How to choose an all-round Paddle Board

Let’s start with the classic allround shape first as this is the board shape most people choose as their first board. Brands like Red Paddle Co have done an amazing job of designing the perfect 10’6 x 32” x 4.7” thick sup board, this board shape suits most riders from 5’5 right up to 6”+. With many brands choosing to agree with this shape and thickness there are plenty of awesome all-round boards to choose from at different budgets and graphic choices.

SUP inflatables truly believe in a high density 4.7 (5inch) thick board thickness so we don't sell any brand that doesn’t offer this shape in their allround range. Choose a board from Red Paddle Co, Gladiator, Shark and Anomy for the classic all round shapes or Starboard offers the Takhine range for stunning designs and Fanatic offers the 9’8 which is also 32” wide and 4.7” thick so is great for the rider that wants a touch more maneuverability in this classic shape.

There is an unfortunate miss-conception of ‘bigger is best’ within the SUP world and this marketing is unfortunately sometimes bigger than the premium brand voice. ‘Bigger is best’ isn’t great for the average size paddler, but it really does affect the shorter lighter rider paddler to a huge level as a shorter lighter rider is more prone to difficulties paddling longer distance if the paddle isn’t in a straight down position. Too wide a board (results in an ineffiecent paddle stroke) causing the rider to struggle to keep up with taller friends, plus it is more difficult to paddle against tide and current as the board weaves left and right. If the board is too wide, a shorter lighter rider will struggle to carry it as it is too wide and too thick to reach the handle. So to try and help out.. 

Here are some guidelines for the shorter lighter rider picking a board.

Width of a shorter lighter rider board - If the rider is under  5’5 and definitely under 5’4 it is really ideal that the rider will choose a board that’s 31” wide as an absolute maximum width as this allows the shorter rider to gain a ‘straight down’ paddle stroke.

Length of a shorter lighter rider board - If the rider is planning on paddling half an hour to an hour and is new to padding so needs a maneuverable board then choosing an all-round board that is 9’8 to 10’4 in length is perfect.

Thickness of a lighter rider board -  If a rider is under 13.5 stone (or 85kg) is pretty crucial that the board is 4.7 (5inch) thick. This allows the board volume to sit within the waterline which allows the rider to paddle successfully without being caught by side wind or waves.

Heavier riders have to be cautious too, as sometimes a rider thinks they are heavier than they are, so still fits into a premium quality 4.7 dropstich. If it is really advantageous for them to be on a 6 inch thick dropstich board then the rider should check the brand has made their 6 inch thick board from high density material. A way of doing this (and relevant for all board brands and sizes) is to check the board is 26 psi rated, with a recommended inflation pressure of 20 psi.

It’s also helpful to check the shape of the board, checking that the widest point of the board is running through the central handle rather than the widest point being forward of the feet. A larger rider will probably prefer the classic riding shape of a board that's 34” wide and 6” inches thick and a length of about 10’8 long.

SUP inflatables only sell high rated PSI boards, this allows a heavier paddler the confidence to ride a board without it bending. Boards we suggest are Red Paddle Co 10’8, Gladiator 10’8, Shark 10’8, Anomy 10’8, Fanatic Fly Air and Premium 10’4 and 10’8 and Starboard deluxe all-round boards.