How to Choose a Paddle Board - Get the Experience of Both Kayaking and Surfing

Paddle boarding is a quite popular water sport. Things that need to take into account when it comes purchasing a paddle board is its size, shape, type and its paddle price learn more
Paddle board usually refers to stand-up paddle board. SUP is an acronym of stand up board. Water sports of this type are getting popular quickly. One reason for which it attracts people's attention is this sport is a combination of surfing and kayaking. While water sport enthusiasts greatly enjoy both kayaking and surfing, it is quite inevitable that they will also love SUP since taking part in this sport means killing two birds with one shot. Before analyzing different buying considerations, let us know the different types of paddle boards out there.

 

Different types of paddle boards
Since different types of paddle boards are available in the market, knowing their differences will help you to choose a model that you think is perfect for you. Below we have discussed 4 common types of stand up paddle boards that manufacturers are selling online or watersport outlets.


All around paddle boards
Features

• Ideal for beginner or first-time paddlers
• Offers versatile performance that is suitable for choppy or fat water
• The most prevailing design of paddle boards
• Family-friendly that also lets you share the paddle boarding experience with your dog

Surfing paddle boards
Features

• Ideal for intermediate or advanced paddlers
• The surfers who enjoy the thrilling experience of ocean wave surfing
• Paddlers are less stable on the board
• Quite maneuverable on ocean waves
• Both paddle and surfboards are oversized

Touring paddle boards
Features

• A great choice for water sports-loving people who want to get workout benefits from a recreational activity.
• Suitable for paddling in flat water like lakes, bays, or in the open ocean.
• Designed for effortless glide and maximum efficiency
• Broad and stable making it suitable for beginner paddlers

Racing paddle boards
Features

• Constructed for flatwater racing events
• Thanks to the extra width and length design of the paddle board, the peddlers can generate extra speed with the board.
• A bit challenging for beginner paddlers but ideal for recreational or elite racers.

Fishing paddle boards
Features

• Suitable for anglers who don’t have a good investment to buy a fishing kayak
• This model is the most spacious model that peddling on it keep you dry
• Allow you to include fishing gear like a fish finder, fish holder, and rod holder with the paddle board to make it a sophisticated fishing vessel.

Yoga paddle boards
Features 

• This paddle board is constructed for people who love yoga or any fitness enthusiasts.
• Suitable for paddling on calm water
• Extensive deck pad giving enough space for practicing yoga

Let us now discuss a few important buying factors. These are the factors that must be taken into account while purchasing a paddle board.

BRAND SELECTION
Needless to say that there is no shortage of brands in the paddle board market. Usually, each brand is specialized in one particular type of paddle board manufacturing. So, to narrow down your search, the first thing you will need to do is determine what type of paddle board you want to paddle. Then, find what brands manufacture that type of paddle board. This sorting technique will minimize your quest for finding a perfect model paddle board.

Your budget
If your budget is limited, don’t worry. You can get a quality paddle board even with a thrifty budget. This is possible since many paddleboarders have a tendency of selling their fully functional paddle board so that they can purchase the newest model. Don’t hesitate to purchase a used but well-maintained paddle board from Costco or Amazon.

Board shape and size
One general rule is larger paddlers paddle larger paddle boards. But, doesn’t mean that large paddle boards are only accessible to people with big size. Depending on skill, regardless of his or her physical structure, one can paddle any size or shape of paddle board. Below are a few things that explain how board shape and size affect your performance.

• Longer boards offer more glide than their shorter counterparts
• Narrower boards are faster than wider boards
• Wider boards, on the other hand, are more stable than narrower boards
• Boards that come with the narrow tail are easy to maneuver during surfing
• Thicker boards provide good reinforcement, unlike their thinner counterparts.
• However, thinner boards are nicely stable unless you subject it to carry it extra weight

PADDLES
Here is a general rule that experienced paddlers follow when it is about paddle for their paddle board. And, that general rule is they choose a paddle that’s price is 20% of the paddle board. So, if you purchase a paddle board with $1000 dollars, your paddle’s cost should not exceed $200. Similarly, if you go for an expensive model like purchasing a paddle board of $2500, you will also need to purchase an expensive paddle with an expensive price tag like more than $500.

