"The right board creates the right paddling experience"
A question worth its weight in gold. "Yeah so I'm looking to get into paddle boarding. It seems like a great way to stay active and just looks pretty cool. But I'm walking into this blind and need some guidance. How do I go about choosing a board?" Let's talk about that first time SUP purchase.
First of all, pat yourself on the back for asking this question in the first place and not walking into Costco and buying that "great deal" board for $200. If it seems too good to be true, there's a good chance it is. That $200 price tag may seem appealing but you'll be less than thrilled when you bring it out on the water or when the seam blows in the first season.
Instead, do a little research. The first question to ask yourself is "What do I want to use this board for?" This will dictate the questions that follow. Paddle boards can be shaped and designed for a number of paddling activities. It's important to decide how you'll be using your SUP before deciding which SUP to purchase. Let's say you just bought a 14' SUP that's perfectly designed for racing and speed, yet you want to utilize your board for yoga and recreational paddling. You bought the wrong board.
So, how will you use your board? Wait, there are different ways to paddle a SUP?? That's right, and don't worry...most people will fall into this category and are looking for a paddle board that will get them outside and keep them active. This leaves the door open to a wide variety of paddle board shapes, designs and materials. Further down the road, once you realize what kind of paddling you lean towards most often you may want to purchase a specifically designed board.
Let's start from the beginning, though. You're a first time buyer and want a board that will "do it all" and is of quality construction and design. Your ideal day of paddling is heading out to the waterfront for a relaxed paddle and maybe a beer or two. Nothing too fancy, you just want to get outside and don't want to break your bank to do so. No sweat. There are three important factors to consider while making your decision. Let's break them down.
Length
Typically, the first question is, "how long of a board do I need?" For a recreationally purposed SUP the standard dimensions are 10' 6" x 30". Of course, this varies in both directions but this is a good reference point. For most, it would be wise to think of this as your minimum. Don't go shorter and don't go narrower. The length of the board is correlated to how fast the board will travel through the water. A longer board has a longer waterline (the portion of the board coming in contact with the water while in use). A longer waterline typically translates to a faster board. Now, this is not to say that you need the longest board you can find. Speed is not the name of the game for recreational paddling. Control and stability are more important. For the recreational paddler any board that is between 10' 6" and 12' 6" may be appropriate.
A longer board may travel through the water in a straight line more efficiently, yet it might be harder to control and turn around. This is worth your consideration. A greater length may also have more capacity (how much weight the board can carry). If you need the extra poundage you might just go for a longer, wider board.
Width
Along with the length of your board, you'll want to consider the width of your board. As mentioned above, 30" can be considered your standard. Boards that are narrower than 30" tend to be somewhat unstable while stationary. This is a give and take. You'll be giving a little bit of stability so that you can take a little more speed and usually a little bit better tracking (moving in a straight line). Boards that are wider than 30" will tend to be slower through the water yet they offer incredible stability. If you're buying this board for a group of people to use with varying abilities in balance, maybe consider a board that is 32" wide. You'll notice throughout your shopping and even more so during your paddling that an inch or two here or there makes a huge difference on the water.
Inflatable...Harshell?
Two key points here; can you store it and can you transport it? Yes? Then either option may be right for you. No? Inflatable. If your answers are no don't worry, you're not missing out. Inflatable boards have come so far, they're incredible and durable. You're not missing out on a paddling experience. The objective difference is in the shape of the board. Hardshell boards have the ability to create specifically shaped hulls (sharp edges, displacement hulls, different materials, etc.). In some instances hardshell boards are the right answer, in other water conditions inflatables are the only way to go. The truth is, the shape that inflatable boards are somewhat forced to take on is the same shape that you'll want for a stable recreational board. A flat planing hull is perfect for stability. Rounded edges offer both initial and secondary stability, which means it will be stable while standing still as well as while moving through the water. In addition to this, inflatable boards open up a wider variety of waterways you can paddle if you're willing. That lake that you've been dying to paddle is 1 mile up from the road? Throw your inflatable on your back and hike up there, blow it up at the top.
The takeaway is this, there are a number of options out there for you. It's worth your time to walk into your local shop and talk with an expert. They can offer specific examples of the differences between each board. Some shops even offer demo opportunities and this is highly recommended. You might take out a board and know instantly if you like it or hate it. Do your research, try out different boards if you can, make the right purchase.
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