Are you looking to buy your first stand up paddle board? The many different styles and sizes of stand up paddle boards can make it difficult to know what to choose. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect board for you:
1. Consider Your Skill Level
Your skill level should be the first factor you consider when buying a paddle board. If you are a beginner, look for a wider, more stable board that will keep you afloat. Advanced paddlers can opt for a longer, narrower board that offers more speed and maneuverability.
2. What size board is right for you?
You want to choose a stand up paddle board that has enough volume (buoyancy) based on your weight and experience level to properly float you. If the paddler is too heavy for a SUP board, the board will sit lower in the water and thus create more drag, making it difficult to pick up speed.
Tip: Remember to account for the added weight of the gear you plan on bringing as well. As such if you plan to use your SUP for fishing or long adventures, you’ll likely want to choose a SUP that’s more buoyant.
It’s important to mention that being too light for a board is not something a rider has to worry about, as it doesn’t make a difference.
3. Know Where You’re Going to Stack Your Board
The location where you plan to store your board is crucial. Considering their considerable size, it’s essential to assess your living situation. If you reside in an apartment with elevator access, you might want to consider an inflatable board for ease of transportation. You can find more insights in our article Choosing between a rigid or an inflatable SUP board. Conversely, if you have ample space at home, a rigid board could be the optimal choice for you. However, if you’re planning to travel frequently with the board, an inflatable board might be more suitable. It can be effortlessly packed into the trunk of your car. Is good to know that if you opt for a rigid board, you will need to consider purchasing a rack to transport it securely on the roof of your car.
Pictures sourced from Thurso and GiliSports websites.
4. Decide where you’re going to paddle
Will you be using the board for surfing, recreational paddling, racing, or yoga? It’s crucial to select a board tailored to your intended activity. For instance, a board designed for surfing will vary significantly from one intended for racing. Additionally, if you plan to paddle in river rapids, opting for an inflatable board may be wise, as it can better withstand impacts with rocks without risking damage.
Picture Source Starboard website.
5. Consider Your Budget
High-end boards tend to be more expensive, but they also offer higher quality materials and components that make them well worth the price tag. If you’re looking to save some money, there are plenty of quality boards that fit within any budget.
6. Conclusion
The truth is that finding a perfect board depends specifically on people, with each person having their own needs and preferences, there isn’t a perfect board for all people and with the multitude of boards in the market, the selection process can be daunting. While brands often have their own board finders, they may only recommend their own products. At SUPClubWorld, we only recommend high-quality boards that we have tested ourselves. As partners with all the major brands in the SUP world, we ensure you receive recommendations for the best options available.
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