SUP is an acronym for the water sport called standup paddle boarding, which has recently gained immense popularity. It is one of the most thrilling and adventurous outdoor sporting activities loved by all sports freaks. It is relatively easy to learn, its board is much more stable and forgiving than a surfboard, and the health benefits gained from paddleboarding are tremendous. Anyone can ride these boards, even kids and older adults. So if you are the one who loves enjoying the scenery even when you surf, you should give it a try. The Gold Coast region of Australia has grown to become a favourite destination for standup paddle boards worldwide.
The paddle board is an essential accessory you need to enjoy this sport. These boards are readily available in sports goods outlets across many countries. At this, you can save yourself a lot of money by buying online. By scouring the internet, you will find plenty of online stores providing quality paddle boards at competitive prices. However, if you don’t know how to get started, you might find it challenging to choose one. So to give you ease, here are a few things you need to consider when buying paddleboards; continue reading!
Things to consider when buying a standup paddleboard
The critical deciding factors when purchasing paddle boards are the type of boards- solid or inflatable and the board’s length, width, and thickness. However, before you plunge deep into these factors, consider how you will use them, how you want them to handle in the water, and how they will fit your body. Doing this will help you a lot in making the right choice.
Types of stand up paddle boards
Primarily there are two types of stand up paddle boards:
Solid SUPs
Most solid paddleboards are made of an EPS foam core wrapped with fiberglass and epoxy. These are lightweight and affordable yet durable. However, when you buy SUPs, you will also find ones with carbon fiber that are relatively lighter and stiffer but expensive. In contrast, plastic SUPs are a more affordable option, but they are heavy and also not much efficient. Some incredible benefits of having solid SUPs are-
- They offer unmatched performance,
- They are available in a large variety of sizes to cater to the needs of different people,
- They are more rigid and give you stability while using
Inflatable SUPs
An inflatable board is an ideal choice if you are a first-time paddler. As the name suggests, they are inflatable SUPs made of PVC exteriors. They come with a pump to inflate the board and a storage bag to store it safely when not used. They are available in many different sizes; you can choose the length and width of the board as per your proficiency in sports. If you travel a lot for surfing, you have limited storage space; inflatable SUPs can be an ideal choice as they are easy to carry and take up very little space.
Hence, it can be concluded that whether you should go for solid SUPs or inflatable ones depends on your budget and the available paddle storage space.
Thickness, length, and width of the SUPs
Thickness- The paddleboards may range from 4 to 6 inches thick. While a 4-inch thick board is fine for a wonderful experience, you will likely get your feet wet.
Length- Paddleboards are available in various sizes; the right one will largely depend on your height and weight. When choosing one, ensure you can have a nice balance between stability and maneuverability.
Width– Remember, the wider the board is, the more stable it will be. However, if you are heading for racing or touring, you must go for the standup paddle boards that are narrower in the middle.
Hence, these are the key things you must consider when selecting a paddleboard for your next adventurous trip. Hope, after going through this article, you will feel confident in choosing a perfect paddleboard for yourself.
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