How to Choose the Right Stand Up Paddleboard for You
Getting ready to buy a stand up paddleboard is an exciting prospect. You have probably tried SUP out a few times and have a good sense for why people love this sport. (If you have not tried it, renting a paddleboard first is always a good option before purchasing one.) Now you are ready to make an investment in your own paddleboard.
Owning an SUP will give you the option to take your stand up paddleboard to a range of different locations, get out and paddle board whenever the mood strikes, and - most importantly for this guide - get the paddle board that best fits the way you ride.
With a rental SUP, you likely had two or three options to choose from that were suitable for all of the basic ways to ride. Now you can tailor your board for the specific way that you enjoy stand up paddleboarding with boards on the market that cater to every style of SUP.
If your preference is a slow tour of beautiful waterways, low impact fitness, or SUP yoga, there are boards specially made for those. There are also options for SUP racing, catching waves and rapids, and more adrenaline fueled SUP excursions. Kids will also need an SUP that fits them if you are getting the entire family in on the sport.
How to Choose an SUP
The type of board, shape, size, and volume are all important decisions you will make (as well as the design) when selecting an SUP. These choices are based on three key factors:
Your height and weight.
How and where you use the board (SUP yoga, riding waves, etc).
How you like the board to handle.
Knowing how you want to use the board and preferred handling is why it is important to have some experience with SUP before you go in on buying your own board.
Selecting the Right SUP Based on How You Will Use It
Now that you know what you need from an SUP, you can decide the following factors:
Solid SUP or iSUP - Rigid SUPs are usually crafted from epoxy, composite, or wood. Inflatable SUPs are made from a heavy duty PVC shell that you inflate when you are ready to launch. A solid SUP will generally offer better handling and stability, and many brands come in a wider range of sizes to get one that best fits you. iSUPs still feel extremely rigid once inflated and are they are easier to store, travel, and hike with since they are small and lightweight when deflated. The additional give of the inflatable surface can be softer for SUP yoga and less prone to damage in waves or rocky settings.
Volume and Weight Capacity - The volume of your board determines how much weight it can hold and also what the water displacement will be. You need the board to displace the water in order to provide stability while you stand on it. Too little displacement and you will feel unstable and the board will be harder to maneuver. Too much displacement and you will experience a lot of drag as you try to paddle through the water. This will depend on your personal preferences and whether you prefer a stable touring SUP or a light and fast SUP. You will also need a capacity compatible with your weight as well as the gear you intend to bring along on your trips.
SUP Hull Type - SUPs come in two hull styles - the displacement hull and the planing hull. This displacement hull has a sharp point in the nose, similar to what you see on a boat. This makes it more hydrodynamic so that it will move smoothly and efficiently through the water, making it a good option for SUP touring and racing. The planing hull has a rounded nose similar to a surfboard, offering greater maneuverability and making it the choice for an intro board, SUP yoga, and surfing.
Length - Stand up paddleboards range in length from below 10 feet to greater than 14 feet long. In addition to matching the length to your height, the length will also affect how the board's handling. A longer board is faster and a shorter board is more maneuverable. Short boards are also the best choice for kids. Medium boards are the most versatile. Long boards are ideal for racing or long distance SUP.
SUP Width - As a board gets wider, it becomes more stable but also slower. You will find boards with between 2 and 3 feet. For beginners, SUP yoga, and versatility, it is best to choose a board more than 30 inches wide. For racing more experienced paddleboarders, you may prefer a narrower board. Also take into account your body type. If you have narrower shoulders, a thinner board means you will have less of a reach to get the paddle in the water.
Fins - Both solid and iSUP come with fins. On an iSUP, they may be rubber or detachable that you add on before you set off. A single fin is the most common and is efficient in still water. 3 fins offer improved tracking and control. A 2+1, which has one larger fin in the middle and two smaller fins on either side, offer improved maneuverability that makes it a common choice for SUP surfing.
With all of these different choices, buying your SUP can involve a lot of decisions. Drawing from your past experiences with stand up paddleboarding and working with an expert in the sport will help you choose the right board and as well as accessories to help you enjoy all of your SUP excursions, wherever they may take you.
SUP Tahoe is a great place to get started with everything you need related to SUP. Our SUP rentals in South Lake Tahoe are the perfect chance to experience stand up paddleboarding in a beautiful setting. When you are ready, our SUP showroom offers a wide range of boards for all of the different styles of stand up paddleboarding and a team that is enthusiastic about helping you find the right board. Stop by our location in South Lake Tahoe to get started picking out your perfect stand up paddle board.
