Andalusia, a sunny region in the south of Spain, is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially wing foil. With its vast and diverse …
What size paddle board should I choose?
Choosing the right size of your inflatable paddle will allow you to optimize your sessions according to your desires, your needs and your level. This will determine the way you sail and how much fun you will have during the different sessions.
Factors to consider when choosing the size of the paddle.
1) The length of the paddle
The choice of inflatable paddle board is determined by many parameters. Whether you are looking to learn to paddle, to go for a walk, to discover the joys of paddle surfing, to practice paddle with your child or simply to enjoy the pleasure of being away from all those who have stayed on the beach, you will have to make a choice.
Let’s start with these two assumptions:
- The shorter the paddle, the easier it will turn, and it will be light and maneuverable.
- The longer the paddle board, the more it will slide, so it will be able to cover more distance with less effort, but it will be less maneuverable, a little longer to inflate and a little more cumbersome.
These first two postulates already encourage us to make a choice. Those who want to go for a sporty ride will opt for a longer paddle, which will glide better. Those who want an ultra-manoeuvrable, space-saving paddle board will go for a shorter paddle.
It is commonly accepted that a paddle below 10’6 will be considered short, and above 10’6, it will be considered a large paddle.
2) The width of the paddle is therefore the second criterion
But that’s not all, there is also the width of a paddle board which is fundamental. This is because the stability of a paddle board is determined by the width of the paddle. The wider a paddle is, the more stable it will be. However, the width depends on the size of the person.
A 10′ foot paddle board with a width of 30 inches will be perfect for a size up to 85 kg. Beyond this weight, you will have to opt for a wider paddle, in 31, 32, 33 or 34 inches wide.
What to remember. The wider the paddle, the more stable it is. However, it will be heavier and it will slip less from the water. This translates to the number of paddle strokes to cover the same distance. The wider the paddle, the more paddle strokes you will have to paddle to cover the same distance.
What is the ideal size of the paddle for my weight? (by weight band)
The weight of the rider is a determining factor when choosing the size of the paddle. The larger and wider the paddle, the more volume it offers, which allows you to support a high weight.
The Archimedean Thrust is the first criterion to be taken into account: any body immersed in a liquid undergoes an upward vertical thrust equal to the weight of the volume of liquid displaced. In other words, if you weigh 80 kg, you will need a volume of water of 80 liters to float to the surface.
However, a paddle board is much bulkier. As a rule, paddle boards have a volume between 230 and 380 liters. So you have enough volume to float.
This criterion alone is not sufficient. It is essential to combine the length, width and thickness of the paddle to determine its overall volume.
Here is a small summary table of the ideal size according to your weight:
- For a size of less than 75 kg, you can opt for a 10′ x 31 paddle with a minimum volume of 230 liters. Of course, if you choose a larger paddle, you won’t have any worries.
- For a size of less than 85 kg, a 10’6 x 32 paddle with a minimum of 260 liters will be suitable.
- For a size of less than 100 kg, choose an 11’6 x 32 paddle with a volume of 300 liters.
- Finally, for a size of more than 100 kg, we recommend a 12’6 x 32 paddle with a volume of more than 320 liters.
Choose wisely to get the most out of your paddle boarding experience!
Size by type of paddle
What size should I choose for a paddle board?
If you are looking for a paddle board for family rides, to explore the shore and follow the coast, all types of paddle boards can suit you. However, here are some specific tips:
1) Height of the Paddle Stand as a Function of the Height
A short person will find it easier to find what they are looking for with a paddle board of about 10 feet.
On the other hand, if you are 2 meters tall, opt for a paddle board of about 12 feet or more.
2) Objective: Glide or Stability
For a gliding experience, choose a paddle with a pointed nose. This will maximize your speed and fluidity on the water.
If you are a beginner or want increased stability, a paddle with a round nose will be perfect for beginners.
What size should I choose for a racing paddle?
If you plan to go running or, at least, sporty rides, we recommend choosing a longer paddle with a pointed nose for a better glide. The bigger the paddle, the more distance you will be able to cover with less effort. The glide will be optimal. Don’t be afraid ofOpt for a 12’6 or 14 foot paddle for this type of ride.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a paddle for races, keep this same size, but reduce the width of the paddle to maximize glide and thus reduce the effort required to move. The width of the paddle board creates resistance in the water. The thinner the paddle, the less it will brake.
What size should I choose for a surf paddle?
If you plan to practice paddle surfing, it is recommended to opt for a relatively short paddle board, such as a Wave 9’5 or an Easy 10′ x 31. These models are specially designed for surfing, strolls and family fun. They offer a good compromise for everyone in the family, whether you want to play in the waves or just have fun together.
What is the ideal width of a paddle board?
There is no ideal width for a paddle board. It depends on your goals and skill level, as well as your height, of course.
In general, the taller you are, the less stable you are. Therefore, taller people tend to opt for a wider paddle board to ensure better stability.
Here are some general rules:
- If the width of the board is less than 31 inches, it will be less stable for beginners. So opt for a paddle board with a width of more than 31 inches.
- Beyond 33 inches wide, the board will be considered very wide and therefore very stable, but it will also be slower.
- The ideal width for a paddle board aimed at beginners is between 31 and 33 inches.
What is the ideal length of a paddle board?
Below 9’5″, a paddle board is generally considered small. Although such a paddle can turn easily, you will encounter difficulties in maintaining a stable trajectory. When you bring the paddle back to the right, it will tend to go to the left, and vice versa. So, the longer the paddle, the more you will be able to paddle on the same side to maintain a constant trajectory.
For a reasonable paddle size, opt for dimensions ranging from 9’5″ to 14 feet. A 14-foot board will be perfect for long paddle boards, while a 9’5″ or 10-foot board will be ideal for beginners or paddle surfing.
Now, let’s address the issues of stability and maneuverability:
1) Is a larger paddle board more stable? Not necessarily. The width of the board influences stability more than length. A wider board is usually more stable. However, it should be noted that the width can also lead to water resistance, which can slow down the board.
2) Is a smaller paddle board more manoeuvrable? Absolutely! A shorter paddle board is more manoeuvrable. Let’s take the example of a container ship: it needs miles to turn around. On the other hand, a 5-meter-long boat can make a U-turn with only 10 meters of distance. This same logic applies to paddle boarding: the smaller it is, the more agile it is and the easier it turns.
Are there paddle sizes for children?
Yes, as a general rule, children are more comfortable on smaller paddles. That’s good, the family paddle model is a paddle around 10′ x 31.
Where can I find tips on how to try out a paddle board before you buy it?
If you have any questions or need advice on paddle boarding, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to provide you with information and answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by email, chat or phone 02 98 32 53 69
In conclusion.
The choice of the size of a paddle board depends on your morphology, your technical level and your goals.
Here are some recommendations based on your needs:
- Easy, light and manoeuvrable family paddle boarding:
- Paddle for a weight of approx. 85 kg:
- Paddle for the sporty ride:
- Easy 11’6 x 32
- Easy 12’6 x 32
- Alpha Range (from 11’6 x 32 to 14 x 27)
If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, please do not hesitate to contact us !
Article you may be interested in
The 360 wing foil is a maneuver that allows you to start freestyle flat on the water. This trick, which involves making a complete turn …
Mauritius, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, is a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. Among the popular activities that attract …
Wingfoiling is an emerging water sport that is gaining popularity due to its high accessibility. Whether you are young or old, wingfoiling is an activity …
