Can you feel it? In the air, in every breeze, there is the warmth and inviting call of the ocean. It’s the perfect time to throw yourself in the exciting world of water sports, and what better way to have fun at the beach than by paddle boarding? If you’re new to this fun activity and looking for the right equipment to get started but haven’t known how yet, you’re in luck. With this standup paddle board buying guide, we will help you on how to choose a good and suitable paddle board for your summer adventures.
SUP Hull Types
When you’re first diving into standup paddle board, you need to understand the hull types of SUPs because it can greatly influence your experience on the water. The hull, or body, of the paddle board is crucial in defining how it performs and what activities it best suits.There are primarily two types of hulls you’ll encounter:
Planing Hull
Think of a planing hull as akin to a surfboard. It’s flat, wide, and designed to float on top of the water rather than cut through it. I find that this type of hull is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for those who are into leisure paddling, catching some waves, doing a bit of SUP yoga, or even tackling some whitewater. The maneuverability and stability it offers make it a great choice, especially for beginners who are just getting their bearings.
Displacement Hull
On the other hand, a displacement hull features a pointed nose or bow, much like you’d see on a kayak or canoe. This design allows the hull to slice through water, efficiently pushing the water around the nose to the sides, which enhances speed and smoothness in travel. From my experience, if you’re into paddling longer distances, undertaking SUP touring, or even racing, a displacement hull might be your best bet. It’s engineered for speed and efficiency, making it easier to paddle further without exerting excessive effort.
Solid vs. Inflatable SUPs
Both displacement and planing hulls SUPs can be found with either an inflated or a solid general construction. And there are plenty of discussions over whether or not to go with an solid or inflatable standing paddle board.
Solid SUPs
Think of solid SUPs as the sports cars of the paddle board world. They’re built for performance with materials like EPS foam cores wrapped in fiberglass, or even lightweight, stiff carbon fiber for those willing to spend a bit more. Although plastic SUPs are less expensive than other materials, they are much heavier and perform poorly. You might find some with gorgeous wooden layers that are as aesthetic as they are functional.
“If speed and precision are what you’re after, nothing beats the solid board,” I often say. They slice through the water with ease, offering stability and a smooth ride, especially in choppy conditions. But, keep in mind, they need a good amount of storage space. So, if you have room in your garage and a way to transport them, solid SUPs can be an excellent choice.
Inflatable SUPs
Now, let’s talk about the inflatable SUPs. These guys are all about convenience. Made from tough PVC with drop-stitch construction, they pack down into a backpack and can be carried to remote waters or stored in a tiny apartment closet. “Inflatable SUPs are the ultimate travel companions,” as I like to put it, you basically can take them anywhere you want. They work great for those with limited storage, frequent travelers, or adventurers heading to that mountain lake. Plus, if you’re into SUP yoga, the slightly softer surface of an inflatable might just make your practice a bit more comfortable.
SUP Volume and Weight Capacity
When it comes to choosing the right SUP, think of volume and weight capacity as your best pals—they’re essential for ensuring your board feels just right underfoot. Let’s break it down:
Volume: Measured in liters, the volume of a paddle board tells you how buoyant it is. More volume means more float, letting you carry more weight without sinking. It’s like having a buoyancy buddy that keeps you afloat, no matter how much gear you pile on.
Weight Capacity: This number is critical. It’s all fun and games until you overload your board and it starts to submerge like a submarine on a secret mission. Make sure to check the weight capacity, which includes not just your own weight but also your gear, snacks, and any furry friends that might tag along.
For those using planing-hull boards, there’s a bit more wiggle room—these boards are quite forgiving. However, with displacement-hull SUPs, sticking to the recommended weight is key. Overload it, and you’ll feel like you’re paddling through molasses. Too light? The board might just feel clunky and unresponsive.
SUP Length
Know how long your board is yet? cause the length really dictates how you will handle on the water. Imagine longer boards as the highway cruisers of the SUP world: built for speed and smoother on long, straight tracks. On the flip side, shorter boards are like city scooters—zippy and nimble, perfect for surfing waves or letting kids take control without too much fuss.