Solid or inflatable paddle board
Your last buying factor to consider is choosing a solid or inflatable paddle. Each type comes with distinct features. To make the comparison short, keep in mind that solid boards are lightweight, durable, and affordable while inflatable boards are quite rigid when fully inflated and quite portable.

How to Paddle a Tandem Kayak- Share the Exhilarating Experience of Kayaking With Another Person

Unlike a solo kayak, paddling a tandem kayak is different and difficult as well. In this post, you will learn how to paddle a tandem kayak to learn more.

Introduction
Water sports are becoming popular because they offer a good aerobic exercise. They are available in different forms. Among these forms, Kayaking is quite popular. The main reason of their popularity is they are simple to use. This is quite evident when you compare navigating a canoe with that of a kayak. The main navigation tool of a kayak is a paddle that is double-bladed. Thanks to this tool, the vessel is easier to keep in a straight course
However, things are different when it is about navigating a canoe. Navigating alone is quite challenging. Having a companion will be a great help either in paddling or steering it.
While navigating a solo kayak is enjoyable rather than a challenge, things take a dramatic turn when it is a tandem kayak. Tandem kayaks require two people instead of one to navigate it. This type of vessel allows to share the amazing experience of kayaking with your friend or spouse
But, pleasure comes with difficulty. Navigating a tandem kayak requires the teamwork of two people. Unlike the solo kayaks, tandem kayaks are also heavier. This of course makes cruising them difficult. In this guide, we will discuss how to paddle a tandem kayak.

Why do people resort to a tandem kayak?
Solo kayaks are lightweight making them user friendly in terms of navigation. But in some situations, using a tandem kayak becomes absolutely necessary. For example, if you want to introduce your kid in kayaking or someone who has no prior kayaking experience but is afraid of going alone in the ocean. In that sense, a tandem kayak is a great kayak riding learning tool.
Another situation arises that also brings tandem kayak into action. And that situation is if you want to share the kayaking experience with your partner or a friend. Since most models of solo kayaks are not roomy enough to accommodate two people, a tandem kayak is an effective alternative. It may sound a little unbelievable that you can even take your dog or an elderly person in a tandem kayak if you don’t want to leave them out from kayaking experience. But, in that case, you want to stay at the back end of the boat.
One great advantage of tandem kayak over a solo kayak is it is more stable. So, the chances of capsizing it is minimum. Don’t be afraid of taking your spouse or the dearest one to the ocean boarding on a tandem kayak.

The types of tandem kayaks
Tandem kayaks come in two different types. These are sit-ins and sit on tandem kayaks. Under these two types, you will also find other types of kayaks like a recreational kayak or touring kayak.

Boarding on the tandem kayak:
Let the vessel float on the water first. Keep the rear end of the vessel close to the shore. But, before launching it, determine the position of its paddlers in terms of who will sit in front of the vessel or who will sit at the rear end of the kayak.
The sitting position of paddlers in a tandem kayak is important because the person who will stay in the back part of the vessel will need to play the dominating role to navigate it. Since the person taking the rear end of the kayak will be responsible for pushing and maneuvering the kayak into lake or ocean water.
Keep in mind that using an oar or paddle is a must for both paddlers. Use a paddle in accordance with your navigating skill. The rear end paddler needs to use a paddle that is wider in shape. One thing that is essential is that you need to use an inflatable kayak. And, you also need to make sure that you must know how to inflate a tandem kayak correctly before floating it on the waterbody. In this regard, reading some inflating tips of the kayak will be helpful for you.

Why do your forward strokes need to take place simultaneously?
It is needed to make sure that you and your kayaking partner are making forward strokes at the same time. Otherwise, your kayak on the lake will get a zig-zag motion that is of course not desirable. Another thing will happen inevitably if you and your partner do not make forward strokes in unison. And, that is bumping paddles with each other since both of you stay close to each other while paddling a tandem kayak.

The role of front paddler
The font paddler need not play a dominating role. So, he can paddle naturally. But, things are different for the rear paddler. It is the person who needs to make sure that there is a rhythm in their simultaneous action. That is paddling a tandem correctly.