When shopping for your first SUP board, you’ll probably want to consider what kind of material it’s made from. If you’re not sure, you may want to look into Fiberglass, PVC, or even Inflatable models. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between each. Hopefully, this article will help you choose the best SUP board for your needs. Also, consider the cost. Although you’ll most likely use your SUP board only once, it will be worth the cost to maintain it.
Inflatable
Inflatable SUP boards are incredibly popular, but the question remains: how much should you spend? There are several reasons to invest in a high-quality board. First, look for a board with a drop-stitch inner core. Then, one or more PVC layers are laminated around it with rails. Finally, you’ll want to look for a board with a non-slip EVA foam deck pad. Cheaper iSUPs usually only have one PVC layer.
If you’re just starting out, a good first inflatable SUP is the Gili Meno series. This high-quality model has dual-layer PVC, carbon fiber rails, and upgraded features. It’s sturdy enough for beginners to get their feet wet, and lightweight enough to take on an airplane. It has a 450-pound weight capacity, so it’s great for families. The two-chamber design is safer and stiffer, but you won’t be carrying 450 pounds of extra weight on it.
Epoxy
Before you start pouring epoxy on your new SUP board, it is important to understand how epoxy works. This resin is a thermosetting material, which means that it sets quickly when the two sides are mixed. In addition, epoxy has better adhesion than polyester resins and it shrinks less, making it more durable. However, it is also more expensive than polyester resins. Besides that, epoxy can last a lot longer if you choose to add a Spar Varnish type coating.
An EPS SUP board is made of 20-24 kg/CBM EPS foam, a sturdy wood stringer, and epoxy resin. An EPS SUP board will feel rigid when you stand on it, but you can deflate it and pack it easily in your SUP backpack. However, this type of board is not as sturdy as an epoxy SUP, so be sure to carefully measure the amount of space you have in your garage or storage room before you buy.
PVC
Despite the common misconception, a PVC SUP board is actually a better choice than a wooden board. A PVC SUP board uses the same double-layer construction as a traditional wood paddle board, but instead of a wooden core, the top and bottom sections are joined by strips of reinforced PVC coated materials. The type of rails used will determine the rigidity and performance of the board. There are two main types of rails: rigid and flexible.
Firstly, PVC is a lightweight, strong plastic. It is manufactured through a polymerization process. The process begins with a monomer, vinyl chloride. It is then joined together using a drop-stitch. Once bonded together, the polymerization process forms the PVC. This type of plastic has a number of benefits. For one, it’s readily available. Plus, it’s durable and long-lasting.
Fiberglass
For those looking for a high performance board, a fiberglass SUP is the way to go. The advanced sandwich construction of these boards means they do not use PVC or stringers to strengthen them. Instead, they begin with a EPS foam core and are then wrapped with layers of fiberglass. The resulting board is extremely stiff, and the resulting ride is a combination of responsive turns and rigid feel while riding through waves. The resulting stiffness and stability of these boards also make them great for SUP surfing and maneuvering on waves.
While plastic paddleboards are available in a variety of lengths, a fiberglass SUP is usually a few feet longer than a plastic one. The longer the board is, the faster you’ll be. However, the main issue with choosing the length is storage. A fourteen foot fiberglass board will need special handling because it is not designed to be stacked on top of one another. Unlike plastic boards, fiberglass boards need to be stored indoors or in a garage.
Carbon fiber
When choosing a SUP board, consider carbon fiber, which is a strong, lightweight material. Carbon fiber is more rigid than fiberglass, but is still lightweight, making it the best choice for SUP boards. Despite this, you should consider the price tag, as carbon fiber paddles are more expensive than fiberglass ones. However, you can find hybrid paddles that combine carbon fiber with fiberglass for a fraction of the price. Carbon fiber paddles are not the only advantages of Carbon SUP boards.
Choosing a paddle made of carbon fiber will enhance the performance of your SUP board. Carbon fiber paddles are the stiffest and lightest available, but they also cost the most. Investing in a high-end paddle will give you superior power transfer. Carbon fiber paddles are more expensive than fiberglass paddles, but they will also provide more support and durability. Wood paddles are lightweight, but can weigh more than carbon fiber boards.
