Board Styles
Once you’ve been bitten by the stand up paddle boarding (SUP) bug, you’ll soon want to buy your own SUP. To find the right one, think about the type of paddle boarding you'll be doing:
Fun and fitness: This includes leisurely outings and fitness sessions on flat water and catching small- to medium-size waves in the ocean. Most beginners will fall into this category.
Your primary considerations when choosing a SUP for all-around use and surfing are stability and maneuverability.
Touring or racing: This type of paddling involves covering long distances and reaching high speeds. Your primary considerations when choosing a SUP for racing/touring are speed and efficiency in the water.
Hull type, volume, length, width, core materials and fins all affect a board's stability, maneuverability, speed and efficiency. These features are detailed below to help you choose the right SUP.