Table of Contents
Introduction
Paddle boarding can be an intimidating sport to get into. There are lots of choices, and it’s important to make the right one. The right choice is a board that will meet your needs, both now and as you progress in your skills. If you choose a more advanced board too soon, you may feel frustrated or even give up on the sport altogether!
Choosing a Board
- Choose a board that is the right size for you. If you’re just starting out, I would recommend choosing a longboard or hybrid longboard/surfboard.
- Choose a board that is the right weight for you. A lighter paddle board will be easier to get used to paddling and stopping, while something heavier might make it more difficult to stop and turn quickly at first (but if you want something heavier than your typical beginner paddle board, then go ahead!).
- Choose a board that is the right type for you – whether it’s inflatable vs hard shell (flexible deck), etc., or inflatable vs soft shell (rigid deck). Inflatable boards are often cheaper but less durable than hard shell boards; however there are also some advantages to having an inflatable one such as being easy to carry around on land as well as water-proofing materials built into many models available today making them feel less slippery when wet than previous versions did back when these were first introduced into mainstream markets back in 2007.”
Board Size & Weight Capacity
Paddle board size is important for many reasons, and you should take a few key factors into account before making your purchase. It is important to consider your weight, height, skill level and paddling style when selecting the right paddle board.
The most common mistake made by beginners is buying too large of a paddle board for their weight. If you are under 200 pounds (90 kg), then you will want to select a board that’s about 10-20% smaller than your body weight. For example: if you weigh 150 pounds (68 kg), look for an 11’8″ or 12’6″ model. If you’re over 200 pounds (90 kg) but under 250 pounds (113 kg), look for an 11’8″ or 12’6″ model with thicker rails to accommodate the extra weight load; or select an inflatable SUP that has higher capacity ratings than traditional hard boards do because they are designed specifically with larger paddlers in mind.
Board Type
There are two main types of paddle boards, and they’re based on the shape of the board itself.
Flat Deck: Wide, flat, and stable as a table—flat decks are easy to learn on and great for beginners. They’re also easy to transport, making them ideal for those who want to take their boards with them on vacation or frequent trips to the lake.
Performance Board: Shaped like an aerodynamic teardrop, performance boards are designed for more advanced riders who plan on paddling longer distances at higher speeds. These boards can be tricky for beginners because they come with less stability than a flat deck does (which means more tip-overs), but if you’re interested in racing or just want something that performs better when riding faster through choppier waters then this may be the board for you!
Paddle Type
The size of your paddle will depend on your height and weight. It’s important to know that you should be able to float the paddle in water comfortably, with about 15-20 inches (40-50 cm) of the blade above the water line when lying flat on its side. The width of the blade comes into play when considering a moveable or fixed position for your wrists; both options have advantages and disadvantages depending on what type of paddling style you prefer.
The shape of the paddle is also important to consider; many people use a racing-style paddle with a narrow section towards the head and wide blades at both ends as they tend to be faster than other shapes but this style works best for fast moving rivers or surf where speed is most important and maneuverability may not be needed as much as other situations such as ocean paddling where there are many obstacles around every turn so it’s best if you can turn easily without having too much drag in terms of resistance from using something like this type
Fins & Other Add-Ons
Paddle fins can be somewhat finicky to attach. If you experience difficulty, try the following steps:
- Make sure the fin is straight and facing forward before attaching it to your board.
- Insert the fin into its slot on your board, then squeeze the base of the fin while pushing it down into place.
If you’re having trouble releasing them after use, here are some steps that have worked in our experience:
- Remove your paddleboard from water as quickly as possible—if left in water too long after use (especially if there’s salt), salt crystals can build up inside of these parts and make them harder to detach later. If possible, avoid leaving an open container of fresh water underneath when paddling; this will prevent any moisture from building up inside and causing corrosion over time—and possibly making removal even more difficult than usual!
You want to choose a board that works for you.
When you’re looking for a paddle board, it’s important to consider the following: size, weight, type and paddle type.
- Size: The best beginner paddle boards are usually around 8’6″ to 9’6″. This gives you plenty of space to learn how to balance on the board and keep your footing. If you’re looking for something sturdier and more stable, however (perhaps if you’re a weightlifter), then going with an 8’11” or 9’4″ model will be better suited for your needs.
- Weight: Some boards are designed specifically for heavier users; others are made more for lighter people such as children or women who want something they can easily maneuver through their water sports activities without much effort while still maintaining its strength over time due its high-quality materials used during production process so there won’t be any issues arising during use even after years later when owners decide later down road they want another one because eventually end up needing one due some reason (e., broken parts etc..) So make sure before purchasing anything whether it’s online store shopping pages website link above here where we’ve provided links into different categories such as “Best Sellers”, “Top Rated”, etc.. which may include things like those listed below under categories like Paddling Boards For Women & Kids Only! You’ll see them displayed in two distinct groups with titles including either being at top left corner next under category descriptions where we
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of how to start paddleboarding, it’s time to choose your board and get started! Before you make this major investment, remember to think about what kind of stand up paddling experience you want. Will it be a recreational pursuit on the lake or an ocean adventure? Are you a beginner or veteran? Do you hope to paddle alone or with friends and family? If so, then consider all these points before making your purchase. And don’t forget about safety equipment and accessories like fins, paddles and lifejackets too!
The best way is through trial-and-error: try out different types of boards until one feels right for your body type. In addition, consider getting professional help at a local shop if possible–they can be valuable resources when it comes time to make this important decision.
