There are many different types of Standup Paddle Boards now available including Inflatable (ISUP), Hard Deck, Foam Hybrid Deck materials. Each board design is unique with its own length, width, thickness and colourful design.
Depending on the type of paddling you will be doing there is a board for you, whether you're looking to buy or rent for SUP Yoga, SUP Fitness, SUP Racing, SUP Touring, SUP River, SUP Surf or just recreational paddling in your local waters.
Depending on the type of paddling you will be doing there is a board for you, whether you're looking to buy or rent for SUP Yoga, SUP Fitness, SUP Racing, SUP Touring, SUP River, SUP Surf or just recreational paddling in your local waters.
ISUP (Inflatable Standup Paddle Boards)
Inflatable Standup Paddle Boards are becoming increasingly popular thanks to there durability, portable design and overall quality of manufacturing. ISUP's are often made with military grade materials and can hold up to the toughest conditions and are built similar to a white water raft. Depending on the specific brand, board length and thickness, an ISUP can safely hold up to 350 lb. and hold a pressure ranging from 15 to 20 PSI. Sizes greatly vary from 9 foot River boards with 4 fins to 13 foot Touring boards designs built for speed and long distance paddling. Standard thickness will range from 4" - 6", the thicker the board the higher off the water you will stand and often the board will be more rigid as it will hold more air pressure. ISUP's often come in packages complete with a carry bag that can be used as a back pack. Included in these kits will be a repair kit, 2 or 3 piece adjustable length paddle, board leash, 1 or 2 fins of different sizes, nylon secure strap and a double-action pump. |
SUP (Hard Standup Paddle Boards)
The original and most common board is the HARD surface SUP. This is designed very much like a surfboard with a heavy gauge internal foam and epoxy outside with rounded edges making them easier to use the rails for performance and SUP Surfing. Hard SUP boards are usually designed with either a Displacement (Pointed / Speed) or Planning (Rounded / All-Around) nose of the board and can range from 27" - 33" inches in width. The more narrow the board the less stable but the quicker and more efficient the board will be on the water. A wider board is great for beginners and will provide more stability, comfort and is great for SUP Yoga and SUP Fitness. A wider board isn't can be used for longer paddling distances but will often create more drag in the water compared to a narrower board. Hard Boards vary in length, ranging from shorter 9 foot boards designed for Surfing to longer Touring and Racing boards that often are designed up to 14 feet. |
SUP (Foam Hybrid Standup Paddle Boards)
Foam SUP boards look very similar to a Hard board but have a much softer and more durable outer material making them ideal for rental boards and use with beginners. Foam boards are often buoyant and are more comfortable if you are kneeling than a hard board. The sides of the boards are more protected from incorrect paddling and handling due to their foam design making them a good recreational board and for children. |
SUP (Touring Standup Paddle Boards)
Touring / Racing SUP boards are designed for efficiency, speed and long distance paddling. The standard Touring / Racing SUP boards are longer in length and more narrow than a recreational or surfing SUP board and have a Displacement design at the Bow (nose) of the board which helps to slice through the water and is similar to a racing canoe or kayak. The point at the front of the board cuts through the surface pushing the water around the nose and routing it along the sides rather than trying to ride on top of the water like a Planning design. Both Inflatables and Hard Boards come in a Touring design and are often much longer than other boards, racing boards can reach up to 15 feet in length and have unique designs that keep the paddler elevated higher out of the water. The leading brand in the market is Starboard and many of the fasters riders are using this brand in racing and touring. |
SUP (Paddles)
There are multiple different Paddles available depending on the type of paddling you will be doing and your budget. SUP Paddles have are designed with 3 main parts that make up function: 1) T-Grip - This is the top handle of the paddle, there are different styles which are more or less ergonomic for comfort. 2) Shaft - This is the long extended tube running from the TGrip to the Blade. These are constructed with different materials and some are a 1 piece, 2 piece or 3 piece adjustable design. 3) Blade - This is located at the bottom of the paddle. There are different blade designs that very in width, height, flexibility and materials they are constructed with. Paddles are constructed mainly using these materials: a) Steel - Heavier in weight and very durable. b) Plastic - Lighter than steel but less durable materials. c) Wood- Heavier by design, less durable, stylish look. d) Carbon Fiber - Very light weight and quite durable. Experienced and advanced paddlers will often use a 1 piece paddle, especially for racing as they can be very light in weight. The downside of a 1 piece paddle is it often must be cut to the specific paddlers height. Other options are adjustable paddles that come in a 2 and 3 piece design, these are great for rental as well for traveling as they take up much less space. The downside of an adjustable paddle are the additional moving parts which can lead to them being less durable over time. |