Hi everybody. New guy here. Just joined the Standup Zone yesterday.
I’m looking for some recommendations on a flat water SUP board. I have a Red Paddle Sport (11’ x 30” ) inflatable board and it’s been great for getting familiar with paddling and for my workouts. Still, I often feel like it’s slogging through the water instead of gliding through it. It leaves me wishing for something that “feels” fast. More fun. If that makes sense.
For reference, I’m 60 years old, 165 lbs, a bit short at 5’6” and I started paddling a little over a year ago. I paddle in a small lake near Santa Fe, NM and I got into it as an alternative form of getting some exercise. Being retired, I’m usually able to go out when the water is pretty calm. And my sessions tend to be about 60-90 minutes long, straight out and back at a decent pace to get my heart rate up. I have no plans to get involved racing.
Also, I’ve been working on my paddling technique this summer by watching instructional videos from people like Larry Cain and then video taping myself to see how I’m doing. And that’s definitely making a difference. Not surprising since I had no technique to speak of. For instance, now that I’m trying to put body weight on the paddle and off the board, I can feel the board surge forward under my feet. And my average speed has gone up a bit - so gotta love that.
Still, if a different board would be noticeable faster and more fun, then I would probably seriously consider making a change before next season. The “more fun” part is key by the way. I’m not looking for the fastest board at the expense of all the fun. I’m really looking for a board that’s more fun to paddle - and I think that means faster. Or more glide. Probably both? Problem is, I live in rural northern New Mexico and the closest place to get a demo board is one, possibly two states away. That’s not happening.
I know there’s a ton of experience in this forum and I’m hopeful that you can steer me in the right direction. Perhaps share your insight into things I should consider and maybe some specific board recommendations. For instance:
- Maybe a different board won’t be that much faster or more fun. Should I just focus on technique for another year?
- 14’ vs 12’6? I get that a 14’ would be a little faster but it seems like a lot of board to store, transport and carry to the water. At 60, it'll only get harder each year. Worth it?
- Is a hard board the obvious choice - even on flat water? A recent post I read suggested they are because they are quite a bit more stable and generally more fun to paddle than a similar sized inflatable.
- How narrow is too narrow? What’s a reasonable step down from 30” for the average Joe?
- New or used? Are there good, reputable places to buy used SUP boards?
- Have a particular model you would recommend? Let’s hear it!
Thanks for any feedback on this. And for reading through this data dump of a post. It’s much appreciated.
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