Compared with a solid sup paddle, inflatable sup paddle is less fast but more affordable, lighter, and easier to transport. This makes them ideal for paddle board beginners. But It is also a problem for beginners to choose the most suitable one from the market with paddle board of different kinds, prices and quantities. This article will explain how to choose the right paddle board from several different aspects.
- Skill Level
Generally speaking, sup paddle board can be divided into three categories: All-around, touring and racing. In addition, there are also boards designed for different purposes like yoga boards fishing boards and so on.
All-around paddle board is wide, thick and more stable with round head design. It is suitable for all levels of players and different environment like lakes, rivers and sea. But when sliding, the resistance is large and slow. The price is relatively low.
Touring paddle board is, compared to the all-around board, longer, larger in volume, and can provide greater buoyancy and storage space. Pointed head design, convenient to break the water. But it's heavier.
The racing boards are specially designed for racing and are very slender and offer faster speeds but unstable. It is also much more expensive.
Therefore, for beginners, compared with the other two types, lighter, more stable, cheap all-round board is more cost-effective and suitable.
- Size
The size is also one of our considerations. The main size parameters of paddle board are length, width and thickness.
Length: the longer the sup board, the faster the speed, the worse the stability, the less maneuverable.
Width: the wider the sup paddle, the better the stability, the slower the speed.
Thickness: the thicker the sup board, the better the stability, the heavier.
The size of sup board also needs to be combined with environmental and personal factors. If you are a beginner or your purpose is for relax, a longer and wider board will be more suitable for you. Of course, you can choose shorter and narrower boards after you get good at paddleboarding.
- Capacity
Capacity is also one of the important factors in the choice of sup board, which determines whether sup board can let you safely float on the surface. When choosing a sup board, note that the total weight of yourself and object does not exceed the maximum weight of it.
- Material
A sup board is composed of different materials such as drop-stitch, pvc, eva. The material and production process of sup board will greatly affect quality. The Drop-stitch enables the sup board to withstand high pressure after it is inflated. PVC, the material is much lighter. EVA makes the board more skid-resistant. The welding process makes the board more waterproof and anti-collision, and more durable.
- Price
The price of a sup board depends on its material, workmanship, type, etc. The ranging is from a few hundred to a thousand dollars. You can choose the right one according to your own level and budget.
- Accessories
There are many matching accessories, such as paddle, leash, fin, bag, air pump and so on. In addition, you can also choose other accessories according to your own needs.
- Customer Service
When choosing sup board, you also need to consider customer service. As a beginner, having a customer service that can quickly response to the problems you meet can greatly improve your efficiency and happiness of learning.
In short, the skill level, size, capacity, materials, price, accessories, customer service are the elements you need to consider when choosing a sup board. Choosing a sup board is not so difficult. Just take a little time and patient, you can choose the most suitable one for you, to give your learning a good start.
