Choosing the Best Beginner Paddle BoardChoosing the Perfect Beginner Paddle BoardChoosing the perfect paddle board as a beginner can be a daunting task given the numerous varieties available on the market. However, it can be simplified by understanding key features, focusing on stability, versatility, and ease of use. The ideal choice for novices is typically an all-around paddle board. The all-around paddle board is named for its all-encompassing nature. These boards are created to be user-friendly and suitable for all water conditions - from serene lakes to ocean surfing. They are designed with a balance between stability, speed, and maneuverability, which makes them perfect for beginners looking to venture into paddle boarding. An all-around paddle board is typically longer, wider, and thicker than other more specialized boards. This increased size gives it more buoyancy and stability, which are important for beginners who are still getting a feel for balancing on the water. But how do you go about choosing the right all-around paddle board for your needs? UNDERSTAND BOARD DIMENSIONS For beginners, size matters. The dimensions of the board affect its performance on the water, with longer and wider boards providing more stability - crucial for those just starting out. An all-around paddle board often falls between 10 to 12 feet in length and 30 to 34 inches in width, making them a suitable choice for most newbies. The thickness of the board also impacts stability, with thicker boards offering more buoyancy. But remember, the best dimensions for you will also depend on your size and weight. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL All-around paddle boards come in different materials, primarily inflatable and epoxy. A common belief is that inflatable boards are great for beginners due to the inexpensive price, ease of storage and slightly softer surface in case of falls. In reality, inflatable paddle boards offer less stability and can be more challenging for the beginner in less-than-ideal water conditions. Epoxy boards like Wappa, on the other hand, offer better performance and efficiency on the water but can be more challenging to store and transport. CONSIDER THE HULL TYPE There are two main types of board hulls: planing and displacement. All-around paddle boards generally feature a planing hull, which is flat and wide, similar to a surfboard. They're designed for stability and versatility, making them ideal for beginners. THINK ABOUT WEIGHT CAPACITY
A paddle board must support your weight to provide effective buoyancy and stability. Always check the weight limit of the board, ensuring it can accommodate your weight and any additional gear you might want to bring along. PAY ATTENTION TO PRICE AND QUALITY As with any sporting equipment, there is a wide range of prices for all-around paddle boards. It’s crucial to balance affordability with quality. As a beginner, you may not need a top-of-the-line board, but you don't want to skimp on quality either. A poorly made board may not perform well, ruining your paddle boarding experience. LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL FEATURES Features such as deck padding for comfort, a built-in carry handle for easy transport, and D-rings for attaching a leash or other gear, all add to the functionality of the board and can enhance your overall experience. Remember, the goal as a beginner is to find a board that allows you to comfortably learn and enjoy the sport. With the right all-around paddle board, you'll be able to explore a variety of environments and conditions as you develop your skills and confidence. Ultimately, the best paddle board for you is one that fits your body, meets your needs, and makes you excited to get out on the water! Choosing the Perfect Beginner Friendly Paddle BoardChoosing the Perfect Beginner Friendly Paddle BoardINTRODUCTION When it comes to paddle boarding, selecting the right equipment is crucial, especially for beginners. If you're a woman who is starting her paddle boarding journey, choosing a board that suits your needs and skill level is essential. In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when searching for a paddleboard that is suitable for beginners, with a focus on the needs and preferences of women. Let's dive in and explore the important aspects of paddleboards for women. SIZE AND STABILITY As a beginner, finding a paddleboard with ample size and stability is paramount. Opt for a board that is wider, longer, and thicker, as it will provide enhanced stability and balance. These characteristics help to make the learning process easier and build confidence on the water. A wider board typically offers more stability, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride. Additionally, selecting a paddleboard with a higher volume can improve buoyancy, making it easier to balance and paddle. Look for boards specifically designed for beginners, often labeled as "all-around" or "beginner-friendly" paddleboards. However, do not get a board to large just because it is super stable. Stability is quickly learned, and in a couple of years, the added size may feel like a hindrance. WEIGHT AND MANEUVERABILITY Consider the weight and maneuverability of the paddleboard, as it can significantly impact your overall experience. As a beginner, you may need to transport your board to and from the water frequently. In such cases, opt for a lightweight board that is easy to carry. Additionally, ensure the board is maneuverable enough to navigate different water conditions. Look for lightweight foam based hard boards made from materials like bamboo. DECK PAD COMFORT AND TRACTION For extended periods of paddle boarding, the comfort and traction of the deck pad become crucial. Look for a board that offers a soft and cushioned deck pad, providing comfort and preventing foot fatigue. A good deck pad also offers excellent grip, ensuring a secure footing even when wet. Some boards may have textured or diamond-patterned deck pads that enhance grip and prevent slippage. Opting for a board with an ergonomic deck pad will enhance your overall paddle boarding experience and allow you to enjoy longer sessions on the water. ADJUSTABLE PADDLE
