How to choose a stand-up-board (SUP)...

Inflatable paddle boards are gaining popularity worldwide due to their practicality, comfort and durability. As a result, many new manufacturers are launching their products every year. So how do you choose a paddle board that is comfortable, durable and will live up to all your expectations? Whether you choose new or worn equipment, paddleboarding professionals advise you on how to choose the best one.

 

1. Take a look

Do not buy the first paddle board you encounter. Find out more online, in magazines, or in rowing forums and buy equipment from a reputable firm you have read or heard about. As the number of rowers and rental companies increases, new paddleboard manufacturers are emerging every day, but the fact that they produce paddles does not mean that they are good at rowing. There are manufacturers who cannot inflate boards at more than 10 psi (at recommended pressures of 15 psi), manufacturers that offer long paddles without any reinforcement technology, which causes it to bend when just standing on the board. Therefore, always analyze the market before you buy: read professional articles, testimonials, consult experienced paddling instructors.

 

2. Try it

Not only is it the best way to see what a paddleboard really looks like, but to see if it is right for you. If she leans on the board like a banana or instantly heats up, climb up from her and look for other options. A good quality inflatable paddle board never bends in the middle, no matter how long it is: 11 or 14 feet. Also, the pressure in it should be such as to allow you to enjoy standing on the water and sliding on its surface.

3. Don't buy just because it's cheap

As you search for a paddleboard, you may notice that the prices of inflatable paddles vary greatly from a couple of hundred to a thousand and more euros. And there is a great explanation for this: cheap inflatable paddles are made of cheap materials, which makes them less rigid, unstable and difficult to handle, as spare parts are difficult to access. So definitely don't waste money buying poor equipment from an unknown manufacturer. Of course, some world-renowned brands may offer an economic option to their customers. Such paddles are not of the same quality as the expensive boards of the same manufacturer, but are usually sold with a simpler pump or a lower quality bag, and therefore become available at a lower price.

4. Know where you will sail

Today, the market is full of different types of paddles, from multi-seat XL paddleboards to professional racing equipment. Before you buy equipment, consider where you want to use it most often and evaluate your options. The shape, thickness, volume and accessories you need will depend on it. The most popular 10'6 "paddles are great for beginners, but if you intend to swim more than once a season, you may become tired in the long run, so you should consider longer and narrower content or racing paddles for more fun and faster surfing. Also, a 10'6 "is definitely not suitable for a rider larger than 100 kg or if you plan to swim with a dog or child. In this case, it is advisable to choose a larger paddleboard that will be more stable and will not bend in the middle with a higher rowing or cargo weight.

 5. Pay attention to the pump

Manufacturers of inflatable paddleboards offer a wide variety of pumps that vary not only in color, size or cylinder number, but also in efficiency. The best way to find out which pump is best for you is to try it out. It makes no sense to have an inflatable paddleboard if you can't inflate it or if you no longer have the power to sail when inflated.

 

6. Pay attention to the bag

One of the benefits of inflatable paddle boats is the ability to take equipment with you wherever you go. Of course, if you have a suitable and convenient bag. Leading manufacturers offer suitcases that do not cause you any discomfort: integrated castors, comfortable handles, wide and sturdy suspenders to carry everything on your shoulders, accessory compartments and special sun protection material. Choose not only a high-quality paddle board, but also good-quality accessories. Only then can you fully enjoy your equipment and make the most of it.

 

7. Pay attention to the fins

 

8. Warranty 

Manufacturers offer a minimum of one year warranty when purchasing a brand new board. You may not need it, but it is useful to have one. In addition, the seller should provide contacts where you can contact in case of uncertainty or equipment issues. Be aware of this before purchasing new, unused equipment from a known manufacturer - it always comes with an international warranty.

 

9. Weight

Depending on what you do with the paddle board, how you transport it, pay attention to its weight. Versatile paddles can weigh between 9 and 15 kilograms. Manufacturers are striving to improve technology to offer the highest quality and lighter paddle boards that allow unrestricted travel.

 

10. Pay attention to the disadvantages

Due to the complex manufacturing process, some paddles may have drawbacks. Therefore, whenever possible, try them first, or at least inflate them. Some inflatable paddles may have excessive or even backward bends, bend over the middle like a banana, and have glue defects on the deck or gluing areas. The warranty mentioned above will protect you from this, but if you clearly see these flaws when buying, look for other equipment.