The popularity of stand-up paddle boarding exploded in 2005 and has been developing ever on the grounds that.
Its upward push into the mainstream may be put all the way down to its easy getting to know curve and type of uses to healthy any interest, from leisure sup paddling to sup surfing to getting a killer cardio workout. In addition, using a sup is simply amusing and a terrific excuse to get out at the water!
People often get stuck when deciding how to choose a stand-up paddle board. Choosing the right paddle board all comes down to the user, your preferences, and how you want to use the sup.
When looking for a stand-up paddle board, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the paddle board research information available online, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddle boarder, we hope this guide is helpful.
We’ve gathered all the things you need to know about how to choose an inflatable paddle board so you can make an informed decision that you won’t regret!
Types of sup
Sup boards can generally be broken down into six main categories depending on how you plan to use them.
All-around paddle boards
This is the most common form of sup and can be considered a combination of all types of paddle boards. They are large enough to provide stability, they are longer than surf sups to allow easy flight and tracking (holding your course), and they have a soft rocker (curve) so they can perform in the surf, too.
As the name suggests, all-around sups can work well in all kinds of conditions, so they are among the best paddle boards for beginners. For more information, check out our all-around paddle board primer, or shop our selection of all-around stand-up paddle boards.
Sup surfing boards
Surfing sups have a similar shape to a traditional bästa sup bräda but have increased width and thickness to provide increased buoyancy. Surf sups are mainly aimed at intermediate and advanced paddlers, as they are less stable than other styles.
The reduced length makes them harder to paddle and stay in a straight line than longer paddle boards. However, the shorter design and wider rocker increase their surfing ability. For more information on this style, check out our extended sup surfing primer or buy our sup surfing board.
Sup racing boards
Sup racing boards are designed for speed and tracking on flat water or open sea. It is the longest of the sup type available and has a narrow outline, making it ideal for experienced riders and runners.
The learning curve on this board design can be steep for absolute beginners due to the reduced width, but once you get the hang of it, this will help you get to the point faster! For more information, check out our extensive racing paddle boards primer or check out our racing sup board.
What size paddle board do i need?
The size and shape of the paddle board you need depends on your body size and what you plan to do with your board. There are many differences from one paddle board to the next, and there are many types of paddle boards that are used.
Beyond that, there are two completely different construction types that handle all of this: inflatable sups and hard (epoxy) sups. As such, the shape and size of sup boards are all over the map.
Inflatable vs. Epoxy paddle boards
After you have made your decision about what type of sup you want (surfing, yoga, etc.) And the dimensions, the next decision is whether you want an inflatable or solid board. To make your decision a little easier, you can limit it to three things.
Sup performance
A hard sup board (epoxy, carbon, or fiberglass) will outperform an inflatable on the water in terms of speed and maneuverability, so if you are looking for a board that is more efficient, a solid board (fiberglass or carbon) will be your best. Badge.
Inflatable sups are the best paddle boards for beginners because rigid boards are easily damaged when knocked on rocks, and for a beginner board, inflatables are usually the cheapest to buy. Our range from 4 to 8 inches thick: the best stand-up paddle board for beginners will be 6 or 8 inches thick, as thin boards are less rigid.
Sup transportation
Hard sups can be tricky to transport depending on your vehicle, and often require roof racks and ropes. Inflatable paddle boards, on the other hand, can be deflated, folded, and placed in the trunk of your car or checked on a plane, so you can bring your board around the world with you.
Sup storage
This can be another point of confusion with rigid boards, as they take up a lot of space, but inflatable sup can be folded and stored in a small space. It is not a good idea to store any type of sup outside, especially in direct sunlight, as it can cause delamination.
If you decide to continue with a hard board, in the interest of storage, store it in a board bag to avoid scratches and dings.
The cost of sup
The biggest factor in many people’s decision to buy a board is the price, especially for beginners who are not sure if sup is for them. It is important to do your research and compare all sup boards and sup companies.
For a beginner sup, you won’t need an expensive board, but you don’t want to go cheap and sacrifice quality. Direct-to-consumer companies are a good choice if you want to get a paddle board at a great price, as there is no retail or distributor markup built into the price. Reading a complete inflatable sup buying guide and learning about what goes into a paddle board is important before committing to a sup.
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