What’s the difference between a paddle board and a SUP?
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. A wider board will always be more stable than a skinny board, but keep in mind that a wide board can be slower and, if the board is too wide for you, difficult to paddle. SUPs are made in widths ranging from about 25 inches up to 36 inches to accommodate a variety of needs.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.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.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.
What does SUP stand for in a paddle board?
SUP stands for stand up paddle boarding. It’s like a cross between canoeing and surfing. SUPs can be used on the sea to surf or tour, or on inland waterways such as canals, rivers or lakes. You can even do yoga on them! 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.Technically paddleboarding can be done standing up or sitting down but the term SUP or SUPING refers specifically to paddling on one’s feet. The letters S and U coming from the words Stand Up. Either way you’ve got the basics now, a board and a paddle to move it through the water.A wider board will always be more stable than a skinny board, but keep in mind that a wide board can be slower and, if the board is too wide for you, difficult to paddle. SUPs are made in widths ranging from about 25 inches up to 36 inches to accommodate a variety of needs.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.
Can you paddle sitting down on a SUP?
If you’ve been wondering “can you sit on a paddle board”, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, sitting on a paddle board is so popular that you can even buy padded, ergonomic seats for the occasion. These attach to your SUP, and provide additional support for your back when in a seated position. Paddle boarding is an effective and enjoyable way to lose weight and improve your overall fitness. By incorporating structured workouts, interval training, and SUP yoga into your routine, you can burn calories, build muscle, and enhance your cardiovascular health.Paddle boarding does burn belly fat. This is because you’re recruiting large muscles such as your back and arms to paddle. The larger the muscle group you recruit, the more muscular strength you build and the more calories you burn, which can help burn body fat (including belly fat).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.A stand up paddleboarder not only has fun, but also enjoys a great healthy physical activity that is easy to learn. It’s an awesome workout as even a relaxing recreational outing ends up burning between 305 to 430 calories every hour a paddler is out on the water.Yes! Paddle boarding works muscles all over your body and, like any other exercise, with consistent repetition, your muscles will tone up. Is paddle boarding a good workout? Paddle boarding is not only an amazing workout for your body, but it is also a great workout for your mind.
Is paddle boarding good exercise?
Standing and paddling is a full-body workout. You might think paddling and expect upper body workout. But SUPing targets muscles all over the body. If only your arms hurt, then you weren’t doing it right,” Mr. Devoir said. You can buy the best board out there, but without a good paddle you won’t get very far. Getting a quality paddle that works well with your body and paddling style will make stand up paddle boarding (SUP) a bunch more fun.If your board feels unstable and you’re struggling to move smoothly through the water, improving your paddling technique could be the key to a more stable ride. Remember, your paddling technique plays a bigger role in your stability than you might think.One of the biggest differences between SUP and kayaking is the level of balance and stability you need. Stand up paddleboarding requires more balance and core strength, as you’re standing on a board and using a paddle to move yourself forward. This can be challenging for beginners, but with practice, it gets easier.The board’s stability primarily comes from its width, length, and hull type. Generally, wider and longer boards tend to offer more stability. This is where inflatable paddle boards often shine as they have a buoyant nature that aids stability.A SUP board must work for your size. If the board doesn’t displace the correct amount of water for your weight, you won’t be supported well and the board may feel unstable. Board volume and weight capacity are two factors that affect how stable you will feel and how well the board will travel through the water.
What’s the best size paddle board?
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. 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.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.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.If your adventures involve speed, long-distance cruising, or fishing, an 11′ paddle board is your match, offering faster gliding and ample space. On the other hand, if your focus is on yoga or recreational paddling, or you just prefer a more relaxed pace, the nimble 10′ paddle board should be your go-to.
Why not to buy a cheap paddle board?
DURABILITY. The durability of your blow up paddle board is important, especially when it’s inflatable. Once a cheap paddle board starts to break down, it tends to be more than just a simple issue and more than likely isn’t worth the effort of fixing so you’ll end up going and buying a new one. Yes, you can leave your paddle board inflated for short periods, but it’s essential to regularly check its condition and inflation level.With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.DURABILITY. The durability of your blow up paddle board is important, especially when it’s inflatable. Once a cheap paddle board starts to break down, it tends to be more than just a simple issue and more than likely isn’t worth the effort of fixing so you’ll end up going and buying a new one.Do I need to deflate my paddle board after each use? Deflating your SUP board isn’t absolutely required, especially if you’ll be using it again in the near future. However, deflation does offer advantages such as saving storage space and minimizing the risk of long-term inflation damage.