SUP Buying Guide

Introduction

Having a stand up paddleboard (SUP) that meets all your needs will make a world of difference to your paddleboarding experience. |There's a lot to consider when navigating the world of paddleboards especially if you're new to the sport.

This guide will help you narrow down the options and find the right board for you.

What are inflatable paddleboards?

Inflatable SUPs are a lightweight and easily portable alternative to hard paddleboards.

Construction

Inflatable paddleboard manufacturers utilise military-grade PVC plastic and a drop-stitch air core to create a surprisingly rigid and extremely durable construction.

The purpose of the drop-stitch core is to maintain the desired shape of a fully inflated paddleboard by holding the top and bottom layers together. Without the connecting threads, the board would curve outward and not stay flat.

The PVC outers vary from single-layer constructions to multi-layer designs depending on the manufacturer. Generally speaking, the more layers there are around the air core, the more durable the paddleboard is, but it can also increase the weight of the board.

Some inflatable paddleboard constructions also feature additional PVC stringers for increased stiffness.

Advantages of inflatable paddleboards

Durability - Inflatable paddleboards utilise military-grade materials that make them highly durable and puncture-resistant. If you bump into rocks or accidentally drop your board while carrying it, inflatables will not scratch or ding as easily as hard boards. If you do somehow damage your inflatable SUP, it is also usually easy and cheap to fix.
Lightweight - The lightweight construction of inflatable boards ensures that they are portable and less effort to move around.
Travel friendly - Traveling with an inflatable paddleboard is a breeze thanks to its collapsible nature. Most boards come with a handy travel case which can be checked in at the airport or packed in the boot of a car.
Storage – Once packed away they don’t take up a lot of room, making them ideal for anyone with limited storage space.

Anatomy of an inflatable paddleboard

Deck pad & tail kick pad

Deck pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, usually covering just over half of the board. Made from a grippy and soft foam, the purpose of the pad is to provide slip resistance and cushioning. Some paddleboards have a separate tail kick pad with a slightly different surface compared to the rest of the deck pad. It’s an effective way to make the paddler aware that they are standing close to the tail.

Bungees

Different boards have different bungee formations, but the purpose is the same: to hold your gear in place and stop it from falling into the water. Usually, the bungees are near the nose of the board, but sometimes you will also find additional attachments by the tail.

D-rings

These are little attachment points for your leash, bungees, and other gear. The rings are also useful for towing.

Carry handle

All paddleboards have at least one carry handle, which often sits in the middle of the board on top of the deck pad. It allows you to easily transport your board to and from the water without damaging it. The middle carry handle also often marks the perfect spot to stand while paddling if you place your feet at hip-width on each side of the handle. Some boards have additional handles that help you break surface tension when lifting the board from the water.

Inflation valve

Every inflatable board will have a pump attachment.

Rails/sidewalls

Rails, also known as sidewalls, form the edges of an inflatable paddleboard. Durability is a top priority when building SUP rails because they hold the board together and endure various bumps and dings. Manufacturers can also increase the rigidity of their inflatable SUPS by adding a stiffening layer to the sidewall construction.

Fins

All paddleboards come with at least one fin, which allows you to track straight on the water. Sometimes instead of a single fin, you have a formation of two or even three for increased stability and easier tracking in windy conditions. Fins come in a variety of sizes: smaller fins provide better manoeuvrability, whereas larger fins help the board track straighter. Sometimes brands choose to feature two fins of the same size simply because it helps balance the board on the shore while you load it up with your gear. Inflatable SUPs generally utilise flexible rubber fins, which in some cases are removable but often come permanently attached to the board. Detachable fins offer a little more freedom as you can swap them out for different sizes or remove them for storage.

Paddleboard shapes

Inflatable paddleboards come in various shapes, and most of them fall into two main categories: all round and touring. Each shape has distinct design elements that make it ideal for its intended use.

All round shape

Inflatable paddleboards in the all round category are versatile and suitable for riders of all experience levels. Designed to perform well in various conditions, all-round boards are ideal for recreational paddling on rivers and lakes as well as oceans. The all round shape includes a wide deck and a rounded nose, delivering a stable and forgiving ride. All round boards are not as fast as touring models, but they are easier to manoeuvre, and, therefore, the better option for beginners. The spacious deck is also ideal for carrying passengers.

Touring shape

This shape focuses on efficiency and speed. Designed to track straight and glide smoothly with fewer strokes, touring boards are ideal for covering long distances. The characteristics of touring paddleboards include a narrow deck and a pointed nose. They are less stable on the water than all round boards, but much faster. Because touring boards are more difficult to balance, they are best suited for experienced paddlers.

What size paddleboard do I need?

Shape plays a huge part in the selection process, but it is equally important to understand how length, width, and volume affect the performance of the board. When you're deciding what size to go for, the main two things you want to keep in mind are your skill level and what type of paddling you intend to do.

Paddleboard length and width

The length of a paddleboard affects speed and manoeuvrability. Shorter boards are more agile and easier to turn, but longer boards can be more efficient when you want to move fast in a straight line. Therefore, most all-around boards range between 9 and 11 ft long, whereas touring orientated boards can be 12 ft or longer.

Width plays a key role in determining the stability of a paddleboard. Although narrower boards may not be the most stable and beginner-friendly option, they move more efficiently on the water. Wider boards offer more versatility and perform well in most weather conditions.

Rider weight limits

Most inflatable SUPs have a recommended rider weight limit to ensure that the board has enough volume and buoyancy to stay afloat. If the board sits too low in the water, the increased drag makes it inefficient and difficult to paddle. The higher the volume of the board, the heavier loads it can carry. Make sure to check individual product pages to find out the rider weight limits for each board.

To make life a little bit easier for you, all of our inflatable paddleboards come in a package that includes most of the essentials you will need to get started. Make sure to read the product descriptions carefully to find out what items your package includes and what you may have to purchase separately.

SUP accessories

Paddle

You wouldn’t get far on your brand new paddleboard without one of these, but there's no need to worry because all of our SUP packages include an adjustable paddle that is easy to store with your board. The three main components of a SUP paddle are the handle, the shaft, and the blade. Shaft materials affect the performance of the entire paddle. Lighter materials such as carbon deliver maximum power in the stroke, making them ideal for longer paddles with minimal fatigue, whereas heavier materials such as aluminium are better suited for recreational paddling.

Leash

A leash is arguably the most important piece of SUP safety equipment. It ensures that you remain connected to your board if you happen to fall in the water. There are two different types of leashes, coiled and straight. A coiled leash doesn’t trail in the water while you paddle and keeps you closer to your board when you fall. That makes them ideal for flat water, where there is a low chance of the board bouncing back towards you. Straight leashes keep you far away from your board when you fall, lowering the chance of your board hitting you if you get caught in a wave. However, straight leashes can tangle easily, and they drag along in the water, which adds resistance.

Pump

A sturdy manual pump is an essential piece of kit for everyone who owns an inflatable paddleboard. Each board package includes one of these, and it only takes about 10 minutes to inflate your SUP fully.

Storage bag & backpack carrier

Most SUP packages come with a durable backpack carrier. They are ideal for storing and transporting your deflated paddleboard as they provide excellent protection against punctures and scuffs. The backpacks also come in handy if you have to walk with your board to get to the beach.

Safety

Before you head out on the water, it’s worth considering these points to help keep you safe:

Always wear a buoyancy aid

Tell someone where you're going

Carry a mobile phone

Check the weather

Know your limits

#PaddleSafe is a Paddle UK and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute campaign.

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