How do I know what size paddle I need?
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. The GILI 12’6” Meno Touring Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is an excellent example of this. You should add 10 – 12 inches to your height when choosing the perfect size SUP board for touring and racing. Ideally, your chosen touring board will be over 12 feet long.GENERAL PADDLE BOARD SIZING Paddle boards range from as short as 8 feet to over 14 feet, but most SUPs are between 10 and 12 feet long and 32 to 34 inches wide. Wider boards offer more stability but narrower boards are faster on the water.Length: A board between 10 to 12 feet is ideal for most adults. Longer boards offer more stability and a smoother glide, while shorter boards are easier to manoeuvre. Width: Look for a board that’s 30 to 34 inches wide. Wider boards provide greater balance, making them perfect for beginners.Body type: Try to match the width of the SUP to your body type. In general, if you’re a small person, go with a narrower board and if you’re a big person, go with a wider board. This is because a smaller person can generally find their balance on a narrow board, whereas a bigger person may struggle to do so.
What is an alternative to a paddle board?
An inflatable kayak or an inflatable SUP might be what you are looking for when it comes to portability. As we’ve shown above, inflatable boards are easy to transport and store, durable and are usually more affordable than rigid paddle boards, making them ideal for leisure paddling. But if you’re looking for a board for SUP surfing or racing, a good quality rigid board may be a better option.Only paddle in light winds. Strong wind can make paddleboarding much harder, especially on an inflatable SUP. Winds strength over 10knots/12mph/3Bf) are best avoided. DO NOT paddle if there is a risk of thunder/lightening.Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards have always been known for their easy storage and transportation thanks to their ability to deflate and low weight. In recent years, several brands have fully embraced the idea of portability by creating some seriously compact iSUPs that travel even easier than “regular” iSUPs.Almost everything about an inflatable makes it more suitable than a hardboard for beginners. If you later get serious about surfing or racing, you might then consider a fiberglass or epoxy board for those activities, but an inflatable is what makes the most sense for your first board in most cases.
What size paddles for swimming?
Paddles with holes allow water to flow freely through the paddle, reducing the resistance to allow a natural stroke pattern. As a rule, swimmers should start with a paddle that is only slightly larger than their hand and slowly build up to bigger paddles with more resistance. While shallow water is okay when you’re just learning how to SUP, it’s generally not a good idea to go paddling in water that’s less than 20-30” or knee deep.Deep Water While there is gear to keep you safe, like PFDs or SUP leashes, these can fail and it’s important that the paddler can keep themselves safe until help arrives. If you are a non-swimmer, we do not recommend you take on the challenge of paddle boarding in deep water.No matter how hard you try to stay balanced on your paddle board, you’re going to fall into the water at some point. Even the most experienced paddlers take the plunge from time to time.While it’s possible to paddle board without taking lessons, there are undeniable benefits to seeking instruction from a certified instructor.
How do I choose a paddle size?
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. Mastering Balance on Your Stand Up Paddleboard: Understand that balance is key, and while falling off is likely, it’s also a manageable and fun part of learning. Embrace Falling with a Smile: Falling off is inevitable, but with the right approach, it’s safe. In shallow waters, aim for a flat fall to minimize risks.Stand up paddle boarding is an incredibly easy water sport to learn, and you can become an expert paddle boarder in no time. People of all ages and fitness levels are capable of learning to paddle board in just a few hours with proper instruction.Paddle boarding can be hard to balance if your board is too small for your size, if the water is choppy, if you’re looking around or moving your body around a lot, or if your stance is incorrect.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.
How do I choose my first paddle board?
When choosing a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), it’s important to consider the size, shape, and weight capacity of the board to match your needs. For beginners, stability is key. Generally, a longer and wider board offers better balance: Length: A board between 10 to 12 feet is ideal for most adults. Exceeding the paddle board weight limit could jeopardize its stability and hinder your fun. Problems may arise if you and your equipment weigh even a little bit more than your paddle board can support. Paddling will be more difficult since your board will be lower in the water.Most sup boards are designed for one person only (especially inflatable sups). However, some family-sized paddle boards are designed to support the weight of several people, allowing two people to paddle and have fun together.While paddle boards do have a weight limit, it’s not an absolute number, and each one has its own weight capacity. However, typically, a standard paddle board can accommodate around 200 to 500 pounds. There are also larger ones with higher weight limits that are capable of holding more than 700 pounds.Typically, a complete paddle boarding setup, which includes the board, leash, fin, and other necessary accessories, ranges from $800 to $2000. It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change, and additional costs may include the board’s maintenance, storage, and transportation.While paddle boards do have a weight limit, it’s not an absolute number, and each one has its own weight capacity. However, typically, a standard paddle board can accommodate around 200 to 500 pounds. There are also larger ones with higher weight limits that are capable of holding more than 700 pounds.