Stand up paddle boards have been in fashion for a long time now and no matter how much of a fitness freak you are, SUPs will always have something for you. Whether you are into yoga, or simply want to get a paddle workout, there’s a board for each occasion. But when faced with the task of choosing a board from such variety, people often struggle to make the right pick. We’ve come up a simple guide that describes different types of SUPs in detail so that you’ll know exactly what to grab on your next shopping trip.

Construction of SUPs

Based on construction, there are two types of SUPs:

Inflatable SUP - Inflatable SUPs usually have PVC exteriors in order to form an air core. As with all things inflatable, inflatable SUPs come with a pump that you can use to push in the air. If you’re someone who travels a lot, inflatable SUPs are ideal for you as they can easily be deflated and folded into the trunk of your car. Moreover, they are ideal to be carried by hand.

Solid SUP - Made out of foam cores and fiberglass, the solid SUPs were the original variants to come into the market. They are rigid and more stable than their inflatable counterparts, making them perfect for longer cruises and riding waves. If you have the space to store them, then they are a must buy.

Purpose Based SUPs

If you’re looking to buy SUPs for a specific purpose, here’s a complete list of available types in the market:

All Round SUPs - A truly all-round family choice that is perfect for first-timers and beginners, all round SUPs are extremely flexible and work in all possible conditions. It’s very common, chances are that your neighbors might already have on in their backyard. What’s more? You can even take your dog for a ride!

Surf SUPs - If you’ve already managed to clock some hours on the paddle board, then you’ll enjoy using surf SUPs. They are oversized, although less stable, you’re bound to experience a lot more adventure on these boards. If you’re an intermediate and looking for some thrill, this is your best bet.

Touring SUPs - Planning on increasing your stamina? Long distance paddling your idea of a great workout? Touring SUPs are bred and built for people who like push themselves to the edge. They are very solidly built for maximum efficiency and performance, so they won’t let you down no matter how you choose to test their endurance. They are so wide and stable that you can even carry your protein shakes in a small cooler over them.

Race SUPs - If your idea of fun is to take part in a flat water race, grab yourself a race SUPs and be game for life. Built with the objective of achieving maximum speed with minimal strokes, these paddle boards are just perfect for elite racers and enthusiasts. However, these are not in any way recommended for amateurs.

Fishing SUPs - If a kayak is an investment too big only to fish, then a fishing paddle board will do just fine. Most fishing SUPs do come with pre-installed Scotty mounts, but additional mounts can be added later on based on requirements. This is a great option for someone who wants to occasionally fish and save some money while they are at it.

Yoga SUPs - These kind of SUPs are some of the most stable ones in the market. Keeping in mind a yogi’s needs, there’s an expansive deck that allows users to stretch their body far and wide. The board is also suitable for other fitness related activities and can also double up as a flat-water paddling SUP.

Conclusion

Once you’ve made up your mind, make it a point to look at the weight and size of your prospective SUP. If you are looking for something that is very stable, look for a paddle board that has more volume. Some vendors even give out free trials, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to try your board first hand before you make the purchase. If you’re someone who is clumsy, you might also want to make sure that there are enough customer service provisions made by your vendor. Lastly, always look for a guarantee and do careful research about the price points in the market.