We talked about choosing your perfect O’Shea inflatable SUP in this article. That, however, is brand specific. And while we wholeheartedly love O’Shea SUPs NCW stocks a varied range of other stand up paddle board equipment to cover all bases. Which includes hard and inflatable SUP boards.
Whilst our range isn’t as extensive as some it’s still a decent chunk of kit that any prospective customer will need to research and bet hard earned cash against. So to help we’ve put together this article to help choosing your perfect SUP partner all the easier. The following questions you need to ask yourself (and answer honestly) are designed to help pinpoint which kit will be best for you.
What level of stand up paddler am I?
SUP skill plays a big part in terms of which board to choose. If you’re a newbie it’s no good opting for something that’s narrow and low volume. You may have all the aspirations in the world but it still takes time and perseverance to develop a solid set of paddling skills. So at the start stability is key.
Whether inflatable or hard SUP you should be looking towards something that’s at least 31” inches wide. The board should also be thicker (6” if inflatable) with a decent amount of volume. Of course, rider weight plays a part. A lighter paddler could potentially get away with something narrower and with less volume. If you’re built with bigger bones then something around 34” inches wide would be a good bet.
Length should also not be forgotten. 10’6 is often the go to measurement. Anything less also impacts stability to a degree. But will also hamper things like glide (momentum) and tracking (how straight your board remains after each paddle stroke). There’s no reason to not go for a longer, touring style SUP if you’re inclined. In some ways, this can be a good move as you end up with something that’s ripe for progression having sorted the basics.
Suggested kit for lighter riders: O’Shea 10’2 QSx.
O’Shea 10’2 QXS Inflatable SUP board, full package
£539.95
Suggested kit for bigger boned paddlers: O’Shea 10’8 QSx.
SALE NOW ON – 20% off : O’Shea 10’8 QSx inflatable SUP, full package
Original price was: £589.95.£471.98Current price is: £471.98.
Where do I (or am I) most likely to be paddling?
This is an important point. If you’re mostly paddling on sheltered inland waters things like wind, chop and tide aren’t dictating factors as would be the case of coastal SUPers. Weather does affect stand up paddling – wherever you put in – but exposed beaches require paddlers to have slightly different kit.
For instance: an inland SUP paddlers can potentially get away with a slightly narrower board. He/she won’t be having to contend with confused sea states, which look to buck you off your sled. And a coastal SUPer would definitely be better off with a long stand up paddle board to offset the effects of tide/current trying to push you off course. The longer board will tack far more efficiently and therefore deliver more on fun.
Other things to consider about your general paddling environment are the existence of hazards – such as debris and rocks lining the shoreline or in the water itself. With rocks and reef in the mix a hard stand up paddle board will potentially pick up more knocks, scuffs and dings than an inflatable. Although it’s still easy to puncture and air filled board. The latter isn’t as costly as the former, however.
Suggested kit for intermediate inland paddlers: Aloha explore 11’4.
SALE NOW ON – 20% off : Aloha Explore 11’4 Inflatable SUP Board, full package
Original price was: £489.95.£391.96Current price is: £391.96.
Suggested kit for coastal adventurers: Tahe Breeze 11’6. (Note: this product is shipped directly from the manufacturer).
Tahe Breeze WindSUP 11’6 stand up paddle/windsurf board.
£1,170.00
What type of paddling am I most likely to be doing?
Most SUPers err towards recreational paddling. This involves generally mooching about, not covering crazy distances, on flat water in fair weather. Recreation is the biggest area of SUP globally. Families tend to purchase a SUP set up for fun days at the beach. The gear’s not seen as hardcore. Instead, it’s more of a way to pass the time in an easy going manner.
There are, however, those that go down the performance paddling route. Perhaps SUP surfing, maybe SUP racing or potentially white water paddling and so on. Having nailed those fundamental skills riders are free to choose which direction they take their SUPing. You may just stick with recreational SUP – which is fine. But, likewise, the performance end could become your thing.
Whatever style of stand up paddle boarding you go after will affect your kit choice. Whilst all round SUPs can be used for a broad range of versatile SUP disciplines there’s also more specialist gear that’ll do the job more efficiently. Although that word: versatility is always applicable. Even the most hardcore race SUP, for instance, can be used for recreational paddling.
Suggested board for intermediate SUP surfers (with all round paddling versatility): SIC Maui TAO Surf 10’6. (Note: this product is shipped directly from the manufacturer).
SIC Maui TAO SURF 10.6 x 31.5 x 185L (AT) ART stand up paddle board.
£950.00
Suggested SUP for advanced longboard style SUP surfers: SIC Maui Sabre 10’6. (Note: this product is shipped directly from the manufacturer).
SIC Maui Saber (GC+) 10’6″ x 30″ x 155L stand up paddle board.
£1,375.00
What are my SUP goals, ambitions and aspirations?
You may have ambitions and aspirations of becoming the next SUP racing world champ – which is awesome! As a beginner, however, it’d be complete folly to purchase a high performance (narrow and unstable) SUP race sled to start your journey. Stomping those essential beginner techniques, before progressing onto most advanced paddling skills should be the focus. And a SUP board that allows this will be key.
In time, as you improve, swapping out your stand up paddle boarding gear for something sportier will be a good move. But in the short term making life as easy for yourself is way more important.
This all said your stand up paddle boarding equipment choice should include a progressive element. If you’re fairly athletic, and up for a challenge, then you may choose kit that is a tad trickier to learn with but has more longevity than a standard 10’6. With SUP instruction, from a qualified coach, you may find your improvement is rapid and that additional built in equipment versatility comes to the fore quicker than you thought.
Suggested board for kids: O’Shea GROM.
O’Shea GROM QSx kids/small adult inflatable SUP 7’10 x 29″ x 135L, full package
£399.00
Additional considerations.
For many purchasing a stand up paddle board set up will be a hefty outlay of cash. The return on investment (read: fun) needs to be paramount. SUPing is defined by its ‘engine’ – the paddle. All the packages NCW sells are top drawer affairs. But if you can keep back some budget to upgrade your SUP paddle then you’ll have a better overall experience. Don’t underestimate the paddle!
Stay tuned for Indiana SUP paddles coming soon!
Safety is another spotlight area. In recent years there’s been a huge influx of new stand up paddlers entering the fold. More often than not, however, these riders have little to no prior watersports experience. Going afloat in the wrong (potentially hazardous) conditions; not wearing the correct paddling attire; omitting a leash and/or wearing the wrong one (!) can all be life threatening.
We don’t want to sound like the fun police but there’s a risk with anything like stand up paddling. Reducing the variables and staying as safe as possible is how to get the maximum out of the sport.
All NCW SUP packages will now be supplied with a quick release leash belt. In the event of getting tangled and snared up paddlers can release themselves from their kit and float downstream away from harm. You may also consider additional floatation, such as Restube inflatable wait buoyancy. There’s nothing wrong with being cautious.
Suggested SUP safety kit: NCW upcycled quick release SUP belt.
NCW upcycled quick release safety belt for stand up paddle board leashes – MADE IN CORNWALL
£16.99
Suggested SUP safety kit #2: Restube personal floatation.
Restube personal floatation for watersports.
£49.95 – £79.95
Hopefully, this article gives some guidance as to where to start when looking at NCW’s range of stand up paddle boards and accessories. If you have any queries or need further help choosing your ideal SUP partner then get in touch by phone or email.