Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) offers something for everyone.
You can head out for a relaxing paddle on a calm lake or catch waves in the ocean. Or maybe you'd like to do SUP yoga or go for a fast-paced paddle to get a workout. Whatever your ambitions, having the right board is key to your enjoyment. In this buying guide, we'll review the main points you need to think about when choosing a board.
To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you're going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness. Whether you choose a solid or inflatable board will largely depend on how you will transport it and how much storage space you have. From there, you'll consider a board's fins and any extras or accessories that work for you.
SUP Hull Types
The hull, or body, of a paddle board plays a major role in determining how the board performs in the water. Most SUPs have either a planning hull or a displacement hull. There are a handful with a hybrid design that combine the best attributes of each design.
Either hull shape can be enjoyed by beginner paddlers, but there are differences that make them better for some activities than others. Because of this, it's wise to choose the hull type based on how you plan to use your board.
Planning Hull
A planning hull is flat and wide, similar to a surfboard. It is designed to ride on top of the water and be very maneuverable. Boards with planning hulls are a good choice for leisure paddling, surfing, SUP yoga and whitewater.
Displacement Hull
SUPs with displacement hulls have a pointed nose or bow (front end) similar to that of a kayak or canoe. The hull slices through water, pushing the water around the nose to the sides of the SUP to improve efficiency and create a fast, smooth ride. The efficiency of a displacement hull requires less effort than a planning hull to paddle, allowing you to go longer distances at faster speeds. They also track nice and straight but are generally a bit less maneuverable than planning hulls.
Paddlers choose displacement hulls for a variety of applications, but always with an eye toward paddling efficiency and speed. Some applications include fitness paddling, SUP touring/camping and racing.