Choosing the right stand-up paddleboard can be a daunting task, with a seemingly endless number of options to choose from. With so many different brands and models on the market, it is hard to know where to start. In this guide, we will take you through all of the things that you need to think about when choosing your stand-up paddleboard. You’ll learn what features are most important for stand-up paddlers, how much money you should spend on your board, and what makes one stand-up paddleboard better than another.
Size of Your Paddleboard
The most important thing to consider when buying your first SUP board is its size. Make sure to choose the right-sized stand-up paddleboard according to where you plan on using it (rivers vs open ocean) and how tall/heavy you are so that it fits well with your body type and paddling abilities. Beginners should avoid shortboards because they will be harder to balance upon.
If you’re a small person and will be using your stand-up paddleboard for surfing, then opt for an ultra-thin board that is designed to glide across the water like a surfboard. If you plan on paddling in open waters but don’t have any experience with SUP’s, choose a wider board so it can handle choppy waters better when being pushed by larger waves from a passing boat.
Materials used to build stand-up paddleboards.
There are a variety of stand-up paddleboards on the market today, but they can be categorized into two main types: inflatable and rigid.
Inflatable stand-up paddleboards have become a popular choice because they’re easy to transport and store at home or in your car’s trunk. The drawback is that they tend not to perform as well if you plan on using it for surfing or paddling larger lakes/oceans with stronger winds.
Rigid stand-up paddleboards consist of either a solid piece of wood or a composite of fiberglass and resin. Wood stand-up paddleboards are heavier but they’re much more durable in choppy waters, while fiberglass/resin boards tend to be lighter and easier to maneuver – especially if you plan on paddling rivers with swift currents.
Choosing the right stand-up paddleboard isn’t that difficult, decide where you want to use it along with your size. You can talk with a sales rep at your local sporting goods store to help you choose the right board. Take the time to find the right board for you and you will love paddleboarding.