Selecting the right paddle is as important as choosing the paddleboard itself. Look for a paddle that is adjustable in length, as it allows you to customize the height based on your preference and body size. An adjustable paddle ensures proper technique and minimizes the risk of injury. Additionally, consider lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, as they provide better maneuverability and reduce arm fatigue during paddling. Investing in a high-quality, adjustable paddle will enhance your efficiency, comfort, and overall enjoyment while paddleboarding. Choosing the right paddleboard for beginners is essential to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience on the water. When searching for a paddleboard for women, consider factors such as size, stability, weight, maneuverability, deck pad comfort, traction, and an adjustable paddle. By keeping these aspects in mind, you can find a paddleboard that suits your needs, enhances your skills, and enables you to progress in your paddling journey with confidence. So get ready to hit the water and enjoy the incredible world of paddleboarding. What is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Paddle Boards?The Cost of Paddle Boards: ExplainedPaddle boarding has become an increasingly popular water sport, attracting enthusiasts of all skill levels. When it comes to purchasing a paddle board, one of the primary considerations is the price. Paddle boards can vary greatly in cost, with some being relatively cheap and others being more expensive. The difference between cheap and expensive paddle boards lies in various factors, including materials, construction, performance, and additional features. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail. MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION One of the main factors that contribute to the price difference between cheap and expensive paddle boards is the quality of materials used in their construction. Cheap paddle boards often utilize lower-grade materials such as PVC or low-density foam cores. These materials may not be as durable or lightweight, which can impact the overall performance and longevity of the board. On the other hand, expensive paddle boards are typically made from high-quality materials like fiberglass, bamboo, carbon fiber, and epoxy resin. These materials offer superior strength, durability, and lighter weight, resulting in enhanced performance and a longer lifespan. PERFORMANCE The performance of a paddle board can vary significantly depending on its design and construction. Cheap paddle boards may lack the necessary features and design elements that contribute to better performance. For instance, they may have a less streamlined shape, which can lead to slower speeds and reduced maneuverability on the water. Additionally, cheap boards may not have a well-designed rocker profile (the curvature of the board from nose to tail), which affects stability and handling in different water conditions. Expensive paddle boards, on the other hand, are often engineered with careful consideration of these factors to optimize performance. They may feature sleek designs, advanced rocker profiles, and specialized fins, all of which contribute to improved speed, stability, and maneuverability. ADDITIONAL FEATURES Expensive paddle boards tend to come with a range of additional features that enhance the overall paddling experience. For example, they may include deck pads or traction pads made from high-quality materials, providing better grip and comfort, or even things as simple as ergonomic handles to make carrying the board easier. In contrast, cheaper paddle boards may lack these additional features, compromising comfort, and convenience. BRAND REPUTATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
Another factor that influences the price difference between cheap and expensive paddle boards is the brand reputation and quality assurance. Established and reputable brands like Wappa invest in research, development, and rigorous testing to ensure their boards meet high-quality standards. They often provide longer warranties, customer support, and a track record of customer satisfaction. On the other hand, cheaper paddle boards may be produced by lesser-known brands or manufacturers that prioritize cost-cutting over quality assurance. This can result in lower quality control, limited warranties, and a higher likelihood of manufacturing defects. LONGEVITY While cheap paddle boards may be more budget-friendly initially, they may not offer the same level of durability and longevity as their more expensive counterparts. The higher-grade materials and construction techniques used in expensive paddle boards contribute to their ability to withstand wear and tear over time. They are less prone to damage from impacts, UV exposure, or prolonged exposure to water. In contrast, cheap paddle boards may degrade more quickly, requiring more frequent repairs or replacement, ultimately making them a less cost-effective choice in the long run. The difference between cheap and expensive paddle boards lies in the quality of materials, construction techniques, performance features, brand reputation, and longevity. While cheaper paddle boards may be suitable for occasional or recreational use, they may not offer the same level of