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Isn’t it cool to glide through the water while standing? A stand up paddle board or SUP will allow you to do that. You can freely move around with it and enjoy beautiful landscape. SUPing is also a great all around workout.
This fun activity is basically part surfing and part kayaking. If you have been bitten by the stand-up paddling bug, then you should purchase the best paddle board. It is important to first know some of the basic information that you need to note, before going through the list of the top stand up paddle boards today.
Important Things to Note
You need to invest in a good stand up paddle board if you have decided to fully commit yourself to this type of fun. The main specs that you will want to focus on are the length, width, construction, and weight. You will notice that all of these features affect one another. If your board is longer and wide, then it can handle more weight. Whether inflatable or solid in construction, this factor will also affect the amount of weight it could accommodate.
These paddle boards are also made of a broad range of materials, with the most basic being solid and inflatable. You have to blow up an inflatable board before getting started, while the solid stand up board can be made of various materials. Solid boards usually have a foam interior wrapped in fibreglass. Other boards are incorporated with bamboo or any other rigid materials for added durability. However, the main advantages of having an inflatable board include easy transport and storage, as well as its generally cheaper cost.
Types of Stand Up Paddle Boards
There are many types of stand up paddle boards. It is necessary to first identify which type of stand up paddle board you are going to use. There are basically four types of paddle boards: touring or racing, flat, yoga, and surf.
Flat Water Paddle Boards
Flat water paddle boards are perfect for beginners. These boards offer ample stability, so you can spend more time on the board and less in the water. This is the ideal board if you are new to the sport.
Racing or Touring Paddle Boards
Racing or touring paddle boards are slimmer and longer. The main difference between this type of paddle board and a flat water board is the price. This is because racing or touring boards are made of lighter materials, and have some customization like a displaced hull. These customized features will allow you to slice through the water easily. The goal for its design is to reduce drag and increase speed, but without sacrificing volume.
Surf Paddle Boards
This type of stand up paddle board allows you to use it for both surfing and paddling. Its design helps you cut through different wave conditions smoothly. If you are a fan of surfing, then this type could be your best bet.
Yoga Paddle Boards
Yoga paddle boards are similar to flat water boards. These boards are normally wide in structure, like a yoga mat. They also feature a full-length traction pad for a great yoga session outdoors.
9 Best Stand Up Paddle Boards for Beginners
By now, you should have thought about the type of board you will look for. Here are some of the best stand up paddle boards that you should consider:
Solstice Bali Stand-Up Paddle Board
This all-around or flat water inflatable paddle board is perfect for beginners who are not yet willing to shell out so much money. With a size of 10’8”, this paddle board stretches out into a solid structure once blown up to 15 PSI. It is important to note, however, that this board is not ideal in choppy water conditions or for surfing.
This model is great for cruising around a body of water. The package comes with a pump, so you can get started with the pumping right away. It also includes a carrying bag for easy transportation.
Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer Inflatable 9’10” SUP Package
If you are looking for an all-around paddle board that is highly durable and can handle more weight, then this could be the best option. This inflatable paddle board is made of military-grade PVC, meaning the entire structure is durable enough to withstand long term usage. Its manufacturer claims that it can carry up to 350 pounds. Best of all, it comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, making it a bang for your buck.
This SUP package also includes a pump, and 3-piece adjustable fiberglass paddle.
CBC 10’6” Classic Foam Paddle Board SUP Package
This all-around solid stand up paddle board set boasts of high-quality construction. It is made of high-density EPS with three wooden stringers for reinforcement. Such setup guarantees the durability of this paddle board. The weight capacity is 300lbs.
The core of this SUP is 100% waterproof. With a camera mount at the front it’s a great choice for adventure junkies and vloggers. The instant padded roof rack enables strapping this board to almost any vehicle.
What’s amazing about this model is that it is one of the cheaper products on this list, yet it has one of the most durable constructions. If you want a total package for your stand up paddle board, then this one is a must-have. It is a nice paddle board overall at a reasonable price.
Naish 2015 Nalu GS Paddle-Board
This Naish 2015 Nalu GS is a all-around solid stand up paddling board. This is a perfect SUP board for the beginners who are already willing to invest in a nice paddle board. With a length of 11 feet, this Naish paddle board is one of the more expensive choices on the list. It does, however, make a pretty nice board for beginners.
Its structure is more stable, which makes staying on top easier. This board is also made of fiberglass, EPS foam, and wood for increased stability. Overall, this model is perfect for tandem paddling, a fun activity that you should try.
Tower Xplorer 14′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Pkg
This inflatable racing stand up paddle board is one of the fastest inflatable boards on the list. However, it does not compare to the lightweight solid boards used by the pros.
This impressive inflatable SUP works well, as long as you use a high-end pump.
BIC Ace-TEC Wing
This solid racing stand up paddle board is sort of a hybrid. Its length is not sufficient to be considered as a true racing board, but it also no longer fits the all-around category. This paddle board is perfect for fitness paddling. If you are into amateur races, then this is good enough. You cannot, however, use it in the pro circuit.
Chelan 12 Foot Touring Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Package
This 12 feet inflatable Chelan Touring Stand Up paddle board that can exceed your standards in a paddle board’s tracking and stiffness. This racing board has the right piercing attributes, with a stiff underfoot.
The set includes an adjustable paddle, carrying handle, GoPro Mount, nose and tail cargo nets, and a 9″ touring fin. Chelan Touring will not give you that cheap mattress feel that other inflatables give.
Surftech Saber Stand Up Paddle Board
The Surftech Saber is one of the most well-rounded stand up paddle boards today. Though a little heavy at 35 pounds, this fast paddle board excels in so many ways, from the flat to choppy waters.
It’s not a speedster, but it moves smoothly with ample glide and deck space. This model is also very stable, thanks to its width of 29 inches. As for its construction, the Saber appears like a sandwich, coming with a foam core and many layers of epoxy, fiberglass, and wood for added durability. You will definitely have so much fun with this one, especially with its nineties look.
A perfect SUP for beginners and amateur racers.
Bottom Line
The best stand-up paddle board is designed to last for a long time. The latest models are made of many different types of materials, but the most common is the EPS foam core. Carbon fiber, figreglass, and plastic are also now available on the market. So which type of board should you choose? The beginners will usually want an all-around board at first because of its affordability and durability. These boards, however, can be a bit heavy.
If you want to improve your performance, then the touring or racing boards could be your best bet. Some people look for convenience and durability in one. Inflatables can meet such requirements as they are surprisingly durable and versatile. They are also easy to transport at store. Whatever your preferences may be, it is important to take time in reading this article, compare each model, before finally making a purchasing decision.
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I still regret not buying a SUP last summer. Thanks Alex, for helping me to find the perfect SUP this time. This summer is gonna be Awesome!