What is the difference between a SUP and a paddle board?
Paddle boarding, also known as stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), involves standing on a wider, more stable board and using a paddle to propel yourself through the water. One of the brilliant things about paddle boarding is that it can be done on a variety of bodies of water, from lakes and rivers to bays and oceans. Stand up paddleboards are generally faster than kayaks, as they have a longer waterline and can glide more easily through the water. This makes them ideal for exploring open water, such as lakes, rivers, or even the ocean. Kayaks, however, are easier to steer in tight spaces.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.Paddle boarding is generally easier to pick up, with good balance being the primary skill needed. Surfing has a steeper learning curve and requires practice paddling while lying down, popping up to your feet, and riding waves.For all-around and river specific uses, inflatable boards have significant performance advantages over hard boards that benefit most paddlers. For big wave surfing and competition class SUP racing, hard stand up paddle boards have an edge in performance.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.
Why not to buy a cheap paddle board?
Cheap inflatable SUPs only have one PVC layer. Although they’re lightweight and easy to carry, their rigidity is not impressive and, as you can imagine, they aren’t durable. Expensive iSUPs usually have two or more layers of high-quality PVC. They are much more rigid and even feel like solid boards once fully inflated. One of the main differences between cheap and expensive paddleboards lies in the quality of materials and construction. Cheap paddleboards are often made from less durable materials such as low-grade PVC or inflatable materials, which may impact their longevity and ability to withstand wear and tear.Kayaks typically sit lower in the water than paddleboards, providing a greater sense of stability and control, especially in rougher conditions. This stability makes kayaks an excellent choice for beginners or those who may be apprehensive about balancing on a paddleboard.Paddle boarding is generally easier to pick up, with good balance being the primary skill needed. Surfing has a steeper learning curve and requires practice paddling while lying down, popping up to your feet, and riding waves.Inflatable paddle boards require a lot of labor during production, and you have to use high-quality materials if you want them to last, but at the end of the day, the inflatable SUP price is low because they are still less expensive to produce and ship than hard boards.While both kayaks and paddleboards offer a fun and unique way to experience the outdoors, there is no clear winner when it comes to speed. Kayaks are generally narrower and sleeker than paddleboards, which gives them a slight advantage in terms of speed.
Is it worth buying a paddle board?
Paddleboarding is a great way to experience the outdoors, and it’s also a good form of exercise. If you’re just starting out, there are plenty of SUP beginner sessions available all over the UK. You can also read our SUP Guide for Beginners, with lots of handy tips to help you get started. In order for two people to be on a paddle board, the board’s volume must be able to support the combined weight of the riders. For families, it is possible to paddle with an adult and a child, however, two adults may be to much weight for most boards.In fact, paddle boarding can be a great low-impact exercise for people of all ages. As we age, it’s important to stay active and maintain our muscle strength and balance. Paddle boarding can help with both. Plus, it’s a fun and enjoyable way to get some exercise in.While it’s possible to paddle board without taking lessons, there are undeniable benefits to seeking instruction from a certified instructor. From learning proper technique and building confidence to prioritising safety and choosing the right equipment, paddle boarding lessons can set you up for success on the water.Anyone, Any Age, Any Size Can Paddle Board No matter your skill level, and even if you’re a big guy, paddle boarding is a great sport that every person should try out at least once. Your size or how much you weigh will not impact the level of enjoyment you have while out paddle boarding.Of course! Multi-person paddle boards, also known as “party boards,” are stand up paddle boards that are specifically designed to accommodate two or more paddlers.
What type of paddle board is best for beginners?
The best paddle board for most beginners will be inflatable, will have a low profile, and will be sized and shaped for stability and glide. It should have an uncluttered deck without unnecessary attachments in the central area of the board that can get in the way of climbing back on from the water. A paddle board’s performance is highly influenced by the user’s physique. 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.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.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.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.
Is it OK to paddle board alone?
While paddle boarding can be a peaceful and solitary activity, it is important to avoid paddling alone if possible. If you do choose to paddle alone, it is important to let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, and to bring a cell phone or other means of communication in case of emergency. You can stand up paddle board even if you can’t swim but it is not advisable. Paddle boarding in shallow water is not recommended as it can damage your board and is not safe for falling in. Waist-deep water is much better.To paddle with two people, you need a suitable paddle board, and it is often advisable to take an inflatable paddle board for two people. It will be necessary to have the right gestures not to hurt yourself, but also not to damage the sup board.Falling into the water and not being efficiently prepared or trained can cause major issues for those taking part in SUP. Weather conditions can also make paddle boarding difficult and could hamper participants being able to return to the board fully.Yes, you can lose weight paddle boarding. The number of calories you burn while paddle boarding will depend on your weight, the intensity of your activity, and how long you are paddle boarding. A general rule of thumb is that you will burn about 300 calories per hour when paddle boarding on calm water.
How much should I pay for a paddle board?
We recommend a budget of £400-£900, this will get you a decent board from a reputable SUP manufacturer. Why Are Red Paddle Boards So Expensive? Red Paddle Co boards are made from better and more expensive materials than mass market boards and are hand-built to very high standards. The high-quality components and accessories that come with the boards also add to their cost.The materials and construction process of Red Paddle Co boards utilize an internal core of drop-stitch and MSL technology for strength and lightness. The Sport Plus range introduces MSL 800, a lighter material that maintains stiffness and durability while reducing weight.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.