Stand Up Paddleboards
 

My wife has been wanting a Stand Up Paddle board for a couple of years now. Since I know nil about them, how do I determine which ones to consider buying? I understand that weight and purpose of use are factors but I'm confused. I know that I will take her somewhere next spring that rents them so that she can test ride before she buys, but if they do not offer the right "kinds" to consider, the test rides are for nothing.

Ha, I don't know much either. But being a water dog I one or two ideas. There are SUPs for surfing and a wave board will have a lot of rocker (curve longways on the bottom). This is good for turning in waves but will be an arse to paddle on flat water as it will "push water" (another surfing term for you) sideways from under the board. All this is wasted energy. So for lake or river you want something fairly flat, and long, and floaty. Buy a REALLY good paddle. I know it seems a shame to spend all that money on just a paddle but a carbon one is half the weight and stiffer than an aluminium or fibreglass one. And all that swinging a heavy paddle around can tire you out in half the time. Another thing, no dark colors or cute paterns on the deck. You may need to use surfboard wax and it will melt in the sun unless the board is a pale color.

And yes, you wife is right. They are really good for tummy muscles.