When buying a paddle board, you need to consider how different factors like board type, size, and material will affect your time on the water. Whether you’re looking for beginner paddle boards or looking for your first paddle board, here are the things to look out for when buying a paddle board. For paddle board products, visit Get on the water. For paddle board products, visit Get on the water.
1. Types of Paddle Boards
What kind of board do you need:
- All-Around SUP Boards: Best beginner board. These boards are versatile and great for flat water and small waves. Good stable platform for stand up paddle boarding.
- Touring Boards: Longer board for longer distances, lakes and oceans. Touring boards have a displacement hull for speed and tracking. Most touring boards are stable for long distance paddling and have space for gear. Often a wider board.
- Race Boards: Built for speed, these boards are narrower with a pointed nose. Perfect for SUP racing. But, require more balance and best for experienced paddlers.
- Surf SUP Boards: If you want to surf, shorter boards are more manoeuvrable in surf conditions. Great for paddlers who want to combine paddle boarding with surfing.
- SUP Yoga Boards: Wider boards with soft deck pad for added comfort and stability. Perfect for SUP yoga.
2. Inflatable vs Solid SUP Boards
Next is whether to go for an inflatable board, or a sup board.
- Inflatable SUP Boards: Perfect for those who need portability and storage. Modern inflatable boards are made of military grade PVC, very durable. Come with accessories like electric pump and travel friendly. Inflatable SUP is best for beginners due to convenience, though performance is still great for casual paddlers.
- Solid Paddle Boards: Hard boards with an EPS foam core and fibreglass skin provide better performance especially for downwind paddling or SUP racing. Less portable than inflatable paddle boards but better glide and speed on the water.
3. Board Size and Volume
What size board do you need:
- Length: Longer boards (12 feet and above) for touring or racing, shorter boards for surfing and all-around use.
- Width: Wider board (32 inches or more) is super stable and best for beginners or SUP yoga. Narrower board is faster but less stable, for more experienced paddlers.
- Thickness and Volume: Thicker board with more volume can carry more weight, great for carrying gear or larger paddlers. Volume measured in litres affects buoyancy and weight capacity.
4. Hull Design
The shape of the hull determines how the board performs:
- Planing Hull: Flat bottom, more stable and easier to maneuver, perfect for beginners and recreational paddlers. Planing hulls sit on top of the water and great for flat water paddling.
- Displacement Hull: Pointed nose, displacement hulls cut through the water, faster and more efficient. Best for longer boards for touring or racing.
5. Deck Pad and Fins
Your deck pad is important for your comfort while paddling. A good foam deck pad will provide grip and cushioning, especially for long paddling sessions or SUP yoga. Look for deck pads that cover more area for maximum comfort.
Fins also affect the board’s performance:
- Single Fin: Best for speed and straight line tracking.
- Three Fin Setup: More control, especially in surf conditions, perfect for surf SUP.
6. Weight Capacity and Stability
Before you buy, check the weight capacity of the board to make sure it can carry your weight and any gear you plan to bring. Wider board and higher weight capacity is easier to balance, especially for beginners. For experienced paddlers, narrower board with lower capacity is for speed over stability.
7. Construction Materials
- Solid SUP Boards: Made with EPS foam core, covered by layers of fibreglass and epoxy. Solid boards are better for racing, long distance paddling, and downwind paddling.
- Inflatable SUPs: Made from military grade PVC, inflatable paddle boards are durable, portable, and scratch resistant. They are perfect for those with limited storage.
8. Portability and Storage
If you travel a lot or have limited storage space, an inflatable SUP board is best. Inflatable boards deflate for compact storage and come with carry bags for easy transport. Solid boards may offer better performance but require a roof rack and more storage space.
9. Budget and Accessories
When buying a paddle board, your budget is key. Paddle boards range from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds depending on size, materials, and features. Don’t forget to factor in SUP equipment such as paddles, leashes, and pumps. These may or may not be included with your purchase.
Summary
It all depends on your paddling style, experience, and use. Consider board size, board shape, construction materials, and weight capacity when choosing the right board. Now you know the basics of stand up paddle boards, you can choose the right one and start paddle boarding.
