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Tips for picking the right Stand Up Paddle Board gear for you The nice thing about Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) is that there are really only 3 major things to consider while choosing your gear: The Board, the Paddle and an often over looked piece of the equation, Transportation. Of course there are other things you may want, but these are the crucial elements to get you on the water having fun. Click a topic for more information: Choosing your Stand Up Paddle Board Paddles Transportation Choosing your Stand Up Paddle Board Your weight, skill level, board volume and shape and the planned use of the board add up to the board you choose. Who will be using the board? This is a critical component in your thought process since many people are buying a board for more than one person to use. (Of course, we recommend getting a board for each person!  )Weight – how much do you weigh? Boards may be the same length, but have different floatation volumes. Skill Level – are you brand new to the sport? Do you like to play hard or are you going to just paddle for fun? Do you already surf? Ask yourself some good questions prior to talking to your local shop so they can help narrow down your choices. What will I be using my SUP for? Will you be using primarily in an inland lake? Would you like to be able to surf with it? Are my kids going to paddle the board with their friends? Is it going to be my new workout routine? 3 Basic types of Boards Wave Specific – recommended for those who plan to ride Lake Michigan pretty much exclusively. We generally recommend a wave specific board to serious surfers or as a second board for someone. Flat water – These boards are ideal for inland lakes and people who want to exercise and or just cruise. They are also excellent family boards and will still be able to ride small 1' to 2' waves. Flat water boards are super stable and very easy to paddle without falling in the water. Hybrid – Excellent for the active person who wants to paddle on lots of different types of water conditions and really wants to give surfing a go. If you are near Lake Michigan figure you will spend 70% of your time on flat water and 30% of your time in small to medium waves. This is the board we recommend for paddlers who live on Lake Michigan or go there on a regular basis. Good stability, but still able to carve the waves. Top Paddles Don't overlook your paddle – if you become serious about riding it is just as important as your board Here are some things to consider when choosing your paddle. Length The basic rule of thumb is: 3-6" above your head for surfing and 8-10" above your head for flat water. Adjustable paddles are excellent for those who will be sharing the board and paddle. If you will be the only rider it is nice to have a fixed length paddle for the best possible performance. Blade Size Flat water blades are 8 1/4 to 9" wide. Thinner is easier to use and will allow kids and women to handle the paddle better. Wider will give you more pull for a more efficient stroke. Surf - These paddles are generally under 7.5" wide. Material Aluminum – Inexpensive and more durable for the family or budget conscious rider. Aluminum is also a bit softer ride since the paddle will have some flex. Carbon - Light weight and the best possible performance. If you plan to paddle often Carbon Paddles are a very good investment. Top Transportation Okay, this is an often overlooked part of paddling. Let's face it- the boards are big. If you live on a lake and plan to keep it shore side full time this is not an issue. On the other hand, if you do plan to travel and enjoy your board in many places, spend a few dollars a decent strap and rack system. This will make your travels much more enjoyable. Top |
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