How to tell a good paddle board?
The features that make a particular paddle board best for beginners are stability, versatility, and ease of use. These needs are most likely to be met with a board that is inflatable, is no more than 5 inches thick, approximately 32”-34” in width, and a generally rounded or gently curved outline akin to a surfboard. If you’re a beginner in paddle boarding, you’ll want a longer and broader board, between 10 and 12 feet in length and 30 to 32 inches in width. This size will give you better stability, allowing you to balance and handle the board.SUP Equipment The Board: A stand-up paddleboard is larger, wider, and generally more buoyant than a traditional paddleboard. It ranges between 9 and 12 feet in length and is designed to support a standing rider.As a general rule, paddlers up to 95kg should consider a board no wider than 32 while those above 95kg should look at one that’s either 33 or 34 wide. Length – SUP length will have the greatest effect on a paddleboards glide as well as its agility ie: ability to make quick turns.Boards 10 to 11 feet are ideal for beginners and casual all-around paddlers and SUP yoga. If you want touring and longer distances, opt for 11 to 12.
When should you not paddle board?
Windy Conditions Winds above 15 mph are generally not recommended for paddle boarding. Paddle Technique: Learn and practice proper paddle techniques to navigate windy conditions more effectively. Stay Close to Shore: In strong winds, it’s safer to stay close to the shoreline to avoid being blown off course. KAYAKS ARE IDEAL FOR PADDLING IN WINDY CONDITIONS If you plan on paddling in windy circumstances, you should use your kayak rather than a SUP board because it will provide a better experience. Compared to paddleboards, paddling from a kayak in strong winds is easier because you’re seated at a lower elevation.Stand up paddleboards are generally faster than kayaks, as they have a longer waterline and can glide more easily through the water. This makes them ideal for exploring open water, such as lakes, rivers, or even the ocean. Kayaks, however, are easier to steer in tight spaces.Stand up paddle boarding is not very hard if you have the proper equipment, the right sized paddle board for your weight and the correct SUP paddle length for your height. Then simply learning the right techniques to paddle safely and effectively combined with practice, practice, practice will get you going everywhere!Balancing on a paddleboard makes use of the muscles and joints in your feet and lower legs. I did say this was a full-body workout. The great balancing act of SUPing fortifies those essential muscles for achieving stability and providing joint support. This is a unique characteristic of this recreational activity.
Why not buy a cheap paddle board?
The cheaper inflatable paddle boards in the market tend to be constructed with glued seams which over time and constant inflating, deflating, folding up, and unfolding tend to loosen and cause punctures. This is dangerous. There’s nothing worse than being out on the water and realising that your board is deflating! SUP Equipment The Board: A stand-up paddleboard is larger, wider, and generally more buoyant than a traditional paddleboard. It ranges between 9 and 12 feet in length and is designed to support a standing rider.How much do stand up paddle boards cost? SUP board prices generally range from $450 to $2,000. Quality boards typically start around $700, offering better materials and performance.Versatility: Paddle boards aren’t just for standing. You can kneel, sit cross-legged, lay down, or even stretch out. Paddle North paddle boards are designed with textured, EVA-foam, comfortable traction pads that are great for sitting.Why are paddle boards so expensive? As water enthusiasts, we know that paddle boards typically can come with a hefty price tag, but you get what you pay for: Quality of materials and board construction. Durability.
Should I wash my paddle board after use?
Always rinse your board after use, particularly if you’ve been in the ocean. Storing an inflatable paddle board coated in saltwater will deteriorate its exterior over time. Don’t use any chemicals when cleaning — not even soap. Just spray with a hose and let it air dry. Balancing on a paddleboard makes use of the muscles and joints in your feet and lower legs. I did say this was a full-body workout. The great balancing act of SUPing fortifies those essential muscles for achieving stability and providing joint support. This is a unique characteristic of this recreational activity.SUP-A-Clean – Paddleboard Cleaner by August Race has been specially formulated for use on inflatable/ rigid paddle boards and gives genuinely amazing results by gently working deep into the surface and quickly removing salt deposits, dirt and oxidisation.In summary, a SUP and a paddle board refer to the same watercraft used for the sport of stand-up paddleboarding. SUP refers slightly more to the activity, of actually standing, rather than solely the board being used.Stability of Paddle Boards The board’s stability primarily comes from its width, length, and hull type. Generally, wider and longer boards tend to offer more stability.Leaving Your SUP Out In The Sun This is by far the easiest and most common way to unintentionally ruin a stand up paddle board. Leaving your SUP in the sun during those long, hot summer days can overheat your board, causing delamination on fiberglass or epoxy SUPs and busted seams on inflatable SUPs.