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What should you pay attention to when buying a SUP board?
In our webshop you will find many different types and models of SUP boards. This is partly due to the increasing popularity of Stand Up Paddling which has resulted in many different variations of supping in recent years.
Therefore, it can occasionally be quite difficult to find a suitable board for your purposes and needs. Besides the variants, it is of course also smart to take into account your own level, are you a starter, advanced or a true professional?
Don't worry, you've come to the right place at Watersports4fun, because we tell you exactly what to look out for in our buying guide. Do you have any questions afterwards? Don't hesitate to contact our customer service team, who will be happy to provide you with personalized purchasing advice. So you can be sure of the best buy, you have the right equipment and you will be on the water in no time.
Beginner, advanced or professional?
First of all, it is smart to consider your own level. We can divide the number of levels into three types, namely:
- Beginner
- Advanced
- Professional
We mean by the term beginners the persons who have been on a paddle board less than 10 times. These persons are getting acquainted with the sport and are particularly interested in having a lot of stability on the water. Usually beginners choose the all-round and touring models, these are versatile and you are almost always guaranteed a dry ride. Also a SUP board offer is often chosen by beginners, not crazy for those nice prices.
Advanced and professionals have more demand for speed and multiple applications. Such models are also available in the shop. We will describe more about this later in this SUP board buying guide.
Might be of interest to you: SUP boards for beginners
Buying an inflatable SUP board or hard SUP board?
When picking a suitable model, you are faced with the choice of two different types of Stand Up Paddle boards. For example, you have inflatable SUP boards and so-called hard boards. The choice you have to make depends on what you want to use the board for.
A hardboard generally offers more performance than an inflatable SUP board, but certainly not necessarily better.For example, when there is a lack of space at home or in the car, inflatable SUP boards can be a good alternative. It can also be a good choice for beginning suppers. However, both types bring their own advantages:
Benefits of an inflatable SUP:
- Extremely suitable for beginners;
- Less likely to be damaged;
- Easy to transport;
- Takes up hardly any space.
Benefits of a hardboard:
- You can get on the water right away because you don't need to pump up the board with a SUP pump;
- Features higher rigidity;
- Easier to travel long distances on the water.
Maximum carrying weight
Not entirely unimportant is the maximum carrying weight of a SUP board. Every board has its own maximum weight. It is therefore important to take this into account when choosing a suitable model. You don't want your SUP board to fail after just one try. We advise you to check what and with whom you will use the SUP board.
For example, are you planning to use the board for two? Then A SUP board with 150 kg carrying weight or higher is often the best option. These variants also tend to be a bit longer in length. These (often) advantageous features benefit during family or friends activities, supping with your dog also becomes a lot easier. All in all, a high maximum carrying weight often makes for more fun and possibilities on the water.
Still can't quite figure it out and still have some lingering questions about the maximum load weight for the final purpose? Don't worry, our customer service team is here to provide you with expert advice.
Dimensions of your paddle board
The size of a stand up paddle board is a feature that you should not be too quick to skip in the search for the perfect board, as the length, width and thickness greatly influence the experience and performance of the board, think about its speed, stability and maximum carrying weight.
Generally, high-carrying weight boards have long and wide dimensions. However, it does not necessarily mean that a relatively short model can carry little weight.
For this reason, you can filter in the shop by the dimensions in combination with the carrying weight. Thus, you will discover for yourself that there are also some sublime SUP boards that can carry a whole lot of weight despite the short length dimension. The bottom line with this feature, too, is that you need to think carefully about what your adventure with your stand up paddle board on the water needs to meet.
What do you plan to use the SUP board for?
As Stand Up Paddling becomes more popular every year, more and more people are wanting to try it out. Consequently, we are seeing an increase in sales of all-round and recreational SUP boards. Such a model is ideal for taking a relaxing trip with family, friends or your dog. Don't miss the opportunity for yoga either! So there are different types of SUP boards when we talk about supping.
The rising popularity has also provided SUP related activities. Well-known brands have responded to this and started tailoring their offerings to different user purposes. We can say that the total range of stand up paddle boards can be divided into six different uses. Quickly read more about the type of SUP board that suits you best.
Race SUP boards
Would you like to compete in SUP races? Then it is wise to purchase a real race SUP board. This type is characterized as a narrow and long board, which allows you to easily make speed on the water.