performance, durability, and additional features as their more expensive counterparts. If paddle boarding is a sport you intend to pursue regularly and you desire better performance and longevity, investing in a higher-quality, more expensive paddle board is likely to provide a more satisfying experience in the long term. Can Two People Fit on a Paddleboard?Can Two People Fit on a PaddleboardA regular question for shoppers of family paddle boards is if you can you have two people on a paddle board? While technically possible, paddle boards are not designed for two people. VOLUME IS KEY A person’s ability to stand above the water on a paddle board is due to its volume. A paddle board’s volume is measured in Liters and the more volume a board has. the greater the weight is can displace. Displacement occurs when an object (paddle board) enters water, it pushes out water to make room for itself. The object pushes out a volume of water that is equal to its own volume. As a result, a paddle board with a large amount of volume can support more weight. In order for two people to be on a paddle board, the board’s volume must be able to support the combined weight of the riders. For families, it is possible to paddle with an adult and a child, however, two adults may be to much weight for most boards. BALANCE AND GLIDE Event though, it’s technically possible to take two people on a paddle board as long as the board’s volume can support you, it doesn’t mean that you should. Paddle boards are shaped to support a single rider. All quality paddle board have a “sweet spot” on the board that maximizes rider balance and the board’s flow through the water. Usually, this is close to or just behind the centre of the board. When weight is displaced outside of the sweet spot, the board becomes less stable and performance suffers. Having a second person sitting behind the paddler may cause the back portion of the board to submerge. Once a board begins to submerge, it will become more difficult to paddle distance due to increase water drag and reduce glide. The drag will also affect the paddlers’ ability to maintain the desired course. Children or dogs sitting at the nose of the board will also affect the boards performance on choppy water. Many paddle board styles have a rocked nose to help the board move over water chop. The added weight along the front of the board, prevents the board from naturally rising and lifting over the chop. Plowing through water chop degrades performance and reduces the boards glide. SAFETY
For safety, paddlers need to be tethered to their paddle board with a leash. The leash is the connection between the paddler and the board. The board provides SAFETY. It is a solid surface that will keep the paddler from drowning. Leash attachments ae located on the rear of all paddle boards. Unleashed riders sitting at the front of the board risk the chance of falling off and quickly becoming separated from the board. Being separated from the board can increase the risk of drowning. People looking for a family paddle board should steer clear of trying to find a paddle board that fits two people. Paddle boards are not designed like canoes or tandem bicycles. In reality, they are designed for individual paddlers. If you really have your heart set on going for a paddle with your children, then get a wide paddle board like the Wappa Olas. The extra width provides added volume for the extra weight without negatively affecting the boards glide or performance. Better yet, get your children their own board so they can be safely leashed, and have fun paddling together. Will I Lose Weight Paddle Boarding?Paddle boarding is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. It's also an effective way to burn calories and lose weight. But will you actually see results if you paddle board regularly? In this blog post, we'll explore the potential of paddle boarding for weight loss and how to maximize your results. WHAT IS PADDLE BOARDING? Paddle boarding is a water sport that involves standing on a wide, buoyant board and using a long paddle to propel yourself through the water. It's an excellent full-body workout that can help you build strength, balance, and endurance while enjoying the scenery around you. MUSCLES WORKED WHILE PADDLE BOARDING Paddle boarding is definitely a full-body workout! All areas of your body are exercised while paddling. Upper Body: Pectorals, Deltoids Back: Trapezius, Rhomboids and Lats. Core: Abdominals, Obliques and Erector Spinae Legs: Glutes, Hamstrings and Quadriceps HOW MANY CALORIES DOES PADDLE BOARDING BURN? The exact number of calories burned while paddle boarding depends on several factors such as your weight, intensity level, and duration of your session. Generally speaking, it's estimated that an hour of moderate-intensity paddle boarding can burn up to 500 calories for someone who weighs 150 pounds. That number increases if you increase the intensity or add in some additional exercises like squats or lunges while you're out on the water. TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING WEIGHT LOSS WITH PADDLE BOARDING If you're looking to maximize your weight loss with paddle boarding, there are a few tips that can help: - Increase Your Intensity: To burn more calories during your session, try increasing your intensity by paddling faster or adding in some additional exercises like squats or lunges while you're out on the water. - Change Up Your Routine: To keep things interesting and prevent boredom from setting in, try changing up your routine every once in awhile by doing different types of exercises or paddling in different directions. - Make It Social: Invite friends or family members to join you for a paddle boarding session so that you can have fun together while getting fit!
