Which SUP board is right for me?
Choosing the right SUP depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you want to paddle fast and sportily or prefer to paddle slowly and leisurely. Whether you have plenty of storage space or would rather choose an inflatable iSUP, which is easier to store.
We have compiled a few factors that may assist you in selecting your SUP:
Board shape:
The most common board shapes are the all-round, yoga, touring, and racing boards:
All-round board
The classic all-round board evolved from the surfboard and still has the shape of a Malibu longboard today. Es a wide nose, a width of 28-31" and a flat hull. The length varies between 9'8" and 11'6". For heavier riders, es are es longer all-round SUP boards. With this board shape, you can easily go on short tours, paddle in flat water and waves, and even surf waves quite well. Es everything except "race," but has no particular strengths.
This board shape is particularly suitable in the initial phase, when you want to keep all disciplines open or try everything out a little without particularly high athletic demands.
es practice, most paddlers already know that they don't want to surf waves and opt directly for an all-round shape. In fact, many then keep this board because they don't want to compromise on its versatility.
In our shop, we offer our extensively tested 11'0'' Allround iSUP from Glory Boardse-Fin an affordable package price with our e-Fin . The Glory Boards "Cross" is perfect as a SUP board for families, as es is suitable for es leisurely paddling on the lake and paddling in pairs. Es the ideal SUP board for paddlers looking for an all-round board with touring "genes." The slightly wider tail gives this board enough stability to make es suitable for beginners without restriction. The pointed nose cuts through the water better, making you faster than with a normal all-round SUP board. A kick pad is attached to the rear, enabling quick turns. The included seat offers another great expansion option, allowing the board to be easily converted into a kayak.
Yoga Board
Balance is the most important criterion when looking for a SUP for yoga. Therefore, make sure it is stable and resistant to tipping. The shape with a rounded nose and tail and the wider design ensure good water stability and balance of the SUP. In most cases, the carrying handles are located on the outer edges so that they do not interfere with your exercises on the deck pad.
Touring Board
Pure touring boards differ in shape and form in that they are slightly longer and narrower than all-round boards. As a result, they are superior to all-round boards in terms of directional stability, speed, and glide. The disadvantage of this narrower width is reduced stability.
Race board
Race boards are long and narrow. Lengths start at 12'6" for lighter riders, but are usually between 14' and 16'. The width varies between 22" (competition board) and 28" (freerace). Due to their length, edge shape, and volume distribution, they are difficult to turn, but they have excellent glide and are characterized by their directional stability. These boards are not suitable for beginners and occasional SUPers. They are aimed more at competitors and experienced paddlers with sporting ambitions.
Which board length is right for me?
The size of the board depends on your height and weight. The taller and heavier you are, the larger and more stable the board should be in order to provide sufficient stability and support. The following chart can help you choose the right size:
Hardboards vs. inflatable boards (iSUPs):
SUPs can be made from various materials, such as inflatable PVC or solid plastic. Both types have advantages and disadvantages:
If you want to travel a lot with your board, have a small apartment with limited space, or don't own a car, then an inflatable board with a transport backpack is just right for you! Another reason why you might choose an inflatable SUP is that they are generally lighter and easier to handle and carry.
Hardboards, on the other hand, are heavier, more unwieldy, and even more susceptible to damage than inflatable SUP boards. Brief contact with a rock or a paddle blade grazing the board while paddling can leave unsightly scratches or dents on the hardboard. The inflatable SUP can easily withstand this! For this reason, only inflatable SUP boards are used for SUP tours on rivers. Hardboards would be damaged too quickly in white water.
Another disadvantage of hardboards is the greater risk of injury. If you fall, you hit hard material. Inflatable SUP boards are still "softer" despite their rigidity in the event of a fall. This advantage has proven particularly useful in yoga iSUPs, which are much more comfortable for yoga exercises than hardboards due to their soft material properties.
The only downside to iSUPs is that they don't perform quite as well in choppy conditions and wind. So consider where you're likely to be paddling and whether you would go out on the water in wind speeds of 10 to 15 knots.
A TOURING Double Chamber would be a good alternative for this, as es is es , feels more like a hardboard on the water, and is easier to paddle against the wind.
We hope this article helps you find the right SUP board for you. If you still have questions, feel free to send us an email or contact a specialist sports retailer directly.
