Whether you want to propel yourself across a smooth lake or surf along the waves of the ocean, a stand up paddle board will fit your mood. Paddle boarding is a spin of surfing, where It is a great recreational activity, whether you are trying to relax (like when using a paddle board for paddleboard yoga) or get your heart racing with a fast-paced activity (like boarding along the rapids of a river). Whether relaxing or chasing adrenaline, however, your experience depends on the paddleboard that you choose for your excursion. Just like choosing the best kayak, there are many different types of SUP boards you can buy. Before you make your purchase, check out this guide on how to buy the best paddleboard for your activities.
To see more of my top paddleboarding products why not check out our Best SUP Paddles Reviewed
A huge factor in the effectiveness of your paddleboard is the hull that you choose to do it. The hull is the body of your board and its shape determines how it works. Usually, the hull is categorized as a planing or displacement hull, but there are also some hybrid varieties.
Planing Hull– Planing hulls ride on water, which makes them easy to maneuver. They have a flat, wide construction. They are ideal for:
Displacement Hull– Boarders using displacement hulls often choose them for increased speed and paddling efficiency. A displacement hull has a pointed bow (front end), shaped similar to a canoe or kayak. This is best for fast or long-distance riding. Ideal sports include:
Hybrid Hull– A hybrid hull combines all the best features of planing and displacement hulls. It is wide like a planing board, so you can sit down and ride it, but it has the front end of a displacement board for speed and paddling efficiency. They are good for:
Something else that factors into how well a paddle board functions during a certain activity is its length, width, and thickness. Here are the considerations when buying a paddleboard in each of these categories.
The length of the board effects maneuverability and what activities the board is most suited for.
Paddleboards are usually between 25 and 36 inches wide. You should make three separate considerations when choosing the width of your paddleboard.
The thickness describes how large the board is from the bottom side to the top side. Imagine that you were a smaller person, interested in using your paddleboard for yoga. You would need a wide board because of the activity, but you also must account for how small you are. To accommodate the activity and your weight, you would choose a thin board. A thinner board has less volume than a thick board. Likewise, if you are a larger person that needs a narrower board, then you would choose a thicker board to increase the volume.
The weight capacity of your board is determined by the volume. The good news is that most manufacturer’s list a weight capacity in the specifications for the product. Just make sure that you are under the maximum capacity.
The volume is also affected by the hull type. Planing boards hold weight better because of their wider shape near the tip. They are more forgiving in that sense. You will need to be more careful about choosing a displacement board, because they are more likely to tip if the overall volume does not align with your body type.
As their names suggest, an inflatable paddleboard is one that can be inflated or deflated, depending on if it is in use, while a solid board maintains its solid form through its entire life.
The major advantage that inflatable boards have is their compactness. If you are hiking to your paddleboarding location, then you may not want to maneuver an awkward board through the trees. They are also useful when you have limited storage space or when you are traveling. Finally, inflatable paddleboards are ideal for yoga and whitewater boarding. They are good for yoga because they are soft, making them comfortable, and for whitewater boarding because they handle bumps better than solid boards.
If you are going to choose an inflatable board, you want to choose one with an air pump and a storage bag, for easy inflating and carrying. You should also look for a board that can hold 12-15 pounds per square inch when inflated.
Solid paddleboards are great if you value performance on the water. Generally, they require less effort but offer a smoother, faster ride. They are also a little stabler, which makes them a great choice if you plan to carry equipment with you, or when you are racing or riding the waves.
Solid boards are usually constructed in one of four ways.
By now, you should have a solid idea of what factors you should consider before buying a paddle board, regarding the shape, weight, size, and construction of the board. Now, let’s talk about what other considerations you should make.
The fins are located on the bottom of the paddleboard. They add stability and help with maneuverability. If you value stability and straight tracking while you are riding, then larger fins are ideal. Smaller fins are ideal if you value maneuverability. Some people also choose to use their board without fins, which is okay because most are removable. This makes your board easier to transport, but it also gives you the opportunity to customize your board if you would like.
Here are the different types of fin setups that are common to paddleboards:
It is not uncommon for the traction pads to be sold separately from the board, because people usually customize these depending on the activity. For example, surfers may want to stand in one place on the board so they will choose a smaller pad. Some people even do away with the pad altogether, choosing to wax the board instead. Another option is larger pads, both lengthwise and widthwise. These are ideal for activities like yoga or for people who want to move around a lot.
There are other additional features or items that you will need for the best paddleboarding experience. Decide what is most important to you and make your purchase based on which boards have the features you want, while staying in your ideal price range.
While buying your board is a great start, you will not be able to have a safe, enjoyable experience without some of the following items.
After you have checked steps 1-5 off your list, you should be ready to for your water excursion. As you decide what paddle board to buy, remember to consider the overall shape, in addition to the length, width, and volume. Finally, decide which features (like the construction, fins, and extras) are most important to you and look for something that fits your budget range. Grab a friend or go it alone- just be sure that fun and safety are a priority on your paddle boarding experience!
Now, it gets me thinking. It shouldn’t be as popular as it is now, with, of course, a stable number of enthusiasts, without health benefits, right? Let’s identify what we get out of it besides a sun-kissed skin.
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