Paddle boarding is an activity that allows one to traverse bodies of water without having to wade in, though there is still the option of doing so. Paddle boards are different from canoes and kayaks because they are flat, and lack a ridge along the top.
People can use these boards to stand, kneel, or lay on while paddling.
It’s like a canoe paddle but longer
SUP paddles differ from canoes in that they are typically longer, as the user is standing on the board instead of sitting. Both of them have a blade on one end and a handle on the other.
SUP has become a quite fashionable way to navigate a variety of bodies of water, like lakes, oceans, bays, and rivers, for fun and calming ends.
Is paddle boarding difficult?
Spoiler Alert: paddle boarding is not hard! It doesn’t take much to attain a basic understanding with a few days of effort.
Other variations of standup paddleboarding can be more challenging like SUP surfing and touring for longer distances, yet for just casually paddle boarding, one can learn it quickly.
Get geared up to SUP
It’s a breeze to enjoy paddle boarding–all that’s required is two items: a board and an oar. Putting together your first paddle boarding journey may involve renting equipment or obtaining it from acquaintances.
Once you feel satisfied and have the abilities required, you can consider purchasing SUP equipment.
What kind of paddle boarding will you be doing and where will you be doing it?
The type of board you select should be based on how you plan to use it and what your local conditions/context are. Varied boards are great for multiple sports such as whitewater, surfing, touring, racing and even SUP yoga.
The rental team will assist you in selecting a board for rent.
Obey the Coast Guard
It doesn’t matter if you rent or buy; make sure to have a life preserver (it’s a requirement by the Coast Guard) and secure it with a rope or tether.
A safety whistle isn’t a bad idea as well.
Types of paddle boards
Paddle boards are available in various sizes. SUP boards generally range from 6’6″ to 12 feet in length and have a width of between 31″ and 35″. Stand-up paddle boards are generally bigger than a traditional surfboard.
The ideal size of a paddle board for a novice should measure 11’6 inches in height and have a width of 31 inches. Ensure that your board has the capacity to bear an adequate amount of weight.
Take a look at this guide for selecting the right paddle board for beginners.
Why do some people get hard boards and some inflatable SUPs?
There is much uncertainty concerning inflatable SUPs and hard SUP boards. Numerous elements must be taken into consideration when selecting one over the other.
It all started with the hard SUP board
Different shapes and dimensions of stand up paddle boards are available. The two most common types of paddle boards are epoxy ones and hard varieties.
An epoxy shell can be placed around an EPS foam center and a fin can be attached to the underside of the board.
Then came inflatable SUPs
In 2014, the inflatable paddle board was introduced. Increasingly inflatable paddle boards have become very popular. Inflatable SUPs are an advantageous choice for stand up paddleboarding due to the plethora of benefits they offer when compared to epoxy boards.
One of the best benefits of inflatable items is their portability, as well as their minimal need for storage space when not in use. Thanks to the development of technology, inflatable paddle boards are almost as rigid as hard boards due to the improved quality of them.
It matter not which kind of paddle board you select – there is an alternative that will match your lifestyle necessities. How does a person choose between different options?
Paddle boarding for beginners
SUP involves making use of a long paddle to propel a sizable surfboard across the water. Believe it or not, though it might seem tedious, if you get the hang of it you will have limitless fun and you will exercise your entire body.
The surf industry was where the concept of paddle boarding originated.
A sport you can do when there are no waves
Unlike surfing, paddleboarding can be propelled forward with the help of the paddlers’ paddles anytime they wish. They do not have to wait for a swell to push them ahead.
Sizing your paddle
You should ensure that your paddle is of the correct size, so that every thrust you make is efficient and doesn’t strain your tendons.
The length of a paddle board paddle can differ drastically depending on the person who will be using it as well as what type of activity they plan to do.
Start with an adjustable paddle
It’s a smart idea to begin with a changeable paddle so that you can experiment with different SUP paddle lengths. If you are doing long distance paddling, it is recommended to get a paddle that is longer than what would be suitable for SUP surfing or whitewater SUP.
This article provides additional information about how to size a stand-up paddleboard.
Make sure your paddle is facing the right way
It is not obvious which way the paddle should be pointed. It makes sense that our paddle should scoop the water, as this would increase the amount of water moved with each stroke.
The paddle, however, is held at the other end, which causes the user to take a lighter strike with the paddle, providing less strain on the shoulders and elbows.
Don’t scoop!
If you have your paddle in “scoop mode,” you’ll need to frequently switch sides while paddling, as the board will begin to drift away from your desired direction. Changing ends of the paddle board continually impedes your speed.
How to paddle board
It is essential that we acquire the correct paddle boarding skills to raise energy and twist, as well as improve equilibrium and stamina. Increasing your rate of paddling increases the length of your workout.
Acquiring the right style expands the steadiness of the board and facilitates more mobility. Here are some pointers to help you begin paddle boarding.
These Are the Best Inflatables Stand-Up Paddleboards
Best Overall: Atoll 11′ Inflatable SUP
The Atoll iSUP is a stand-up paddleboard with a buffalo logo and a remarkably sturdy construction. Bigger paddlers can have difficulty navigating boards that are slimmer in frame and that hold fewer people.
