Paddleboard 101 Which Board Is Right For You, Me, Us? Yep, you’ve seen them, right? So many different Paddle boards also known as SUP or Stand Up Paddle board. They have boards for fishing, racing, distance, surfing, touring, and more. Yes, I’ve even seen one with a 3 HP motor. Kinda defeats the purpose if you ask me, but, whatever. LOL. For today we can start with the 3 basics. A multi purpose board, a surfing board, and a racing board. I get asked about “Inflatable Boards” all the time. They can be great. But it all depends on “what you’re using it for”. Inflatables will be so easy to transport, and great for short distance “smooth water” paddles. I would also take an inflatable down any river.
General Purpose SUP
General purpose NSP Board. This is my 11ft long, 34 inch wide NSP board. Has a slight upturn on rocker. Wide and a little heavier 33lbs. But, very stable for rough water or Dog companion. Average speed 3mph. Up to 15.
Surfer SUP
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Board. I bought this used from a guy who could not stand up on it very well. Not a beginner board, but faster, lighter, and able to catch 1ft to 7ft waves. More fragile, but faster and and not as wide. Makes this board a little harder to balance on but able to catch and ride some fast waves. Average speed 5mph up to 25 surfing+
Race or Distance SUP
The boards with displacement hulls cut through the water making speed and distance easier. Here is an old, but solid 14ft touring/race board. I have the wider version. 26 inches instead of 24 wide. Some come as thin at 22 wide.This is the board I take when crossing Tampa Bay, or going out in the Gulf 1 mile or more off shore. Average speed racing 9-11mph. Touring 6mph.
