How To Choose The Right Paddle Board For You
Choosing the right paddle board is key to having the best experience when gliding across the open water. But with so many factors to consider before you purchase, choosing the right paddle board for you can sometimes lead to that sinking feeling.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to take up a new sport or a seasoned paddleboarding professional looking for their next board, there are plenty of options to contemplate when choosing the right fit.
Follow our handy guide to decide which paddle board to buy as we explore the sizes, shapes and types of paddle boards on the market that are guaranteed to float your boat.
Table of Contents
- What type of paddle board do I need?
- What size paddle board do I need?
- What are the different hull types?
- Should I get a solid or inflatable paddle board?
- What SUP fins do I need?
- What SUP accessories do I need?
- Which paddle board brands are available?
What type of paddle board do I need?
When choosing a paddle board, the first thing to consider is what type of paddleboarding you’ll most likely do.
Recreational paddleboarding
Recreational paddle boards are usually thicker and wider to provide stability for people of all abilities. They’re ideal for all levels, especially beginners, as they are stable and user-friendly.
Touring paddleboarding
Touring paddle boards are best suited for flatwater and cover long distances. They’re usually longer with a more pointed hull for gliding along the water. A thinner board allows a faster glide but sacrifices some stability.
Surf paddleboarding
Surf paddle boards are usually shorter as this provides maximum manoeuvrability on the surf. They are usually slower and less stable, so they are mainly used for surfing only.
Race paddleboarding
Race paddle boards are designed for speed, with a thinner body and pointy nose. Comfort and stability are sacrificed for speed for maximum performance. If you’re searching for a race board, check that they are the right length for race standards.
What size paddle board do I need?
When choosing a paddle board size, factor in what you will be using the board for; recreational or touring as well as the amount of space you have for both car journeys and home storage.
What length of paddle board do I need?
Factor in your height and what you’ll mainly use the board for when choosing the right length.
Short paddle boards
Short paddle boards are usually under 10 feet. They offer more manoeuvrability and so are suitable for surfing bumpier waves.
Medium paddle boards
Medium-length paddle boards are usually between 10 feet and 12 feet long. They’re ideal for all-around use if you’re interested in recreational paddleboarding or SUP yoga.
Long paddle boards
Longer paddle boards tend to be faster and track straighter. They’re ideal for touring as they’ll be quicker at travelling longer distances. Longer boards also tend to be heavier, providing more stability and allowing you to carry more items on the board.
What width of paddle board do I need?
Recreational or touring?
If you’re heading out on a touring adventure, you’ll need to carry more items like food, clothing, or camping gear. This means you’ll need a wider board for extra storage space. Thinner boards will move faster across the water if you’re touring without storage.
What size paddle board for my height?
Matching your height with your board is important for the best balance. You’ll need a wider board for more stability if you’re taller. A smaller board is more suitable if you’re shorter, as wider boards may require stretching to get the paddle in the water.
Level of ability
If you’re a beginner, a wider paddle board is recommended as it provides increased stability for better balance. Once you have mastered your balance over the waves, you will feel more comfortable on a narrower board to paddle faster.
What thickness of paddle board do I need?
Once you have chosen the correct length and width of your board, consider the thickness to see how it will affect the overall weight. A thicker board has more volume and can therefore hold more weight. Consider the ratios you require for the most efficient paddling.
What are the different hull types?
The hull of the paddle board determines how it performs on the water. Most either have a planing or displacement hull, both suited to different activities.
Planing hull
A planing hull is wider and flatter, ideal for beginners and recreational paddleboarding. The wider designs help the user to balance and increase manoeuvrability.
Displacement hull
A displacement hull has a sharper point, suitable for reaching fast speeds on the water for touring or racing. The tip of the hull slices through the water, requiring less effort when paddling. These paddle board track straight but are less manoeuvrable than planing hulls.
Do I need a solid or inflatable paddle board?
Consider performance, variety, stability and storage space when choosing between a solid or an inflatable paddle board.
Why choose a solid SUP board?
Performance
Solid SUP boards travel faster and smoother and require less effort than an inflatable board.
Variety
A larger variety of sizes is available for solid boards, so you’re more likely to find the perfect fit.
Stability
A solid board is stiffer than an inflatable board, meaning it will feel more stable, especially on bumpier days.
Storage space
Solid boards take up more space as they cannot fold down. Ensure you have plenty of storage space and can transport it to your paddleboarding location.
Why choose an inflatable SUP board?
Portable
Inflatable boards come with an air pump to inflate the board and a storage bag for when it’s deflated. This is ideal for those with limited storage space or who cannot easily transport it.
Hiking or travelling
If you enjoy adventuring or are planning a holiday with your paddle board, inflatable boards are easily stowed away, and some even come with straps for carrying.
Whitewater paddling
Inflatable boards are more suitable for whitewater paddleboarding as they can handle bumps against rocks.
SUP Yoga
SUP yoga is becoming increasingly popular. Using an inflatable board is more comfortable for those all-important poses.
What SUP fins do I need?
Fins stabilise a paddle board, allowing a smoother, straighter movement. Most fins are removable, meaning you can take them off for seamless storage.
Larger fins offer more stability than smaller fins. Smaller fins still offer good stability but also increase the board’s manoeuvrability.
Single fin
A single fin is ideal for flatwater paddling, providing stability and tracking. A single large fin also makes it easier to turn the board with a strong pivot point.
3-fin setup
A 3-fin setup comprises one fin in the middle of the board and one fin of the same size on either side. This increases stability meaning more control on wavier days.
2+1 setup
A 2+1 setup has a middle fin at the tail with two smaller fins on either side. This is more common on boards for surfing.
What SUP accessories do I need?
As well as choosing the right paddle board, you’ll need the right accessories to enhance your experience and keep you safe on the water.
Paddle
For paddleboarding, you’ll need a single SUP paddle to propel you across the water. With various paddle lengths and blade dimensions, find the right fit for your height. Ensure your paddle is long enough so that you don’t have to stretch over the edge of the board to reach the water.
Safety Leash
A paddleboarding safety leash will help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble. There are two types of safety leashes; ankle and quick-release belts.
Ankle Leash
An ankle leash is coiled and suitable for use on flat, slow-moving waters where there is no risk of entanglement.
Quick-release belt
A quick-release belt is suitable for moving waters where you may need to separate yourself quickly from your paddle or board.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Choose a Personal Flotation Device that fits well and allows you to move your arms freely so you can paddle easily. A PFD will give you an advantage if you fall off your board.
Wetsuit
Wearing a wetsuit when paddling in cooler seasons will keep you warmer during long days on the water. Even if the air temperature feels warmer, the water will always be a few degrees cooler.
Which paddle board brands are available?
At NorthShore, we stock some of the highest quality paddle boards from leading brands. Including RTM, Gladiator and Typhoon, our brands offer hardwearing and abrasion-resistant models that will allow you to take to the water time and time again.
Time to take to the water
Now that you’ve followed our guide, explore our full collection of SUP Equipment for everything you need to take to the water.
Once you have your board, choose the right SUP accessories to help you on your way and start exploring the stunning coastlines and glittering lakes.
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