Buying a SUP board: what should you look out for?
Are you planning to buy a SUP board? Then it's useful to know what to look for when purchasing and what different types of SUP boards are available. Luckily, we've gathered these tips to help you make your best purchase.
What do you want to do?
- Recreational SUPing. If you're new to SUPing, we recommend going for a thick and wide SUP board. This will help you find stability. An all-round board with a round nose and round tail is ideal for short trips on canals and lakes. This versatile board is easy to use and will provide years of enjoyment.
- Regular SUPing. Do you want to take longer trips more often? Then choose a long and light SUP board that glides smoothly over the water. A touring SUP board is a faster version of an all-round SUP board due to its pointed nose and is stable enough for beginners.
Thickness, width, and length of the board
The stability you have also depends on the thickness, width, and length of the board. The thicker your board, the more stable it is. For beginners and recreational users, it is better to buy a thicker and shorter board because it offers more stability. It is therefore easier to stabilize yourself on a board that is 15 centimeters thick than one that is 12 centimeters thick. Additionally, a board that is 3 meters long is easier to paddle forward than one that is 2.8 meters. A shorter board is more maneuverable. Therefore, a short board is more suitable for relaxed, short trips, and a longer board is better for longer trips. Furthermore, the width of the board naturally also determines stability. The wider, the more stable the board. However, you sacrifice some speed with a wider board.
The nose of the board
There are also differences in the nose of boards. The rounder the nose, the more stable your board. A round nose is therefore better for beginner paddlers and shorter trips through canals. A pointed nose, on the other hand, glides more easily and quickly through the water and is therefore more suitable for competitions.
Personal weight and height
Your own weight and height also play an important role in purchasing the right SUP board. Every SUP board has a recommended weight limit. Buy a board where the limit is 10-15 kg above your own weight so you have room for luggage. If you are relatively short and slender, you naturally don't need a large board. So you can buy a narrower and thinner board. However, if you are a bit taller and wider built, then a wider and thicker board is more suitable for you.
Inflatable or hard
The biggest advantage of an inflatable board is that it is easy to transport and store. This is ideal for people who don't live close to the sea or if you want to take it with you on holiday. Moreover, these SUP boards are ideal for beginners as they are cheaper and easier to balance on. Furthermore, inflatable SUP boards last longer than hard boards made of fragile material. With a hardboard, however, you are a lot faster and more agile than on inflatable boards.
Fins
The fins on the bottom of the SUP board affect stability and maneuverability. Most boards have a large removable fin in the middle and possibly smaller fins on the sides. For calm waters and beginners, a single fin is sufficient, while more advanced paddlers may prefer multiple fins for better maneuverability.
When buying a SUP board, it is important to consider various factors, including the dimensions of the board, your own dimensions, and the material. Also consider your own experience level, your needs, and your preferences. By following these tips, you will make the right choice and enjoy it for a long time.
