At The SUP Company we have made finding the Stand Up Paddleboard that is best matched to your needs a slight easier task by seperating the hard and inflatable boards we stock into clear catagories that cover the most popular SUP disciplines - Allround, Touring, Surf, Race Touring, Race and Wind SUP. The paddleboards in these catergories have their own characteristics and depending on what you are looking for some will suit your needs better than others. You can also get an overview of the shapes and sizes available by using our SUP Board Guide below -
There are however some general rules of thumb that you can abide by when considering a paddleboard -
Budget- a fairly obvious
Width - A Stand Up Paddleboards width will undoubtedly have the greatest effect on the paddleboards stability. The wider the SUP, the more stable the paddleboard is. Although, it is worth remembering that the wider board, the less agile and less glide the SUP will have. Wide paddleboards also do not track (stay in a straight line) particularly well because you are forced due to their width to paddle further away from the centreline of the board, there by inducing a turning moment with each paddle stroke. Narrower SUP's make it easier to maintain a straighter course and therefore tracking is greatly improved.
As a general rule, paddlers up to 95kg should consider a board no wider than 32" while those above 95kg should look at one that's either 33" or 34" wide.
Length - SUP length will have the greatest effect on a paddleboards glide as well as its agility ie: ability to make quick turns. Longer Stand Up Paddleboards can also be surprisingly stable given their often narrow width due to the high levels of paddleboard volume fore and aft. However it is worth noting that a SUP's width still has the greatest effect on a paddleboards stability.
When making a choice on the length of the board, you should balance out your need for maneuverability and speed. For example, if you do most of your paddling on a river, from point A to point B, then a longer board would be preferable. If you want a board that can also take on some waves, then a shorter board is the way to go.
Ultimately every paddleboard is a compromise in some way. The thing to bear in mind is what are you prepared to give up in order to gain more in another area, this goes some way to explaining why All Round paddleboards are so popular. As All Round SUP's offer the broadest range of use to the broadest audience, however it does not mean they are for everyone, particularly if you are wanting to spend the majority of your time in surf or touring or racing.
For some impartial and expert advice, just phone us on 023 8017 2189 and let us help you narrow down your selection, so that we can get you on the water.
To learn more about different SUP types, jump to one of the Categories below -
Undecided and would like some help?
If you are undecided on what might suit you best or simply the sheer choice of paddleboards is all a bit much, then we have earned a reputation as the best for matching a paddleboard to your needs. Simply give one of our team a call on 023 8017 2189 or email us at help@thesupco.com
