Pablo Luna
So you want to buy a Stand-Up Paddle Board, that’s great. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding has become an enjoyable hobby in countries all around the world. People take pride in their boards and have great fun in specializing their board to their needs and personality. Maybe you want to take your board out for a relaxing time out on the water, or you want to get in your zen space with paddle yoga, or many you want to get in a good fast-paced workout. The SUP world offers something for everyone. If you’re a beginner or you’re new to buying boards you might be asking yourself what are things you need to know?
Here are some tips from the Pros:
- Know What You Need
- Know What Features You Require
- Know Your Specs
- Know Your Price Range
What Do You Need?
What type of SUP you need depends on what you’re using it for. If you’re interested in surfing you’ll need a Surf SUP. If you are interested in racing you’ll need a Racing/Touring SUP. It should be able to fit and support your body as well as handle the water the way you want it to. You may also want to consider where and how you’ll need to transport it. Your body size and weight will also determine what you need in terms of length, width, thickness, and volume.
What Features Do You Require?
Depending on what you want to use your board for along with your body metrics, you may need specific features. You will also want to choose features based on how you want your board to perform. Your fins, bungee straps, and mounts are all about the features you should check for. The type of hull is also important. Your decision may also be based firmly on whether or not you go for an iSUP (inflatable) or Solid board in your decision process. Choosing one or the other comes down to a few key factors:
- Material
- Cost
- Skill level
- Personal Preference
To put it simply some people prefer and still advocate for solid standup paddleboards. On the other hand, you have those that feel the inflatables are taking over and changing the game.
What Are Your Specs?
Knowing your specs makes the whole process that much easier. Your specs include things like length, width, thickness, volume, and weight capacity.
Length
The length of your board is a major factor in how it handles. Longer boards and faster than shorter boards but shortboards are easier to handle. Shortboards are best for kids and surfing, medium boards are good for multipurpose use, and SUP yoga, longboards are best for racing and touring.
Width
Width is another key factor. Wider boards generally allow for more security and are great for beginners. Skinner boards are faster but don’t allow for you to carry a lot of extra gear. You should note that paddling on wider SUPs can be more challenging.
Thickness
Thickness is important when considering the overall volume and weight capacity. A thicker board can handle more weight whereas a thinner board paired with a lighter person can increase speed and performance.
Volume and Weight Capacity
Calculating the volume and weight capacity is important in terms of overall importance. Your SUP should be able to support your weight while giving you the best performance for whatever activity you’re using it for. The volume indicates its ability to float with a certain amount of weight on it. It’s measure in liters. The higher the volume the more weight it can support. Each board has a rider weight capacity in the specs list. Compare this to your actual weight for the best possible match.
What Do You Want To Spend?
The cost of SUPs varies based on your specs and features. Knowing what you want to spend helps to narrow down your choices. You can also rest assured that you can find some great but cheap paddleboards on the market. Knowing where to shop for your board is key. You also want something reasonable but high quality. Whether you’re going on solo trips or out with friends and family it’s best to invest in a quality board. A few things to include in the cost of your SUP are a paddle, floatation device, a leash to tether it to you, proper clothing, and not but no least a car rack. If you’re planning to get a solid stand-up board you’ll want to invest in a car rack if you don’t already have one.
Knowledge is power and knowing what you’re getting gives you great peace of mind. I can seem overwhelming and almost intimidating but don’t be afford. Talk to friends, family, or any professionals that you know and get their advice as well. Also, make sure to take with your sales agent. Ask questions and be involved in the process. You’ll appreciate the board you end up with even more. Now that you’re equipped go out and conquer the SUP buying scene.
