Buying a SUP Board: Ideas and Advice for Newcomers Leave a comment
Which SUP board to purchase? The water is calling, you’ve decided on stand-up paddling – but now the question stays: used or new? Hardboard or inflatable? Compact or long? Above all: how much does a SUP board value and where do you have to look? We’ve got the answers.
Inflatable or Hardboard?
The trend is clear: the inflatable board, additionally known as the iSUP board, is the clear favorite, not just in Germany. iSUPs are used for stand-up paddling even so far as in China.
This development is above all resulting from the truth that the inflatable SUP board is hardly inferior to the basic hardboard anymore when it involves handling capabilities. Nowadays you possibly can even win races with a good inflatable. On the identical time it presents the following advantages:
less space for storing wanted and considerably easier transport (backpacks are sometimes included in the delivery contents),
less susceptibility to nicks and scratches
Take it too far – particularly the place stones are concerned – and things look very completely different: even with the extremely durable PVC exterior of the iSUP, the inflatable can still be damaged and sink.
This hazard doesn’t exist with hardboards. And of course you don’t have the effort of always having to inflate the board. But that makes transportation much more difficult.
Tips for SUP Board Length, Width and Thickness
Despite the fact that English measurements in feet (1 ft = 30.48 cm) and inches (1 in = 2.54 cm) demand a sure expertise for math, don’t write off the most fundamental basics. Even as a newbie you may get an summary of the selection of SUP board lengths with the next: The longer, wider and thicker the board, the easier the dealing with when it comes to informal stand-up paddling.
Size: The longer the board, the more weight it can take. That doesn’t just concern your own bodyweight, but in addition baggage transportation for trips. Directional stability can be higher with longer boards (over 10 feet), but that takes its toll on maneuverability.
Width: Wider boards – between 32 and 36 inches – are more stable on water than their thinner counterparts between 25 and 29 inches. Wider boards are really helpful for newcomers given their balance, at the least so long as you don’t wish to do any racing.
Thickness: Four to six inches is standard. Thicker variations are more suitable for individuals who weigh less – and in addition children. Those who are a bit heavier will easily get their toes wet with thicker boards.
Other than size, width and thickness, SUP boards are also defined by their classification:
Fitness boards are relatively long and wide to ensure secure footing during exercises.
Allround SUP boards are well-balanced: with a length of 9 to 10 feet, they need to be agile but in addition stable in the water.
SUP boards for racing (12.6 to 14 toes) are reserved for professional as a result of their lengthy, thin form, which ensures speed. The boards are nonetheless very wobbly.
How Much Does a SUP Board Price?
Regardless of the model or deliberate use: a very good SUP board will set you back about a few hundred euros. Often the price of a paddle should even be added to this, however at 15 to 50 euros, that’s only a small quantity in comparison.
You should also take into consideration the cost of suitable functional clothing. A wetsuit is only hardly ever on the wish list for stand-up paddling, because you quickly start to sweat in it. Compared to other water sports resembling surfing or windsurfing, it may be very uncommon to search out yourself within the (cold) water with SUP.
