How to Choose a Stand Up Paddle Board
From a relaxing cruise around the lake to a solid core and upper body workout, a stand up paddle board or SUP is a great way to spend time on the water. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a paddle board, including a solid vs. inflatable board, the board’s size and shape, and the paddle. Whether you’re interested in paddle boarding for the first time or already paddle regularly, learn everything you need to choose the right paddle board for you.
Paddle Board Types
There are two options you have when choosing a SUP board: an inflatable or solid stand up paddle board.
Solid paddle boards are the traditional style of board and are available in a variety of hull styles and sizes. If you paddle board regularly, a solid board is a better option since you'll have more styles and sizes to choose from to suit your preferred SUP activities.
Inflatable paddle boards, also called iSUPs, can be deflated and rolled for easy transport and storage even if you have limited space. If you’re just starting out or only paddle board occasionally, an inflatable SUP board is a great option.
Paddle Board Size
Once you’ve decided on the right type of paddle board, it’s time to choose the best length for you. Generally, longer paddle boards are harder to steer but cut through the water more easily, while shorter boards can quickly maneuver.
Short SUP Boards:
- nike flex trainers black and white gold women
- Length: 10 feet or less
- Ideal for kids because they require less strength to paddle
Medium SUP Boards:
- Length: 10 to 12 feet
- Ideal for casual paddle boarding, yoga, or relaxing on the water
Long SUP Boards:
- Length: 12 to 14 feet
- Suited to racing or long paddling sessions.
The length of a SUP often goes hand-in-hand with its width. Short boards are generally wider and more stable, making them best for casual rides or SUP yoga. Longer boards are narrower and designed to streamline through the water—a must during long trips or SUP workouts.
Paddle Board Hulls
Just like a boat, a SUP board’s hull refers to its shape and influences how it moves through the water. If the style of hull isn’t listed, you can determine the shape of the SUP by looking at its nose (the frontmost point of the board). A rounded, more u-shaped nose is common on planing hulls, while a v-shaped or pointed nose is usually found on displacement hulls.
Planing hulls have a wider, flatter shape and closely resemble a surfboard. This hull shape makes the SUP more stable and easier to steer, especially for beginners. If you’re new to SUPs or paddle only occasionally, a board with a planing hull is a great option.
Displacement hulls are designed to slice through the water and have a narrower, more streamlined body. The body of a SUP with a displacement hull resembles a kayak or canoe and has a pointed nose and narrow bottom. While they’re less stable, this style of SUP moves forward more efficiently, meaning you can move faster with less effort. Displacement hulls are a great option if you SUP for long distances at a time, paddle board for your workout, or are interested in SUP racing.
How to Choose a SUP Paddle
The paddle is one of the most important parts of a SUP board—without it, your SUP is just a stand-up board!
While there are a few different ways to check the right length of paddle for you, this is the simplest:
- Hold the paddle in front of you with the grip resting on the ground
- The point where the blade meets the shaft should be at or slightly above eye level
As you get comfortable riding, you may find a longer or shorter paddle makes your SUP ride more enjoyable. If you’re newer to paddle boarding, an adjustable paddle is a great option as you can easily change the length and find what’s most comfortable for you. If multiple people will be using the SUP board, an adjustable paddle also ensures everyone can have a great ride!
The length of the paddle is the most important consideration, but more advanced SUP riders can also choose a SUP paddle based on the size of the blade—the flat part of the paddle that goes into the water. Generally, the size of the SUP paddle blade falls within one of these three ranges:
- Small Paddle: 80—90 square inches
- Medium Paddle: 90—100 square inches
- Large Paddle: 100—120 square inches
The larger the blade, the more water will be displaced with every stroke, allowing you to accelerate quickly with fewer strokes. However, larger blades also require more energy and upper body strength to pull through the water. If you’re focused on increasing speed quickly or getting a solid upper body workout, a large blade is a great option. If you’ll be going on longer rides or paddling casually, a Power Equipment Parts & Accessories will allow you to comfortably paddle without tiring yourself out.
From casual tours around the lake to SUP yoga and workouts, having a stand up paddle board geared toward the activities you enjoy will help you make the most of your time on the water. If you’re new to SUP and want some more information to get you started on your SUP board, check out our guide to paddle boarding for beginners. Plus, be sure to stop by your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN and get personalized advice from our Water Sports Experts!