When it comes to choosing the best stand-up paddleboard for families, there are a few things you should consider…
If you are looking to get afloat with the kids or are a beginner paddleboarder yourself, it’s a good idea to buy an all-round paddleboard. This will give you the best of all worlds, and in particular, plenty of stability.
Stability is of course, a big thing for those new to paddleboarding – it’s natural to worry about wobbling and falling in, particularly if you are paddleboarding with children.
Ok so you will almost certainly fall in at some point – that’s all part of the fun – but it is also why wearing a buoyancy aid for paddleboarding is always a good idea. But to help you progress your skills and get the most out of your new paddleboard, it’s a good idea to prioritise stability.
The more rigid the paddleboard, the more stable it will be. It’s also more efficient and easier to paddle, because all the energy from each paddle stroke goes into forward motion, rather than being dispersed by wobbling. More on why rigidity is important below…
Inflatable or hard board?
First there is the big question of whether to go for an inflatable or a hard paddleboard.
Unless you are the lucky sort to live right next to the water or already have boat storage sorted, for most people it’s something of a no-brainer, with the convenience of storing and transporting an inflatable paddleboard winning out: with the board fitting into an over-sized rucksack, no roof racks and/or van are needed, just a normal car boot.
Yes, ok, it’ll take you a few minutes to inflate once on the beach, but the fact you can take it just about anywhere opens up a whole world of adventures afloat, so it’s easy to understand why inflatable paddleboards are so popular.
But how do inflatable paddleboards compare to hard paddleboards?
Well, thanks to the leaps and bounds in tech development in recent years, inflatable paddleboards are as rigid as solid boards – or pretty much as near as you can get, at least as far as beginners are concerned.
This rigidity comes from a complex internal structure. Air pressure also plays a part, and that’s why it’s essential ensure you know how to inflate your paddleboard to the correct air pressure, as recommended by the manufacturer. This is generally 15-17 psi, but you should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Inflatable paddleboards are made from super tough PVC with reinforced seams, so they typically offer great durability.
If you are paddleboarding with young children, inflatable boards are more likely to withstand being rammed up the beach by comparison to their solid counterparts, which are typically made from much more fragile materials, such as fibreglass.
The weight of materials tends to be distributed more uniformly across the construction, which is another tick in the box in terms of stability.
What about cost?
Inflatable paddleboards also tend to be the cheaper option, due to the materials used.
The very cheapest paddleboards are likely to be single-skin, which are lighter but because of this they float higher, so are less stable.
They are also less rigid, which means they can feel quite wobbly, particularly in waves. Single-skin boards are also generally less durable than more expensive double-skinned boards. More on that below…
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Dimensions – why size matters
Once you’ve thought about construction, next consider size.
You will find most all-round paddleboards are between 9ft 6 to 11ft (approx 2.9m to 3.4m) in length. As a rule of thumb, you should take the length of your board based on your height plus approx 10-12 inches.
The longer the board, the faster it will go, which is why more specialist boards suited to touring tend to be longer in length. But if you have a paddleboard you plan to use together as a family, it’s best to go for something closer to the mid-range so you’re not compromising manoeuvrability and so you can swap around users.
Note that if you have older kids who are starting to paddleboard independently, it will be worth investing in a board suited to their size and weight, otherwise they will have a hard time paddling.
Think carefully about the maximum all-up weight you are likely to take on the board as you will need to factor this in. This includes taking the kids, bags, perhaps even the dog on the paddleboard! The overall dimensions of the board will affect the total buoyancy to an extent.
When it comes to thickness or ‘freeboard’, there are lots of options in the 5-6 inch range. Bear in mind that a higher floating board does not equate to greater stability. In fact, it’s the opposite! So unless you are after a board that will accommodate a particularly high max weight, trying to find thinner board is probably your best bet. Ours are a slick 4.5 inches and we love the stability they give.
If you are looking for the most stable paddleboard, a slightly wider board can help here. However, don’t be tempted by one that is too wide, as too much width can slow you down and you have to put more effort into paddling harder to get where you want to go.
Most all-rounder boards are in the 32-36 inch width range; anything out of this bracket is likely to be too specialist if you are just starting out in paddleboarding.
Shape
The shape of the paddleboard can affect how it handles, so it is worth being aware of the differences and comparing a few different profiles.
Narrower nose (front) and tail (back) sections can make the board feel unstable. However, it does help with speed and so they are popular features for paddleboarders who like to cover long distances. They do also make the board more responsive, so you will find short surf paddleboards, which need to change direction quickly, also often have a very tapered shape.
If you are new to paddleboarding however, you’re unlikely to get on well with a very tapered board.
By contrast, anything with very wide nose and tail sections while they may look floaty and appealing, are likely to be harder to turn. While you’re still honing technique and learning to how your board handles in wind and waves, you will also want to avoid very wide sectioned boards.
So, if you are looking to start paddleboarding with the family you will want to buy a paddleboard that is a good all-rounder, so avoid boards with profiles at either extreme. Something in the middle will be the best option for starting out.
Paddleboarding extras
So while we have ticked off the big things, there are a few smaller details to think about that can add up to make a difference…
Consider the size of the gripped area and ideally compare a couple of options. This ideally needs to be quite large and well cushioned particularly if you are paddleboarding with small kids, to help protect knees when scampering on and off the board.
Check out the fins. Again, to start off, you are looking for something middle of the road so be aware there are a few different options.
Some boards come with more than one set, but as a general rule of thumb, the larger the fins and the further back they are the greater directional stability the board is likely to have; the smaller the fins or the further forward they are, the more manoeuvrable the board is likely to be.
Think about where you are likely to be paddleboarding and take the conditions – as well as the depth of water – into account.
Think about your paddle. After all, this is your primary means of propulsion so it’s a pretty important bit of kit! Various sizes and weights are available.
Generally you want a paddle that’s around 8-10 inches taller than you. However if you are paddleboarding with the family and will be looking to take turns in paddling, an adjustable paddle is a must! At the pricier end of the scale, carbon fibre is the lightest choice; aluminium, while cheaper and certainly more robust, will be that bit heavier and more cumbersome to handle.
Last but not least, does your board include any extras as part of a bundle package?
Useful accessories for any level include a pump, wheelie backpack, dry bags etc, while more experienced paddleboarders might consider a windsurf rig, seats. At any level, if a pump is not already included, investing in a high pressure one, or even an electric one, can be a sensible move!
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