Paddle Board Buyer's Guide

With the increasing popularity of paddle boarding, more people have taken interest in the game and as such, there is a high demand for paddle boards. Stand up paddle boarding requires a quality board for utmost game appreciation. These qualities depend on the type of board and brand you choose. This article discusses the key qualities of a good paddle board. 

Key factors to consider in a paddle board

Buying your SUP with these factors in mind will go a long way in determining how well you will enjoy the board. First, let us look at the various types of SUPs available on the market

SUP types

SUP types include SUP-All-round, SUP-Surf, SUP-Yoga, SUP-Race, SUP-Race-Touring  and SUP-Touring. Let us discuss the features of each of these paddle board types.

Just like the name, these types of SUP are rounded in their ends. They are very popular due to their stability and ease of use. The are also spacious and are very comfortable to the users. All round SUPs are ideal for new users. One other unique thing about All round SUPs is their versatility. They can be used in place of other SUP types.

If you enjoy spending time on your paddle board, SUP-Surfs are for you. They are wide and short with pointed ends. Overall, they are slow and easy to maneuver.

The name says it all. These are SUPs that are designed to move with less effort. It allows you to concentrate and do less in paddling.

Designed for speed, these types of board are made long and narrow, making them ideal for tracking. They are relatively stable but more appropriate for experienced users.

Thinking of going on a cruise boarding adventure? These are for you. SUP-Touring boards are long and wide. That gives it an advantage of going fast and being stable at the same time. They are mostly used on flat waters.

• SUP-Race-Touring 

These SUP boards offer a combination of speed and stability. They could be used for either touring or racing. Whichever way, a certain level of experience is required to ensure the stability of the board.

Other factors include

Inflatable vs Solid

Another choice to make is whether to buy an inflatable paddle board or a solid one. We say that both are good but like in other cases, inflatable boards are lighter and easier to store while Solid ones are made with better materials and tend to last longer. Inflatable designs are becoming more popular and you just have to go with what works best for you.

The size of the board

The size of your paddle board should be determined by the purpose it would be serving. Short and wide boards are ideal for touring and yoga due to their stability. However, they are slow and bad at tracking. While the long and narrow ones are faster and easier to maneuver but unstable. Race boards are mostly designed this way.

Board material

Paddle boards are made from a variety of materials. The type of material used in making the board defines its sturdiness and durability. For inflatable boards, the most common material is PVC. These are susceptible to abrasion and puncture. While solid boards are made from fibreglass, wood or plastic. Overall, Epoxy boards are the most durable boards available.

Accessories

Buying a stand up paddle board that comes with necessary accessories is an added advantage. Accessories like paddle, waterproof phone case, leash and pump for inflatable boards. All these are important in your boarding adventure. Whether the brand you buy from provides these accessories or not, you should ensure that you buy them.

Conclusion

With the wide variety of board options to choose from, buying a paddle board could get tricky. But not to worry, we at Recreation Outfitters have got you covered. We offer you the best paddle boards for mouth watering prices. Contact us today and get started on your journey to watersports adventure.

Check out these paddle board models in our collection

Recreation Outfitters top brands for Paddle boards 

• Sea Eagle Inflatable Boats and SUP’s 
• Sea Eagle - FS126 2 Person 12'6" FishSUP™ 126 Inflatable Fishing Stand-Up Paddleboard Deluxe Package ( FS126K_D )
• sea-eagle-lb11-one-person-11-white-blue-longboard

• Rave Inflatable Paddle Boards and Trampolines
• Agonde ISUP - Mesabi Orange

• Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks
• Advanced Elements - Hula 11 W/Pump | 787575

• SOL Inflatable Paddleboards
• SOLjah Inflatable Paddle Board - Classic