The Atoll is an exceptionally sturdy board, with 6 inches of thickness and a width of 32 inches. It can accommodate individuals up to 400 pounds in weight, and a maximum of two individuals with a combined weight of 750 pounds.
The board is designed to optimize its performance due to its size, featuring a squared tail and pointed nose for improved maneuverability and control. The thruster fin system enables you to start moving and remain on a straight course when you have a distance to cover.
Several attachment points with a D-shaped ring and built-in elastic straps can be used to secure your equipment. The fiberglass paddle that was included was of great quality, and the leash was very similar to that of what you would find on a surfboard.
Once we had it properly filled with air (we finished filling it in less than 10 minutes) the Atoll 11-Footer felt rigid and stable, an impression that was quickly created when we stepped on it in the water. We did not observe the suppleness that is frequent in certain more affordable inflatable alternatives.
The form of the vessel, its durable construction, and its 6-inch width made it simple to ride on. Our tester had an issue with the board being thicker than surfboards or fiberglass SUPs (usually between 2 to 4 inches).
On a windy day, he had a hard time controlling it due to the wind making the board unsteady and difficult to paddle.
Price at time of publish: $626
Dimensions: 132 x 32 x 6 inches | Construction: PVC | Guarantee: 2-year manufacturer’s | Weight: 21 pounds
Runner-Up: Isle Pioneer 2.0
All aspects of Isle’s adaptation of the original are effortless. This board was incredibly easy to work with; from the point of unpacking and inflating it, to the time you were ready to paddle on it and later deflating and packing it back up.
This set comes with a leash, fin, handheld pump, paddle, and carry bag. We highly appreciate having handles at the front and back so two people can carry the board, as well as bungees located at each end to store water bottles, life jackets, or any extra clothing.
Additionally, two Velcro straps on the side are useful for keeping the paddle in place when one is carrying the board.
On the water, this board performed very well. The dimensions of this board – 6 inches of loft and a width of 34 inches – make it one of Isle’s boards with the most stability. Our tester easily used a fly rod to catch small Brook trout while being tested on an alpine lake in Colorado’s Summit County.
There were no major problems while sailing through the waves near the Ventura County shore. Its agility was exceptional and it appeared to travel through the air rapidly.
Price at time of publish: $795
Dimensions: 126 x 34 x 6 inches | Substance: Unknown | Guarantee: 2-year restricted | Weight: 24 pounds
Best Budget: ROC Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard Pack
This board from ROC is adored by many. Don’t restrict this board by labeling it as a “budget” option. Our tester assessed a ROC inflatable SUP alongside a board that was twice as expensive, and it functioned just as well.
Our tester commented that out of the two boards, this one offered the superior selection of features. He especially appreciated the front and rear bungee tie-downs, the fact that the fin could be fixed and removed quickly through the board’s QuickClip fin and the fact that the board included a dry bag that was ideal for holding a phone as well as car keys for a paddle session.
This board includes a two-in-one paddle that can be used for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Our tester was easily able to fill up the board with air within a 10 minute time frame. “This board performed really well,” our tester said. The stability of the item was very good; it had great maneuverability and allowed for increased speed when desired.
The handles on the front and back made it easy to transport, so two people could carry it together if needed. Despite being one of the lightest models tested at a reported 17.5 pounds,
Price at time of publish: $400
Dimensions: 120 x 33 x 6 inches | Composition: PVC | Guarantee: 1-year limited | Weight: 17.5 pounds
Best Value: SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
SereneLife’s inflatable stand-up paddleboard is a good choice for those who are just starting out and even those who are already experienced. This set contains everything you need to get started, including a board, a paddle, a pump, a repair kit, a leash, and an extra fin.
Our tester experienced no difficulty in blowing up the tire to 12 PSI in a period of ten minutes or less. The paddle could be manipulated easily even when the user was upright on the board in the water.
This platform offers unparalleled steadiness—our trialist had no difficulty taking it into a blustery lake and river while navigating it with a companion and a jumpy pup that jumped off the board on multiple occasions.
We took the board on a camping excursion and for a voyage down a river of four days and despite some slight abrasions and scuffs from being ferried into and out of the stream, it withstood the test of time.
Our tester said that even though it had a few minor scratches, it seemed to be very sturdy.
We have a few complaints regarding our nitpicks; similar to other boards of this type, the bag size could be larger, and putting the board away at the end of the day could be simpler. You will have difficulty finding a board that is better than this one for the price.
Price at time of publish: $370
Dimensions: 126 x 32 x 6 inches | Composition: PVC | Guarantee: Not mentioned | Weight: 29.5 pounds
Best for Beginners: Decathlon Itiwit Ultra Compact Inflatable Touring Stand-Up Paddleboard
Decathlon offers the Itiwit Ultra Compact board, which is great for novice paddlers; it really is an outstanding board for starting out. This board is very easy to use and has a secure design, making it the perfect choice for people who are just starting out with SUP or who want to take their inflatable board on the go.
Our testing of boards revealed that this one has one of the smallest packs when compressed. This board is pretty lightweight, though not the lightest, and since it can be deflated and has a relatively small size, it’s ideal for transportation by car or air.
We compared this board to two others double the price and conducted tests under the same conditions. Our experimenters concluded that this board was their favorite due to its balance and agility.
