Which paddle surf board to buy?

In the market there are different types of paddle surfboardsand each of them offers specific characteristics. If you have doubts about which paddle surf board to buy, in this guide we tell you all the key points you should consider before choosing, whether you are still learning to how to paddle surf or if you are already an expert in this discipline.

How to know which paddle surf board to buy

When choosing a paddle surf board you must take into account different aspects. Aspects such as your level of experience, the use you are going to give to the paddle board or the needs you may have in terms of space and transport. From the purchase decision will depend on whether you enjoy this sport or you have to change your board because it does not fit what you were looking for.

When you are going to buy a paddle surf board, it is important that you are clear about what you expect from it and the price you are willing to pay. That's why inflatable paddle surfboards are always a good choice. They are practical, can be used in different modalities and include everything you need to enjoy the best experience.

Choose a board according to the use you intend to make of it.

In paddle surfing there are different modalities and, depending on what you are going to use your board for, you will have to choose one or the other. Its use depends on the shape, size and even volume. There are boards designed for fast navigation, others for more recreational activities and some where balance is essential, as in SUP Yoga.

These are the most frequent practices in paddle surfing:

• Touring: Touring boards are designed for short tours and recreational activities. They offer greater stability and are ideal for family tours in calm waters, such as lakes or reservoirs.
• Touring: created for long rides, the SUP Touring boards are designed for touring and excursions. They have an elongated shape and a narrower bow, features that will offer you a faster navigation than in touring boards.
• Allround: the most versatile boards are the Allround. By characteristics and usability, they are the paddle surf boards that can be used for almost everything. They stand out for their maneuverability and stability, allowing you to make crossings or catch waves.
• SUP Race: these boards are designed for speed. Their construction is flat, they have a pointed bow and are narrower than other paddle surf boards, which enhances their speed at the expense of stability.
• SUP Surf: Stand Up Paddle Surf boards offer a shorter length and greater width, characteristics that allow you to catch waves and enjoy more agitated waters. They require an advanced level of experience, like the SUP Race boards.

What are the recommended sizes of a paddle surf board?

The measurements of a paddle surf board vary depending on its use and capacity. As we have seen in the previous section, the length and width of the paddle board is different if you are going to paddle in calm waters, while enjoying a pleasant ride, or if, on the contrary, the objective is speed sailing or surfing the waves.

In terms of length, paddle surf boards measure between 2.90 and 3.80 meters. There are different sizes and each one fulfills a specific function. A longer board does not mean that it is more stable, as it will require a greater width and keels of a size according to its dimensions.

The width is also a determining factor when choosing which paddle surf board to buy. In width they usually measure between 80 and 86 cm, although there are even narrower in those intended for the practice of SUP Surf and SUP Race. The greater its width, the more stability it will offer when surfing.

In general, the measurements of a paddle surf board for beginners usually include a slightly smaller length and a greater width, thus ensuring that they are stable and easier to maneuver.

A board to start paddle surfing should be between 3.00 and 3.35 meters long, and have a width of between 80 and 86 cm. The thickness, although not so important in this initial phase, will affect the weight it can support and the speed of navigation.

Which paddle surf board is the most stable?

If we talk about maximum stability, we must pay attention to the width and thickness of the board. When choosing which board to buy, it is important to consider which aspects you are going to give priority to.

If you are looking for a board for touring and recreational use, you will need more width and thickness to keep your balance and reduce the number of times you end up in the water. However, if what you want is maneuverability and a more dynamic navigation, you should choose a narrower and thinner paddle surfboard.

The width of a paddle surf board, as mentioned above, is greater than that of a surfboard. The goal in paddle surfing is to navigate standing up with the help of a paddle, so it is usually prioritized measures to ensure maximum balance, even when the waters are rough. Therefore, it is recommended that they measure between 80 and 86 cm wide.

The thickness of the board also influences its stability, although it is a factor that helps to define the maximum weight supported by the paddle board. The thickness ranges between 13 and 15 cm, allowing it to support loads of more than 100 kg.

How much weight can a paddle board support?

The maximum weight supported by the paddle board is another aspect to take into account when choosing which paddle surfboard to buy. This parameter is defined by the thickness of the board and, in the case of inflatable paddle surfboards, also its air volume.

More thickness, coupled with greater width and length, means that the air volume of the board will be greater. This allows the board to support more weight and provide greater buoyancy.

Taking these two measurements into account, the maximum weight that a paddle surf board can support can be defined. In general, this ranges between 90 and 160 kg, depending on the board. In the case of HUIIKE's inflatable paddle surfboards, they support a maximum weight of 130 kg. There are also smaller boards that support less weight and whose use is more oriented to children.

On the other hand, there are models with more specific qualities, such as paddle surf boards for 2 people, which can support maximum weights between 170 and 220 kg. There are also other larger boards with capacity for 4 and 6 people, which even reach 4.5 meters long and support weights of up to 475 kg.

Choosing a board by price

The price factor is always a determining factor when choosing a paddle surf board to buy. It is best to define a budget to invest and look for options that fit this. Buying a cheap paddle surf board may mean giving up quality, a design adapted to the needs of use and a smaller offer of accessories.

Likewise, the paddle surfboards with the best quality-price ratio are usually the bestsellers. They offer technical features such as greater solidity in their construction or a design studied to maximize performance and efficiency. Their price is higher, but they are also a safe investment.

Finally, paddle surf boards for more specific use, for SUP Race or SUP Surf, tend to have a high price and require an advanced level of experience.

An economical alternative, but without sacrificing quality, is a second hand or second life paddle surfboard. Buying a used product will allow you to save some money. In this case, we recommend a board that has been reconditioned or previously treated by a professional, in order to ensure that its condition is adequate.

Buy inflatable or rigid paddle surfboards

The eternal question. Each paddle surf board has its own advantages, offering features that will be more or less valued depending on the use to be made of it.

Here is a summary of the main differences between inflatable and rigid boards:

What do you need to paddle surf?

To practice this water sport you need a board and a paddle. paddle surf paddle. This is the basic equipment, but there are a series of accessories that will make the experience better and safer.

The safety leash, an element that allows you to keep the board close to you in case of a fall, stands out. It is adjusted by a Velcro fastener to the ankle and at the other end of the spiral cable there is a connection for the D-ring of the board. Thus, when you fall into the water, the board will not drift away, preventing you from drifting away.

You can also include other practical accessories, such as a carrying strap to carry the paddle board more comfortably. There is also a backpack in which to store the inflatable paddle board once you have finished using it. And to inflate or deflate it, you can use the dual-action manual inflator with pressure gauge.

The HUIIKE paddle surfboards are equipped with specific accessories that enhance the experience. On the board there are elastic straps to secure the paddle or the watertight storage bag. There is also an anchorage for a cell phone holder and it can even be converted into an inflatable kayak thanks to the seat.

Remember that paddle surfing is a water sport that is best practiced in company and has many benefits for both health and physical development. Do not forget to respect the safety rules and have a great time.

Life is a journey to be experienced!

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