Paddle boarding is an excellent sport that allows you to enjoy fantastic results for health and fitness. When choosing a stand up paddle board, there are certain characteristics that you should look out for which will help you make the right selection. So, next time when you are out shopping for an inflatable SUP for your upcoming beach vacation, here are some of the qualities that you should be aware of:
- Thickness and volume
When choosing an SUP board, you should always consider the thickness and volume of the board in relation to your weight. The higher the volume of the board, the more weight it can carry. Hence, if you are purchasing a stand up paddle board for your child, then the thickness and volume should be significantly less than what you would choose for an adult board.
- Width
In addition to the thickness and volume of the board, you should also consider the width of the board. Did you know that the width of your SUP goes a long way to determine the speed and glide of your board? Narrower boards allow you to travel faster however they also tend to be less stable. On the other hand, wider boards make it easier for you to achieve your balance hence they are often recommended for beginners.
- Height
When purchasing an SUP board, you should select one which is proportional to your height. If the board is too large, then you will be required to exert more force as you get the paddle into the water. On the other hand, if the board is too small then you might not be able to achieve adequate balance and stability when on the water. Longer boards work best for fast paddling on a straight course while shorter paddles are ideal for catching waves.
- Hull design
The hull of a paddleboard refers to its general shape. There are 2 main hull designs namely: planning and displacement hulls. Planning hulls appear much wider and flatter. This makes them achieve exceptional stability when on the surface of the water. In addition, they can be used for surfing due to their versatile shape. If you are new to paddle boarding, it is recommended that you should begin by using a planning hull paddleboard.
On the other hand, displacement hulls are V-shaped at the front. This design is best-suited for those who desire to achieve faster speeds when paddle boarding. They tend to be less stable than planning hulls hence displacement hulls are better-suited for more experienced paddle boarders.
- Material
There are 2 main types of paddle boards available in the market namely: inflatable SUP boards and solid SUP boards. Inflatable boards are growing in popularity owing to the fact that they are portable, easy to use and lightweight. They are suitable for paddle boarders who are looking to minimize on space while travelling. One of the benefits of solid paddle boards is that you don’t need to inflate them prior to use hence this will save you some time.