Buying Guide for Stand-Up Paddleboards Buying Guide
Stand-up paddleboarding is the most loved water sport across the globe. It requires standing on boards that are floating on water while using a paddle to propel themselves through the water. So, a good board is certainly a basic necessity for this sport as it will help you ride through the waves smoothly. Paddleboards are designed with a non-slip deck pad that offers a sturdy grip. Their triple bottom panel fins offer exceptional surf control. Besides, paddleboards allow you to have a great relaxing time in the sea while ensuring your safety.
Stand-up paddleboards are a significant investment you can make to take your paddling experience to another level. But, among the endless list of options, choosing the ideal type, length, material, and size are difficult. To help you with this and make your buying process simple, we have created an all-inclusive buying guide below.
Benefits of Stand-Up Paddleboards
Great Workout
Stand-up paddleboarding is not just an interesting hobby but is also an extensive workout session. Paddleboarding helps you to maintain and support the upper body or chest area. The regular rowing and twisting ensure full-body movement, paving a way for fitness. Hence, they act as a great core workout.
Reduce Stress
Paddleboarding helps you to decrease stress and improve your mood by helping your body release stress hormones. This helps you in calming your nerves and acts as a great psychological boost.
Improves Balance
Any sport requires balance, whether it's football, rugby, or any other. Paddleboarding is a great way to strengthen your ankles and joints as well as improve your balance. They also help to strengthen your weaker muscles.
Enhances Joint Stability
Using a SUP board simulates physical therapy exercises used to treat plantar fasciitis and other ailments by activating the small muscles in the foot and lower leg. Standing on a board with an element of instability that is created by the water engages muscles that are critical to balance and joint support in a unique way.
Factors to Consider While Buying Stand-Up Paddleboards
Type
Depending upon various activities and experience levels, stand-up paddleboards are available in various types. For beginners, all-round boards are the best option as they are ideal in all conditions. They are lightweight, and wide enough to carry your pet along.
Likewise touring and yoga boards are perfect choices for serious paddlers with an interest in high-intensity workouts. And fishing paddle boards are perfect for those who love fishing but don't want to spend on costly kayaks.
Size
Deciding the size of the paddleboard is the crucial factor to consider while buying paddleboards. The ideal size will depend upon your weight and paddleboard experience. We recommend going with longer and thicker boards for beginners, because the more volume the board has, the steadier it will be on the water. As your expertise, equilibrium, and strength improve, you can go for a board with less volume.
Weight Capacity
Each paddle board has a rider weight limit, which is usually measured in pounds. Knowing the weight limit is significant. For instance, if you're excessively heavy for a board, it will ride lower in the water and makes it difficult to paddle. When selecting a board think about the total weight limit, consider the aggregate sum of weight, including your body weight and the weight of stuff you will be carrying. The average should be 30-40 pounds.
Board Construction
Boards are made of various types of materials. The popular ones among buyers are inflatable stand-up boards and epoxy paddleboards. However, deciding between them will truly rely upon your financial plan and transportation choices. For a first-time paddler, we recommend going with inflatable boards as they are ideal for all conditions and affordable. But, if you're an experienced paddler and searching for expanded mobility, speed and skim, an epoxy board may be ideal for you.
Board Width
Board width is another important factor to consider while buying a paddleboard. To accommodate different body types, paddleboards are divided into two- wide and slender sheets. Whereas wide sheets around 31" are Ideal for bigger individuals or anybody with helpless adaptability or ongoing leg or hip wounds. The additional width and thickness help to dislodge your weight in the water. On the other side Slender sheets, 29" to 30'' is ideal for lightweight paddlers of up to 180 lbs because they are easy to carry. Depending upon your weight you should select the width of the board.
Conclusion
Paddleboarding is for people of all ages and abilities. You can take off your paddleboard for your regular meditation routine on a quiet lake. For an effective workout, you can go on a fast-paced paddle. No matter what you desire, having the correct board is a prerequisite for success.
The boards come in a range of shapes and sizes for all types of paddlers. You can decide which one is best for you based on the points mentioned above. View some of the best products in our featured section above to learn more about your buying options. These products have been reviewed and recommended based on their quality, standard, and durability.