Question 1

What sort of paddle board should I buy?

Accepted Answer

For most customers, the answer is an inflatable paddle board! Inflatable paddle boards are affordable, durable, versatile, high-performing, and easy to store, transport, and use. (Not sure which inflatable to buy? Take our 30-second “Help Me Choose a Paddle Board” quiz to decide.)
If you’re an experienced paddle boarder looking for maximum performance and have a large vehicle or a roof rack to carry your board, then you could consider a hard (or “solid”) paddle board.

Question 2

Are inflatable or hard paddle boards better?

Accepted Answer

Both styles of paddle boards have pros and cons. Inflatable boards are more affordable, durable, versatile, and easy to store and transport. This is why they’re the most popular style of paddle board, especially for beginners and flatwater paddling. Hard paddle boards offer increased performance and stability, which can be beneficial in the open ocean or for more experienced paddlers, but they’re more fragile, expensive, and bulky.

Question 3

Is paddle boarding easy to learn?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Paddle boarding is generally considered easy to learn, provided you practice with a properly-sized paddle board and on flat, calm water. You might fall off a few times as you learn, but most people find they can balance and start paddling comfortably within just a few tries.  Paddle boarding on the open ocean, however, is often much more difficult, so there is plenty of room to grow in skill and experience as a paddler!

Question 4

What are the benefits of paddle boarding?

Accepted Answer

Paddle boarding is a full-body workout that can improve cardiovascular health, increase strength, and improve balance and endurance. You’ll work your arms, back, legs, and core while paddling. Paddle boarding is also a low-impact exercise, so it puts less stress on joints than other cardio sports like running. This makes it a good option for people with joint pain or individuals recovering from injury.

There are also mental and environmental benefits. Like any outdoor activity, paddle boarding can reduce stress and foster a sense of community through social activities like group outings or paddle races. As a non-motorized activity, it’s also carbon-neutral, emissions-free, and reduces noise pollution, unlike jet skiing, motorboating, or other aquatic powersports.

Question 5

Which paddle board is best for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Inflatable paddle boards are the best option for beginner paddle boarders for several reasons. For one thing, they are easy to transport and use. Most come with a backpack carry bag, and they can be inflated in minutes, both by hand or electric pump. Compared to fiberglass solid paddle boards, inflatable paddle boards are also very durable. It’s nearly impossible to puncture or damage them.

Question 6

What size paddle board should I get?

Accepted Answer

There are many metrics to consider when purchasing a paddle board, including width, thickness, and volume, but length is the primary deciding factor. An adult should look for a paddle board between 10 and 11.5 feet long. Paddle boards around 8-9 feet are great for children, and boards that are 12 feet or longer are ideal for multi-person paddling. Take our intuitive “Help Me Choose a Paddle Board” quiz to narrow your options.

Question 7

What makes a paddle board faster?

Accepted Answer

Longer, thinner paddle boards are generally faster than shorter, wider paddle boards. This is because they offer the lowest drag and the lowest wetted surface area (the portion of the board’s hull that touches the water).

Question 8

Why are longer paddle boards better?

Accepted Answer

Longer paddle boards aren’t better. Every shape of paddle board offers unique benefits and drawbacks. However, as we discussed above, longer, thinner paddle boards are faster. Shorter, wider boards, on the other hand, are more maneuverable and stable.

Question 9

How much do stand-up paddle boards cost?

Accepted Answer

Expect to spend anywhere between $150 and $1,600 for a high-quality inflatable stand-up paddle board. For hard paddle boards, prices are much higher, usually between $500 and $3,000.  The good news is that inflatable paddle boards are overwhelmingly the best choice for beginners and most all-around paddle boarders. They aren’t just cheaper; they’re also more durable, packable, and versatile!

Question 10

Can you be too heavy to paddle board?

Accepted Answer

Every paddle board has a weight limit, but most are quite high. Adult paddle boards like the 11’6” Weekender Tour and 10’6” Weekender Plus have a weight limit of 300 lbs. Multi-person paddle boards like the Weekender Crew (500 lbs) and Weekender Crew XL (1,050 lbs), however, can carry much more weight.
Just remember that the longer and wider the board, the heavier it will be. Boards like the Weekender Crew XL are great for groups, but extremely hard to paddle alone. In that case, try our solo adult paddle boards!

Question 11

Are paddle boards heavy?

Accepted Answer

Not really! Our Weekender 10’6 is only 17.5 lbs, while our Weekender Tour 11’6” is slightly heavier, at 23.5 lbs. Thanks to an intuitive backpack duffle to stow and carry your board, inflatable paddle boards aren’t just lightweight; they’re also very easy to transport wherever you plan to paddle.

Question 12

How to choose an inflatable paddle board?

Accepted Answer

With so many options, choosing the right paddle board can be daunting. Consider your experience level, weight, height, and goals. Wider boards offer increased stability, which is ideal for beginners on flatwater and is a must if you’re planning to do yoga on your paddle board. Shorter boards are a bit more maneuverable, while longer, thinner boards can reach higher speeds.

Look at accessories, too, such as textured deck pads for grip, attachment points for action cameras and accessories, bungee cord storage, fins, and included pumps and carry bags. (That last thing is extra important. You’ll be using your carry bag to store and transport your board to and from the water, so you’ll appreciate an integrated backpack design and comfortable straps.) If you’re struggling to decide, our “Help Me Choose a Paddle Board” quiz can help!

Question 13

How many fins are best on a paddle board?

Accepted Answer

Paddle boards usually have either three fins or one fin. For most paddle boarders, three fins are best. Tri-fin boards provide better lateral stability, making it easier to keep your balance on the board. Single-fin boards have reduced drag, so they’re a bit faster than tri-fin boards (but consequently much less stable). Ultimately, the slight difference in speed isn’t worth the decrease in stability, at least for most casual paddle boarders.