- Track Your Progress: Tracking your progress is key when it comes to seeing results from any exercise routine. Keep track of how many calories you burn during each session as well as any changes in body composition (such as inches lost) so that you can stay motivated and on track with your goals. Paddle boarding is an excellent way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors while burning calories and potentially losing weight over time. By increasing your intensity level, changing up your routine periodically, making it social with friends or family members, and tracking your progress along the way, you can maximize your results with paddle boarding for weight loss! Can You Use an Inflatable Paddle Board in the OceanThe Bad Idea of Inflatable Paddle Boards for Ocean AdventuresThe Versatility of Inflatable Paddle Boards for Ocean AdventuresIs it possible to use a paddle board on the ocean? The quick answer is Yes! Stand up paddle boarding was developed on the ocean and it evolved from longboard surfing and outrigger canoeing. However, not every paddle board is suitable for the ocean, and paddlers should understand what makes a paddle board ocean ready. USE A HARD PADDLE BOARD When it comes to paddle boarding on the ocean, the best choice is to use a hard paddle board. Hard boards such as bamboo paddleboards are superior to inflatable paddle boards in all ways and it is in the ocean environment where the differences between the two technologies are highlighted. Hard boards are naturally stiffer than inflatables which provides a better platform to handle the water chop of the ocean. The stiffness provides balance and helps the board flow through the rougher water with ease. BE SAFE ON THE OCEAN People who have spent their lives in lake water are often surprised about the power of the ocean upon their first experience. People who are able to walk many feet from the lakeshore are often surprised that the water can be over their head a few feet from shore in the ocean, and lake tide doesn’t compare to ocean swells and currents. It doesn’t take long for paddlers to quickly move away from shore on the ocean and before you know it, the beach could be out of sight. For safety’s sake, you should use a hard paddle board on the ocean. There is a chance that inflatable paddle boards might suddenly lose air pressure and rapidly sink, increasing a drowning risk. In 2022, the governments of the United States and United Kingdom issued recall and safety warnings about inflatable paddle boards, because of the chance of sudden and rapid deflation. Paddler’s finding themselves on a suddenly deflated inflatable paddle board far from shore, are at a serious risk of drowning. Even if connected to the inflatable by a leash, there will be nothing buoyant for the paddler to stand upon or hold onto. This safety risk does not exist with hard paddle boards. There is ZERO chance of a hard paddle board sinking in the ocean. THE INFERIOR INFLATABLE FLAT BOTTOM Many paddle boarders on lakes own an inflatable paddle board and are happy with them. Inflatable paddle boards are great for people who want to paddle close to the lakeshore on calm waters. In fact, this is the way that most people become introduced to the sport, paddling close to shore. All inflatable paddle boards have flat bottoms. Flat bottoms are fast, and offer a good level of stability on calm water. However, once the water becomes a little choppy, the flat bottom becomes a liability. Stability is dramatically reduced and the paddler will feel less balanced. Ocean water is rarely glassy outside of the early morning. Once the sun rises higher in the sky and the wind picks up, the morning ocean calm turns to chop. As stated earlier, hard paddle boards are better in choppy water. Most hard boards do not have a flat bottom. Their bottoms are concaved. Like a catamaran, concaves allow a paddle board to be more stable on the choppy water. Water flows past the board more easily, enabling easier paddling and improving the feeling of balance.
