Paddleboarding has become one of the most popular water-based sports in the world during the last decade. Stand Up Paddleboarding in the UK has evolved into a means of discovering coastlines, taking single and multi-day trips, surfing, hydro foiling, family beach fun, and racing in the sea, rivers, and canals. Boards have evolved to become lighter, stronger, more durable, and most importantly, user friendly as a result of having all of these activities available in one sport.
Solid And Inflatable Boards
Solid Boards– The more pricey and performance-oriented end of the SUP world is solid boards. Their shape varies based on the activity, but because they are solid, they may be moulded to produce the most streamlined shapes and effective rails.
Inflatable Boards- Inflatable boards have become a popular product in recent years. Since the boards are inflatable, they may be conveniently stored and carried to the nearest body of water without the use of roof racks or a large garage. When the inflatable boards are inflated, they become more rigid. As the chambers fill with air and the board expands, hundreds of individual threads woven into the interior pull the top and bottom of the board toward each other. This intricate weaving gives the boards strength and hardness while also keeping them light. Over the last few years, as paddle boards have become more durable, easy to store, and less expensive, an increasing number of individuals have been able to enjoy the sport.
Types Of Stand Up Paddle Boards
- All Round- All-round boards are typically thick and wide, ensuring stability and suitability for the majority of users. These are perfect for paddleboarders of all levels because they are solid and easy to use. They’re usually 32″ to 35″ wide and 4″ to 6″ thick. The nose and tail of the board are often rather wide, which aids in stability. Some models will include a windsurf rig, allowing you to enjoy your SUP while being powered by the wind.
- Touring- Touring boards are ideal for flat water, open ocean paddling, and downwinders. They’re usually longer than all-round boards and have a pointed nose to assist the board slice through the water smoothly, boost-glide, and go straight. Most touring boards are broad enough for novices to be stable. The length and width of the boards range from 11′ to 14′ and 28″ to 34″ respectively. The more effective a board is in slicing through the water, the more it will compromise stability.
- Race- Race boards are built for speed, with comfort and stability being sacrificed in the name of speed. They have a similar shape to a touring board in that they are long and have pointed noses, but their width is normally narrower at 27″ to 28″. Race boards are usually 12’6″ or 14′ long, as these are the industry norms.
- Surf- Stand-up paddle boards designed for surfing are usually shorter, have a narrower nose and tail, and have a higher curve. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the water, surf paddle boards are ideal. The narrow shape makes the board much more controllable on a wave, but it also makes it slower and less stable on flat water because it doesn’t track in a straight line.
What Kind Of Paddle Would You Need?
There are three pieces to a paddle for stand-up paddleboarding:
- Handle
SUP paddle handles are either naturally designed to accommodate your palm or have a straighter ‘T bar’ feel to them. Although the adaptive handle design is increasingly common, some people prefer the classic ‘T bar’ grip.
- Shaft
The paddle’s most significant component is the shaft, which is constructed of aluminium, glass fibre, carbon, and occasionally Kevlar.
The material of a paddle has a significant impact on its performance.
- Aluminium- powerful but heavy metal. It is the most basic paddle alternative, but it will suffice.
- Glass fibre- A modest upgrade over aluminium, glass fibre paddles are lighter and have a little more flex, making them a little gentler in the water.
- Carbon – Most performance-oriented material. Lightweight and powerful, it will provide the best power transfer, allowing you to cover more distance with each stroke.
- Kevlar – A high-impact material that functions similarly to carbon. Frequently found in carbon paddles.
- Blade
The size of a stand-up paddle blade can range from large to small. In the paddle stroke, a big blade will displace more water and provide greater power on demand. In the hands of a beginning paddler, however, the bigger blade size may eventually handicap them with a shoulder strain.
The paddleboard is the most essential part of the paddleboarding trips that you are ready to take. So knowing the basics of the board and buying the right board to suit the type of activity you want to carry on is important. After you have purchased your board, get ready to go out on the water and have a great time!
