What SUP should I buy?
As a general rule, paddlers up to 95kg should consider a board no wider than 32 while those above 95kg should look at one that’s either 33 or 34 wide. Length – SUP length will have the greatest effect on a paddleboards glide as well as its agility ie: ability to make quick turns. Your board choice is determined by a combination of paddler weight and skill, your intended use and the local conditions. Different boards excel at different disciplines, such as recreational paddling, surfing, touring, racing and SUP yoga. If you’re renting, the staff at the rental shop will help guide your choice.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.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.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.
What is a good size 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. 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.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.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.To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness.Here’s the deal: paddle boarding is not hard. Just about anyone with a board who is willing to learn can get a handle a SUP in no time. Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly sporty, you’ll have no trouble figuring it out. You don’t even have to stand the whole time if you don’t want to!
Is an inflatable or solid paddle board better?
Quick Answer: For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable SUPs are much better overall, due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention. Speed and steering. Another difference between SUP and kayaking is the level of speed and ease of steering. Stand up paddleboards are generally faster than kayaks, as they have a longer waterline and can glide more easily through the water.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.In the ultimate race of speed, race-specific models of kayaks and SUP boards showcase the pinnacle of design for each. While both are designed for speed, kayaks typically have the edge due to their paddling efficiency and lower wind resistance, even in calm conditions.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.
Is hard SUP better than inflatable?
Performance: When it comes to performance, rigid paddle boards tend to be better than inflatables. They’re more agile, have better glide and are easier to catch waves when SUP surfing. Although if you’re looking for speed, rigid boards are only marginally faster than inflatable boards. High quality inflatable paddle boards are completely hand-made, so labor costs are high. Some lower cost inflatable SUPs are assembled in a more automated mass production process, which keeps the cost down but results in lower quality and performance.Cheap iSUPs often use lower-grade materials that may not be as durable or long-lasting. Expensive iSUPs typically use high-quality materials, such as military-grade PVC, which provide better durability and resistance to punctures and wear.The main difference between budget SUPs and high-end ones is the quality. Expensive inflatable boards usually have two or more layers of high-quality PVC. They are much more rigid and durable than cheaper ones. High-end solid boards are made of wood and carbon fiber.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.