How to Choose Your Stand-Up Paddle Board
SUP Board by Weight
If you are a SUP beginner, you’ll want a board that both supports your weight and one that you can balance on easily. It’s important to remember that if you’re planning on taking a significant other you will need to factor in the extra weight. This also applies to any food, water or additional gear you plan to bring on board with you.
If you weigh less than 150lb, you’ll want to go for a shorter paddleboard in the 9’6 range and if you get the right design, these boards can give the rider a lot of stability. Make sure the width is appropriate for the length at around 30-32 inches as anything wider will be slow to paddle.
SUP Board by Height
When working out what size SUP is right for you, a general rule of thumb is to add 9-10 inches to the paddler’s height. Alongside this, remember to factor in the weight of the padder, how many times they’ve paddled, and the location of where you'll be paddling. This will vary depending on the primary use of the SUP, with more experienced paddlers choosing this method to find their perfect fit.
Choosing A Beginners SUP Board
As a beginner, your main focus should be to enjoy yourself and gain an understanding of what a paddling board can bring you and what it has to offer. It’s best to find the calmest waters possible, as they will provide the easiest conditions to learn in. Aim for lakes, ponds and marshes — places with small waves under 50cm. By starting in such areas, you will be able to get used to the requirements of stand-up paddleboarding.
When it comes to choosing a SUP for a beginner, it’s a good idea to look for a short, wide board with a curved nose. Stability is key for first-timers. Although it’ll be something that you can improve and develop to gain any enjoyment during the early stages, you will want the board to do some of the heavy liftings for you. But remember, safety is key for beginners, so a board with a leash can go a long way in ensuring you keep your head above water.
Key features
- Between 9 and 11 feet lengthways
- 60 to 80 kg (flexible depending on weight)
- Short, wide stand-up paddle with a curved nose
- Leash for safe stand-up paddling
Our Best Beginner SUP Boards
A pro tip for all beginners; why not buy a coiled leash for extra safety? This is especially useful if you plan to use the board on rivers or canals.
SEAGO STAND UP PADDLEBOARD - FREERIDE COMPLETE KIT
Expertly designed to ensure ideal stability for first-timers, our range of beginner SUPs has everything a beginner needs when hitting the water.
Created by our team of expert padders, we’ve developed a touring stand-up paddleboard perfect for half-day trips, made for beginners of different weight classes. Not only is it built with a pointed, aerodynamic design for cruising, but it's also fitted with a foam deck for comfort, grip and transportation.
Seago paddleboards offer everything you need to get on the water and start your new adventure. Ideal for use on oceans, lakes, rivers and bays. Stand-up paddle boarding is a great form of exercise, fun for all the family and is an excellent entry point to getting involved in water sports. Perfect for travelling because these paddle boards are easily packed into the carry bag making transporting them no problem and the setup only takes a few minutes so you can be out having fun in no time.
Where will you go next?
The Canoe is a classic universal canoe buoyancy aid for persons over 40kg. Features include reinforced shoulder straps, drain mesh front pocket, adjustable waist belt and crutch strap that are sewn in to prevent loss.
Seago Stand Up Paddleboard - Freeride Complete Kit
Size: 10′ 6″ 280 Litre (320 Long x 82 Wide x 15cm Deep)
Seago paddleboards come complete with:
- Inflatable Sup
- 3 Piece Adjustable Paddle
- Ankle Leash
- High-Pressure Pump
- Removable Fin
- Repair Kit
- Carry Bag
Seago paddleboards feature:
- Drop stitch fabric: Heavy-duty PVC laminated drop stitched fabric. This incredibly durable, tough fabric gives the strength needed to hold high pressure and stay rigid.
- Luggage straps: Tough shock cord is used to allow you to store belongings while out on the water. The shock cord is attached to 4 strong and secure anchor points.
- Large EVA deck pad: Diamond pattern 5mm EVA deck pad offers maximum grip and comfort while standing on the SUP. The deck pad covers a large area of the top deck.
- Raised foot pad: For advanced paddleboarders, the raised foot pad will give you support while carving in the surf and white water.
- Ankle leash anchor point: The secure leash anchor point is located at the stern of the board. Conveniently out of the way while paddling or surfing.
- Carry bag: Designed to comfortably hold the inflatable SUP and all of the essential kit need to get out on the water. The vented underside allows water out and air in to keep the kit dry. Can be used as a rucksack or carried with the top handle.
- 3 Piece paddle: Convenient and sturdy, this paddle is fully adjustable to accommodate people of different heights. The blade is made from ABS with plenty of surface area to get you moving.
- High-pressure pump with gauge: This high-pressure pump with a gauge will inflate your paddle board to the correct pressure and get you on the water in no time.
- Ankle leash: Stay connected to your paddle board at all times with this high-strength leash. The leash is coiled keeping it tidy while paddling or surfing and has a strong, comfortable Velcro strap for speedy fitting and release.
- Removable fin: The removable high-density fin slots in the fin box with no tools required.
