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Whether you’re wanting to do yoga, run some rapids, or enjoy a calm paddle across the lake, there is a paddle board for you. We’ll look at some of what goes into choosing the board that’s right for you.
When looking for a SUP, there are a couple of things you’ll need to consider:
• Hull Type: Planing or Displacement? The hull type will be determined by the type of paddling you want to do. Planing hulls are flat and wide, making them a great choice for recreational paddling, yoga, or whitewater. While these boards are more maneuverable than board with a displacement hull, they aren’t as efficient. Meaning it takes more effort to move through the water. Displacement hulls have a pointed front, which helps push the boat through the water, rather than over it. These boards track better and move through the water more efficiently, allowing you to go faster and to paddle longer. These are great for fitness paddling, racing, and longer day trips.
• Solid or Inflatable: Do you want a solid board or an inflatable one? Basically, it comes down to how much space you have. Folks with limited options for storage will want to consider an inflatable. Traveling? Most inflatable SUP’s come with a storage bag, making it easy to check on a plane, train, or bus. When it comes to standup paddleboards, it really depends on what your intended uses are and your way of getting the board around. Many people prefer the inflatables as they can fit in the trunk of a small car or carried on your back if you needed to. With a composite board, you will need a truck or something with racks to get it around.
• Volume and Weight Capacity: In most situations, this will be the determining factor on whether a board is right for you. You want to pick a board with the volume and weight capacity that’s right for your height and weight to ensure good stability and paddling performance. If a paddle board cannot carry your weight, or your weight plus any gear you have, it will ride too low in the water, feel unstable and have more drag. In extreme cases it may even sink underneath you! While not all manufacturers list the capacity of their boards, there are formulas to help figure out if the board can support your weight.
Fluid Fun currently stocks C4 Waterman SUP’s, and we have them available in both solid and inflatable models. As is the case with all our boats, you’re able to take the boards down to the river and give them a test run!
