Selecting Paddle Boards for Women

Selecting Paddle Boards for Women

Over the years, I have taught hundreds of women to stand up paddle board, and I have often been asked by my students if there is a specific brand, or SUP that would be the best paddle board for women? I will tell you, what I tell my students. No.

​Have I seen brands market their product specifically towards women? Yes. However, that doesn’t make the board specifically created for women. Rather, the brand is simply trying to position itself for the female market. Even my company Wappa Paddle Boards has models aimed towards women. Other than styling, this board really isn’t any different than any of our others, and after studying brands that claim to have built paddleboards specifically for women, I suggest to all the ladies shopping for a SUP that they take this marketing hype with a grain of salt.

Different women have different needs. The idea that there is a specific paddle board to meet every woman’s needs is absurd. However, when shopping for a SUP there are a few things every woman should keep in mind while making her purchase decision.

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How much do you Weigh?
You need to know your weight prior to purchasing your first SUP. Paddle boards stability is largely based on the displacement of a board. The simple rule is the more displacement a board has, the more stable it is. Paddle board displacement is measured in liters.

Beginners up to 200 lbs will find paddle boards with 190L of displacement quite stable. Other beginner Weight/Displacement Ratios includes 225lbs/215L, 250lbs/235L. While a woman who weighs 110 lbs will find a SUP with a displacement of 235L very stable, she may have difficulty turning it, or maintaining speed because of its size.

What is your Experience Level?
If you have years of experience paddle boarding, you will not need to stick to the above weight/displacement ratios, because your skill set and balance has improved. However, if this is your first board, stick to those ratios. It will not steer you wrong.

How Strong Are You?
In all likelihood, you will probable purchase a SUP that is 10’ - 10’6” long. That is two feet longer than a sheet of plywood, and a SUP can be unwieldy to carry when you are not used to it. That’s why I encourage women to get a board that is strong and light. You may have to carry your SUP hundreds of feet before you get to the water. Better make sure it’s light enough for you to carry. From witnessing hundreds of female students carry boards over the years, I’ve realized that a board 25 lbs or less is very easy for any woman to carry. Even my weakest students have carried 25 lb. paddle boards with ease. Find out how much the SUP you love weighs before you buy it. You don’t want it to heavy for you.

What is the Paddle Boards Width?
The width of paddle boards varies depending on its displacement and function. You can get paddle boards as narrow as 24” wide, but most average 32” wide. One of my personal boards is 36” wide. My 5’7” wife loves this board because of its stability, but she sometimes has trouble carrying it because of its width. Friends smaller than her, have even had trouble reaching the hand hold. If you are a smaller person, don’t get a 34” or wider board, even though it’s more stable. Stick with a board you can easily carry. Get something 30” - 32” wide.

When shopping for their first paddle board, women need to look past the hype that a specific SUP is designed specifically for them. Because that’s what it is, hype. Instead, women need to find a paddle board that best meets their needs. By considering the four questions discussed above, women will make a much better purchase decision compared to relying on the so called paddle board designed for them.

If you have any questions about purchasing a paddle board, feel free to give me a call at 844-Go-Wappa (469-2772). I am always glad to help.

Happy Shopping!