Believe it or not, when you want to maximize your SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) experience, there are things you need to look into before owning one. Imagine the frustration of having a slow paddling board and not enjoying your water activities. It sucks, doesn’t it? But there is a solution: knowing what to look for in a SUP. If you already know the basics of a paddleboard, you might just want to know how you can find the perfect board for you but, if you are still green in the world of SUP, you’ll want to at least get to blue, right? The good news is, this article covers information for beginners and experienced SUP lovers. Without further ado, if you are wondering what you should look for when buying your paddleboard, here it is:
Consider where you want to use your paddleboard. Are you using it on a lake, the ocean, or a bay? There are many possibilities when practicing small surfing. With this, an all-purpose, multi-terrain board with a replaceable bow is typically the best paddleboard to purchase.
Before spending money on a SUP, weight is a fundamental factor to consider. By doing your due diligence, you’ll find that most boards average from 20 to 30 pounds. On the topic of carrying handles: keep away from old ones. An old carrying handle makes it hard to pick your board up and carry it. Always purchase handles new, and replace your worn handles regularly.
The width of your paddle is at the heart of its stability. Most SUP boards are about 33 inches wide, which helps to accommodate body sizes across the board! A wider SUP is ideal for large body sizes, or someone with leg and hip injuries. Additionally, if a SUP has added thickness and width, you will easily have your weight distributed when in the water. For a better sporting experience, narrow and smaller boards are much more maneuverable on water and lighter than their counterparts. If you are getting started or you want the best out of your SUP, consider starting with a smaller and narrower paddleboard.
The key to enjoying your SUP is making sure the board accommodates your body size. Why? Because if the board doesn’t displace the desired amount of water for your weight, you’ll lack stability and risk slipping. Both beginners and experts alike prefer shorter paddleboards. This is because a shorter board helps a beginner relax and practice, while for the experts, shorter boards are quick to maneuver, making their rotations and tricks much smoother.
SUP boards don’t come from just one material. They consist of many different materials, ranging from fiber glasses to carbon fibers. However, the most commonly used material for SUPs is plastic. When buying a board, considering the main material isn’t absolutely necessary but may be vital depending on the terrain you’ll be facing. Some materials will make the board more permeable, while others seek to retain solidity. If you are less seasoned, you’ll want to find a board made from floatable materials.
Now that you know what to look for, you’d better get out there! Have fun and stay safe! It's also recommended you grab a good electric SUP pump as well if you plan on grabbing an inflatable SUP.