Moreover, the design is so streamlined that you can move forward effortlessly and stay paddling on one side for longer periods of time without turning too far off. As a result, you spend less time crossing from your SUP paddle to the other side of the Stand Up Paddle board.
However, keep in mind that speed comes at the expense of stability. A narrow board is less stable in the water than a wide board. In the world of supping, speed and stability are opposites of each other, so it is logical that you should first gain some experience with more stability.
Usually, SUP paddles of racing boards are produced from carbon which benefits the overall weight. This does make SUP board maintenance important. Also, these are generally not cheap SUP boards.
Touring SUP board
Looking for a suitable board to cover long distances? Then a touring SUP is ideal for you. A touring board is basically a combination of a racing and all-round SUP board. With its decent length, pointed nose and limited width, it is a board that allows you to glide effortlessly over the water. This makes long distances child's play and you hardly have to make any effort to move forward.
Another advantage of touring SUP boards is that you can make multiple strokes on one side without losing course. This is partly due to the length and design of this model. However, the board is not very suitable for rough waters, such as the sea. The width means that you will experience less stability in wild waters, but this does not mean that you can't ride it. supping at sea.
Surfing
Enjoy playing in the waves with your SUP board? Then choose a Surf SUP board. These short and wide models allow you to maintain stability in the waves. Because the width extends far to the nose of the board, it becomes easy to turn in on the waves. Also, the curvature in the board makes it easier to float along.
Despite the maneuverability and sturdiness of the board, it is more difficult to paddle straight ahead with such a model. Therefore, it is important for you as an individual to start looking at certain features of the board, such as weight, glide, maneuverability, volume and stability.
Yoga & Fitness SUP board
Yoga and fitness are increasingly being done by many people on a SUP board. As such, it is one of the well-known Stand Up Paddling options. Using a board makes performing yoga and fitness on water possible. It looks a lot like exercising in a gym, but now you are on the water doing exercises on the SUP board. Of course, one thing is very important: stability. There are quite a few boards that are suitable to use for yoga and fitness because of their high stability.
Brands have focused on this activity and produced boards ideally suited for SUP yoga. In our shop you can use the filter to immediately get an overview of SUP boards suitable for yoga and fitness.
Windsurf SUP boards
Want to buy a SUP board that also functions as a windsurf board at the same time? Then choose a wind SUP board. These models are perfect for windsurfing and also offer additional advantages. For example, they are ideal for use in low wind conditions because they glide through the water better.
Wind SUPs are also available as inflatable versions. This allows you to easily take your wind SUP board to different locations in the Netherlands and abroad. In short, with a Wind board you can also have a lot of fun in weather conditions with little wind.
All-round SUP board
Are you looking for a Stand Up Paddle board for recreational use and not specifically for a particular activity? Then All-round SUP boards are always a safe choice. This kind of SUP boards can be used for all kinds of activities. However, it is important to choose a board that fits your personal demands and wishes.
Consider the weight, stability, glide and other features, such as maximum carrying weight. Finding it difficult to find a suitable SUP board by yourself? Then don't hesitate and feel free to contact us for personal advice.
What brands do we offer in our online SUP store?
Have you already taken a look at our online SUP store? Then you probably already noticed that we offer many different brands of SUP boards. We specifically chose these brands because we know they are A-quality at all times. There should be no compromises when it comes to materials, comfort and durability.
Of course, there are differences in what brands offer. Think of difference in price, design, models and range. Below you can see exactly which brands are available in our webshop:
If you would like to know more about the different brands and SUP boards offered? Then feel free to click through and learn more about them and see the offerings immediately!
Buy SUP at Watersports4fun
Looking for a suitable SUP board for your new SUP adventure? Then Watersports4fun is the right place for you. In our webshop you'll find a wide range of different SUP boards from different brands. You can use our filters to find your ideal SUP board. Check out all high-end models or the cheap SUP boards.
After the perfect match, you are in a position to have some fun SUP accessories or SUP clothing to add to your order. This way, you can be sure that you are going out on the water with quality equipment.
If you can't quite figure it out yourself and are not sure what to look for when finding a suitable board? Feel free to contact us for tailored advice. This way you can be sure to find a SUP board that fits your personal wishes and demands.
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