A paddle board is chosen above all according to its use. Once this has been defined, you can look at the characteristics of the model to refine the choice.
Stroll
A versatile Stand Up Paddle board is required for the ride. But versatility doesn't mean performance. Quite bulky, these boards are "all-terrain", but do not like the wind too much to progress without difficulty.
Race
Breed boards are long and narrow. Often thick and not very wide, they offer less lateral stability. Their tapered bow and V-shaped hull offer little resistance to headwinds. They perform very well in a straight line and are not very manoeuvrable.
Surf
The paddle allows the practice of surfing or at least the evolution in the waves. It requires a short, manageable and fairly stable board.
The important characteristics of a paddle:
The length:
The longer a board is, the faster it goes. On the other side of the coin, the longer it is, the less manoeuvrable it is.
The width:
A wide board will be more stable. But it also drags the water and goes slower. To work the muscles of the buttocks, don't take a board that is too wide..
The volume:
A paddle board must be connected with your weight. Its volume makes up the buoyancy. And don't forget that sometimes you will enjoy taking your child with you..
Fins:
A single rear wing is enough to launch into the paddle. To go straight, it will be placed the furthest back in the box. To gain in maneuverability, to go in the waves, we will be able to move it forward.
To begin, remove the 2 side wings (when present). If necessary, choose a longer fin for the center fin. It helps the lateral stability of the board. A larger fin will give you more lateral stability. A good fin for the ride measures between 22 and 28 cm.
Rigid or inflatable?
Rigid boards are better performing (better glide), but also more fragile and above all much more bulky than an inflatable paddle. Some are over 4 m long, which is the total length of a nice car... Inflatable SUPs are lighter and deflate to fit in a bag. But their rounder shapes offer more wind grip.
Regulation
If the paddle is less than 3m (11.6') long, it is considered to be beach gear. That is to say that the regulations do not allow them to move more than 300 m from a shelter. The same applies to inflatable SUPs that have only one air chamber (i.e. all inflatable SUPs).
Rigid paddle boards that measure more than 3 m may be sailed during the day beyond 300 m, but within 2 miles of a shelter, provided that you take with you the safety equipment corresponding to the regulations :
- A leash
- An effectively worn suit that covers the torso and abdomen or a 50 N lifejacket.
- A flash-light to standards
