How to choose a SUP paddle?
Blade size, shape and offset: The size, shape and offset of the paddle blade define how the blade moves through the water. You’ll choose a blade based on the type of paddling you do, your body type and personal preference. Usually, the larger you are, the bigger you’ll want your blade to be. An aluminum paddle is comparable to a small displacement, while a carbon paddle represents a powerful, responsive, and high-performance motor. Depending on your practice, it is wise to opt for a carbon paddle paddle to optimize performance.The carbon paddle offers the best performance, but it has the disadvantage of being more fragile and more expensive. If you practice paddling occasionally, I recommend the option of the carbon shaft with a plastic blade, which is a great compromise.
Does a good SUP paddle make a difference?
When it comes to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), the paddle is just as important as the board itself. A good paddle can make all the difference in your performance on the water and can enhance your overall paddling experience. Quick Answer: For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable SUPs are much better overall, due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention. But if you are buying a board mainly for SUP surfing or racing, certain technical attributes of hardboards make them worthy of consideration.High quality inflatable paddle boards are completely hand-made, so labor costs are high. Some lower cost inflatable SUPs are assembled in a more automated mass production process, which keeps the cost down but results in lower quality and performance.Performance Limitations: Inflatable paddle boards might not offer the same level of performance as hard boards. They are often less rigid, which can impact their speed and maneuverability. This is particularly noticeable in advanced paddling techniques, racing, or when navigating choppy waters.Quick Answer: For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable SUPs are much better overall, due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention. But if you are buying a board mainly for SUP surfing or racing, certain technical attributes of hardboards make them worthy of consideration.
What SUP should I buy?
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. As a rule of thumb, choose a paddle 8” over your standing height. This is going to be great for the vast majority of paddlers. Many times surfers and whitewater paddlers will choose a shorter length; from head high to 6” over their standing height. This makes sense because of the crouched position these paddlers use.In general, for an all-around board that will also be used in the surf, a rider weighing less than 160 lb should consider a 5 inch thick board in the 9’6” length range, a rider under 180 should look in the 9’6” to 10’8” range for a 5” board as an all-around alternative.Surf SUP – adjust your paddle height to be between 6-8 inches for a low stance position. All-round SUP – adjust your paddle height to be between 8-10 inches for reach and power with each stroke.To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness.A good place to start is going to be 12-24 taller than yourself but will vary by the shape and style of surfboard. Fish- Proper fish size is typically 2-4 shorter than your shortboard. Shortboard- I usually recommend going 2-6 taller than yourself. But this depends on the size of waves you’ll be surfing it in.
Why are SUP paddles so expensive?
Why Are Paddle Boards So Expensive? Paddle boards are expensive because making a SUP board that is durable, lightweight, and performs well requires the use of expensive materials and labor intensive manufacturing techniques. Generally, the average cost of an inflatable paddle board ranges from $400 to $2000. Here are some price ranges to keep in mind: Entry-level inflatable paddle boards typically cost around $400 to $700.As a general rule of thumb, a more premium paddleboard will be lighter and no corners will be cut to get it to that weight. It will be lighter because of the technology used to get it to that weight as we have discussed above. It will have denser drop stitching, less layers of pvc, be heat bonded rather than glued.Thicker boards have more volume and buoyancy, making them more stable and better suited for beginners or heavier riders (source). On the other hand, thinner boards are generally faster and more responsive but may be less stable, making them better suited for experienced paddlers.Performance: When it comes to performance, rigid paddle boards tend to be better than inflatables. They’re more agile, have better glide and are easier to catch waves when SUP surfing. Although if you’re looking for speed, rigid boards are only marginally faster than inflatable boards.A full paddle boarding set up with the board, leash, fin, and all the accessories you need to get started will typically cost $500 to $1,200. This price depends on the size, quality, and construction of the board. All of these aspects play a part in the price.
Is a thicker SUP better?
Extra board thickness makes it harder to get back on the board when you fall in the water. A thicker board takes longer to inflate, is more difficult to carry under your arm, and has a bouncier ride than a thinner board. Paddle Board Thickness Thickness affects a paddle board very similarly to width and length. The thicker the board, the more volume and capacity it can support. As such, thicker paddle boards are more stable.The main difference between 14mm and 16mm pickleball paddles is the thickness of their core. At JustPaddles all 16mm core paddles will be considered thick core paddles.
What is a good size SUP?
The most popular SUP boards for general use are 10-11 feet in length and between 32 and 34 inches wide. If stability is a high priority for you, you’ll want to look for a board that is 33-34 inches wide. You can go wider, but you may end up with a board that is sluggish and less fun to paddle. Figuring out the right size (length) of paddle is surprisingly straightforward. The wider your boat is, the longer your paddle needs to be. Your height is also a factor, especially for a narrower boat: Taller paddlers need longer paddles.Smaller individuals, particularly those under 5’8 or lighter, find a 10′ paddle board more accommodating. In contrast, the 11′ paddle board, with its increased surface area and stability, is more suitable for taller or heavier paddlers.The best way to choose paddle length: On the water: Sit inside the canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the waterline. This measurement should match the distance from a paddle’s grip to the throat, where the paddle shaft meets the blade.The general rule of thumb is this: you’ll want a longer board if you’re taller. If you’re shorter, you’ll want a shorter one. The reasons are mostly pretty intuitive.