Starting any new sport can be a bit daunting sometimes. Especially if there is some sort of specialized equipment that goes with it. If you like to, or are interested in, stand up paddleboarding, then it’s not as easy as going to the shop and picking out any old basketball if you were a basketball fan.
But, don’t fear, it’s OK because it turns out that stand up paddleboarding is not nearly as complex as you think that it is.
Once you’ve decided that you want to give paddleboarding a try, or if you have been on vacation and played around on a board, or even if you might have used a friends or family members paddleboard and have fallen in love with the sport then it’s time to start figuring out what kind of board is best for your needs.
The first thing to think about when you start looking at paddleboards for sale is what you are going to be using your new paddleboard for. Will you be trying paddle surfing, or just playing around on the lake, or entering races or planning a long stand up paddleboard journey? I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you that there are different boards for each type.
The next thing you want to keep in mind is your own size. If you are a more petite or smaller person then you won’t need a board that is large as someone who might be bigger. It’s important to make sure that the board is big enough to stay buoyant with you on it – otherwise, that probably wouldn’t as be as much fun if you and your board are standing on the seafloor!
Boards are generally 28″ to 33″ inches wide, as you might be able to guess, a wider board will provide more stability while out on the water. That is a good thing for people who are new to stand up paddleboarding and want to get used to being out on the water in the most comfortable way possible. People who are interested in touring with their paddle boards are also usually the type who will prefer a wider board.
For people who are looking to use their board for paddle surfing or races, and other short distance fun then a narrower board is going to be a better option. These narrow boards are more maneuverable and a bit quicker on the water.
With stand up paddleboarding, a little bit of knowledge goes a long way and will help you to figure out exactly what board is going to be best for you.