Thinking of Buying Your First iSUP? Here are 7 Things to Look Out for

Paddle boarding is an increasingly popular outdoor activity that people of all skill levels and ages can enjoy. If you are looking for a new way to spend some time in the open water with family and friends, paddle boarding is a perfect choice. With benefits for both your physical and mental health, paddle boarding is an effective leisure activity for relieving the stress in your life and experiencing some beauty spots from a new perspective. 

Paddle boarding is an easy activity to pick up and the required gear is minimal, but one thing you are going to need is an inflatable stand-up paddleboard (iSUP). 

To help you find the perfect iSUP for your first paddling trip, here are 7 things to look out for.

1. Compare iSUPs and Hard Boards

If you want to invest in a quality board that will last you a long time, you need to know what the most important features are to look for in a SUP board. The first decision you will need to make is to decide whether you would prefer an inflatable paddle board (iSUP) or a hard board. For both newbies to paddle boarding and experienced paddlers, factors such as safety, portability, storage, and pricing are highly important. 

As iSUPs are very convenient in terms of storage and transportation so they are becoming increasingly more popular hard standup paddle boards. Not only can iSUPs be folded up for car and plane journeys, but they can also be stored comfortably in apartments or small houses. Price-wise, depending on the specific boards, most high-quality inflatables are less expensive than high-quality hard boards. Last but not least, iSUPs pose fewer risks and are somewhat safer than hard boards. 

2. Choose Between the Different Categories

There are various types of boards available on the market since paddle boarding is a quickly booming sport. There are many things to consider in terms of board type and you can check out this article for extra advice, but as a first-time SUP buyer, you should choose a board to suit your experience and particularly to suit the type of locations you are most likely to go paddle boarding. Aside from all-around SUPs, there are boards designed for specific boarding styles such as touring, racing, surfing, fishing, or yoga. Speak to the experts in the shop about the activities you intend to do and they will be able to advise you on the best choice.

3. Consider the Sizes and Shapes of the Boards

After narrowing down the most suitable board category, you will need to decide on the board size and shape. In terms of board size, large paddlers should, unsurprisingly, choose a larger iSUP, but this will also depend on some other factors. You will also need to take into account your paddling skills and comfort because larger boards can be more cumbersome and take more effort to paddle.  A smaller, narrower SUP will be more streamlined so will move faster through the water, but it will also have less overall stability compared to a bigger, wider SUP. 

In terms of board shape, models with a wider tail tend to be more stable, while boards with a narrow tail tend to be less stable but are more maneuverable and can turn faster in the water. Aside from the size and shape of the board, you will also need to pay attention to the length. For example, if you wish to have more glides, you should opt for a longer SUP over a shorter one.  

4. Choose the Right Thickness for Your Weight

The thicker the SUP, the more weight it will be able to support, but if you choose a board that is too thick, it can negatively affect your performance. This doesn’t mean that thin SUPs lack stability, and as long as you are not far too heavy for the board, the added control means that thin SUPs can actually end up being more stable in practice than an excessively thick board. Make sure you evaluate your board requirements carefully in terms of size, shape, and thickness to choose an iSUP that suits you.

5. Look for High-Quality Board Materials

One of the most important qualities in your first iSUP should be durability. Good-quality inflatables need to be durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear. In recent years, the build quality of iSUPs has improved significantly and there are now strong yet lightweight materials being widely used in manufacturing. 

Dual-layer, laminated PVC is one of the most rugged materials available for iSUPs. Aside from dual layers, inflatables made from military-grade materials are good options as well. Hard boards can be easily damaged by rocks and the damage can be costly to fix. This is one of the reasons why paddlers looking for durability choose inflatable paddle boards.   

6. Prioritize Stability to Minimize Potential Injury

Aside from build quality, stability should be a major priority when you are buying a paddleboard. Not only are stable SUPs good for inexperienced paddlers, but they are also great for experienced riders as well. This is because greater stability helps to boost the rider’s confidence by minimizing the risk of injury. It is important to remember, however, that accidents can occur at any time if you are unlucky, even with the most stable boards. 

7. Consider a Multi-Use Opt iSUP

Many boards are designed to be used in specific water environments such as lakes, rivers, or beaches. If you want your first iSUP to be suitable for various paddling locations, choosing an all-round, multi-use iSUP may be your best bet. All-round iSUPs typically offer adequate stability levels and speed. If you plan to travel to different locations to paddle, choosing an inflatable paddle board rather than a hard board is recommended due to portability. Choose an iSUP that is built for different water environments and you can use it for every type of activity.

These are the seven most important things that you should definitely look out for when shopping for your first iSUP. Make sure you take them all into account so that you can make a well-informed buying decision and choose a board that fits your paddling style and needs. Once you understand the basics and know what you are looking for, it will be easier for you to narrow down the right iSUP for you.