Page 33 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

LENGTH WIDTH THICKNESS VOLUME
Length refers to Width is the measure- Thickness is the measure- The volume of a board is
the measurement ment from rail to rail at ment of depth at the widest determined by its length,
from nose to tail of the broadest part of the part of the board. Thickness width, thickness and shape.
a board, and it plays board. A wider board affects the volume and Volume, measured in
a vital role in how is more stable but it therefore weight capacity of liters, determines a board’s
a board handles. In will be slower. A nar- a board. Inflatable designs buoyancy and how much
general, longer boards are faster, while rower board offers less resistance and are often an inch thicker than hard weight it can float. A lower volume
shorter boards are slower but more better glide but less stability. In general, boards of the same category, and thick- board means a lower weight capacity.
maneuverable. Because shorter boards a smaller person will enjoy paddling a ness may be a factor in increasing the A higher volume board means a higher
are more responsive, they’re favored narrower board, which will help avoid rigidity of some inflatable designs. weight capacity. A similarly shaped
by some for surf conditions. reaching over a wide board to get the board with higher volume feels more
paddle in the water. A larger person will stable, making it ideal for new and/or
feel more stable on a wider board. UNDER 5 INCHES larger paddlers.
• Average thickness for hard SUPs Rather than having to guess what
UNDER 10 FEET • While there are some iSUPs in this a board’s volume means for you,
• Best for smaller paddlers category for SUP surf or youth, make manufacturers post a recommended
(under 150 pounds), including UNDER 30 INCHES sure they are produced by a reputable weight range specific for each model.
youth and kids • The narrower the board, the less stable brand making high-quality boards to Don’t forget to factor in your gear and
• Better maneuverability and more paddling experience needed avoid bowing any pets or kids who may be paddling
• More responsive for SUP surf • Elite athletes race boards as narrow as with you. It’s better to err on the side
19 inches wide 5 TO 6 INCHES of a board a little too big than a board
AROUND 11 FEET • Thicker may be better for bigger pad- that’s too small.
• Average length for most recreational 30 TO 32 INCHES dlers because it adds weight capacity
SUP styles • Average paddleboard width • Average thickness for an inflatable SUP
• Suited to all-around use • Touring boards are usually in this range LESS THAN 170 LITERS
• Suitable for beginner to advanced • Good middle ground between speed 6 INCHES AND UP • Getting into SUP surf board territory
skill level and stability • Longer touring and racing boards • For smaller paddlers
benefit from extra thickness to prevent • For more experienced paddlers
OVER 12 FEET 32 INCHES AND UP bowing in the middle of the board
• Longer designs are more efficient for • Increased width creates more stability, • Extra thickness creates more volume— 170 TO 190 LITERS
touring and racing better for bigger paddlers helpful for paddlers 200+ pounds • Average hard SUP volume range for
• Better suited to paddlers with more • Offers more space to carry gear or • Raises center of gravity beginner paddlers.
experience—there’s more board to your pup • Takes longer to inflate
handle—and larger paddlers • Around 32 to 34 inches is an average 220 TO 280 LITERS
width for whitewater, fishing and • Average inflatable SUP volume range
SUP yoga for beginner paddlers

MORE THAN 280 LITERS
• Offers increased weight capacity for
heavier paddlers or more cargo
• Usually a bigger board for yoga, racing,
touring or whitewater

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