Yes, it’s possible to use a paddle board on the ocean and it’s highly encouraged. Just remember that the ocean is not the lake or river. It is much stronger and needs to be respected. Always wear a leash when paddling on the ocean. You and your board may become quickly separated after a fall otherwise. For optimal safety and a better paddling experience, use a hard board in the ocean. You’ll experience better balance and their will be zero risk of drowning from sudden deflation. If you’re going to use an inflatable on the ocean, wear a PFD, only paddle in calm conditions and stay within a swimmable distance to the shore. Are Your Too Fat to Paddle Board?Let’s make things clear right from the get go. You are not too fat to paddle board! The key for success is to get a board that can support your weight. That’s why paddle boards come in various sizes. People also come in various sizes. A paddle board that works well for a 150 lb person won’t perform as well for a 250 lbs person. To the heavier paddler, the smaller board will feel much less stable and will sit lower in the water creating more drag. When the lighter person is on a paddle board designed for heavier people, the board will be extremely stable, but it will take more strength to paddle and it will be harder to maneuver. A person could submerge a paddle board if she is too heavy for the board’s design. This doesn’t mean the paddler is too fat to paddle board. All it means is that she is too heavy for THAT paddle board. In other words, the submerged paddle board simply didn’t have the volume to hold the paddler’s size. WHAT IS VOLUME? A paddle board’s volume is measured in Liters and it signifies how much water is displaced by the board when it enters the water. Paddle board manufacturers create boards of different volumes to enable a better match between rider weight and the board’s function. A perfect example of this is the Wappa CLASSIC and NOVA. Both boards have similar All-Around shapes, and are designed to do the same things. The biggest difference between them is their size. The Nova is 10 inches longer and has 25 more liters in volume (190L CLASSIC, 215L NOVA). This means, that a heavier person can ride the Nova and experience the same ride as a lighter person on the Classic. THE PURPOSE OF VOLUME A paddle board’s volume is determined by the size of the board. Generally, the longer and wider the board, the greater the volume. Volume brings two things to a paddle board. Stability, and how much weight it can support before submerging. The greater the volume, the more stable the board and the greater the rider weight that can be supported. However, as rider weight increases, a boards stability may decrease if the rider is close to the board’s maximum rider weight. SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
As stated at the beginning, the key to paddle boarding success is to get a board that matches your weight. Generally, a smaller person will find a board with less than 200 liters in volume to be quite stable. For a heavier person to feel the same level of stability, they will need to purchase a board over 200 liters. When shopping for a paddle board, be honest with yourself and your weight. Once you match your weight and experience level with a board of proportional size, you will have found a winner. Avoid paddle boards that are advertised as “paddle boards for women”. This is nothing but a marketing ploy. Success in paddle boarding is based upon matching a properly sized board to your weight and experience level. It doesn’t matter how big of a fatso you think you are. You are not too fat to paddle board! You just need a board to match your weight. Now find that board and have some fun!! Are There Special Paddleboards for Women?Women's Paddleboards: A Guide to Specialized BoardsSome companies would have consumers believe that they build special paddle boards. These “special” boards are marketed as being specifically designed as paddle boards for women. The simple fact of the matter is, there is no such thing as a gender specific paddle board shape. Women like men should purchase a paddle board based on their experience level, their weight and anticipated paddling activities. It doesn’t matter the gender of the paddler, if the board paddle board doesn’t fit properly. SIZE NOT GENDER IS KEY Getting a paddle board that is properly sized for your body is key to long term enjoyment. Women come in all different shapes and sizes; therefore, it doesn’t make sense that a single board claiming to be specially designed for women will work for all women. It won’t. It will only work well for the women whose weight fits into the board’s parameters. If you’re lighter or heavier than what the board is designed for, the board’s performance and your enjoyment will be less than it should. So, let’s forget the idea that there are gender specific paddle boards and instead figure out how to find a paddle board that properly fits you. MATCH BOARD VOLUME TO YOUR BODY While paddle boards vary in shape, width, length and thickness, the most important measurement when purchasing your first SUP is volume. A paddle board’s volume which is measured in liters is the best variable in determining what size board is best for you. A board’s volume tells you how much water the board displaces when it’s placed in the water. The higher the volume, the more weight a board can handle before performance diminishes. Below are some examples of different Wappa paddle boards, their volume, and maximum rider weight the boards can handle. As a general rule, the larger a paddle board’s volume, the more stable it will be. The heavier the person, the greater a board’s volume has to be to maintain an equal level of stability.
