What size of paddle board for my weight?
Getting the best paddle board is what you need to do first. Honestly, it can be very confusing. Why? It is because there are a lot of factors to consider like length, volume, width, and its thickness. Crazy but true! Let us make it less chaotic to find that SUP board for you.
In reality the length is only a small factor in choosing a SUP. It is the weight of the paddler, and the volume of the board that needs to be the prime focus in buying a SUP.
Let’s go first in choosing the ideal paddle board based on your weight.
Choose a board that can accommodate your weight. If you’re bringing your kid or maybe your dog, add their weight to the total. The best advice is to choose the board based on the largest total weight that it can hold and carry.
What is board volume?
There are three factors that will help you calculate the volume of a paddle board. These are length, width, and thickness of the board.
Volume is to gauge the ability and capacity of the board to float with weight on it. How much weight can it take? It follows that the higher the volume, the more stable it is.
This is the measurement that is vital because all other features of the board will follow.
What volume of a SUP should I buy for my weight?
First get your weight. If you’re paddling with a kid, a pet or another paddler, get the total of your weight.
There are standard multiplier for each level. For example you are a beginner, multiply your body weight in pounds by, and check the multiplier. For a beginner it’s 1 to 1.4.
Your weight is 125 lbs. If you are paddling alone, here is the formula;
125 x 1 = 125 lbs
125 x 1.4= 175 lbs.
You should be getting a SUP with the volume from 125-175 lbs. Check the board below.
For example, you’re paddling with your kid who weighs 75 lbs.
You add your weights together to come up with this:
200 x 1 = 200 lbs.
200 x 1.4=280 lbs.
The SUP board volume you should get is between 200-280 lbs.
Please see the details below:
How about the length of my SUP?
After getting the board’s volume recommended, you can choose the length of your board. Just make sure that it has with it the right board volume. Is it clearer now? Don’t forget to ask the person who will assist you with regards to this matter.
What are the different lengths of paddle boards?
Short boards are under 9’. They are easier to maneuver but will be slower. Good for surfing.
Medium boards are measuring from 9’-12’ and it can work pretty well for most paddlers. Very good for beginners.
Long boards are measuring from 12’-14’ and they are usually being used for touring, and racing. The longer the board, the faster it is. The downside is it’s harder to turn and maneuver it.
What are the board’s width?
This the contradictory difference of a wider and narrower board: the wider the board, the more stable it is and the narrower the board, it will be faster.
Wide boards — they measure 31” or more. Very good for beginners. It gives the stability that a paddler needs.
Narrow boards — they are measuring 30” or less. These boards will be faster but lacks the stability that a beginner will be needing.