Hi there,
If you are thinking of starting to paddleboard you’ve made a great choice! Paddle boarding (or ‘Stand Up Paddle boarding, SUP for short) is a really great fun activity for all. No matter your size, shape, fitness level, ability you will be able to do it with a little practice. You don't need to be a surfer dude or fitness fanatic!
Also if you think, ‘I live nowhere near the sea’ or ‘I haven't got room for a huge paddle board’... I’ve got good news for you.
You can paddleboard anywhere there is calm water.
[Having said that- Please check that you are allowed to though as some reservoirs & lakes, even sections of rivers are private and require permission - not many but some. ]
If you can get to a river or the local loch in Scotland for example, you can go Paddle boarding!
We will create a later article on the best places to Paddle boarding.
Secondly, most non pro SUP boards are inflatable these days. No, I don't mean inflatable like the blow up dolphins and lilos that you took on holiday for the pool. These are specially manufactured pieces of kit that are made from, toughened/ layered PVC and EVA (a plastic that feels like rubber but it's very hardy).
The great thing about these inflatable boards is that they can fit in a box or bag so you can just put them in the car, on your back etc and take them to the water! Then just pump them up and you're away! A great help here is an electric pump, one that connects to your car 12v ‘cigarette lighter’ socket. A manual pump is just as good though (a better work out for sure!) and often included with the SUP.
In terms of size of board it comes down to weight mostly. Yes if you are tall a slightly wider board may help but usually if you’re taller, you are heavier so the extra board size takes that into account.
All boards seem to be measured out in imperial feet and inches (I don't know why but at least it's consistent). From all the research I have done by far the most popular size is 10’ 6” but generally for beginners and intermediaries between 10’ and 11’ is ok and you want to be aiming for 33-34 inches wide as a beginner (for stability), anything more is more difficult to steer.
If you are less than 56kg, you may want to consider a slightly smaller board, they go down to 9’ 6” but again the 10’6” covers most bases.
At the other end if you are over 100kg or really tall, then you could start looking at a longer board, they go up to 12’6”.
Prices.
When I first started this I must admit I did raise an eyebrow to paddle board costs. Especially if you want a decent one. However, after looking into it and realising that these things aren't blow up toys and they will last given care, I came round to thinking they are not bad value in general.
At the beginner end, for a decent board with all the bits and bobs associated with it you are probably looking around the £200-£300 mark and they go on from there. At the higher end they range from £500 to well over £2000 for solid hard boards with various specifications and accessories. (You can even get electric motors to attach but that's another story!)
Below you’ll find a few recommendations for boards but before we get into that there are a few other things you will need to look at.
Safety
Number 1, 2, and 3 in terms of importance is a Personal buoyancy aid, PBA, Personal Flotation Device, PFD, life-jacket, life-vest call it what you will.
Please, please, please get one and wear one even if you are a good swimmer, a super tough Olympic swimmer or athlete. Water sports involve …. Water. Anyone can get into difficulties, so don't be fooled into thinking it won't happen to you.
OK, hopefully that message is clear.
Listed below are some PBA. As this is a UK site, always look for the British Standards indicator. (Please check your own country’s safety standards).
Sheltered water, conscious person who can swim, help close at hand BS EN393:1994
Sheltered water, near help: BS EN 394:1994
Relatively sheltered water: BS EN 395:1994
More info here:
Example PBA:
Typhoon Yalu Wave Front Zipper 50N Buoyancy Aid BS EN393:1994 approved - Canoe Kayak Dinghy SUP Jacket https://amzn.to/3fQPlDe
The other essential is a ‘Leash’ or safety lead that is tied to you and the board. Not only does this help you retrieve the board when you fall off (yes you will), but it can be a life saver too: The board will always float and reaching it and holding on to it whilst help arrives could save your precious life, friend.
Often your board will come with one of these included, they range from appx 10 to 11 feet.
If not here is an example of a middle tier Leash:
HOGAR AMO 7mm 10 Ft Coiled TPU Flexible Surfboard Leash with Double Swivels Reduce The Chance for Tangle Neoprene Ankle Cuff for Stand up Paddle Boarding
Learning to Paddle Board
To get the most benefit and fun from your paddle board taking some basic lessons is a really good idea.
As an example: British SUP Association Level 1, ‘Ready to Ride’ or ‘Born to Ride’ for juniors.
Please see below for a list of associations and schools around the UK.
Lessons will help you with techniques such as safety, balance, recovery (getting back on your board), turning, dismounting etc. This will all add up and make your future SUP experience all the more fun!
The List
By now you may be thinking ‘oh it's so confusing what do I actually need?’
Like any hobby you can go as deep into it as you want but in general the list below should cover most things you should be considering to start off.
SUP paddleboard (inflatable or solid)
Personal Buoyancy Aid (must have - did I make that clear?)
A Paddle (kind of helps :) )
Wet Suit (or dry suit - we will cover that in another article)
Wet Suit boots! (as we live in the UK the water is, lets say, not that warm. You will thank me later.)
A Pump (Manual or electric)
Leash (this is another crucial piece of safety kit please see above) to attach you to the board
Back-pack / bag for the board (Often supplied with inflatable boards)
Centre fin (usually comes with the board)
Helmet/ safety hat
Some water! Preferably calm, preferably with help nearby.
Often it's a good idea to get some lessons at an activity centre where there is pro tuition and help on hand for safety.
SUP Boards.
Here at SeaWolf we are developing our own range of boards but for now here are some good ones that come as a package with pumps, paddles, etc.
I've just included Inflatable for now (great for compact storage/ transport and perfect for the beginner)
10'6" Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddle Board (6" Thick, 31" Wide) - Beginner’s Kit - Adj Aluminium Floating Paddle, Pump with Pressure Gauge, ISUP Travel Backpack, Leash, Padded Kayak Seat Reusable
PBA
Typhoon Yalu Wave Front Zipper 50N Buoyancy Aid BS EN393:1994 approved - Canoe Kayak Dinghy SUP Jacket https://amzn.to/3fQPlDe
Lessons (there are many places, this is just a selection)
BSUPA (Mainly South)
SUPNorth (Southport, Merseyside)
SUPCardiff (South Wales)
PsychedPaddleBoarding (North Wales)
Northside Surf School (North East England)
PaddleSurfScotland (Scotland)
Wet Suits
Short
(i prefer these as they dont cover legs and arms, just feels better to me)
Trespass Scuba, Black, M, Short 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit with 7mm Zip for Men, Medium, Black
Long
O'Neill Wetsuits Men's Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Black/Black, M
Electric pumps that connect to cars
Bestway BW65315 Hydro-Force Auto Electric Air Pump 12V for SUP, Stand Up Paddle Board Inflation, Yellow
Helmets
Noblik Safety Protector Helmet 11 Breathing Holes for Water Sports Kayak Canoe Surf Paddleboard - Red
I hope this article has been enjoyable and of help. Please also see our chosen marine charities on our homepage and consider supporting them.
Have fun and stay safe
Patrick
SeaWolf
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