The key to selecting the right paddle board is getting one with the proper volume to give you the stability that is needed at the beginning without it being too big that your skills advance past it in a few months. A good measuring stick for a first-time buyer is to compare your weight to the board’s volume. If you weigh 25 lbs. less than the boards volume, you will not be getting a board that is too big for you. In fact, you will be pretty much in its sweet spot. If your weight is close to the volume of the board, it will be nice and stable. If your weight is over the volume of the board, but below the maximum weight, it will still be a great board for the long term, but it will be a little less stable for you as a beginner. As the above chart illustrates, longer SUPs have more volume and can carry more weight. That doesn’t mean that if you’re 250 lbs. you should be getting a Wappa Scout just because you “fit it”. That board is big and long because it’s deigned to easily cut through water. It’s also 2”- 4” narrower than the other Wappa boards. When shopping, you will need to pay attention to the board’s function as well. With a better understanding of how a paddle board’s volume and a paddler’s weight effect the board’s performance and your enjoyment level, it becomes clear that the idea that there are specially designed paddle boards for women is nothing but marketing hokum. A woman needs a paddle board that fits her properly and is designed for the activities she wants to pursue. A woman who purchases a paddle board because it was designed for here gender and not properly sized to her body is doing herself a disservice. Should You Get an All Around or Touring Paddle Board?The question if you should get an All Around or Touring paddle board is a common among first time paddle board buyers. In the spirit of helping people make the best decision, let’s get the answer. FIRST BOARD As a company that has sold hundreds of paddle boards, some of the first questions we ask is this will be the buyers first board, and what activities would they like to do? Most people purchasing their first paddle board have decided to make the purchase after performing the activity on vacation, using a friend’s board at the cottage or after a couple of rentals. They like the activity enough to buy a board, but in reality, they have limited experience. If this describes you, I would suggest purchasing an All-Around paddle board. All Around paddle boards are perfect for people just getting into the sport. They are well balanced, and you can do any type of SUP activity with one. Want to paddle 10 miles across the lake? An All Around can do that. Want to try paddle surfing and catch some waves the next day? An All Around can do that too. An All-Around style is a great first board, because it performs well for all types of paddle boarding activities. GENERAL PURPOSE VS SPECIALIZED All Around paddle boards can be considered general purpose paddle boards. They can do virtually every type of paddling activity well, but it doesn’t shine at any single activity. If you’re looking for a SUP that excels at one thing in particular, then you want to get a specialized board. Paddle boards styles vary for the activity. In addition to the general-purpose All-Around style, there are specialized categories known as Race, Touring, Surf/Wave and even Yoga. Touring paddle boards are built to cut through the water and travel easily in a straight line. They will outperform an All-Around style in the 10-mile paddle across the lake, but it would be very hard to catch even the smallest wave with a Touring board. Specialized style paddle boards are excellent, and are highly recommended as a second board. When you want to have a good cardio session, break out the Touring paddle board. When you want to play around closer to shore, the All Around will be more fun. BENEFITS OF BOTH STYLES
There are benefits to both boards, and this is where the second question we ask customers comes into play; what activities would you like to do? As previously explained, an All-Around paddle board enables paddlers to experience all the forms that paddle boarding has to offer. You can do it all with an All-Around paddle board! In addition, All Around paddle boards are less expensive than their specialized counterparts, and they are also having better balance. Touring paddle boards are far superior to All Arounds when it comes to traveling through the water with speed. Because of their shape, paddlers are capable are traveling further faster and with less effort than an All-Around style. For paddlers wishing