Paddleboarding or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a way to relieve stress and exercise. You can wear your favorite beach wear and head to the ocean to catch waves or paddle on a calm lake. Whatever your reason for freein inflatable paddle board, it is essential to have the right board. Let us look at the different types of paddleboards to help you choose the right one.
1. Solid Paddleboards
Solid boards incorporate an EPS foam core wrapped with epoxy and fiberglass. The paddleboard is affordable, durable, and fairly lightweight. Paddleboards made from carbon fiber are stiffer and lighter but more expensive. Plastic boards are less costly but are bulky and do not have the performance of other board materials. Different types integrate lightweight wood to give them a beautiful look.
Reasons to get a Solid Paddleboard.
- You prioritize performance. Solid paddleboards provide the best performance for watersport lovers. They travel smoother, faster, and with less effort. If you love to paddle far and faster, a solid paddleboard is the best option.
- Solid paddleboards come in various sizes and fine shapes than other boards. Therefore, it is not difficult to find one that suits you.
- A solid SUP is more rigid than the inflatable one, which offers a steadier feel when riding waves. These boards also ride lower in the water resulting in a more stable feel.
2. Inflatable Paddleboards
Inflatable paddleboards have PVC exteriors and drop-stitch construction that builds an air core. They are available with a pump to inflate a storage bag and the board. Even with the best electric paddle board pumps, it will take you a little while to have them inflated. A good inflatable paddleboard grows 12-15 pounds for every square inch and feels rigid when completely inflated.
Reasons to get an Inflatable Paddleboard
- You have insufficient storage space. An inflatable board is ideal if you have a small apartment, condo, or house. Inflatable boards are solid when deflated and easily fit in a small space, such as a closet or a car trunk.
- Ideal for traveling. You can bring an inflatable paddleboard with your watersport apparel if you are flying or taking a road trip. Inflatable paddleboards can be packed in a storage bag or stowed in a car, bur, or train. Most storage bags designed for paddleboards have backpack straps to allow easy portability.
- Hiking to a lake. You can take an inflatable paddleboard to an alpine lake. Although an inflatable stowed in a storage bag is also pretty heavy, it is a better option than a solid board. This type of board is also suitable for paddling in rocky waters.
- Stand-up paddle boarding yoga. Although you don’t have to use an inflatable board for yoga, they are softer than solid boards, making them comfier for yoga poses.
3. What Size Paddle Board is the Best?
Paddleboards are available in various sizes and shapes. While choosing one, consider the following:
Weight Capacity
When picking a paddleboard, you have to be particular about its weight capacity. The weight is determined by its dimensions, shape, and volume. Weight capacity refers to the amount of weight the board can withstand. When computing the weight, including your weight and your boarding partners, and any water sport apparel you will bring.
Width
The wider the paddleboard, the easier it balances and maneuvers. Narrower paddle boards are excellent in a skill-based watersport such as racing and surfing; however, when starting, stay away from boards more than 30” thick. Wider paddle boards are great all-round and are excellent for fishing and SUP yoga.
Length
Longer paddle boards are ideal for long-distance paddling and SUP touring, whereas shorter boards are ideal for speedy beach sport activities like surfing. When considering the length, consider how far you will carry the board, as moving them for long can hurt your neck, especially when it’s windy.
Thickness
If you choose to buy an inflatable board, pick one with a 6” width or more. An inflatable board less than 6” is less rigid and can start to bow mid-water. Solid boards come in various widths based on specific SUP activity.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for paddleboards and are unsure about which one to buy, you can enquire from Cotswold Outdoor. You will be guided about the best one considering your needs and paddling environment.