What size paddleboard should I choose?

The size of the paddleboard is determined by its length, width and thickness. Generally, long pulp boards are faster than short pulp boards, but short pulp boards are easier to maneuver. For children, short pulp boards are ideal.

Medium sized pulp boards (10′-12′ / 3-3.6 meters) are ideal for all-around use and SUP yoga. Most of these pulpboards have planer shells. Long pulpboards (12.6′ / 3.8m and up) are ideal for fast paddling and long distance excursions. Most such pulpboards have displacement housings. These types of pulpboards are usually faster than shorter ones because they track better.

When choosing a length, it is also necessary to understand how it relates to volume and capacity. If you are interested in touring or long distance paddling, you will need a longer board. A longer and wider berry board means more volume and weight capacity.

Short boards (up to 10 feet (3 meters)) are suitable for children.

Medium pulpboards (10 feet to 12 feet/3-3.6 meters) are ideal for full use and SUP yoga. Most pulpboards in this category have planer shells.

Longer boards (12.6 feet/3.8 meters and up) are great for fast paddling and long trips. Most of these boards have replacement housings. Faster than short and medium pulp boards, and they track better. Longer pulpboards offer more comfort while paddling, especially on the launch, and allow for a smoother, more comfortable glide.

Width is also an important factor that affects how controllable a pulpboard can be. Pulp boards are manufactured in widths ranging from 30 inches/76 centimeters to 35 inches/89 centimeters to meet a variety of needs.

If you need to carry extra equipment, coolers, food, or a tent on a long paddle, choose a wider pulpboard to have more storage space. Wide pulpboards are more stable than thin ones, but keep in mind that they are slower and more difficult to paddle if they are too wide. On the other hand, narrow pulp boards are faster and easier to maneuver, making them the choice of competitors and surfers.

Wide pulp boards are always more stable than narrow ones.

Wide boards can be slower and difficult to paddle if the board is too wide for the user.

The main reason to consider the thickness of a stand up paddle board is that it affects the overall volume, weight and load capacity. If you look at two boards that are the same length and width but of different thicknesses, the thicker board has more volume than the thinner board, and the more volume, the more weight it carries.

The thicker pulp board has more volume and is heavier, but floats better and is therefore higher in the water. For beginners (or yoga, traveling, etc.), it can be reassuring in calm water.

If inflatable, thin pulp boards are lighter, less bulky, and inflate faster. More maneuverable.