Stand-up paddleboarding has taken the world by storm, and it's no surprise that more and more people are trying their hand at one of the UK's most popular water sports.
Wetsuit Centre has everything you need to either start your SUPing journey or to upgrade your board to fit your activities and requirements.
Key SUP board Sizing Factors
There are many different styles of Stand up paddle boards to accommodate all of the different activities you can do on them. SUP-ing is so versatile that no matter your interest, you will be able to find an activity to do.
Once you know the main activities you'll be trying on your SUP board; you'll need to consider the type of board that will be best suited to your needs.
The key measurements you will need to factor in are:
- Volume: The buoyancy of your SUP.
- Length: Your SUP's measurement from top to bottom.
- Width: Your SUP's measurement from side to side.
What Size Stand-Up Paddle Board Do I Need For My Weight?
Buying a suitable board for your weight can be the difference between having a fun and easy paddle boarding session to struggling to push yourself along the surface of the water.
You can never be too light for a board; however, if your weight exceeds the limit of the board's capacity, it will result in the board creating drag and ultimately making it very difficult to paddle.
What Volume Should My Stand-Up Paddle Board Be?
Your SUP Boards buoyancy and ability to keep you afloat is determined by its volume. We measure boards volume in litres, much like surfboards!
We can figure out this by completing a simple calculation: we multiply the board's length, width, and thickness. The higher your SUP's volume, the higher its weight capacity. Higher board volume also equates to more overall stability.
Generally, if you're under 200 lbs, any standard paddleboard will be able to keep you afloat just fine.
If you're over 235 lbs, you'll want a SUP board with at least 175 litres of volume in order for increased stability. For individuals over 275 lbs, grab a board with over 240 litres of volume.
Don't forget to account for any extra weight you may carry on your board if you want to take your little furry friend out on a SUP tour that will account for quite a bit of extra weight. How about venturing out for a few cold ones on the water with your buddies? You'll need to account for the weight of the drinks as well as the dry bag.
What Length should My Paddle Board Be?
When deciding on the length of a paddleboard to purchase, the most important issue you must contemplate is where you will store it and how far you have to carry it. The length of your board isn't directly affected by the rider's skill level or weight, but by the activity the rider intends on.
Inflatable paddleboards are less of a storage concern than hard boards, and generally, a shorter SUP is easier to store.
The longer the board, the harder it is to carry to the water, especially on windy days. You don't want to exhaust yourself before you've even dipped a toe in the water, so make sure you have considered your journey to the water too!
In addition, it also comes with all of the SUP accessories you will require to get started with stand-up paddleboarding.
Paddle Boards 10ft-11’6ft
- Most popular SUP size
- A fantastic choice for an all-around SUP
- Usually 31” to 35” wide
- Great for all paddlers from beginner to intermediate and advanced skill levels
- Ideal for recreational paddling, SUP fishing, and SUP yoga
- Most have planning hulls, with a few exceptions
Wetsuit Centre stocks the Red Paddle Co 10’6FT Ride Prime ISUP Package, which is the ultimate first time SUP board. It will support learning with their balance while they get to grips with paddling on the water. For the more experienced SUP rider, you have different fin set-up options, so you can customise the board so it performs exactly how you want it to.
Paddle Boards 12ft And Over
- Best for intermediate to advanced paddlers
- Good choice for long-distance paddling, racing and touring
- Fast-moving, efficient SUPs that slice through the water
- Most have displacement hulls
- For SUP racing, choose one less than 31” wide
- For SUP touring, choose one that is 32” wide
- For SUP fishing, choose a board at least 32” or wider
The NSP 12FT 6 Coco Flex Performance Touring Sup is the perfect longer style SUP board for discovering what is around that next corner or cove; you can paddle further and faster in all conditions.
For a first time SUP board, your best bet is to go for a length of at least 10’6-11ft, as this will be the best all-rounder for you to find your feet on and the Red Paddle Co 10’8 Ride Hybrid Though ISUP Package is great for just that.
Additionally, the Red Paddle Co hybrid comes as a complete package, so you have all the equipment you need to go for your first SUP session.
What Width Should My SUP Board Be?
The width of your SUP will affect the stability and manoeuvrability of your board; a wider board will be more stable on the water, while a narrower board will move faster.
When you’re choosing your SUP width, think about your skill level and what kinds of SUP activities you’re interested in.
Paddleboard width, or its side-to-side measurement, should be between 29” to 35”
A wider board (32” or more) is easier for a beginner who’s still finding their balance, while experienced SUP boardriders will feel comfortable on all types of Stand-up paddleboards.
Hopefully you will be fully equipt with all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding which paddleboard to purchase, and you’ll soon be ready to venture out to some of the UK’s best SUPing spots!
If you are still unsure, you can contact Wetsuit Centre's team of experts that can answer any queries you may have.