- Short Boards: Under 10 feet and mostly rocking a planing hull, these boards are agile wave riders. Designed for quick turns and lots of fun, they’re perfect for the surf enthusiast or the young paddler. Kid-specific boards hover around 8 feet, sized just right for the younger crowd.
- Medium Boards: Stretching from 10 to 12 feet, these are your Swiss Army knives, ideal for pretty much anything from casual paddling to SUP yoga. The extra length offers more stability, which helps when you’re trying to strike a yoga pose or glide comfortably over calm waters.
- Long Boards: Now, if you’re in it for the long haul, boards longer than 12’6″ are your best bet. Typically equipped with a displacement hull, these are the marathon runners—fast, with excellent tracking ability, ideal for distance tours or anyone looking to paddle with pace.
Don’t forget to consider practical things like how you’ll transport your SUP. Longer boards might challenge your rooftop, garage space, or arm strength on a windy day by the shore.
SUP Width
Moving on to SUP Width—wider is more stable but can feel like paddling a barge if it’s too wide for your body type. Widths range from about 25 to 36 inches to suit various needs:
- Type of Paddling: Long haulers and SUP yogis might lean towards something in the 31-inch range for added stability and space. If speed is your need, a narrower board will cut through water more efficiently, favored by racers and wave catchers.
- Body Type: It’s all about balance. Smaller paddlers can manage well on narrower boards, while larger paddlers might opt for a wider deck to keep things comfortably under control.
- Ability Level: More experienced? You might push for a narrower board. Beginners? Stick with a bit more width to build confidence.
SUP Thickness
SUP Thickness, also a very important part of standup paddle boards, as it is the backbone of your paddle board. The board’s thickness has a direct impact on its volume and, in turn, its weight capacity. This might sound a bit technical, but here’s a simple way to see it: the thicker the board, the more weight it can handle. So, if you stumble upon two boards that look alike in length and width but differ in thickness, the thicker one will buoy you up better, especially if you plan to load it with gear.
Let’s say you’ve set your heart on a sleek, long displacement board for some serious flatwater cruising. If you’re not carrying much weight yourself or much gear, opting for a thinner board might be wise. It keeps the volume (and thus the buoyancy) in check, ensuring you don’t end up riding too high on the water, which can affect speed and handling.
SUP Fins
Moving on to SUP Fins—these little appendages at the bottom of your board are more than just decorations. They’re crucial for stability and tracking. The general rule is: the bigger the fin, the straighter you’ll go, perfect for those serene flatwater paddles. Smaller fins, meanwhile, give you the freedom to make sharper turns and maneuvers, which is great if you’re navigating through trickier waters or dabbling in some surf. You’ll see various setups like:
- Single fin: Ideal for a smooth and straight ride on calm waters.
- 3-fin setup (thruster): Offers a balance of control and tracking, good for both flatwater and surf.
- 2+1 setup: Features a larger central fin for stability with smaller side fins for better maneuverability in surf conditions.
For inflatable SUPs, fin setups can range from attached flexible rubber fins to detachable semi-rigid ones, providing versatility based on your needs.
SUP Extras and Accessories
For this part, you can choose to bring along anything you like or nothing at all, your choice. For the adventurers, bungee straps or tie-downs on your board are a must—they’re perfect for strapping down that dry bag or cooler for a day on the water. And for the gadget lovers, look for SUPs with built-in attachment points. Want to film your exploits or fish while you float? These are your new best friends, letting you easily add camera mounts or fishing rod holders.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring along a waterproof speaker and some sunscreen. Because what’s a day on the water without some tunes and sun protection, right?
Shop iROCKER Paddle Board
Now let me ask again, have you grasped the main idea of how to choose a suitable board? I hope so and that this paddle board buying guide has been useful to you. For those who already know which board they want to buy (or haven’t decided, that’s ok) come to iROCKER, they offer a wide variety of standup paddle boards. And there’s a guide to help you find the board that’s best for you.
