Stand-up paddleboarding offers something for all water sports enthusiasts. You can do SUP yoga, try fast-paced paddling for a workout, head out for a relaxed paddling, or even catch waves in the ocean. Regardless of your ambitions, having the right SUP board is the key to getting the most out of your paddleboarding experience.
Having the right SUP board for your body weight, paddling skills, and conditions will make a difference between a memorable time on the water and a baffling one. We’re here to help you maximize your paddling experience with this easy-to-follow explanation of what board is best for you.
Inflatable Vs. Non-Inflatable (Hard) Board
This is the most important initial distinction between SUP board options. Let’s take a quick look at each of these options and state which board is ideal for you.
Inflatable SUP Boards
As the name implies, inflatable SUP boards are usually inflated using hand pumps. These boards are also known as iSUPs. It takes around 50 to 10 minutes to inflate a SUP board to 17psi. Once your board is inflated, it’ll become very rigid and remain very light.
An inflatable board is ideal for you if:
- You’ve got limited storage space. When deflated, an inflatable board will only occupy the space of a small suitcase.
- You want to paddle near rocks. If you bump into something like a dock, rock, or another board, you’ll just bounce off!
- You need a durable board. Inflatable boards are more durable than non-inflatable ones.
- You need a SUP board you can easily travel with and check as baggage at the airport.
- Your vehicle doesn’t have a roof rack to carry a composite board.
Non-Inflatable Boards
Non-inflatable SUP boards are also known as traditional, solid, composite, hard, or rigid boards. They’re usually built from a shaped foam core then laminated with various layers of carbon, fiberglass, wood, bamboo, Innegra, Kevlar, or similar materials. The choice of laminating materials depends on the board’s exact construction or layup.
Composite boards come in infinite sizes, constructions, graphics, and price ranges. This type of SUP board is best for you if:
- You want the stiffest and best performing SUP board available.
- You don’t want to spend a few minutes inflating your board.
- You live in a place where storage space isn’t an issue.
- Your vehicle has a roof rack for easy board transportation.
SUP Board Shapes
Within inflatable and solid SUP boards, there are many different board styles and shapes for specific uses and conditions. We’ll explore the most popular designs available in both the inflatable and non-inflatable options. So it’ll be just a matter of deciding which option you prefer and then choosing the shape and style that best suits your requirements.
All Around Stand-Up Paddleboards
All around stand-up paddleboards are ideal for beginners as they’re more stable and easiest to ride. They’re available in sizes ranging from 9ft to 12ft and usually have a rounded nose, just like a long surfboard. All-around SUP boards are ideal for ocean, lake, or river paddling for anyone from total beginner to expert paddlers.
Some of these SUP boards feature full deck pads covering the entire board’s top or full wrap deck pads covering the board’s top and sides. The full-length deck pads are usually ideal for SUP yoga, kids, and paddling with your dog. Full wrap deck pads are suitable for all the above, and they do add a little durability to your board’s rails.
All-around SUP boards are best for you if:
- You’re a beginner
- You want a very stable and comfortable SUP board
- You want to paddle with your kids or pets on the board
- You want the freedom to paddle in all conditions, from flat waters to smart surf, to chop.
Pointed Nose Stand-Up Paddleboards
Pointed nose boards, also called displacement nose touring boards or performance type SUP boards, are designed for one thing—SPEED and GLIDE! These SUP boards are built to be narrow and ride through the water as effortlessly and efficiently as possible. The board is designed like a bow to create a passage through the water for the entire board to flow through.
Pointed nose SUP board is right for you if:
- You want to cover long distances as quickly as possible
- You want to ride on waves
- You want to explore the ocean, lake, or river
- You’re looking for a high volume SUP board
- You live in a non-surf area and want a SUP board dedicated to flat/calmer waters.
SUP Board Length
The board length is essential to determining how your board performs. Generally, longer SUP boards are pretty faster than shorter boards, but shorter ones are more maneuverable. Let’s check which length is best for you:
Short SUP Boards. Short SUP boards are usually under 10ft and are great for kids and surfing waves.
Medium SUP Boards. These boards range between 10ft to 12ft in length and are ideal for all-around use and SUP yoga.
Long SUP Boards. They’re usually 12.6ft and above, making them great for long-distance touring and fast paddling. They’re quicker and tend to track straighter than short and medium boards.
Bottom Line
Having the correct stand-up paddleboard will help maximize your paddling experience. This article offers a comprehensive guide on which board best suits your needs.