Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Buyers Guide

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is the worlds fastest growing water sport and for good reason. With little experience and basic equipments you can enjoy the rivers, lakes, oceans and bays in an all new way. Its similar to kayaking only better. You stand up right placing minimum stress on your back and your point of view is much greater in terms of what's lies below the surface and out in front of you. Isle Surfboards offers a full line of Stand Up Paddle Boards and all the Stand Up Paddles you need to get started.

A Brief History Of the Stand UP Paddle Surfboard

Stand Up Paddle originated as a way for Hawaiian locals to take pictures of tourists learning to surf in Wakiki in the early 1960's and has turned into an all out phenomenon. It has lately been acquired by those who wanted an alternative way to ride surf or purely as a way to stay in shape and is now more commonly called SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding). This brief guide will help you with the process of selecting a Stand Up Paddle Surfboard along with the accessories you need to get started.

Selecting a Stand Up Paddle Surfboard

The three most important factors in selection your ideal Stand Up Paddle Surfboard are the Length, Width and Thickness of the board.

Width: This is the most important factor and its whats give you your overall stability. The traditional longboard is around 23" at its widest point. Paddle boards vary from 28" wide for a narrow surf style model to SUPs of around 33" + wide. A good rule of thumb is a board over 30" in width will be stable enough to float just about any size person up to 295 lbs. Boards less than 30" are great for smaller individuals or those looking for more performance in the surfzone.

Length: Stand up paddle boards vary in length from surf models in the 8' range to open ocean race models up to 18'. The length of the board plays a large role in the ease of the glide. Many people enjoy flatwater paddle on Rivers, Lakes, and Bays. The optimum length for ease of glide tends to be around 11' - 12'6. This gives you a nice long board perfect for cruising. Individuals who are looking to get the best of board worlds and enjoy the surfzone as well as the flatwater boards in the 9' to 10' range are great giving you length for the flat water but not long to hinder you in the surf. And for those who want to shred the surf boards 9' and under work great.

Thickness:
To give you some comparison between a surfboard and a paddle board. A traditional longboard is around 3" thick. Stand Up thickness ranges from 4 1/2" to 5". This extra thickness gives the board tremendous wave catching ability while also providing a stable platform to balance on while idle for paddling up right.

Browse our full selection of Stand Up Paddle Boards!

Stand Up Paddle Board Necessities

Paddle:
The obvious next step is picking out a paddle. The rule of thumb for paddles is you want the paddle to be around 10" over your head. This provides maximum comfort while paddling and gives you the optimum stroke. If you only paddle in the surf zone and enjoy riding waves a paddle 8" over your head works better as you are more crouched to your board in surf conditions. We offer a selection of carbon fiber paddles we can customize to your height.

Leash:
If your stand up surfboard gets loose, you got a lethal weapon in the lineup. NEVER use the board in the surf zone without a leash. If you are planning on spending most of you time on a lake or bay then a leash isn't really mandatory but ALWAYS wear a leash in the surf zone.

PFD (Personal Floatation Device):
Your stand up paddle board is classified as a vessel by the US Coast Guard. Always use your PFD when operating in waters outside a normal swimming area.

Isle Surfboards offers a great selection of paddles, leashes and paddle boards.

Stand Up Paddle Board Accessories

You owe it to yourself to spend a little extra cash and get some cool Stand Up Paddle Board accessories.

Stand Up Traction Pads:
A Stand Up Paddle Board traction pad is highly recommended. Isle Surfboards Stand Up Paddle Boards all come complete with traction that covers the majority of you board and make learning on your new Stand Up Paddle Board a much more enjoyable mission. This traction will help to keep you standing up on your board and offers a comfortable cushion for your feet while paddling.

Stand Up Day Bags and Travel Bags:
Other optional SUP accessories are day bags for your stand up. Stand Up Day Bags are ideal for transporting and carrying your Paddle Board to and from the beach. They are also add much needed protection when storing you board at home. Throw your wetsuit, towel and other accessories in your Stand Up Paddle Day Bag for an effortless trip to the beach.

Shop our Stand UP Paddle Surfboards Line, Stand Up Day Bags, Paddles, and Leashes.