June 06, 2022 7 min read

SUP paddle boards offer a new and exciting way to get on the water and explore the world around you. The popularity of SUP boards has increased dramatically in recent years. The first type of SUP is the traditional type and this type is usually made of fiberglass and epoxy or polyurethane resin. The second type is the inflatable type and these boards usually come with a bag to store them. There are seven subtypes. If you are a beginner keep reading the article to find out more.

Seven Different Types of SUP Paddle Boards

All-around paddle board

Beginners and those unsure of what type of paddle board is ideal for them should consider an all-around paddle board. The boards are very stable and can be used in most conditions - from flat water to very small waves. They tend to be slower than touring paddle boards and less agile than surf paddle boards.

sup paddle boards

Flatwater paddle board

Those who will mostly paddle in flat water and want to travel far will benefit from a flatwater paddle board. These boards tend to be longer and narrower than an all-around board, while not quite as long or narrow as a touring board.

Touring paddle boards

Touring paddle boards, which are similar to flatwater paddle boards, are usually used for long distances or racing and have a long, narrow shape. The touring paddle board cuts through chop with ease and tracks in a straight line.

Fishing paddle board

You can exercise while fishing from a stand up paddle board. There is plenty of space for storing tackle gear on fishing paddle boards because they are extremely stable.

Surf paddle board

You should consider getting a surf (performance) paddle board if you live near the beach or are already an avid surfer. The boats come in a range of sizes and can be paddled slowly, but they are very maneuverable. Egg-shaped paddle boards are more common; long and narrow paddle boards are more common.

Yoga paddle board

Yoga practitioners are obsessed with practicing on paddle boards - for good reason! You can improve your balance and stability with each pose you do while practicing yoga on a paddle board. This is a fun and novel way to practice yoga.

Inflatable paddle boards

As opposed to all-around boards, inflatable paddleboards are longer and narrower, although not quite as long and narrow as tours for beginners and those with limited space. These boards are simply inflated with a pump like an air mattress. You can also look for high-quality, stand up paddle board gear and accessories that fits your needs.

Foam paddle boards

Foam paddle boards are the newest board on the market and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular boards. They are made of a waterproof material called "polyethylene foam" and they look like a traditional polystyrene (EPS) board.

The major difference between foam and EPS is that the foam boards are less expensive and won't break like an EPS board. Foam boards are great for beginners because the boards are soft and easy to balance on.

Hard paddle boards

These boards are made up of a durable and reinforced material that is stronger than traditional boards made of foam or plastic materials. They also employ the use of a textured top surface for extra grip.There are multiple benefits to using a hard paddle board such as increased durability, increased stability, and more room for storage. Check out this post on hard paddle boards to enhance your experience with the sport. With a hard paddle board your experience with the sport will be more durable, stable, and have more storage capacity.

Epoxy paddle boards

Race board is the most common type among epoxy paddle boards. It is big and is about 13 ft. long and is only 11 inches wide and maybe up to 3 inches thick and can also be 8 inches thick if equipped with a center fin. Race boards are used for racing and they are fast and maneuverable. Race boards can be as light as 13 lbs which makes them easy to carry. A great epoxy SUP board is as light as 13 lbs which makes them easy to carry. Race boards are also fast and maneuverable

The Benefits of SUPing

Paddle boarding is unlike any other water sport you could try. Frequently called "the yoga of the ocean", it combines strength training with mindfulness, encouraging balance and concentration. There are four major styles of paddle boarding; touring, race, paddle surfing, and SUP yoga. Each one has their own benefits. A community based around the amazing, empowering sport that is stand up paddle boarding. The ocean is full of interesting life forms and activity that people don't often get to witness. Learning to stand up paddle board puts you at the same level as the beautiful things in nature. It's wonderful to be so close to the water, feeling the whole world around me. However, things can become dangerous real quick while you're paddle boarding, so your safety needs to be your number one priority. 

girl holding paddle board

What Paddleboard is Right for Me?

When deciding whether to buy a sup, you should ask yourself a few questions to help you choose the right sup for you.

1. Do you want to surf or use the board as a paddle board?
2. Do you want to use the sup as a kayak, for fishing, or for recreational use?
3. Do you want a longboard so you can surf?
4. Do you want a flat-bottom sup or a round-bottom sup

The more questions that you answer with "yes" to, the more specific your sup will need to be. Paddle boards come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to suit everyone's needs. Here are a few pointers to help you decide:

• If you're heavier, and you need a bit more stability, look for a larger board that has a wide and stable center section and a wider, softer nose.
• If you're smaller and lighter and you want something fast and responsive, pick a smaller, narrower board that is more maneuverable.
• If you want a board for surfing, look for a shorter board.

The Best Places to SUP

Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city? Or do you want to enjoy the fresh air by getting out on the water? There are many places to go to enjoy the water, but if you are looking for the best places to SUP, here are some of the best locations. Lake Michigan is one of the best places to go to because it provides paddlers with giant waves, interesting wildlife, and other assorted waterfront attractions. Cape Cod is another destination that is surrounded by an abundance of nice waves.
Oahu Located in the U.S. state of Hawaii, Oahu is known for its natural beauty, white sand beaches, and magnificent landscapes. The climate of Oahu can be described as tropical, with warm and humid conditions. One popular water sport for tourists visiting Oahu is stand up paddleboarding or SUP.

To Sum Things Up

SUP paddle boards provide a fun and exciting way to explore the waters around you. SUP boards have become increasingly popular in recent years. There are two types of SUP boards: flat board and inflatable. Flat boards are usually more stable, while inflatable boards offer more maneuverability and speed. Which board is best for users may depend on their skill level and the type of paddling they enjoy most. SUP boards can be rigged in a variety of ways, and most boards will come with a paddle and a leash. If you plan to use your board for surfing, you may consider getting leash attachments that allow you to be within reach of it.

Commonly Asked Questions

types of paddle boards

Which type of paddle board is best?

The best type of paddle board is a touring paddle board because it is more stable than the other types. The touring paddle board is made for most people and offers stability for people who are beginners or those who want to take a long paddle.

What is the best size SUP for a beginner?

Some SUPs have a weight limit, so it's important to check the limit on the SUP before you buy it. A larger person cannot ride a smaller person's board and vice versa.

A person who is shorter and lighter will be able to ride a smaller board than someone taller and heavier. The size of the person will quickly narrow down the options. The second factor is their ability to balance on a board. Someone who has never tried a paddleboard before will not be able to balance on a wide board such as an 11'6" or a 10'.

Which iRocker SUP should I get?

The iRocker SUP has many different models to choose from. Which one is right for you? I recommend you read the article at irocker.com to see the features which are right for you. Visit irocker.com to find more information on each of the models.

Can you lose weight paddle boarding?

If you're looking for an outdoor exercise that's easy on the joints and great for working your core, look no further than paddling. It's a great way to stay in shape and enjoy nature.

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


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