CHOOSE YOUR BOARD

For what ?
Multi purpose : flat water paddling, surfing

For whom ?
For intermediate to
advanced level

 In short :
Easy to use, high-performance, solid and light boards

For what ?
Flat water or open ocean cruising, recreational racing, fitness

 For whom ?
For intermediate to
expert level

 In short :
Fast, easy to use, light

For what ?
Multi purpose: Flat water, fitness & Yoga, waves

 For whom ?
For beginner to
intermediate level

 In short :
Customizable allround board for all activities

For what ?
SUP and windsurf on flat water or in waves.

 For whom ?
For beginner to
intermediate level

 In short :
Highly versatile boards
Easy to use for SUP
or windsurf

 For what ?
Multi purpose: flat water paddling, surfing

 For whom ?
For beginner to intermediate level, and for schools

 In short :
 Easy to use, solid and well-priced

For what ?
Multi purpose:
flat water & waves

 For whom ?
For intermediate to
expert level

 In short :
Light, versatile, clear epoxy/bamboo finish

For what ?
Surf in medium to
big waves

 For whom ?
For intermediate to expert level

 In short :
Reactive and manoeuverable
for maximum surf performance

For what ?
Flat water or open ocean
Long distance Race, fitness.

 For whom ?
For intermediate to
expert level

 In short :
Very fast, easy to control, very light

For what ?
Multi purpose: flat water &
surf in small waves
Inflatable = easily carried
in back-pack

 For whom ?
For intermediate to
advanced level

 In short :
Easy to use, high-performance, solid and light boards

For what ?
Multi purpose: flat water &
surf in small waves

 For whom ?
For intermediate to
advanced level

 In short :
Light, easy to use and safe (soft deck/bottom & soft fins)

Jimmy Blakeney Product and Marketing Manager for BIC SUP and Certified SUP Instructor Trainer for the ACA advises you on how to choose your board :

The table below is designed to help you choose the right Stand Up Paddleboard for your size and the type of activities you plan to use your board for. The basic rule is, the heavier the rider, the more board volume and width you will need for a stable ride. However, extra width isn’t always better as a wider board typically has less glide and can be more difficult to paddle properly for a smaller rider. Also, more volume than you need will mean you’re carrying around extra size/weight. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ONE BOARD FOR MANY PEOPLE TO USE, GO WITH ONE OF THE BIGGER SIZE BOARDS. Smaller people can always use a bigger board, but bigger riders won’t be successful on a board that is too small.

 
There are four general categories of Stand Up Paddleboards. These categories are based on the type of activities the board will be used for; Surfing, All-Around, Touring and Windsurfing.

1) Surfing: Surf-Specific boards are generally shorter, have a narrower nose and tail and more rocker (curve). These features make the board much more maneuverable on a wave, but the trade-off is that they are slower and don’t track in a straight line on flatwater and are also often less stable.

2) All-Around: All-Around boards are designed to perform well in all conditions. These versatile, multi-purpose boards are great first time boards because they allow you to explore all facets of the sport with only one board. All-around boards are wide enough to be very stable, have decent glide and tracking for flatwater paddling or open ocean touring, but also enough rocker and sidecut for decent surf performance.

3) Touring: Touring boards are optimized for flatwater, open ocean paddling and ‘downwinders’ (going from point A to B with the wind at your back). They are typically longer than all-around boards for more speed, and often have a nose area that is pointed and shaped like a “vee” on the bottom to help the board slice through the water smoothly, increase glide and help the board go straight. The rails are usually rounded, at least in the front section, for more glide and speed. Most touring boards are wide enough to be stable for beginners, however “race” boards are like touring boards but narrower for more speed. The narrowness makes race boards challenging for beginner paddlers and are not recommended.

4) Windsurfing: This is an option available on some all-around boards. A mast foot fitting is included on the board on the deck so that a windsurf sailing rig can be mounted, making these boards exceptionally versatile.