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Among the major manufacturers, there can be hundreds of board models – how do you find the one that suits you best? Here are four key questions to help you choose the right board for yourself.
Inflatable boards have made SUP accessible to many – storing and transporting a hard board over 3 meters long can be more challenging than with an inflatable board. The biggest advantage of an inflatable board over a hard one is its ease of transportation and storage. The board comes with a specially designed bag for easy transport. If you live in a city without available storage space or if you transport the board in a small car or by carrying it, an inflatable board is an excellent choice. Additionally, an inflatable board can easily accompany you on flights without significant additional costs.
On the other hand, if you plan to keep the board in one place, such as a cottage beach where there’s suitable storage space and you’re willing to transport it using roof racks or a larger car, a hard board is a suitable choice. Compared to inflatables, hard boards offer ease of use and maintenance. Hard boards are durable, and their repair is easily manageable even by oneself.
A family board, yoga, fishing, or long paddles? When choosing a board, consider its intended use. While many boards are suitable for various purposes, think about whether you’re seeking specific features. For instance, a yoga board has eliminated all fixtures that might disrupt workouts, while a fishing board’s deck is designed to accommodate a variety of accessories.
General-purpose boards are user-friendly and stable, easily maneuverable, suitable for paddlers of various sizes, and equipped with everything needed for family use.
Yoga boards are wide and stable, resembling a yoga mat on the deck, devoid of any extra fixtures.
Touring boards are long and narrow, glide easily through water, and can carry a considerable amount of gear if needed. They suit paddlers of all levels but are best for slightly more experienced paddlers on longer trips. Larger boards have numerous attachment points for a significant amount of equipment.
Race boards are long and narrow, designed for fast paddling and require more balance from the paddler. Lightweight and ideal for both recreational and official competitions.
Fishing boards feature multiple attachment points for gear and are wide and stable. Their easy maneuverability allows access to fishing spots not reachable by boat.
Kids’ boards are small and specifically designed for small and light paddlers. It’s easier for a small paddler to control and maneuver a small board.
Surfboards are made for waves, catering to more experienced paddlers wanting to experience surfing. Larger Surf SUPs can also be used for other types of paddling but excel in waves.
Whitewater boards are short, wide, and thick. Short fins ensure easy maneuverability without hitting rocks in rapids. These boards are designed for navigating whitewater, not for long-distance paddling.
SUP board length is measured in feet and inches. For example, 10’8” means ten feet and eight inches. Other board dimensions are usually indicated in inches, and volume in liters. Additionally, the recommended paddler weight is often provided concerning the board’s dimensions. However, this recommended weight isn’t definitive, and a skilled paddler can comfortably use a smaller board if needed.
8’0” – 9’5”: Boards of this length are intended for experienced paddlers, for example, surfing or, depending on the model, for kids. If you’re an average-sized adult and a beginner, it’s advisable to choose a larger board as your first one.
10’0”-10’8”: Boards in this size range are popular among beginners. They are stable, easy to use, and versatile. They are good boards even for a 100-kilo paddler but are especially suitable for paddlers weighing approximately 50-85 kilos.
10’8” – 12’6”: These boards often suit larger paddlers, approximately 90 kilos and above. Similarly, if you plan to use the board, for instance, as a tandem, starting with boards in this size range is a good idea.
12’0”-17’0”: These boards glide smoothly through the water and are ideal for long-distance paddling.
Width: Solely focusing on length isn’t sufficient. The width of the board increases its stability, and beginners should look for a board with a width of at least 32”. A larger paddler might not necessarily need a longer board: Look for a board that’s at least, for instance, 33” wide.
Wide (over 32”) boards are stable but might not be very fast. Narrow (under 32”) boards are fast but often quite unstable, especially for beginners.
There are several board manufacturing materials and techniques, especially for hard boards, and they significantly impact not only the characteristics but also the price.
PVC: Practically all inflatable boards are made from PVC plastic. The concept of drop-stitch material is similar across most brands, but for instance, Red Paddle Co.’s models from 2016 onwards have used an entirely new manufacturing technique. You can read more about it here: http://redpaddleco.com/fi/know-how/msl-fusion/
Carbon Fiber: The stiffest and lightest of the materials currently available, used in hard boards. Race boards and the lightest surf SUPs are made from carbon fiber. However, carbon fiber is thin and doesn’t withstand sharp impacts very well. Handling a large hard board, especially for a beginner, might result in dings and scratches. For this reason, carbon fiber might not be suitable for beginners. Additionally, it’s considerably more expensive.
Epoxy/Fiberglass: These are commonly used in hard boards. Epoxy boards are durable and affordable. They weigh slightly more than carbon fiber boards.
If you need assistance in choosing a board, contact us through chat or , and we’ll be happy to help.
