Choosing the right size sup board can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner paddler. Paddle boards are of different shapes and sizes. Choosing the right one will make all the difference in your sup boarding endeavors.
Here is a guide for the appropriate size paddle board.
Paddle Board Dimensions
The board’s dimensions that you must know are:
- Length-This is the paddle board measurement from the tip to the tail.
- Width- Side to side measurement of a board
- Thickness- Top to the bottom distance of the board
- Volume- the measurement of the board’s buoyancy in liters
What Size Paddle Board Do I Need for My Weight?
A very essential consideration to make when choosing a paddle board size is your weight. Weight and skill level usually determine how much the sup board volume should be.
If your weight is less than 200lbs, a standard paddle board will work for you. A weight up to 235lbs needs a board with up to 175 liters of volume to ensure stability. 275 lbs. of weight need a board with at least 245L of volume. If you weigh over 300lbs, a board with more than 272L volumes will provide adequate stability.
A board with the wrong volume for your weight will be unstable, drag too much in the water and ride too slow.
Beginner paddle boards
A beginner paddle board should be easy to ride. Ideal volumes for a beginner paddle are:
Inflatable paddle board volume: 220L-280L
Hard paddle board volume range: 170L-190L
Intermediate to advanced paddle boards
After paddle boarding for a considerable period, you can consider advancing to a board will less volume. Experienced paddlers usually prefer narrow sup boards due to their speed.
Ideal sup sizes for this are:
Inflatable SUPs: 200-250L, 10′-12’6 long, 30″-33″ wide
Hard/ Epoxy SUPs: 165-195L, 10’-12’6 long, 29-32 wide
What Length should the paddle be?
The popular paddle length is between 10′ -11′ and is fitting for an all round sup. Longer paddle boards are faster, while shorter ones are more maneuverable and responsive.
Paddle boards under 10 feet are
- Best for surfing
- Have a planning hull
- Good for kids 13 yrs. old or younger
Paddle boards 11 feet and under are
- Suitable for all round use
- Great for recreational purposes, SUP yoga, and fishing.
- Commonly have planing hulls, some have displacement hulls
Paddle boards 12 feet and above
- Great for SUP touring and racing
- Mostly have displacement hulls
- They stay straight in water for longer.
How Wide Should the Paddle Board Be?
For beginners, the board should have a 32-34-inch width. Advanced paddlers can use a 30-32-inch-wide board. Multi-person paddleboards have 42-56-inch width because they are designed for 4-7 riders every time.
How Thick Should the Paddle Be?
All inflatable sups are 6 inches thick, while hard epoxy sups are 4 inches thick. This makes inflatable sup more stable than a hard one.
Final Thoughts
Knowledge of the right size paddle board will help you get a board that will serve you for a long time. It should not be a daunting task anymore if you follow these guidelines.
Find more information, about SUP Paddles.
