What Size Stand Up Paddle Board is Right For a Beginner?

So what size stand up paddle board is right for a beginner? We will go over this in this blog post with charts, diagrams and videos!

Standup paddle boarding is the best way for one to enjoy the great outdoors and have fun. It is also an ideal way to give your body a full workout. Choosing the right board can be a hard decision for a beginner. Below are tips on how to select an SUP.

So What Size Stand Up Paddle Board is Right For a Beginner?

The first thing to think of when you are looking for SUP is what you will be using it for. There are different types of paddling surf boards out there that are suited for different types of water sports such as racing, touring and surfing.

Length of SUP Board

Length of the paddle board is also essential, although there is no one size fits all approach. Look for a board with a length that is ideal to your body size and mostly your weight. What makes it a big deal for beginner stand up paddle boarders is the fact that you need to make sure that the board displaces the right amount of water for your weight, or it is not going to support you.

If one will require a longer board, take note that they are heavier and harder to carry when walking to the water. Ten to twelve inches long is ideal for those who want to relax in the water. Twelve to fourteen inches long is a good option for people who are interested in touring or racing as they are faster than shorter ones.

Stability Of SUP Board

When looking for a new paddle board, make sure that you are shopping for an SUP that gives good stability so that you can maintain your balance in the water. For those new to paddle boarding, it is advisable to opt for a larger board until you get comfortable balancing on it.

When you become a pro, you can then trade up for a thinner and smaller alternative which will be lighter and offer better maneuverability. The largest across board is thirty six inches wide.

The wider and thicker a board is, the more it will displace your weight in the water. Wider boards are perfect for people who have bad flexibility, are larger in body size and have had a recent leg or hip injury.

Construction of SUP Board

Construction materials of stand up paddleboards differ by model and brand. The most common materials are fiberglass, plastic or carbon fiber. Fiberglass is the general makeup that one will come across since is can be used for different paddle boarding.

The weight of this plank varies as the construction technique differs too. You can get a sheet of wood under the deck of the fiberglass to add durability and stiffness. If you choose a high-end board, it will be hollow to give better performance and reduce the weight of the plank. Paddle board that is made from plastic construction is the cheapest option. The drawback of plastic is the fact that they are very heavy.

Beginners who are worried about falling on the SUP will find soft tops to be their best choice. It has a plank with a hard outer surface where the floors are entirely covered in rubber pad. This is good as it means you can walk on both ends of the plank or even have a pet such as a dog with you on the board. It is an affordable option although in terms of weight, it is very heavy to carry.

Inflatables are the cheapest type of stand up paddle board for sale. It offers versatility in regard to the type of boarding that one can do. Despite being made of PVC, it is quite durable and lightweight. Another benefit of an inflatable standup paddleboard is the fact that they can break down for compact storage. This makes them ideal for traveling on vacations or those trips with your family in a crowded car to the beach.

You can get a stand-up paddleboard online or from your local shop. If you opt to shop online, make sure that the website you will be buying from is a legit one. To know this, read user reviews to know what other people are saying about that site.

It is also essential to go over all the above points so that you can make the right decision which you will be pleased with for many years to come.