Paddle Board Hull Design:

As an entry-level SUP rower, your main concern is probably stability. Knowing a little about hull design helps. Planing hulls are wider and flatter than displacement hulls. The planing hull is good for stability and is versatile enough for some surfing fun. If speed on the water is key to your enjoyment of the SUP, you will want to look into more pointed, hull-shaped displacement hull designs. You'll gain speed, but you'll need to practice your balance and technique to make up for the poor stability. As stability increases, the wider the board, the more stable it is. The needle-thin race board will zip through the water at top speed, but there's no advantage if you're constantly shaking - or rubbing it off. Experimenting with various width and volume options will allow you to choose a stand-up paddle board that is challenging enough to improve without overwhelming. Your technique and balance will improve slightly on the water.

The essential:

Stability and speed have many degrees and variables. Consider where you will be paddleboarding. Even flat lakes will have some waves and rivers will have currents - your skill level will increase. A planing hull is probably your best bet, but consider that a generic still water touring board can have a displacement bow and still provide good overall stability. Hybrid or crossover designs are described below.

Stand-Up Paddle Board Construction - Overview:

You can drill down for more details on each build option. This brief overview can help you focus on the structure that best fits your budget, where you'll paddle, and whether you're traveling with a skateboard. EPS foam core layered with fiberglass and epoxy: This is the most common type of SUP construction. You'll see many mid-priced, high-quality boards using this technique. There are also differences in layering techniques, foam quality, and performance enhancements (i.e. carbon fiber and wood stringers). Advanced construction affects the price, but also makes the panels lighter and more durable. Many top brands offer boards with EPS/epoxy construction. Typically, this includes a Styrofoam core, fiberglass cloth, and epoxy laminate. EPS + Plastic This hybrid structure consists of a foam core, fiberglass layers, and a styrene polymer outer layer. This enables a lighter straight plastic sheet version. It's also a very durable construction technique, providing a well-rounded, economical option for entering advanced paddling.

All-round Paddle Board:

As its name suggests, the All-Around SUP can do anything. It lets you ride the wind and waves - but if that's your main interest, you'll want to explore SUP boards. All-around boards are often considered beginner boards, but if you're on a tight budget and want to go surfing, still water, or exploring SUP yoga, it can be versatile enough. For children or smaller males and females, a shorter all-around board would be a flipper. If you're adding kids to your board -- or your happy water dog -- you'll need to ask about the board's volume. The larger volume can carry more weight in a stable manner. Most all-around boards have a rounded nose. The tail can be square, round, or pin tail shape. Square shape provides maximum stability,