Choosing a Stand Up Paddleboard

Interest in Stand Up Paddleboarding has exploded. It is probably the accessibility and simplicity that has led so many people to take up this wonderful water sport recently.

Start with SUP

The step into many water sports can be quite big, but not for SUP where you will very soon be up and paddling. The hardest thing about Stand up paddleboarding is probably actually knowing which SUP board to choose. There are a multitude of SUP boards in all possible price ranges and models. We thought that with this text we would make the choice a little easier. Then we would like you to visit, call or email one of our stores if you have any further questions of course.

Choosing an inflatable or rigid SUP?

Stand up paddleboards come in both inflatable and hard versions. Depending on how you plan to use the SUP board, one or the other option is better. A hard SUP board almost always has better paddling properties than an inflatable SUP. Even though the higher quality inflatable SUP boards have come a long way, there is still a certain difference. An inflatable SUP board can never be shaped any other way than flat underneath. They also cannot have as sharp edges as a hard SUP board. Therefore, a hard board can be built more course-stable than a corresponding inflatable board. If you are interested in wave Sup, a hard SUP board with narrower edges will be able to turn better than an inflatable SUP board with more rounded edges. If you have plenty of space where you can store the SUP board and you also have a roof rack on your car, you should at least consider a hard SUP board.

Advantages of an inflatable SUP

The advantages of an inflatable SUP board are still many. Being able to roll up the board and store it in a bag is the first obvious advantage. In addition, a quality inflatable SUP is significantly more durable than a hard SUP board. Many rental companies use inflatable SUP boards precisely because they can withstand so much more abuse. An inflatable SUP board is also lighter than the corresponding hard paddle board to carry if you are going to walk a distance before you launch.

All-round SUP board

When you have decided on an inflatable or hard SUP board, you should think about what you will use the board for. The vast majority of people who buy their first SUP buy a so-called Allround SUP board. These usually come in sizes between 10-11ft. 10'6 is a very common size, but 10'0 and 10'8 are also common. An allround SUP board is recognizable by its slightly rounder shape. This model is suitable for those who sometimes want to go out and paddle for exercise, so that on another day they can play with the children on the beach and on another day they want to go out and play in the waves. The size is chosen depending on how big the paddler is who will use the board. If you are planning to bring a child on the board, you should also keep that in mind. Normally, we usually recommend 10'6 for paddlers up to 95 kg. If you weigh more, it may be worth going up to a 10'8. Paddling a SUP board that is a little too small will not mean that the board will sink. What will happen instead is that the SUP board will be heavier to paddle and may also be perceived as more unstable than if it were slightly larger.

Examples of all-round boards are the Redd Paddle 10'6, Gladiator 10'8 and Anomy SUP 10'6.

Touring board for training & longer tours

If you are sure that you will use the paddle board for training and slightly longer trips, a touring board may be preferable. A touring board is often slightly narrower but above all more pointed than an all-round board. Common dimensions for touring boards are 11'0 and 12'6, but there are also longer models than that. You get a board that is easier to paddle for higher speeds at the expense of some stability. If you weigh around 75Kg and less, an 11'0 may be a good choice. 12'6 and longer are preferable for larger paddlers. Please note that these guidelines may be a bit misleading, especially on hard SUP boards, as you have to look at the volume of the board.

Examples of SUP touring boards are the Gladiator 11'0 and the Red Paddle 12'6.

SUP Yoga

SUP yoga is a branch of SUP that has become increasingly larger. There are dedicated Yoga boards to buy, but it is also possible to practice yoga on all-round and touring boards. A tip might be to choose a SUP board that is one size larger than what you would otherwise choose if you were only going to use the board for paddling. This is to get a little extra stability.

If you are looking for a race or wave board, we recommend that you contact one of our stores for personal service from one of our employees.

Cheap SUP or expensive quality board

It's worth considering when buying your first SUP, in addition to getting a board that suits you or your family, that you get a board of a quality you will be satisfied with. Stand up paddleboards can be purchased in all price ranges. You can find SUP packages for under 4000 kr. Some of our competitors are happy to come out and condemn these budget packages, but we wouldn't want to take it that far. As long as you are aware of what you are buying, it can certainly be an affordable option. You will probably get a SUP board made of a layer of rubber, which means that the board can release air and does not hold its shape as well as a quality board. You will also get a heavy and flimsy aluminum paddle that is not suitable for any longer trips. A budget board will also not be able to be pumped to the same pressure as a quality board. Lower air pressure causes more deflection in the paddle board, which in turn provides more resistance in the water. The really cheap SUP packages are an option if you want something to play with at the beach. If you want a SUP board that will last a long time and be good for longer paddling trips, we at Onwater recommend that you go up to a SUP board in the mid-range segment. It is not much more expensive than a budget board and you are guaranteed to get more joy per krona.

Of course, we recommend that you contact one of our stores so we can help you further on your way to a successful purchase. Welcome to Onwater!