How do I know my SUP size?
As a rough guide, your body weight is doubled and subsequently called litres. That is the volume of SUP you should be aiming to purchase. However, there are two other factors that need to be considered. The first is your height and secondly, your ability on a SUP (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced). For Novices and those who want to ensure SUP is as easy as possible, multiply your body weight (in pounds) by 1, and then 1.
How to choose SUP board size?
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. As you need enhanced maneuverability when SUP surfing, you’ll need a board that is fairly short in size. Paddle boards for surfing are typically in the 9 to 10 feet range, making it easier for paddlers to turn and ride the waves.For calm lakes and flatwater paddling, wider and longer paddleboards provide better stability. When paddling in rivers or mild currents, shorter and more maneuverable paddleboards are recommended. Surfing paddleboards have specific shapes designed to handle waves and provide agility.The most popular paddle boards generally come in around 10-11 feet long and 32-34 inches wide, and will suit the vast majority of paddle boarders just fine – all-rounder boards are called that for a reason. However, there are times where one would want to be more careful with their paddle board size.If you want more stability for casual cruising, yoga, or paddling with a small passenger – consider adding 1-2 inches in width (33-34”). If you want more speed for fitness paddling or touring – consider a longer (12-14′) and narrower (28-30”) 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.
Is a bigger SUP better?
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. A SUP board designed for surfing will typically be around the 9 to 10-foot range as the shorter length is more suited to sharp turns and movement. Longer boards 10 to 12 feet long are used for recreational paddle boarding, SUP yoga, and SUP fishing. While boards 12 feet and over are categorized as touring SUPs.Medium boards (10′ to 12′) are ideal for all-around use and for SUP yoga. Most of these boards have planing hulls, but sometime you’ll find a displacement-hull SUP at this length. Long boards (12’6 and above) are great for fast paddling and long-distance touring.SUP surfing is a very dynamic sport where we’re constantly bending over and getting low, so riding a smaller board would equal a paddle height that is maybe eyebrow level or up to your head. Riding a bigger board with more volume could equal a paddle height that is about two to four inches above your head.Larger paddlers, or those who paddle with lots of equipment on their SUP, will most likely want to have a larger paddle blade instead of a smaller one. Smaller paddlers might want a smaller paddle blade, but also more flex in their paddle. Paddler height and activity will also dictate how long your paddle should be.Choose a Wide and Stable Stand Up Paddle Board 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.
How to choose 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. Beginner swimmers should start with smaller paddles to help develop proper technique and avoid injury. Experienced swimmers can use larger paddles to increase resistance and build strength. The size of your hand is an essential factor to consider when choosing paddles.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.No matter what brand or model you buy, too short of a paddle will have you hitting your hands on the sides of the kayak. Too long and you could be adding extra strain to your shoulders and zig-zagging the kayak in the water, which can be exhausting. Selecting the right size is more of an art than a science.To measure a perfect fit, hold the paddle with your elbows bent at 90°. Your hands should be about one hand’s width from where each blade begins. For creek boating or general river running you might want to go longer and get a paddle at least 196cm. The extra length will provide more leverage and bracing for rolling.For most adults, the ideal length for an all-around beginner paddle board ranges from 10 feet to 12 feet 6 inches. This range provides a good balance, making the board manageable and versatile.
How to calculate paddle board size?
A simple guideline is to add 9-10 inches to your height to find a suitable board length. For example, if you are 6 feet tall (72 inches), look for a board around 81-82 inches long. Beginner swimmers should start with smaller paddles to help develop proper technique and avoid injury. Experienced swimmers can use larger paddles to increase resistance and build strength. The size of your hand is an essential factor to consider when choosing paddles.Some great swim paddles to start with are Tech Paddles from Speedo, for example. If you also want to work on your crawl technique, the Finis crawl paddles are ideal for you, they are not big, their shape makes you stretch your stroke and not cross your arms when you put them in the water.Paddle Boarding Styles: If you’re into long-distance touring or racing, consider a 1 fin paddle board. For surfing or whitewater paddling, a 3 fin setup can provide the necessary maneuverability.The most common paddle boards for all around use are 10 to 11 feet in length and between 31 and 35 inches wide. If you’re new to paddling, look for a board 33” to 35” in width for more stability. If speed is a priority for you, look for a board 31” to 32” wide and 10 to 12 ½ feet long.
What size is a standard paddle board?
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. Shorter length boards are primarily used for surfing, or for kids, and are easily maneuverable. If you’ve read our other articles on the importance of inflatable paddle board thickness, you know that, for most riders buying a board for all-around use, we consider five inches to be the sweet spot for board thickness.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.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.Shorter paddle boards (e. Lower overall volume allows the board to sit deeper in the water, providing reassuring stability for small SUP riders, or those practising their balance.
Should I get a 10 or 11 foot paddle board?
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. SUP surfing is a very dynamic sport where we’re constantly bending over and getting low, so riding a smaller board would equal a paddle height that is maybe eyebrow level or up to your head. Riding a bigger board with more volume could equal a paddle height that is about two to four inches above your head.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. Longer boards offer more stability and a smoother glide, while shorter boards are easier to manoeuvre.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. Shorter length boards are primarily used for surfing, or for kids, and are easily maneuverable.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.