WAPPA PADDLE BOARDS
  • Home
  • Our Bamboo SUPs
    • All Around
    • Wave
    • All Around / Wave
    • Touring
    • Wind SUP
  • Shop
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Bamboo Advantage
  • Technology
  • Wappa vs. Competition
  • Why Wappa?
  • 5 Year Warranty
  • Home
  • Our Bamboo SUPs
    • All Around
    • Wave
    • All Around / Wave
    • Touring
    • Wind SUP
  • Shop
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Bamboo Advantage
  • Technology
  • Wappa vs. Competition
  • Why Wappa?
  • 5 Year Warranty

What Size Paddle Board Do I Need?

11/5/2020

 

What Size Paddle Board Do I Need?

“What size of paddle board do I need?” This is a standard first-time buyer question.
Answering these questions will help find your answer.
 
HOW MUCH DO I WEIGH?
This is the first question to ask. Once a person’s weight is known some board sizes can be easily selected.
Board sizes are measured in two ways.  First, there are physical dimensions that include height, width and thickness. An example of this would be 10’6” x 32” x4.5”.  The second measurement is by the boards volume or displacement which is measured in Liters (L). An example of this would be 190L. While a board’s dimensions will give you an idea of proper size, its displacement actually provides more information.
Picture
The greater the volume/displacement a paddle board has, the more weight it can carry without sinking.  In regards to stability versus volume for beginner paddlers, a ratio of 1L Displacement/1lb of rider weight (D/W) is a good guideline.
Using this ratio, a novice paddler considering a 190L paddle board can weigh as much as 190 lbs and still feel very stable on the board.
Experienced riders will be able to enjoy a smaller D/W ratio.
Don’t get a board that has a D/W ratio of 2/1 or greater. While the board will be very stable, you will soon have too much board, and will be pushing needless mass through the water.
 
WHAT IS MY EXPERIENCE LEVEL?
As paddle boarders gain experience, their ability to maintain balance and handle adverse water conditions improves. An experienced paddler can maintain balance and control on a smaller board more easily then a less experienced paddler.

WHAT IS MY EXPERIENCE LEVEL?
As paddle boarders gain experience, their ability to maintain balance and handle adverse water conditions improves. An experienced paddler can maintain balance and control on a smaller board more easily then a less experienced paddler.
 
ANY OTHER USERS?
Will there be other members of the family using the paddle board? Apply the previous two questions to the other riders and take that into your consideration.
wappa_nova_paddle_board
Wappa Nova 11'4"
WHAT ARE MY GOALS/PLAN?
Paddle boards come in different sizes and shapes because they are designed to do different things. Part of picking the right size paddle board is knowing what you want to do with it.

You shouldn’t buy a 14’ long 300L racing board just because you’re 250 lbs and it fits your Displacement/Rider Weight ratio. Buy this board if you want to take up racing or going on long paddles.

For most people, an All-Around style paddle board is the ideal shape for your first paddle board.  This style is good at just about everything, but it isn’t a specialist at any one function. The 1/1 ratio works very well with All-Around styles.

Picking the correct paddle board shouldn’t be based on data from a chart or table.  You’re going to have this piece of equipment for years, so more consideration should be taken. To properly determine the size of paddle board you need, ask yourself the four questions, and pay attention to your weight and the board’s displacement/volume.  Consider your experience level and use a baseline displacement/rider weight ratio of roughly 1/1. Match the paddle board’s style to meet your goals and you will have a selection that you’ll be happy with for many years.

Happy shopping!


Comments are closed.
    wappa_logo

    The Wappa Blog

    Written by Wappa's founder Layne Pennell, the blog's aim is to educate and share his love of stand up paddle boarding with anyone interested in SUP.

    Layne has been paddle boarding for 10+ years!

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    October 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    March 2017
    December 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All
    Health
    Learn
    Tips

    RSS Feed

    Wappa Paddle Boards

have a question?  1-844-go-wappa (469-2772) 


Company

about
warranty
return policy
terms of service
privacy policy
all prices USD

shipping

shipping
tracking

resources

corporate branding
board performance explained
board care & maintenance
blog
testimonials
FAQ
military discount
great for families
SUP for women
want a deal?

CUSTOM PROGRAM

overview
pricing example
pro design service
order a custom SUP

Contact            

support@wappapaddleboards.com
toll free: 1-844-469-2772
contact

RETAILERS

become a retailer
find a retailer

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

become a Wappa ambassador
terms and conditions
Picture

ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS wappa SUPPORTs

Picture
Picture