HOW TO CHOOSE A PADDLEBOARD RIGHT FOR YOU
This guide is designed to help new paddlers find a board that will be stable and fun to use.
UNDERSTANDING TYPES OF BOARDS
Some board types are better for specific paddleboard activities.
RIGID COMPOSITE
Best-in-class paddleboards made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other materials held together by a resin and hardened around a lightweight EPS foam core.
- Maximum performance because you can shape the finest of details into the board
- When you need a board lightweight for speed
RIGID THERMOFORMED
Thermoformed boards provide maximum durability using our proprietary ACE-TEC and TOUGH-TEC manufacturing process.
- Maximum durability
- When you need a more specifically suited board for your end use (touring, yoga, fishing)
- Increased stiffness provides better performance
INFLATABLE
Inflatable boards are compact, lightweight, and ready to go when you are. They roll up into a backpack carrier, complete with a pump, fin, leash, and repair kit.
- Ease of Transport
- Ease of storage
- Lightest carrying weight possible
ALL-ROUND SUP SURF
The original Stand Up Paddle Boards! The sport started when surfers in Hawaii began to stand on oversized surfboards and paddle them around when the waves were flat. Their surf-inspired shapes are now optimized for flat-water use, but still fine tuned for wave surfing performance. Chooose this style if you plan to surf ocean waves, or if you just want that surf style look and feel when paddling on the local lake!
ALL-ROUND FLATWATER
Those boards are wider, thicker, and have a less pronounced rocker than their all-round surf cousins. This gives them added stability and capacity in flat-water conditions. These are the most versatile boards for the widest range of activities. From family fun to yoga and fishing, all-round flatwater boards are the perfect platform for good times on the water!
SUP TOURING
FOR EXPLORATION ON CALM SEAS, RIVERS AND LAKES
These boards are designed for long distance exploration paddling on any flat water, and for downwind runs at sea. They’re generally wide (for stability) and long, giving more forward speed AND steering control. The nose is often pointed, with a “V” shaped hull underneath, helping with straight-line course-holding and avoiding hitting chop full-face. They are usually very stable and are well-suited to beginners.
SUP DOWNWIND
Downwind paddling is SIC's roots. It means to paddle in one direction with the wind at your back and conditions under your feet. Lots of downwind imagery is of paddlers riding larger open ocean swells; however, anyone can paddle downwind on harbors, lakes, and rivers. We've created performance downwind boards that can handle a variety of conditions from open swell to river chop that allow you to hone your skills and progress when you're ready.
SUP RACE
SIC is dedicated to making the fastest race boards in the world. Our amateur and elite athletes are winning local races and world titles on SIC race board. We take no shortcuts and strive to push the limits of speed and handling. We learn, refine, and innovate. These design features trickle down into our recreational boards to ensure that they, too, are infused with the best in paddling.
WHO WILL USE THE BOARD
If this is a family board or you may have multiple paddlers that might use the board, you'll want to select a board that will work for the heaviest rider. Lighter riders can have fun on a larger board, but heavier riders will struggle with a too-small board. Maximum rider weight recommendations are listed in the specification of our paddleboard. Be sure to account for the weight of any gear and/or passengers you plan to bring along when considering the right board for you.
WHERE WILL YOU USE THE BOARD
Most people want to enjoy time with family and friends on the lake, flatwater bay, or river. Other paddlers may want to paddle in rougher conditions, surf, downwind, or whitewater on rivers where rocks can be obstacles.
- All around boards and touring boards are perfect flatwater paddling
- Specific board shapes and design details will be better suited for surfing, downwinding and rough water.
- Inflatable or more durable boards like our thermoformed boards are better suited for rocky or whitewater environments.
WHERE WILL THE BOARD BE STORED
Rigid composite boards require care with storage, and should be stored in a cool dry space. Thermoformed boards are more durable and can be stored outside on racks or boat decks. Inflatable board are transportable and can be stored in small spaces.
