What Kind of Board Do You Need?
There are variety of paddle boards that are for sale available on the market. What makes them different? Different manufacturers may categorize them differently, but there are four basic categories of paddle board. Each category is designed for specific reasons:
• Surf: These boards are the shortest type. Like the name implies, these boards were made for the waves and give you the turning flexibility those conditions require. inflatable picks would be the best resource.
• Family Recreation: These are the most durably constructed type of paddle board. The signature feature is the added width that provides stability.
• Cruising: These boards are long, and not easy to take to the beach, but they are ideal for flat water conditions, and sometimes have extra space for carrying accessories.
• Fitness: These boards are long and narrow which lets you get the speed you need regardless of the water conditions. Within each of these categories, you’ll find different types of boards, such as:
• Inflatables: They’ll hold up to 12 psi for the durability to use anywhere. These boards can be easily stored and transported to the water.
• Expanded Polystyrene (ESP): These are lightweight, but can have the drawback of allowing water to get into the gap between the cells should the board be damaged in any way. A good paddle board designs will have what are called fused-cell EPS which feature a watertight, honeycomb design.
• Soft Boards: This is a combination of EPS and wood or fiberglass stiffeners. These boards are ideal for new paddle boarders who will probably fall off quite often.
• Composite Boards: As you step up in class, the boards get lighter and wrap the core in fiberglass and even wood. Premium boards will replace fiberglass with carbon fiber which make them ultra-light, but also very delicate.
How to Choose the Best Paddle Boards?
When you’re passionate about a sport, you’ll want to find equipment that is as customized as possible.Within each category of board described above, you’ll find many different lengths, widths, and thicknesses.When you’re looking through the many paddle boards that are for sale, you’ll want to ask some of these questions:
• How many people are going to use the board? Multiple users will change the dynamics of the board you choose.
• Have you done other paddle sports (i.e. canoeing, kayaking)? This may allow you to step up to a more advanced board.
• How will you be transporting your board? Will you be lifting this by yourself or will others be able to help you.
These questions should get you in a general ballpark. But you’ll still have to dive deeper in order to narrow your options even more:
• Your height and weight make a difference. Shorter paddlers will want a narrow board to make paddling easier. Also, paddle boards are suitable for a range of weights. If you’re new to paddling, you’ll want to make sure your weight is in the lighter end of the board’s weight range.
• Do you want stability or speed? The width of a board will dictate its function. The wider the board, the more stability it offers. While narrow boards will add speed, which more advanced SUPers may find desirable.
• Choose a length for the type of paddling you’ll be doing. Long boards are ideal for going fast and straight, while short boards are ideal if you’re going to be paddling in and around waves.
• Determine the number of fins you’ll need. You can find an SUP with between one and five fins. If you’re planning to use your board strictly in flat water conditions, a single fin will be all you need. If you’re planning on spending time in the surf, then you’ll want three fins or more. An experienced, reputable manufacturer can help you decide what type of fin setup is right for you.
• Decide on other accessories. Traction pads (the “grippy” area on top of a board) and bungee cords for attaching a dry bag are useful accessories. Check out the blog to find some other important features that you need to consider before you decide to buy one.
