Ready to take your first plunge into the awesome world of Stand Up Paddleboarding? Congrats – you’re at the start of an adventure that will get you outside, on the water, and enjoying nature like never before!
With the large range of boards on the market, it’s important to have some idea of which type of SUP is going to be a good fit for you, for how you want to use the board, and your skill level, before you make your purchase.
But don’t stress—we’ve got that homework covered. Whether you’re a newbie, experienced paddler or looking to explore a new area of SUP, we’ve got all the info and tips you need to choose the right board to give you the best time on the water.
Are all SUPs the same?
While there’s plenty of similarity in the basic structure and design of different SUPs, it’s definitely not a one-size fits-all deal. First off, SUPs come in a wide variety of types and styles designed for different uses and conditions, from flatwater paddling, touring and SUP yoga, to surfing, racing, and white-water paddling. They also come in different sizes and dimensions to suit the paddler, so it’s important to get a board that’s just right for your height and weight, and for your skill level. All these factors are important if you’re going to get the most from your paddling sessions.
Don’t make the mistake of buying the first SUP you find at a bargain, or nabbing the first board you think looks cool. The board you choose will impact your entire experience on the water—how comfortable and stable you feel, how easy it feels to paddle and control the board, as well as your safety.
To put it simply—buying the right board can be the difference between falling in love with your new hobby, or giving up on it before you’ve really got going.
What are the different types of SUPs?
Doing research on SUP types can be a little confusing at first, since SUPs can be categorised in a lot of different ways, including by use (surf, yoga, fishing, river, touring, and all-rounder SUPs), the type of materials used and overall construction (solid vs. inflatable SUPs), the hull type (planing or displacement hulls), or even by the number of paddlers. Unless you’re looking to launch a pro career in SUP, or applying for a job as a SUP salesman, there’s no need to go drowning in all the technicalities at the beginning of your SUP journey!
A good place to start for most people is comparing solid SUPs vs inflatable SUPs (or iSUPs). Once you understand the main differences between these two construction types, their best use cases and the pros and cons, you’ll already have lots of your questions answered and be well on your way to choosing the right SUP for your needs.
Inflatable SUPs vs. Solid SUPs
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Inflatable SUPs
Construction:
Inflatable SUPs generally feature a layered PVC covering with an inner ‘drop-stitch’ construction which gives the board its internal air core. The board needs to be manually inflated with an electric or hand pump, and you can easily deflate it again after your session, so it’s easier to transport and store. A good quality iSUP should be able to be inflated to at least 15psi and will feel very rigid at full inflation.
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Where it’s used:
iSUPs make great all-round boards: they perform really well for touring on flat water and white water, they offer a softer, more forgiving surface for yoga or as a kid-friendly board, and they can also be a lot of fun for surfing. While they don’t offer the high performance level of solid boards, inflatable SUPs are often ideal for the beginner, or anyone who wants to be able to travel easily with their SUP.
Pros:
- Compact when deflated for convenient transport and storage
- Good impact resistance
- More forgiving surface for falls, or doing yoga poses
- Safer for family use
Cons:
- Less responsive and can feel less stable than a hardboard in surf
- Needs to be pumped up before use (but you can also keep it inflated, which will improve the board’s longevity)
- Shaping of the board is more limited due to the drop-stitch construction
- Risk of deflation if the board gets punctured by a very sharp object
Solid SUPs
Construction:
Solid SUPs are closer to surfboards or longboards in appearance. They’re usually constructed with an EPS (Expanded polystyrene) foam core which is covered with epoxy (a resin-based adhesive) and either fibreglass, or lightweight carbon fibre on the higher-end models. Some boards can also feature lightweight wood for a beautiful look.
Plastic is another lower-cost alternative, which is often heavier and doesn’t perform as well. Solid SUPs feature a lot more nuance in their designs, so you’ll find a wider range of boards, including custom-made models.
Where they’re used:
The rigid structure of SUPs and the fact that they sit lower in the water makes them faster and more responsive, making for a smoother ride with less effort—granted you know what you’re doing. Solid SUPs are generally better suited to more skilled paddlers, and they’re a good choice if you’re going for high-performance surfing or racing. If performance is your priority, you’ll probably want to buy a solid SUP that’s designed with just the right specs to suit your body type.
Pros:
- Better performance in the water
- More stable feel for riding waves
- Show up and go – no need to inflate
- Wider range of boards to find your perfect fit
Cons:
- Require more storage space
- Harder to transport
- More prone to dings and damage
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Choosing the right SUP volume and weight capacity
A SUP’s volume and weight capacity are closely related. Volume (given in litres) gives you an idea of the board’s ability to stay afloat with a weight on top of it. The higher the volume, the more weight the board can hold. The weight capacity of the board tells you the maximum weight (in kg) which it can properly support.
It’s important to check the volume and weight capacity of a SUP on the specs provided to be sure it will be able to support your weight, otherwise you’ll find the board sitting too low in the water, feeling unstable and being difficult to control. Also remember to factor in any gear you may want to carry with you on the board.
If you’re buying a SUP to use with the fam or on a team, be sure to choose the volume and weight capacity for the largest person who’ll be using it.
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How to choose your SUP length & width
The length and width of your SUP will both have a big impact on how the board handles and performs, how much weight it can support, and how stable it feels in the water.
Length:
As a general rule, longer boards are faster and more stable due to their higher volume, while shorter boards are more responsive and easier to manoeuvre. A longer board also gives you more room to carry additional gear, a co-paddler or a passenger if you’re planning to take a child or pet out on the water with you.
