Page 32 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

PADDLEBOARDING

SWEET SPOT

What you need to know about finding the perfectly sized paddleboard for your next adventure by diana lee

CHOOSING A PADDLEBOARD isn’t just about the levels, types of paddling and body types.
board; it’s about what you want to get out of it. A per- Within any given board category, there is a range of
fectly sized paddleboard should carry your weight board sizes with different sizes corresponding to dif-
efficiently, perform well for the type of paddling ferent rider weights. This is because taller and heavier
you’re doing and provide enough stability for your paddlers will need a higher volume board for float and
skill level so you have an enjoyable session. stability, which may mean longer, broader and thicker
Paddleboards come in many shapes and sizes. The dimensions. If you’re buying a board that will be shared,
most popular recreational paddleboards for general get the size appropriate for the largest and least experi-
use are typically 10 to 11 feet in length and between 32 enced person who will use it.
and 34 inches wide. However, paddleboards for solo Ultimately, a paddler's experience on a paddleboard
use can range from under nine feet to more than 14 is a combination of all its design features, plus the pad-
feet long, and from less than 25 inches to more than dler’s weight, ability and water conditions. Read on to
36 inches wide. This range encompasses different skill meet your perfect match.

OVERWHELMED BY ALL
THE SIZES AND SHAPES OF
PADDLEBOARDS? WE’RE
HERE TO HELP. PHOTO:
DARREN MCCHRISTIE/
ONTARIO TOURISM

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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E