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What Is The Best Stand Up Paddle Board Size You Will Need For Your Weight ?
So, you’ve decided to invest in a stand up paddle board? Great! The next step is to work out what size board you need. There are many factors you need to consider when choosing your stand up paddle board size. It’s not as simple as knowing your weight and height. You’ll also need to consider what you’re going to use the board for and your ability level.
Let’s break it down!
Types of Stand Up Paddle Boards
Different boards are designed for different paddle board experiences. Which one you choose will depend on what you want to do on your board.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] Touring Paddle Boards
Touring paddle boards are designed for traveling across long distances. If you’re taking an all-day trip, you’ll want a board that glides over the water. Touring paddle boards have great stability and can handle choppy waters. Touring paddle boards also contain additional features such as storage compartments. If you want to bring fishing or camping equipment on board, you can.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] Surfing Paddle Boards
Surfing paddle boards are similar to regular surfboards. They’re shorter and are best suited to riding waves. They’re less stable than other paddle boards, but this makes it easier to maneuver on waves.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] Sprint Paddle Boards
Sprint paddle boards are made for those who compete in paddle board races. If you want to get from A to B in the quickest time possible, sprint paddle boards are for you. Sprint paddle boards are long and narrow. This unique shape gives you quicker acceleration and better high-speed maintenance. Due to its reduced surface area, friction and drag are limited, meaning you can travel faster.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] Yoga Paddle Boards
Yoga paddle boards score high on the stability scale. They’re wide, thick boards made with stability in mind. Performing yoga on a paddle board is an incredibly relaxing experience. Combining water and yoga is a great way to relax your mind and body. But, maintaining a stable position on a paddle board does require some skill. Especially when you’re trying to perform yoga poses. Extra width and thickness from yoga paddle boards make holding those poses that little bit easier.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] All-Round Paddle Boards
All-round paddle boards are designed to do everything. They don’t necessarily specialize in one area, but they can be used for anything. All-round paddle boards are known for their stability and maneuverability. High stability and maneuverability make all-round paddle boards perfect for beginners. They’re also suitable for a range of waters and conditions.
How To Determine The Right Paddle Board Size?
Paddle boards are typically between 10-11 feet and 32-34 inches wide. But, as we’ve discussed, different types of paddle boards have different characteristics. The wider the board, the more stability it has.
However, wider boards are also harder to paddle. Shorter boards are easy to maneuver but difficult to control. It doesn’t stop at height and width. You’ll also need to consider your board’s thickness.
Thicker boards are more stable, but harder to maneuver. Before choosing a paddle board, you’ll need to consider your priorities.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] Priority: Stability
If you’re looking for a board with lots of stability, you’ll want a wide board. Opt for a board that’s 33-34 inches wide. High stability boards are best for beginners and paddle board yogis.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] Priority: Maneuverability
Shorter boards are easier to maneuver. They’re best suited to paddle board surfers. Choose a board that’s around 9 ft 6 inches in length and 30-32 inches wide.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] Priority: Speed and Straight Tracking
Speed and straight-line tracking are essential for paddle board touring and sprinting. For these types of activities, you’ll want a long, narrow board.
Choose a board that’s 12 ft 6 inch in length and 26-32 inch in width. The narrower the board, the higher your speed.
Thus, narrow boards are ideal for sprints. But, narrower boards are harder to control and have less stability. If you’re using your board for touring, a long wider board will be better suited.
[icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”#81d742″] Priority: Weight Capacity
If you’re carrying extra weight you might need to consider a thicker board. For most inflatable paddle boards, this means moving from a 5 to 6-inch board.
How To Calculate Your SUP Paddle Board Weight Capacity?
The weight capacity of paddle boards differs between brands, models, and types of board. Before purchasing a board make sure your weight is below the maximum weight limit.
Remember to include additional weight that might be on your board too. If you’re taking equipment, storage, pets, or other passengers ensure you’re taking their weight into account too.
If you go over the weight limit your board might stay afloat. But, it will be very difficult to paddle as it’s being weighed down and dragging in the water.
This could create a serious accident if you can’t paddle to safety during a crisis.
Like we’ve mentioned, it’s impossible to give you an exact recommendation on what size paddle board you should get. We’ll need to know your skill level, goal, water conditions, or what you’re going to be carrying on your board.
Below is a general stand up paddle board size guide and weight chart.
Follow this to get an idea of what board you should go for. If you’re a beginner or looking for an all-round board, these numbers will be more or less accurate.
If you’re a more advanced rider, you’ll need to consider water conditions, type of paddle boarding, and what you’ll be carrying on your board.
Takeaways When Choosing The Best Stand Up Paddle Board Size You Will Need For Your Weight
Paddle boards come in all shapes and sizes. They’re designed to suit your weight, height, type of paddle boarding, weather conditions, water conditions, extra weight on your board, and ability level.
Consider what you’ll use your board for before settling on a certain sized paddle board. If possible, speak to an in-store expert when choosing your perfect board. They’ll help you find something to fit your exact needs.