as much space as a sleeping bag. Easy to store, they’re also convenient if you’re planning on traveling by plane or hiking to reach your paddle boarding destination.
Today, expandable SUPs are made of very durable material to prevent punctures. The outside layer is often made of PVC plastic material with woven fibers. They’re conceived to carry between 12 and 15 pounds per square inch.
Because they‘re designed with the same thickness throughout the board, they offer better stability than any hardboard model. Yogis typically enjoy these types of boards as they’re softer on the knees.
Being so lightweight also constitutes a significant advantage. Mainly composed of air, they’re the lightest SUP available, even inflated. Finally, they’re also the most economical option available, suitable for most budgets.
On the downside, they can be slower than hardboards. You’ll also have to inflate and deflate the board after every use. Most models, however, include a pump and can be ready to go in less than 10 minutes.
Modular Boards
Are you looking for a portable option without the need to inflate your board? A modular SUP combines the best of both worlds.
These hard paddle boards can be split in typically three parts. Easily assembled within 60 seconds, they should fit inside most vehicles.
Fishing Boards
If you enjoy SUP fishing or fancy giving it a go, you won’t be disappointed. These boards can get quite fancy. They provide extra space for your fishing gear. Some models include mounted rod holders, a fish finder mount, bait trays, and even a seat to comfortably wait for your catch.
Yoga Boards
Yoga boards feature a larger deck to give you the space needed for all types of poses. As stability is one of the most important features for yoga boards, they usually offer the maximum 6-inch thickness. As you’re sitting higher up from the water, you’ll be less likely to get wet.
Inflatable yoga boards are the most common and popular type. They’re lighter to carry and easier to transport. Did I mention the gorgeous mandala designs?
How to Choose the Best Paddle Board
Besides paddle board types and sizes, there are a few more elements to get familiar with: fins, hulls, and accessories.
Fins Set-Up
Fins are present in almost every SUP. Let’s find out more about what they do and why they come in various configurations.
What Are They?
Fins are placed under the rear of your SUP, and are therefore entirely submerged. When paddling, they should always be behind you.
Most fins are removable. You’ll be able to interchange them as needed, especially if you’re using the same SUP for surfing and on flat waters. Removing the fin also makes your board easier to store when not in use.
Why Are They Important?
Although fins can help you determine the front from the back of your board, they have another primary purpose. Their task is to keep your SUP gliding in a straight line.
They come in different shapes but usually measure anywhere from 8 to 10 inches long. The wider and longer models provide better stability and tracking. Smaller fins, however, are better fitted for surfing as they increase your board’s responsiveness.
Different Types of Fins
Flatwater boards come with one fin, attached to the board with a screw. A few models include a set of three identical fins, providing better tracking on flatwater.
You’ll also find boards with a larger fin in the middle and two smaller ones—3 to 4 inches each—on the sides. Also called ‘thruster’, this set-up is also found on many surf SUPs. They help with sudden turns and can better handle waves.
Finally, SUPs can be built with a total of four fins configured in a V-shape. They allow you to glide much faster but will slightly impact maneuverability while turning.
When it comes to expandable paddle boards, they’re available with any fin configuration. The main difference is the material used. They’re commonly made of rubber rather than rigid plastic material.
Paddle Board Hulls
The shape of the hull is the second most determinant factor to consider when acquiring a new board. Two types of hulls exist.
The planing hull is wide and flat, perfect for beginners, leisure paddling, or if you’re planning on doing SUP yoga.
A displacement hull shows a V-shape, making them the best option for surfing, touring, or even racing. Because they move faster, they’re great if you need to travel long distances. Keep in mind, however, that they aren’t as stable as planing hulls and can be challenging to use for beginners.
Included Accessories
Most models include a set of accessories. Although they can be purchased separately, they’re usually more economical when packaged with your board. Here are the most common ones:
- A leash will keep you attached to your board when you fall. It can be wrapped around the calf or the ankle and comes in several lengths. Coil leashes will extend under tension, while a standard cord leash will be less likely to tangle.
- Extendable paddle.
- Phone waterproof case.
- Bungee cords to attach your gear or extra clothing.
- Seat with attachment cords to secure it to your SUP.
- A few models even include an eye-glass rope to prevent your glasses from falling in the water.
Proper Care for a Long-Lasting SUP
Proper maintenance is essential to make your SUP last longer:
- Avoid leaving it under direct sunlight and use a protective bag during transportation.
- Wash all your equipment after every trip, especially if you’re paddling in saltwater.
- If you own an inflatable SUP, regularly inspect it for potential punctures. It’s better to find them on dry land rather than when out paddling!
In a Nutshell
Choosing the right paddle board meeting all your needs only requires a bit of research, and we hope this article will assist you with this task. The best paddle board relies on personal preference, level of experience, and uses.
For beginners, inflatable, all-round models with planing hulls are easier to handle. For intermediate or advanced paddlers, longer, narrower SUPs will provide higher speed and better responsiveness.