Learn about the parts of a paddle surf board

Do you know what are the parts of a paddle surf? In this practical guide we will identify and explain each of the parts that make up the paddle surfboards, what their function is and how they affect the performance of the SUP.

General structure of the board: parts of a paddle surf

Knowing the parts of a paddle surf is essential to understand how your board works and how it behaves according to its characteristics. Because not all SUPs are the same. We have already seen that there are different types, and that each of them performs a specific function according to its shape, size and volume.

These are the parts that make up a paddle surf board:

• Stringer: This is a strip of PVC about 15 cm wide that runs along the board from the nose to the tail through the deck and bottom. Its function is to provide greater rigidity to the paddle surf boards.
• Center: is the central area of the board and is located at the same distance from the nose and the tail.
• Nose: located at the front of the table. Its shape varies depending on the type, with more pointed designs and others more rounded.
• Tail: is the opposite end of the board from the nose. It is located at the back and can be round, square or pointed.
• Curvature (Rocker): identifies the curvature of the board on the hull. Depending on its use, it can be curved or even flat, to favor stability.
• Surface (Deck): this is the upper section of the board, the area opposite to the one that is submerged in the water. Here you will find the anti-skid pad, the handle, the leash mooring, the loading area and even the cell phone holder anchorage.
• Hull (Bottom): is the lower part of the board, which is always in the water and where the keel boxes are included.
• Rails: these are the edges of the board. There is one rail on the right and one on the left, joining the nose of the board with the tail, and vice versa.
• Fins: also known as fins, they are located on the hull of the board, near the tail. There may be one or more fins and they ensure that the board maintains a straight course.
• Pad: this is a non-slip EVA rubber zone located on the surface of the board that is designed to place the feet, providing maximum grip and comfort.
• Handle: it is located in the center of the board, on the surface, and is an element that allows carrying the board from one place to another.

Cover: non-slip pad and handle

On the surface of the board there are several elements that also make up the parts of a paddle surf. One of them is the anti-slip pad. This element is key to ensure balance on the SUP and acts as a surface that prevents you from slipping.

The pad is made of EVA rubber, a light and flexible material that resembles foam rubber. It is characterized by offering some cushioning, which helps to make it more comfortable to use, as it is the area where you will paddle standing, kneeling or even sitting when you turn your board into a kayak. Its function is none other than to provide a non-slip surface even when the board is wet, hence its importance.

Just above this surface we find another of the parts of a paddle surfboard: the grab handle. This element is made of a resistant material and comfortable to the touch, allowing you to carry the board from one side to the other with ease. It is reinforced to ensure its durability, becoming the point from which you can grab the SUP and even serve as a support to get on the board after falling into the water.

Inflation valve and its maintenance

Located at the tail of the board, the inflation valve is another part of a paddle surf that you will find on all inflatable boards. It allows you to inflate and deflate the board with ease thanks to the double action manual inflator.

This component not only ensures that the board reaches its optimum pressure (between 12 and 15 PSI), but also helps you to deflate it by extracting all the air that may remain inside. The valve has a mechanism that allows you to leave it open to release the air. It also includes a cap that protects it from dirt and unintentional operation.

The maintenance of the valve is very simple. It is one of the parts you will have to pay special attention to when sweetening and cleaning your inflatable paddle surfboard. Try to remove any salt, moisture or dirt that may be lodged inside.

If you notice that your inflatable board is losing pressure, the valve may not be tight. Use the wrench included in the repair kit to retighten it. Find out more about board maintenance or how to use the repair kit to fix a puncture.

Leash lashing and loading area

Next to the inflation valve, in the area near the tail of the board, is the leash attachment point. This anchorage point includes a D-ring attached to a specific and reinforced support. The leash cord is attached to this ring. To do this, pass the unknotted cord through the inside of the ring and pass one of its ends back through the cord. In this way, you will have a firm and secure knot.

The leash is a safety element that consists of the aforementioned cord, a flexible rubber spiral cable and a Velcro ankle strap with a 360º rotating system. The invention prevents the board from drifting away if you fall into the water, preventing you from drifting away. Remember that the life jacket is also part of the safety equipment in paddle surfing.

Another part of a paddle surf that we also find on the surface of the board is the so-called cargo area. It is located at the front of the SUP, right between the nose and the pad. It consists of bungee cords where you can store items, such as a jacket and the waterproof bag with your belongings, or leave the paddle secured if you are going to get into the water.

Keels or fins: types and function

The fins, also known as fins, are located on the hull of the board, next to the nose. It is a stabilizing element that helps you have more control over the board. Its function is to keep the paddle board on course, that is, to move forward or backward in a straight line even when you are not paddling.

Detachable fins are installed inside the so-called keel boxes. They have a mechanism that allows the keel to slide inside the box. Once in position, they are simply secured with the included wedge locking system.

Our fins are made of PVC, a light and resistant material, and have an aerodynamic design so that they can flow through the water without resistance. The kit consists of a large fin, which is located in the center of the board, and two smaller fins that are slightly more forward and parallel. This type of configuration is known as a Thruster.

There are other types of fins, from those that include only one keel in a central position to those that have two in parallel and four, the latter forming a square. The most recent type of keel is the five-fin configuration, which is based on the type that includes four keels, but with the addition of a smaller fifth keel in the central part.

Which part influences performance the most?

Most of the parts of a paddle surf have an influence on the performance of the board. It is important to take into consideration both the size and weight, the material it is made of and its design. These characteristics directly influence its performance, which varies depending on the specific use of the board.

For example, the shape of the nose and tail alters the behavior of the board. A pointed nose helps with riding speed. On the other hand, a round nose provides greater versatility, adapting to different uses without sacrificing stability. The shape of the tail has more influence on the maneuverability of the SUP, and depending on the type you can make tight turns at a higher speed.

The rocker is also important. A flat board is faster, but less maneuverable, while a board with more curvature will prioritize maneuverability over speed.

There are also different types of hulls, with flat, concave or "V" shapes. The design of the bottom affects the performance of the board, being the flat one the one that allows to reach more speed with less effort. Even the shape of the edges is important for the SUP to have a specific response, gain more speed or be easier to control.

Finally, the fins are also one of the parts of a paddle surf that affect its performance. The configuration and the number of fins that the board has will allow you to gain more stability or have more control, especially in SUP Surf boards.

You know all about the parts of a paddle surf. Now it's time to get out and enjoy this water sport. Remember to follow us on our social networks for more content.

Life is a journey to be experienced!