to travel long distances in a straight line, Touring paddle boards are the answer. CONS OF BOTH STYLES From the perspective of a first-time buyer, there is no downside to getting an All-Around style. Newer paddlers to the sport get to hone their skills on a stable platform that enables them to experience everything that paddle boarding has to offer. A Touring paddle board will not be as user friendly for a newer paddler, Not only are paddlers limited from experiencing the variety of activities paddle boarding has to offer, Touring boards much narrower are often less stable than their All-Around cousins. If you’re purchasing your first paddle board, the better decision is to go with an All-Around style. Experience everything that paddle boarding has to offer. After you’ve logged a couple of years with your All Around, get the speciality boards to meet your needs. Don’t start with one. Is a Hard Paddle Board More Stable Than an Inflatable?Stability is an important characteristic of almost all paddle boards, and especially so, for newer paddlers who are first time purchasers. A stable paddle board enables the inexperienced to gain experience and confidence quickly. Most importantly, stability provides enjoyment to all paddlers. With two different paddle board technologies dominating the market, a common question of first-time buyers is if a hard paddle board is more stable than its inflatable counterparts? PADDLE BOARD STABILITY EXPLAINED Stability can be defined as the state or quality of being stable, or having a firmness in position. In practical terms, a stable paddle board is one that provides good balance to the paddler on the water, so that the paddler can stand on the board in water chop while it’s moving slowly or not at all. A stable paddle board will provide a solid surface and be wide enough to allow the paddler to stand naturally balanced. INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARD INSTABILITY Shoppers looking for the most stable paddle board should not consider inflatables. Inflatable paddle boards do not offer the same level of stability as hard paddle boards for two primary reasons. They support the rider with air, and they have flat bottoms. Board stability is directly related to its rigidity. Inflatable paddle boards are essentially plastic bags that are held rigid with air pressure. If the pressure isn’t sufficient, an inflatable paddle board becomes less rigid and soft. A hard paddle board keeps its rigidity at all times. Standing on a hard paddle board is like standing on a sidewalk. Standing on an under pressured inflatable is like standing on a mattress. Simply put, an underinflated paddle board will be less stable than a hard paddle board because it will be less stiff. ADVANTAGES OF HARD PADDLE BOARDS When it comes to stability, hard paddle boards have many advantages over inflatables. Hard boards will always provide more solid footing and better balance than inflatables due to the fact that they are naturally HARD AND SOLID and will never get soft. Hard paddle boards can also have their bottom shaped to provide better stability and flow through the water. This is something inflatables just can’t do. Because they’re rigid, hard board bottoms can have a rocker and concaves similar to a catamaran which enables the water to flow easily past the board. Easy water flow improves glide and stability. Inflatable paddle board designers do not have the option to create rockers or contoured bottoms on their boards. The outward force of air pressure construction, makes it impossible to create concave shapes. Concave bottoms improve water flow and improve stability and perform better in choppy water. The contoured and concaved bottoms on hard paddle boards offers better stability on choppy water and swells. The flat bottoms on inflatables just don’t perform as well in these real-world conditions.
Simply put, the concave bottoms on hard paddle boards are more stable than the flat bottoms on inflatables. To be fair to inflatables, flat bottoms are actually very stable in calm flat waters and do provide better stability than rockered and concaved hard boards. Outside of this perfect water condition, inflatable paddle boards offer inferior stability. Shoppers looking for the most stable type of paddle board should purchase a hard paddle board. Being a solid surface, the rigid sensation felt through your feet naturally improves your balance. Hard paddle boards last for years and the natural stability of these boards will keep you loving the sport for just as long. |
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