Paddler Types & Choosing a Board
Now, everyone is different but paddle boarding can be for everyone. While this watersport seems as simple as getting up on a board and paddling, there are so many nuances and uses for it!
This sport has developed in the last years to accommodate all tastes, lifestyles, and needs of its enthusiasts. Aside from the varying skill levels, paddle boarding can also differ in the type of adventure you want. From tranquil recreation to wild terrain, there is something for everybody!
Find out what type of paddler you are below and what you need to make the most out of it:
1. Meditation Yogi
The Meditation Yogi does more than just paddle. They like tranquil flat water and beautiful scenery to practice their yoga poses. Balance is key in this type of paddle boarding. SUP Yoga has become of of the most popular spin-offs of this watersport.
People who love yoga tend to gravitate to paddle boarding as well so that they can take on a new challenge and practice their poses on unstable surfaces. This can challenge their balance and engage their core even more. From there, they can improve their skills much speedier than no challenges at all.
Best Spot to Paddle: Calm Waters like in Ala Moana Beach, Hawaii, and in Santa Barbara Cove, California
How to Choose the Best Gear for You:
Some of the key things to look out for when choosing a board are the deck pad, inflatable vs. hard boards, and thickness. It’s not required for you to have a dedicated yoga board even when you’re already an experienced yogi. An all-around board would be great for you to get all the things you need to practice yoga and can be used for traditional paddle boarding too.
Inflatable boards are much better for easy travel and much softer for the body to lie on. Other key board features you need are moderate thickness, a wide deck, and a removable handgrip. This enables you to have the utmost balance for better chances of an enjoyable yoga session on the water. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the waves.
Our recommendations:
1. Advanced Elements Lotus YSUP
2. Peak 10′ Yoga & Fitness Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
3. Driftsun Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
2. Chill Cruiser
The Chill Cruiser is here for the journey and the scenic views. Perfect for beginners, the cruisers prefer calmer waters surrounded by beautiful landscapes. They take the time to stop after every few paddles to just appreciate the moment and the breathtaking location they’re in.
Usually paddling for longer periods, the chill cruiser wants to explore the different waterways they embark on. “Calm and collected” is their mantra, and they want to travel the world and really experience each destination and appreciate what nature has gifted to us.
Best Spot to Paddle: Calm waters all over the world! Nature Parks in the States and Canada are perfect to explore. Banff, Alberta has beautiful lakes for Chill Cruisers. Another amazing adventure of a lifetime in the Antarctic Peninsula, where you can paddle board around icy glaciers. Check these two places out in our top 5 paddle board dream destinations.
How to Choose the Best Gear For You:
The best board for you are boards that are made for long-distance trips, which are the Touring paddle boards. Whether taking a short trip around an island or really traversing through waterways, this board is perfect for you to easily glide through the water, sturdy to keep your weight for long periods, and absolutely reliable.
Long-distance boards usually have a pointed end, larger bungee systems to strap down more gear, and are bigger than the average board. Get ready your cameras for all the amazing things you’ll see in your adventure!
Our Recommendations:
2. THURSO SURF Expedition Touring SUP
3. BOTE Traveller Aero Inflatable SUP Package
3. Wild Adventurer
Now, this type of paddler is not faint-hearted. Perfect for more seasoned paddlers, they enjoy rolling waves, rough terrain, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. These daredevils seek discomfort and are looking for the wildest adventures in the world.
While paddle boarding seems like quite a calm watersport, people can have more thrill-seeking experiences through remote pathways and spots that have more turbulent weather.
A word of caution though: leave this to the experts and do your own research. Wild adventures while paddle boarding have their own risks and should be approached with caution. When choosing to take on this risk, please have complete gear like a personal floating device, a first-aid kit, and more.
Best Spot to Paddle: Just about anywhere! Wild adventurers are not limited to safe calm waters but would venture off to the more challenging spots. Reeks District offers beautiful landscapes and even night paddle boarding to enjoy moonlit stargazing in a secret lake. Another fun spot would be paddle boarding the whitewater rapids in Perthshire, Scotland!
How to Choose the Best Gear for You:
As a more experienced enthusiast, I know that it’s so tempting to get specialized boards for your adventures. However, it’s recommended to look for a great high-quality all-around board instead. When traversing long distances or whitewater, you never really know what you can come across.
You might find yourself needing to paddle upstream or get greeted with a rolling rapid directly. In this case, you need a board that can perform well in any situation you find yourself in. An inflatable board that is around 9-11 feet, 32-34 in width, and a fin system that can be used for whitewater and other cases would be perfect for these types of extreme adventures.
Good luck on your next extreme adventure!
Our recommendations:
1. Starboard Inflatable River Inflatable Paddleboard
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