It’s a common sight at the beach: people standing on boards and gliding across the water, using a paddle to propel themselves. What are these lucky people doing? Well, it’s called stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding. It’s one of my favorite recreational water sports. Aside from recreation, many people paddle board as a form of exercise. You can combine it with yoga or fitness training. Keep reading to learn more about your paddle board weight limit.
There are plenty of things you have to learn if you want to have a safe SUP board adventure. One of them is the fact that paddle boards have weight limits. You’ve got to stay within them if you want to stay safe and avoid damaging your board.
Why Paddle Board Weight Limit Matters
You’ve got to stay within your paddle board’s weight limit to ensure it stays stable and you’re able to paddle it efficiently. Your board must support your body weight and all items you have with you, including water, food, and whatever else you bring on your adventures.
If your paddle board holds more weight than it can carry, it will sit deep in the water and make it hard for you to paddle and steer. This will also slow you down and make it a challenge to keep your balance.
Paddleboard weight limits work both ways, though. If you’re too light for your board, it won’t sink down enough and the board will feel heavy and difficult to control.
Paddle Board General Sizing
Paddle boards come in different lengths and sizes. Most paddle boards range from 10 to 11 feet long and between 32 and 34 inches in width.
Wider boards are more stable in the water, but can be much harder to paddle. Boards with shorter lengths will move faster, making them suitable for races.
The board’s thickness also affects the board’s performance. For beginner and all-around paddlers, the table below shows the recommended board width, thickness, and length, depending on the paddler’s weight.
| Paddler Weight | SUP Width | SUP Thickness | SUP Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 125 lbs (56kg) | 31-32” | 5” | 9’6″-10’9″ |
| 125-150 lbs (56-68 kg) | 31-32” | 5” | 9’6″-10’9″ |
| 150-175 lbs (68-79 kg) | 31-33” | 5” | 10’0″-12’6″ |
| 175-200 lbs (79 – 90 kg) | 32-34” | 5” | 10’0″-12’6″ |
| 200-225 lbs (90-102 kg) | 32-34” | 5-6” | 10’0″-12’6″ |
| 225+ lbs (102 kgs +) | 32-34” | 6” | 10’0″-12’6″ |
The standard board thickness is around 5 inches.
Do you want a thinner board? You can find one, but look closely at the types of materials it is made from. Anything less thick than 5 inches tend to be poorly constructed, which can lead to poor performance in the water.
But as mentioned above, width affects the board’s movement and stability in water. Experienced paddlers tend to choose paddle boards that are less wide so that they can paddle faster.
Paddle Board Size Based on Type of Activity
In addition to the paddle board’s weight capacity and dimensions, you also need to consider the type of activity you will be using your paddle board for.
All-Around SUPs
As a beginner SUP paddleboarder, you should go with an all-around SUP.
Both beginner and intermediate riders can use all-around paddle boards because they work well in a variety of water conditions, whether it’s flatwater paddling or open ocean exploration. All around SUPs typically measure 10 to 12 feet long and 31 to 36 inches wide.
Most users also choose paddle boards that have a uniform thickness from the nose to the tail. This helps with balancing weight.
Yoga and Fitness Paddle Boards
Yoga paddle boards are usually 32 to 36 inches wide and not too long, about 10 to 11 feet. They also have a soft and comfortable deck pad, which provides better stability when performing different yoga poses.
This type of paddle board is perfect if you want to combine your love of yoga with paddleboarding to burn calories or to stay well.
Touring Paddle Boards
Touring paddle boards are narrower and longer than standard paddle boards. This feature makes them suitable for speed and long-distance of paddling.
The minimum length of a touring SUP is 11 feet, though some can be as long as 12 and a half feet. The standard width is between 30 and 33 inches.
Surfing Paddle Boards
Surfing paddle boards are usually shorter and easier to maneuver in the water. A typical surfing paddle board is around 9 to 11 feet long and 29 to 36 inches wide.
You need the right paddle board to have a safe and enjoyable experience. With the information I’ve provided here, you probably have a good idea of how to choose a paddle board weight limit that suits your passengers and gear requirements.
Final Thoughts On Paddle Board Weight Limits
Here you’ve learned about:
- Why paddle board weight limit matters
- Paddleboard general sizing
- Paddleboard size based on what you want to do
The most important point I want you to take away from this article is that you’ve got to know your paddle board’s weight limits! Don’t take chances with your safety.
If you’re not sure of your paddle board’s weight limit, call the place of purchase or the manufacturer. Your paddle board will only work the way it should if you stay within the weight limit.
