Can I leave my SUP inflated overnight?
There is no rule saying you can’t leave your paddle board inflated; however, we strongly recommend that if you’re leaving your paddle board in storage for long periods of time, you should deflate it to keep it in its best possible condition. If you have room to store your paddle board inflated, you can keep it blown up, eliminating the need to inflate and deflate it each time you use it. An already inflated board can be transported on top of your vehicle, ideally secured with SUP tie-down straps to a roof rack, crossbars, or luggage rails.In summary, it is generally OK to leave your inflatable stand up board fully inflated, provided you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and store it in a cool, dry place.
How to tell if SUP is inflated enough?
Your paddle board is fully inflated when it feels firm to the touch and does not flex under pressure. Most boards have a recommended PSI, typically around 12-15 PSI, which you can check using the gauge on your pump. For general recreation and yoga: Look for medium-length boards (10-12 feet) with more width for stability. For surfing and advanced maneuvers: Shorter boards (under 10 feet) with less width and thickness are preferable. For touring and racing: Longer boards (over 12 feet) with narrow width are suitable.In general, longer boards are faster than shorter boards, but shorter boards are more maneuverable. Keep in mind your intended use when deciding what length SUP to buy: Short boards (under 10′) are great for surfing and/or kids. These boards almost always have a planing hull.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.Rigidity: A well-built board should feel solid under your feet with minimal flex, even for heavier paddlers. Stability: It should track straight and offer good side-to-side stability without feeling like a pool toy. Handling: It should be easy to turn and responsive to your paddle strokes.The 11′ paddle board stands out in choppy waters or when embarking on long touring trips due to its superior stability and speed. Conversely, a 10′ board, due to its shorter length and great maneuverability, thrives in calm waters and is perfect for casual cruising.
What to look for when buying a SUP?
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. Stability in a paddle board is fundamental, especially for beginners. It determines how easily you can stand on the board without tipping over. The board’s stability primarily comes from its width, length, and hull type. Generally, wider and longer boards tend to offer more stability.For overweight paddlers, a wider board (at least 32 inches or more) offers better stability. Wider boards distribute weight more evenly and make it easier to maintain balance while standing or paddling.Here are some factors to consider: Fitness level: If you’re looking for a low-impact activity that is easy on the joints, paddle boarding may be the better choice. If you’re looking for a more intense upper body workout, kayaking is king.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.Paddle boarding has become an increasingly popular water sport that can be done on many water surfaces. But can you paddle board in the ocean? Absolutely!
Is a longer SUP better?
Paddle boards between 10’1 – 11′ in length are recommended for riders of all levels and make ideal all-around SUPs for people on the smaller side. Paddle boards above 11’1 in length are recommended for advanced riders and make great touring or racing paddleboards because they can keep a straight line and are faster. 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.For the majority of paddlers, 5 inches of thickness is preferred over 6 inches thickness because it results in more stability for a given board width and outline shape.For the majority of paddlers, 5 inches of thickness is preferred over 6 inches thickness because it results in more stability for a given board width and outline shape.
What is a good length for a 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. In general, longer boards are faster than shorter boards, but shorter boards are more maneuverable. Keep in mind your intended use when deciding what length SUP to buy: Short boards (under 10′) are great for surfing and/or kids.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 11′ paddle board stands out in choppy waters or when embarking on long touring trips due to its superior stability and speed. Conversely, a 10′ board, due to its shorter length and great maneuverability, thrives in calm waters and is perfect for casual cruising.These boards offer the most speed compared to 10′ and 11′ boards. Paddle boards that are 12 feet and over commonly have displacement hulls, so they can go much faster.
What is the best thickness for a SUP?
Thickness – SUP boards range from 4 to 6 inches thick. Whilst the 4 inch boards will be fine, they do sit closer to the water. The heavier you are the more likely you are to get your feet wet! For beginners, a board anywhere between 4-6 inches deep will be more sturdy and easier to get started. For the majority of paddlers, 5 inches of thickness is preferred over 6 inches thickness because it results in more stability for a given board width and outline shape.