Choosing Your Paddleboard
Which Cruiser or All-Round board would work best for you?
Our line-up of Cruiser & All-Round Paddleboards will accommodate most paddlers regardless of size, height, age or skill level and are shaped to perform in a variety of water conditions. We offer several shapes, models and sizes giving you the opportunity to choose the board that best fits your needs. Here are some considerations when choosing your paddleboard. General rule of thumb is that wider paddleboards, especially those with wider tails, provide more overall stability whereas narrower boards with narrower tails provide less stability but more speed. See our Cruiser & All-Round boards.
Longer narrower All-Round boards are faster than shorter wider All-Round boards, and when shaped with thicker rails can accommodate additional rider weight while still maintaining efficient speed and glide. Longer wider All-Round boards with thick rails will translate to even higher volume, increased buoyancy and can accommodate heavier riders or those wanting to take along kids, pets or carry a lot of gear. Shorter narrower All-Round boards are also great for most paddling conditions and generally easier to maneuver while still providing good speed and glide. Shorter wider paddleboards will glide slower but can be a good choice for smaller to average size riders wanting optimal stability along with good maneuverability. In general, shorter (smaller) boards of good quality are also lighter and therefore easier to manage and carry when transporting as well as being a great choice for paddle surfing.
When considering comfort and grip, paddleboards have textured or embossed, grooved or diamond cut EVA foam traction mats covering up to 3/4 of the decks surface allowing for graphics on the forward deck. Some boards have the entire deck surface covered with EVA making them ideal for taking along passengers or doing fitness exercises, yoga or just sun bathing.
Which Fitness, Touring, Downwind or Race board would work best for you?
Our line-up of Fitness, Tour, Downwind & Race Paddleboards provide paddlers at all skill levels with the perfect ride for high efficiency paddling. These types of boards allow you to cover greater distances, go much faster and in any open water conditions up to the extreme. From displacement, hybrid and planning hull shapes they are sleek and meticulously designed to perform at the highest level. Boards of this nature are offered by top brand makers passionate about of Stand Up Paddleboarding as an ultimate sport. See our Fitness, Touring, Downwind & Race boards.
Most people find that these board shapes, especially when matched up with the right width and volume, can be easily paddled in flat water and when brought up to speed will cover much more distance in much less time. Some shapes really come alive and excel in wave and downwind conditions but most handle rough water quite nicely. They are a lot of fun and present technical attributes that riders really enjoy especially as ones skill level increases. Of course the narrower performance shapes require more balance, consideration to overall rider weight, ability and practice. This can translate into less stability for some paddlers and will require gaining more experience and technique when controlling the board in adverse conditions, but the payoff is huge when mastered. However, when paddling on calm water these hi-tech shaped designs are generally fast, smooth, predictable and stable from the get go.
Recreational Touring and Performance Touring board shapes are a great fit for anyone wanting more efficiency when paddling distance. They are generally designed to provide optimal stability along with speed and performance in calmer to moderate chop and/or waves. They are a great choice for cruising, exploring, fitness and even recreational racing.
Performance Fitness and/or Downwind and Race board shapes are generally narrower and some are a lot narrower. They are usually comprised of intricate design details which provide enhanced tracking, upwind wave punching, downwind surfing, and overall enhanced speed, glide and control. This higher level of performance can be very exhilarating and will challenge you, in a good way. These shapes are built to go fast and are a great choice for those wanting the ultimate distance and fitness training Stand Up Paddleboard, and have the ability to compete in elite racing.
HAPPY PADDLING! 🙂