How many kg can a paddle surf board hold?

We already know how much a paddle surf board weighs, but do you really know how many kilos a paddle surf board can hold? Find out everything you need to know about the maximum weight and load capacity of a paddle surfboard so you can choose the model that best suits your needs and the use you are going to make of it.

What is the weight of a paddle surf board?

The maximum weight that a board can support without affecting its buoyancy varies depending on the paddle board. There are several factors that influence the load capacity, i.e. how many kg it is able to support without the board sinking, and this aspect determines both its use and performance.

Generally, smaller size boards also hold less load. The maximum weight in this type of SUP is around 90 kg and they are paddle boards more oriented to a sporting use, such as SUP Race or SUP Surf, where lightness and maneuverability are prioritized.

Within the Touring or Allround categories, the maximum weight can reach 160 kg on the largest boards. HUIIKE paddle surfboards offer a maximum weight of 130 kg, which makes them have an excellent balance between performance and agility.

Note that there are also smaller SUPs. For example, boards designed for children are smaller and lighter, so the maximum weight supported can be around 60 kg.

Meanwhile, the larger boards triple the load capacity of the standard boards. These SUPs are the largest on the market and are designed for use in teams of 4 to 6 people. They measure up to 4.5 meters in height and support weights of up to 475 kg.

In short, the maximum weight supported by a paddle surfboard ranges from 60 kg to 475 kg. However, in the standard models, this load capacity is in a range from 90 kg to 160 kg.

What does load capacity depend on?

The load capacity of a paddle surfboard depends on three main factors: its size, volume, and design and construction materials. On the one hand, we have the measurements of the board. These include the height (from bow to stern), width and thickness of the SUP. The greater these dimensions, the more weight the board will support.

From its measurements derives the volume, that is, how many liters fit inside, another factor that also influences how many kg a paddle surfboard can hold. Finally, the materials from which the boards have been manufactured affect their capacity to support more or less kg.

Materials such as the military grade PVC used in the coating of HUIIKE paddle surfboards enhance their durability and contribute to the increased load capacity of the board. In addition, the wide design of the board's surface further improves its stability and makes it possible to carry a greater load, as well as allowing up to 2 people to ride on board (as long as they do not exceed 130 kg in weight).

We cannot overlook the inflation pressure factor if it is an inflatable board. This feature provides rigidity to the assembly and, consequently, greater stability during use. In the case of our boards, the recommended pressure is between 12 and 15 PSI, with 15 PSI being the maximum recommended.

What happens if you exceed the weight limit?

Exceeding the weight limit on a paddle surf board is never recommended. Each SUP has been designed with specifications that define the maximum load capacity. Exceeding it will cause the board to sink deeper, compromising its performance and negatively affecting safety.

These are the main consequences if you exceed the weight of a paddle surf board:

• Reduced stability: when you exceed the load limit, you will notice that the board sinks and loses stability. Surfing this way is more complicated, since the slightest movement of the water magnifies the movements of the board, causing you to fall.
• Less maneuverability: A board that is overweight is also less maneuverable. You will appreciate that it is more difficult to paddle, turn and even brake with it. Here is a handy guide with everything you need to know to learn how to paddle surf.
• Damage and premature wear: if you use your board with an excess of kg, you will be accelerating wear, causing premature aging caused by the overexertion to which it is subjected in each session. Inflatable boards are more likely to suffer a puncture, a blowout or damage to its structure if you exceed the weight limit or if you use it without the correct inflation pressure.
• Risk of accident: all of the above consequences have a negative impact on safety. A board with less stability and maneuverability, in addition to the fact that it may have some kind of serious damage, offers less control when surfing. This erratic behavior can lead to an accident in which someone gets hurt.

For all these reasons, we advise you to respect the weight limit of your paddle surfboard. Consult the user manual included with the board to find the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations.

Tips for maintaining buoyancy

To maintain maximum buoyancy when paddle surfing, there are a number of useful tips:

• Inflation pressure: for inflatable boards, it is recommended to inflate them within the pressure range indicated by the manufacturer. In HUIIKE boards, this pressure ranges between 12 and 15 PSI. Near that 15 PSI limit is when the paddle board will be more rigid and will provide greater buoyancy and, therefore, more stability during navigation.
• Position on the board: placing your feet in the right place also affects the buoyancy of the board. They should be placed in the center, leaving the handle between your feet. The separation of these will be equal to that of your shoulders. Bend your knees a little to increase stability. This position is called neutral position and is the most recommended when paddle surfing. If you position yourself more towards the bow or the stern, the end in which you are located will tend to sink more.
• Water conditions: if the water on the beach, river or wherever you go paddle surfing is not calm, it can compromise the buoyancy of the board. It affects stability more, but the swell could overcome the SUP if it has not been inflated to the correct pressure or if you are surfing with more load than supported.
• Experience: your experience in paddle surfing has an effect on the buoyancy and stability of the board. That is why it is important to know the basics of this sport before jumping into the water, as well as practicing it in controlled environments especially in those early learning phases.

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