Question 14

Do I need a life jacket for paddle boarding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s recommended to always wear a life jacket when stand-up paddle boarding. Life jacket laws vary state-by-state, and many states legally require paddle boarders to carry or wear a lifejacket.
Regardless of the law, wearing a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is key to safety on the water, even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer. Logs, rocks, and other hazards lurk beneath rivers and lakes, large swells can pop up in the ocean, and medical emergencies can occur at any time. A life jacket ensures that you’ll remain afloat if incapacitated.

Question 15

What should I wear to go stand-up paddle boarding?

Accepted Answer

Most paddle boarders simply wear a bathing suit, such as board shorts for men or a two-piece or one-piece swimsuit for women. The key thing to remember about paddle boarding is sun protection. You’re fully exposed to the sun on your paddle board, so bring sunglasses and a hat, and always wear sunscreen! Some paddlers also prefer to wear a short or long-sleeved water shirt for additional sun protection.
Depending on where you’re launching, it may also be a good idea to wear water shoes to keep your feet protected from rocks, coral, and other hazards until you get on your board. Once you’re up and paddling, you can stow your shoes in the bungee storage on the front of your board. Perhaps most importantly, don’t forget a life jacket! Depending on conditions, a wetsuit may also be appropriate. Consider the air and water temperature where you plan to paddle board before making a decision.

Question 16

How to paddle board?

Accepted Answer

When you begin paddle boarding, focus on stability and control over speed. It’s also best to start in flatwater, such as a lake or marina. As you paddle, keep your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart, facing forward, with your knees bent, back straight, and your eyes on the horizon. Hold your paddle with one hand on the T-grip and the other halfway down the shaft. Experiment with different strokes to practice moving forward, turning, and reversing.

Question 17

What are the four golden rules of paddle boarding?

Accepted Answer

Paddle boarders sometimes talk about the “Four Golden Rules” of paddle boarding. These are: 
Plant your blade fully in the water before you begin your stroke.
Always assume the “ready position” when paddling: keeping your knees bent, back straight, and feet shoulder-width apart, facing forward.
Use your core muscles for all your strokes. Your core should be doing as much (or more) work as your arms.4. Keep your board as quiet as possible. A quiet board is an efficient, fast board.

Question 18

Is it OK to sit on a paddle board?

Accepted Answer

Certainly! Sitting on a paddle board is a great way to give your legs and core a break. You can simply straddle the board with your legs hanging in the water to chill, or you can sit cross-legged and still paddle. For the most efficient paddling, try kneeling: either upright, with your thighs and shins at a 90-degree angle, or kneeling and then sitting back on your heels.

Question 19

Can you do yoga on a paddle board?

Accepted Answer

Yes! In fact, we have an entire category of paddle boards designed for yoga! These boards are extra-wide and extremely grippy—just like a yoga mat—and offer increased stability and space for all your yoga poses on the water. Practicing yoga on a paddle board adds an extra challenge to your workout and brings you closer to nature, too.

Question 20

Can you put two people on a paddle board?

Accepted Answer

Certainly! Multi-person paddle boards, also known as “party boards,” can hold two or more paddlers. Our largest multi-person board, the Weekender Crew XL, is 15 feet long and can actually hold 4-5 paddlers, with a weight limit of over 1,000 pounds! 
Just remember that the longer and wider the board, the heavier it will be. Boards like the Weekender Crew XL are great for groups but extremely hard to paddle alone. In that case, try our solo adult paddle boards!

Question 21

Can I bring my dog on my paddle board?

Accepted Answer

You can definitely bring your dog on your paddle board, but it ultimately depends on your dog's comfort on the water. Don’t force your dog on and off the board. Instead, take it slow and make it fun for both of you. Be sure to practice on flat, calm water before taking your dog into the ocean or a flowing river. If you’ll be paddling with a furry friend, it may be a good idea to get a slightly larger paddle board, such as our extra-wide Weekender Yogi Board or the 11.5-foot Weekender Tour board.

Question 22

What age can children paddleboard?

Accepted Answer

Just like riding a bike, there is no specific age limit for kids to paddle board. If your child can swim and has basic coordination, they can probably paddle a kids paddle board. However, most children can paddle board with confidence beginning around age 7 or 8.

Question 23

Will my board be too big for my kids?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your child’s age, size, and experience on the water. Some older children can easily paddle a 10 or 11-foot adult paddle board, but ideally kids should use a shorter board, around 8-9 feet long. Kids inflatable paddle boards are easier to maneuver and propel for smaller paddlers.

Question 24

Is it safe to paddle board in the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Of course! People paddle board in the ocean all the time, and many even surf waves on their paddle boards. Paddle boarding in the ocean means rougher waters and staying aware of tides, currents, and sea life however, so it's best for experienced paddlers. Practice on flatwater or in a sheltered area like a marina or cove before heading into the open ocean, and always wear a life jacket!

Question 25

Does salt water damage a paddle board?

Accepted Answer

Salt water crystallizes as it dries, which can damage a paddle board over time. This is primarily a concern with solid paddle boards, but it can also occur with the seams on inflatable boards. The good news is you can easily prevent this by washing your board off with fresh water after each trip to the ocean and by storing it in a cool, dry place free of excess moisture to prevent molding.

Question 26

How long will an inflatable SUP last?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how you treat your board! With proper care, storage, and maintenance, a high-quality inflatable paddle board like those at Retrospec will easily last at least five years or more. If you don’t take good care of your board, however, it may last three years or less.

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