Here’s a quick guide to board lengths and their typical uses:
- Short boards under 10’: ideal for kids and surfing enthusiasts. Kids’ SUPs are typically in the 8’ range.
- Medium boards 10’ to 12’: make great all-purpose SUPs and are an ideal size if you’re looking to do some SUP yoga.
- Long boards (over 12’): usually used for racing and long-distance touring, but you’ll also find long boards made for families or multi-person paddle-teams.
When choosing a board length, it’s important to think about the extra storage space you’ll need for a longer board (particularly a hard board). Also keep in mind that the longer the board, the harder it gets to carry—especially on a windy day!
Width:
The wider the board, the more stable it is, but wider can also mean slower. A board that’s too wide for your size can also make it difficult to paddle and harder to handle. There’s no magic formula, but you’ll want to try and match the board width to the type of paddling you plan to do, your body size and your skill level:
- For surfing, you’ll want a narrower board that’s more responsive on the waves, while a wider board will be best for SUP yoga, or when you’re touring with some extra gear on board.
- If you’re a smaller person, go with a narrower board. The taller and heavier you are, the wider your board should be to keep you stable in the water.
- Beginner paddlers will find a slightly wider board easier to balance on, while more experienced paddlers may want to go with a faster, narrower board.
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SUP Fins
SUP fins are attached under the board to help with tracking and stability. In general, bigger fins will keep the board tracking straight and keep it more stable, while smaller fins make the board easier to turn and manoeuvre.
Most fins are removable, so you can swap them out or take them off for transport and storage. Inflatable SUPs usually have flexible rubber fins permanently attached to the board, or detachable fins that are semi-rigid.
SUP fins can be placed in a single-fin or tri-fin setup. The single fin provides good tracking and minimal drag, making it a good choice for flatwater paddling, while a 3-fin setup provides more control and manoeuvrability which is ideal for surfing.
What’s the best SUP for beginners?
There’s no silver bullet when it comes to buying your first SUP board. It all depends on your size, what activities you want to use the board for, and any similar skill you already have in the bag. A newbie who’s never been out on any kind of paddle craft will probably have very different needs to a long-time surfer who’s trying out stand up paddling for the first time.
If you’re looking for your first SUP to get a feel for what it’s like or just have fun with the fam, you can’t go wrong with an all-rounder inflatable SUP like the Stormfox Hurricane or Mavericks.
For the beginner SUP surfer, take a look at the Stormfox Hailstorm. Or check out the wider Stormfox Drizzle if you’re looking to try some SUP yoga.
Featured Products: Hailstorm and Drizzle Stand Up Paddle Boards
What accessories do you need to complete your SUP Kit?
Of course, you’ll need to think about more than just the right board if you’re going to be safe and well prepared for your SUP adventures. Here are the main accessories you’ll want to check out to complete your SUP kit:
- Paddle
Naturally, you won’t be going anywhere without a decent paddle. SUP paddles are specially designed with a tear-drop blade and ergonomic handle for easy and comfortable paddling. To make sure the paddle is the right length for you, with the paddle standing next to you, you should be able to extend your arm above your head and rest your wrist over the top of the handle.
Adjustable paddles are a convenient option that ensures the paddle will be just the right length for you and anyone else using your board.
If you want our advice, invest in a carbon fibre paddle at the outset—they’re a little more expensive, but because they’re made of the toughest, most lightweight material available, they’ll make paddling a breeze and will likely be the only paddle you’ll ever need to buy.
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2. Manual Air Pump (for inflatable SUPs)
If you’re going for an inflatable SUP, you’ll obviously need a way to pump it up. Using a good manual air pump, you should be able to inflate your SUP in under 10 minutes. You could also go for an electric pump if you’ll be inflating the board near your car.
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3. Carry bag (for inflatable SUPs)
When buying an inflatable SUP, you’ll want a good quality waterproof carry bag for easy transport, whether you’re driving to the beach or taking your board along on your next overseas trip. Our 2-year warranty heavy-duty Stormfox SUP Bag comes with back straps and wheels so you can take your board anywhere, no sweat.
Featured Product: Stormfox SUP Bag
4. Bungee straps/tie-down
Many types of SUPs (and most of the inflatable ones) come with bungee straps or tie-downs positioned at the front or back of the board. This gives you a convenient place to attach dry bags with essential supplies. Some boards also come with mounts for fishing-rod holders, seats, cameras and other accessories.
5. Ankle leash
Even slow moving water can quickly separate you from your board if you fall off. Having a leash to keep you attached to your SUP is important for safety, no matter what SUP activity you’re planning to do.
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6. Extra fins
Many SUPs give you the option of replacing fins or adding fins to go from a single fin to a 3-fin setup. Depending on the type of board you buy and how you plan to use it, you may want to kit yourself out with a few backup fins in case of accidents, or for switching between flat water and surf.
Featured Product: Mavericks Stand Up Paddle Board Kit – 10′ 6″
At Stormfox, we make it easy with our all-inclusive SUP kits designed with everything you need for an awesome experience, at great value for money.
Stand up paddle boards for sale in South Africa
Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely paddle on calm waters, catch some waves, get a fun workout, or impress some dolphins with your yoga poses, there’s a SUP out there that’s perfect for you.
At Stormfox, we’re passionate about designing inflatable SUPs in South Africa that deliver the best mix of performance, fun and versatility for beginners and serious paddlers who just can’t get enough. Check out our range of beautiful SUP kits, paddles and accessories for sale online now.