Stand Up Paddle Board
Wildlife Eco Tours / Lessons

There are several types of stand up paddle boards (SUP) available to the public today, race boards, touring boards and general use boards. The general use board is what most people associate with stand up paddle boarding. The general SUP looks like an oversized surf board. Since SUP boards originated in the surf world, this is the oldest and most common type of SUP board. The key difference between a SUP board and a surf board is the volume. The SUP board is designed to provide the user with a platform which can float on the surface of the water without any momentum.
Most modern SUP boards come in a variety of sizes and shapes, all working to fill the users’ needs. Most boards range in length from 12 to 8 feet long. In addition to difference length, the width of the board can also vary, from 33 inches to as narrow as 27 inches. In addition to the difference in sizes, the general purpose boards also come in a vast array of shapes. Many boards offer an elevated rocker (nose), which allows the board to be used for greater surf performance. The different sizes are out there to give individuals a choice of boards which will fit their need, whether looking for a board which can be surfed with high performance or a great flat water board or a board which can be used for an all-around board, these general purpose boards are designed to fit your need.Most general purpose SUP boards come equipped with either a single fin or a three fin configuration. This difference in fin configuration is again designed to meet the users’ needs. If a user wants a board which has higher performance in the surf, then the three fin thruster configuration might be the way to go. Other users are looking for a board which will track straighter on flat-water, therefore a larger single fin configuration might be the way to go.

Most individuals who are looking to purchase their first stand up paddle board will get a general purpose board. This will allow them to experience the amazing sensation of walking on water and provide them a platform which they can use in the surf or the flat-water. Contact SUP Eco Adventures at www.supecoadventures.com or via email supecoadventures@gmail.com for more information on stand up paddle boards.

You’ve seen them on TV, in magazines and along the beaches. Celebrities and neighbors are all on the water. Why all this attention on stand up paddle boarding and why has it become such a phenomenon? For years people have kayaked and enjoyed the waterways all around the world, but now those kayaks are being replaced by stand up paddle boards (SUP). What exactly is a stand up paddle board and why have they become so prevalent? The stand-up paddle board has been described as a surf board on steroids or a cross between a surf board and a kayak. A stand up paddle board is designed to provide flotation due to its increased volume.

Most stand up paddle boards can be put into one of three classes, general, race and cruising boards. Most boards are designed to be utilized on either flat water or surf. Most individuals when they first start paddle boarding begin on a general SUP board. This is the board which most closely resembles a surf board. It normally has rounded rails, a stringer running down the center, elevated rocker and a deck pad. This type of board offers great stability and can be used in either flat-water or surf conditions.

The second type of SUP board is the race board. This type of board is a designed to be fast and cut through the waves. This board is generally not used to learn on since its design is narrow and its not normally as maneuverable as a general board. In addition, a race board is much more responsive making it tippier and more difficult to ride. This design leads to a board which is much faster through the water and is best utilized by someone who is experienced.
The final board design which is now starting to make its mark on the market is the cruising board. This board is longer than a general board but wider than a race board. This board tracks straighter and is stable. This board will allow you to travel greater distances while carrying additional loads without affecting its paddling characteristics.

When picking a board, this is just one of the questions you should ask yourself, “What am I going to be doing with the board?” This will go a long way in determining which type of board to purchase and what your overall SUP experience will be. So, whether you’re looking for a board to surf waves, explore the flat-water or do some flat-water exploration, there is a stand up paddle board made for you.