Choosing a Stand Up Paddleboard

Interest in Stand-up paddleboarding has exploded. It is probably the accessibility and simplicity that have led so many people to embrace this wonderful water sport recently.

Getting Started with SUP

The barrier to entry for many water sports can be quite high, but not for SUP, where you'll be up and paddling very quickly. The hardest part about Stand-up paddleboarding is probably knowing which SUP board to choose. There's a plethora of SUP boards in all possible price ranges and models. We hope this text will make your choice a little easier. And, of course, we'd love for you to visit, call, or email one of our stores if you have further questions.

Choosing an Inflatable or Hard SUP?

Stand-up paddleboards come in both inflatable and hard versions. Depending on how you intend to use the SUP board, one option will be better than the other. A hard SUP board almost always has better paddling characteristics than an inflatable SUP. Even though high-quality inflatable SUP boards have come a long way, there's still a certain difference. An inflatable SUP board can never have any shape other than flat underneath. Nor can they have edges as sharp as a hard SUP board. Therefore, a hard board can be built to be more directionally stable than a comparable inflatable board. If you're interested in wave SUP, a hard SUP board with narrower edges will be able to turn better than an inflatable SUP board with more rounded edges. If you have plenty of space to store the SUP board and you also have a roof rack on your car, you should at least consider a hard SUP board.

Advantages of an Inflatable SUP

Nevertheless, the advantages of an inflatable SUP board are many. Being able to roll up the board and store it in a bag is the first obvious advantage. In addition, a quality inflatable SUP is significantly more durable than a hard SUP board. Many rental companies use inflatable SUP boards precisely because they can withstand so much more abuse. An inflatable SUP board is also lighter than a comparable hard paddleboard to carry if you have to walk a bit before launching.

All-around SUP Board

Once you've decided between an inflatable or hard SUP board, you should consider what you will use the board for. Most people who buy their first SUP buy a so-called All-around SUP board. These usually come in sizes between 10-11ft. 10'6 is a very common size, but 10'0 and 10'8 are also frequently found. An all-around SUP board is recognizable by its slightly rounder shape. This model is suitable for those who sometimes want to go out for a recreational paddle, another day play with the kids at the beach, and yet another day want to play in the waves. The size is chosen based on the size of the paddler who will use the board. If you plan to bring a child on the board, you also need to keep that in mind. We usually recommend a 10'6 for paddlers up to 95 kg. If you weigh more, it might be worth going up to a 10'8. Paddling on a SUP board that is slightly too small will not cause the board to sink. What will happen instead is that the SUP board will be heavier to paddle and it may also feel more unstable than if it were slightly larger.

Examples of all-around boards are Redd Paddle 10’6, Gladiator 10’8, and Anomy SUP 10’6.

Touring Board for Training & Longer Trips

If you are sure that you will use the paddleboard for training and longer trips, a touring board may be preferable. A touring board is often slightly narrower but, above all, more pointed than an all-around board. Common sizes for touring boards are 11'0 and 12'6, but longer models also exist. You get a board that is easier to paddle at higher speeds at the expense of some stability. If you weigh around 75 kg or less, an 11'0 can be a good choice. 12'6 and longer are preferable for larger paddlers. Please note that these guidelines can be a bit misleading, especially for hard SUP boards, as you must look at the board's volume.

Examples of SUP touring boards are Gladiator 11'0 and Red Paddle 12'6.

SUP Yoga

SUP yoga is a growing branch of SUP. There are dedicated yoga boards available for purchase, but you can also practice yoga on all-around and touring boards. A tip might be to choose a SUP board that is one size larger than what you would otherwise choose if you were only going to use the board for paddling. This is to get a little extra stability.

If you are looking for a race SUP or wave SUP, we recommend that you contact one of our stores for personalized service from one of our employees.

Cheap SUP or Expensive Quality Board

It's worth considering when buying your first SUP, in addition to getting a board that suits you or your family, that you get a board of a quality you will be happy with. Stand-up paddleboards can be bought in all price ranges. You can find SUP packages for under 4000 SEK. Some of our competitors are happy to condemn these budget packages, but we wouldn't go that far. As long as you are aware of what you are buying, it can certainly be a cost-effective option. You will probably get a SUP board made of a single layer of rubber, which means the board can leak air and won't hold its shape as well as a quality board. You will also get a heavy and flimsy aluminum paddle that is not suitable for longer trips. A budget board will also not be able to be pumped to the same pressure as a quality board. Lower air pressure causes more flex in the paddleboard, which in turn creates more resistance in the water. The really cheap SUP packages are an option if you want something to play with at the water's edge. If you want a SUP board that will last a long time and be suitable for longer paddles, we at Onwater recommend that you upgrade to a mid-range SUP board. It's not much more expensive than a budget board, and you're guaranteed more enjoyment per krona.

Of course, we recommend that you contact one of our stores so we can help you further on your way to a successful purchase. Welcome to Onwater!