If you’re looking for a paddle board, you may be wondering what size paddle board you should get for your height. Here are some things to consider that will help you make the best decision.
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Paddle Board Length
In order to get the most out of your paddle boarding experience, it is important to choose a paddle board that is the right size for you. Paddle boards come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to know your height and weight in order to choose the right one. The wrong size paddle board can make your experience more difficult and less enjoyable, so it is important to take the time to find the right one.
Weight
The average paddle board is about 10 feet long and 30 inches wide. But the length and width of a paddle board depends on the rider’s weight. A heavier person will need a longer and wider board for stability, while a lighter person can get by with a shorter and narrower board.
Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right paddle board based on your weight:
-Up to 150 pounds: 9-10 feet long, 30 inches wide
-151-200 pounds: 10-11 feet long, 32 inches wide
-201-250 pounds: 11-12 feet long, 32-33 inches wide
-251 pounds and up: 12 feet long, 33 inches wide
Paddling Style
Paddling style greatly effects the size of paddle board you will want to purchase. There are three main types of paddling styles-surfing, all-around, and racing. Surfing paddle boards are shorter and wider, which makes them more maneuverable on waves. All-around paddle boards are good for both surfing and flat water paddling. They are longer and narrower than surfing paddle boards, but not as long and narrow as racing paddle boards. Racing paddle boards are the longest and narrowest of the three kinds of paddle boards. They are designed for racing, but can also be used for flat water paddling.
When you know what type of paddling you will be doing most often, you can narrow your search to specific types and sizes of paddle boards.
Paddle Board Width
The general rule when it comes to paddle boards is that the wider the board, the more stable it will be. This is especially important if you are a beginner. If you are taller, you will want to get a wider board. If you are shorter, you can get away with a narrower board.
Stability
When it comes to stand up paddle boarding, stability is key. A wide paddle board will offer more stability than a narrow one, making it easier to balance and stay upright. If you’re new to the sport or just want an easy ride, we recommend choosing a board that is at least 30 inches wide. For more experienced paddlers who are looking for a challenge, a narrower board around 28 inches wide may be more appropriate. Ultimately, the best width for your paddle board will depend on your height, weight, and skill level.
Paddling Style
One of the most important aspects in choosing the right paddle board is width. Depending on your paddling style, you will want to choose a paddle board that is either wide or narrow. Touring and racing style paddle boards are narrow so that they can cut through the water more easily and with less drag. These boards are also lighter and easier to transport. Recreational paddle boards, on the other hand, are wider for stability and more comfortable cruising. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to choose a recreational board.
Once you have decided on your paddling style, you can then narrow down your choices by looking at the width of the board. As a general rule, the wider the board, the more stable it will be. If you are a beginner or plan to use your paddle board in choppy water, it’s best to choose a wider board. For touring or racing, however, you will want to choose a narrower board for better speed and performance.
The following chart is a general guide to help you decide what size paddle board you should get for your height:
Paddle Board Widths:
Paddler Height | Recreational Paddle Board Width | Touring/Racing Paddle Board Width
—————|——————————-|——————————
4’6” – 5’2” | 30” – 34” | 28” – 32”
5’3” – 5’9″ | 32″ – 36″ | 30″ – 34″
5’10” – 6’2″ | 34″ + | 32″ +
Paddle Board Thickness
When you’re choosing a paddle board, one of the first things you’ll notice is that paddle boards come in different thicknesses. Most people think that the thicker the better, but that’s not always the case. In fact, the thickness of your paddle board will greatly affect how your paddle board performance.
Durability
One major factor to consider when choosing a SUP is the thickness of the board. The thickness of your board affects its buoyancy, stability, and durability.
Standup paddle boards range in thickness from 4 inches to 6 inches. The thicker the board, the more stable it will be. But, a thicker board is also heavier and less efficient to paddle. Most beginner and intermediate riders will do well on a board that is between 5 and 6 inches thick.
If you are a big rider (over 200 pounds) or if you plan on doing a lot of SUP surfing, you may want to consider a thicker board in the 6-inch range. This will give you more floatation and stability in rough conditions.
For racing or long-distance paddling, a thinner and lighter board in the 4- to 5-inch range will be easier to paddle and will help you go faster.
Weight Capacity
The thickness of your paddle board will determine how much weight it can support. Most boards are between 4 and 6 inches thick. If you weigh more than 200 pounds, you’ll need a board that is at least 5 inches thick. And if you weigh more than 250 pounds, you’ll need a board that is 6 inches thick.
How to Choose the Right Size Paddle Board
Paddle boarding is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the scenery. But before you can enjoy the sights, you need to choose the right size paddle board for your height. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a paddle board.
Weight
When trying to determine what size paddle board to get, one of the first things you need to consider is your weight. Just as with surfboards, stand up paddle boards come in a variety of sizes and shapes, all designed to accommodate different weights. Heavier paddlers will need a larger and wider board in order to stay afloat, while lighter paddlers can get away with a smaller board. If you’re not sure what size paddle board you need based on your weight, use the following chart as a guide.
Paddle Board Weight Capacity
8’6” – up to 175 lbs
9’6” – up to 210 lbs
10’6” – up to 250 lbs
11’6” – up to 275 lbs
Paddling Style
The first step in deciding what size paddle board to buy is understanding the types of paddle boarding you’ll be doing. Paddle boarding can be separated into four main activities: racing, touring, surfing, and yoga/fitness. If you’re just getting started, you might not have a preference yet and that’s okay! kayakshed.com has a great quiz that can help you decide which style is right for you.
Different paddle boarding activities require different boards, so it’s important to know what you want to use your paddle board for before making a purchase. Here are some general guidelines:
Racing: If you’re interested in racing, you’ll need a long and narrow board. These boards are designed for speed and aren’t as stable as other boards, so they might not be the best choice if you’re just starting out.
Touring: Touring boards are longer and wider than other boards, which makes them more stable. This is ideal if you want to use your paddle board for long-distance paddling or if you want to bring gear with you on your trip.
Surfing: Surfboards are shorter and wider than other boards, which makes them more maneuverable. They’re also designed to float in the waves, so they might not be the best choice if you want to use your paddle board on flat water.
Yoga/Fitness: Yoga and fitness paddle boards are wider and thicker than other boards, which makes them more stable. They often have extra features like handles or bungee cords that make them easier to use for yoga or fitness activities.
Stability
Stability is one of the main reasons to choose a certain size paddle board. If you are a beginner, you will want to choose a paddle board that is wider and thicker for more stability. If you are an experienced paddler, you may want to choose a narrower and thinner board for more speed. The following chart shows the general width and thickness of different types of boards:
-Allround: 28”-32” wide, 4”-6” thick
-Touring: 24”-28” wide, 4”-6” thick
-Racing: 22”-26” wide, 4”-6” thick
-Surfing: 22”-26″ wide, 6″-8″ thick
-Cruiser: 26″-36″ wide 8″-10″ thick
