Your SUP Guide
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SUP BUYERS GUIDE
Stand Up Paddleboarding has been around for hundreds of years, but from providing an important mode of transport on the water in the 1700s to its emergence as a popular past-time in more recent times, there is a fresh wave of interest with SUP’s the must have accessory on the water this year.
With more people discovering the joys of Stand Up Paddleboarding it’s important to know what YOU want to get from your SUP experience. From the serious paddleboarder spending more time out on the water to those looking for a bit of fun in the surf, it’s important to know what to look out for when choosing a new paddleboard.
And that’s where we come in with our simple SUP Buyers Guide which will ensure you get the very most out of your paddleboard. You’d be surprised at just how many ways there are to enjoy paddleboarding and there are a number of factors to consider when deciding on the most suitable board, including where you intend to paddle and how far.
Surf
On days when you’re dealing with the rough and tumble of the surf it’s important to have a board that is rigid to avoid flexing on the waves. A lower volume board such as the Red Paddle 9’8” Ride Hybrid Tough SUP is shorter in length which adds manoeuvrability. Some may have a raised kicker on the tail to add with pivot turns.
Yoga / Fitness
(stationary)
Stability is the key, a rounded nose and tail will increase stability especially if trying to move around on the board (changing yoga poses, doing headstands etc) a nice clear deck area to allow unhindered movement. A wider board, such as a Red Paddle 10’8” Ride or a Gul Cross, will feel more stable when stationary (initial stability). These also make great messing around boards, creating a platform to have fun on.
Flatwater Paddling
(half day trips up to 10 miles)
A balance between stability and efficiency needs to be struck. The most popular size for general paddling is 10’6” by 32”. Suitable for most size paddlers (including those taller) shape makes a big difference. A rounded board such as the Red Paddle 10’6” will be more forgiving when stationary and instil confidence, feeling more manoeuvrable. Whereas a more kite shaped board will track better in a straight line and glide easier. A board such as the Sandbanks Ultimate 10’6” will also be more efficient over a longer distance. However, a kite shape board will feel less stable when stationary.
Touring
Touring (longer day paddles and multiday trips)
The ratio between the width of the board and length will be the major factor in determining the board’s efficiency through the water. The longer and thinner the board the more efficient it will be at going in a straight line, therefore you can glide faster through the water or not work so hard to move at the same speed as a shorter board. Typically, these boards have areas for storing kit at both the front and tail of the board. Boards typically range from 11’ to 13’ long and 29” to 32” wide. The Sandbanks Style Sport Touring Pro 12’6 and Red Paddle Voyager 13’2” are great examples.
FIND YOUR PERFECT BOARD
There are other factors to consider when choosing your next board, and much depends on the individual.
Weight
Check the suitability of a board to carry your weight etc.
Height
Much less of a factor in determining board size than most people think although a taller person will have a higher centre of gravity meaning they may well feel less stable on a narrower and pointer board initially.
Broadness
A Broader paddler would benefit from a wider board and may have the frame to allow them to paddle correctly across a wider board (34inches + wide board) however a paddler with narrower shoulders would have to lean or change their paddling position meaning that a wider board may actually feel less stable and feel like a barge to paddle.
FACTORS AFFECTING STABILITY
Width
A wider board, 34” and above, will feel stable when stationary to most paddlers (initial stability), a narrower board may feel less stable when stationary but once cruising it will feel more stable (secondary stability) and wider means more initial stability. A wider board is less efficient through the water.
Thickness
As a general rule a thicker board will be able to take a larger paddler as it will have more volume. A smaller paddler would benefit from a smaller board to reduce the amount of windage they are exposed to. It’s easy to just go for the biggest size but it’s not always the most suitable.
Rigidity
The stiffer the board the better the board, not only will a more rigid board perform better it will be far more stable. If a board is bowing in the middle, it will be difficult to paddle straight and you are standing on a curve, a flatter board is a happier board (most of the time). Typically a board wants to be pumped up to 15psi for flat water and about 18psi for choppier water. It is very hard to pump a board over 20psi so pumps and boards that offer this isn’t necessarily an advantage.
INFLATABLE BOARDS FOR ALL
Inflatable boards are suitable for beginners through to advanced paddlers. There are many advantages to inflatable boards, including durability, portability, weight, versatility and storage.
Single Layer
A single layer (of PVC over core) paddleboard is the most lightweight of SUP’s. They are the cheapest too, but their lighter construction means they can’t hold as much pressure, are easy to damage and not as durable.
Double/Triple Layer
With two layers of PVC bonded together over the core, the double layer paddleboard offers increased durability and increased rigidity (allowing the board to be pumped up more). It has heavy construction, is less flexible for rolling (packing away) and can by damaged by heat (bubbling deck, delamination). Triple layer boards are also available, however they are less common now as fusion technology has become more affordable, not just at top end boards.
Fusion Technology
Essentially two layers fused together at the raw material stage which gives the benefits of a double layer board, offering strength and durability but is lighter (up to 25%) than double layer while maintaining rigidity.
ACCESSORIES
Once you’ve chosen your board it’s also worth considering SUP accessories that will make your life easier and ultimately more enjoyable on the water.
While most SUP packages include all the essentials, including paddle, pump, leash, fin and bag, you can improve your paddleboard experience further. Buoyancy aids are a good place to start, and the Gul Gamma Buoyancy Aid provides all the reassuring peace of mind you need when out on the water. You can even bring your four-legged friend along for the journey with a Red Paddle Dog Buoyancy Aid, and if you really want to push the boat out you can keep your canine companion safe on the board with a Sandbanks Style Dog Mat, which not only provides comfort and grip but also protects your board. The time of year and temperature of the water will also determine what you choose to wear when out on your board, from the winter months where anything up to a 6mm wetsuit and zipped boots will suffice to the warmer months where anything from boardshorts to spring wetsuits are all you need. Paddleboarding can be thirsty work too, so for those longer sessions don’t leave without a bottle of water or a hot drink, stored in a Yeti Rambler Bottle or a Red Paddle Insulated Bottle.
AND AWAY YOU GO…
Now that you’ve found your perfect board and accessories it’s almost time to go test it out for the first time. But before you head out, wherever you choose to paddle, there are a number of safety points to consider:
If possible, always go with a friend
If going alone, tell someone where you’re going
Bring your phone in a waterproof pouch
Check weather forecast and tide times
Wear a suitable flotation device
Use a paddleboard with an appropriate leash
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