Stand-up paddleboarding is an exhilarating activity for anyone who loves water sports. You can find paddle boards in various sizes and configurations. Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) can be meant for general use, racing, touring, and more! Most SUP enthusiasts opt for all-around paddleboards. All-around paddleboards are suitable for use in a variety of conditions. People of different ages can use these SUPs for general use. If you want to surf or tour with your SUP, you can buy boards dedicated to those usage conditions. However, most hobbyists prefer to buy all-around SUPs as they are super versatile for general use. Let’s break down the process of choosing a good all-around SUP!
Choosing Your SUP for General Use: Key Factors to Consider
A general-use SUP must be sturdy, comfortable, durable, and convenient. Assessing the following factors can help you select the best one:
- Type of Board: You can choose between hard-shell, soft-top, or inflatable paddleboards. An inflatable paddleboard is the best option for general use because it ensures flexibility and convenience. The inflatable design allows users to deflate and carry the SUP while travelling. Moreover, inflatable paddleboards are less likely to get dented or damaged. The deck pad of an inflatable SUP hurts less if you stand on it for a long period. Thus, an inflatable board will be an excellent choice for all-around usage.
- Size of the Board: The size of a paddleboard can influence its performance. Smaller boards with a length of 10' or less can work well for surfing. On the other hand, boards with a length of 12' or more can be excellent for touring. A general-use paddleboard lies midway between these options. The most common all-around paddleboards for general use have a length between 10' and 11'. Their width usually lies between 32' and 34'. You can get a 10’6 paddleboard with a width of 32 or 33 inches to manoeuvre around the water under different usage conditions. Such a paddleboard would work for riders who weigh less than 100 kg.
- Material of the Board: Most inflatable boards on the market have a PVC exterior. However, PVC is not a sustainable material. The production of this compound causes the emission of chlorine and dioxin. Therefore, this material has a high chemical load and a significant carbon footprint. Environmentally conscious paddleboarders can avoid the negative impacts of PVC by choosing an eco-friendly SUP. SUPs incorporating sustainable algae foam can be great alternatives for PVC boards.
- The Shape of the Tail and Nose: A suitable all-around SUP should have a tail with a rounded-squared shape. This shape supports the rider without feeling wobbly. At the same time, it is the most suitable option for ensuring optimal performance in general use conditions. A rounded nose is perfect for carrying your fishing gear, cruising equipment, or taking your pet dog.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you select a suitable SUP. You can buy a 10’6 paddleboard in the UK by browsing the collection of a reputed SUP store!
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