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The Best Fishing Kayaks of 2019

By Shane 1 Comment

Whether you’re an experienced kayak angler or new to the idea, there is no doubt that finding the right gear for going on out the lake or the ocean can be time-consuming and confusing at times. But with so many great fishing kayaks on the market right now, there is no excuse to remain a shore-bound fisherman. I think that you will find that fishing kayaks are affordable and an inexpensive way to get off the shore and really focus on the fishing. Honestly, I think they are better than fly fishing canoes.

Now if you have never been in a kayak, then you might be intimidated at just the thought of trying to do your fishing out on the water from one of these things. Well, get those thoughts out of your head right now! It is honestly not as bad as it seems. In fact, you will find that it’s not hard to fish from a kayak and it will soon become your preferred way of doing things. So, get your fish finder ready, cause it’s about to be fishing time. Check out this list of the top 10 fishing kayaks, with reviews for my top 5 favorite yaks below.

The Top Fishing Kayaks for 2018

PictureNameTypeOur Rating
BIC Yakkair Fishing-2Hp Inflatable KayakBIC Yakkairinflatable5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS KayakKL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SShard-shell3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)
Lifetime Sport Fisher KayakLifetime Sport Fisherhard-shell4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)
Intex Explorer K2 KayakIntex Explorer K2inflatable4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable KayakSea Eagle SE370KPinflatable4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)
Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish KayakSevylor Tahitiinflatable4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing KayakColeman Coloradoinflatable4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)
Sun Dolphin Excursionhard-shell4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)
Hobie Pro Angler 14 2015Hobie Pro Angler 14hard-shell5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

The Ultimate Fishing Kayak Shopping Guide

best fly fishing kayaksIf you are ready to do your shopping now, we have a few tips to share with you here on Outdoorsman Time that will help you pick the best value fishing kayak for the money. We’ve broken it down into four key things to consider when you’re comparison shopping out there.

Types of Fishing Kayaks

Probably the first thing that you need to do before buying a new kayak for fishing is to really figure out what you need because there are different types of kayaks on the market. Will you be doing your fishing in a pond, a river, a lake, or will it be some saltwater fishing out in the ocean or a harbor? Do you intend to fish alone or will you take out some buddies or family members?

You will find these main types of kayaks for anglers:

  • sit on top kayaks
  • sit inside kayaks

Now, most people prefer to have a seated kayak since fishing takes a long time. However, what you might not know is that some are single seats while others are double seats. This is really only important if you plan on fishing with someone else. Then, you will want to be sure to look for one of those double seaters.

Rigged vs Unrigged

Another thing that you will notice when comparing the top fishing kayaks is that models are sold either are rigged or unrigged.

  • The unrigged version is just the simple stock version of the vessel while the rigged one is the angler version.
  • Now, if you are completely new to this and need to buy a good fishing kayak for beginners, then you will probably want to go with a rigged version. But, once you get a feel for things and have been doing this a while, then you will likely want to get the unrigged version so that you can outfit it on your own since you can customize it.

Go with whatever makes it easier for you out there!

Things to Consider

1. Kayak Design Matters. When you’re comparing vessels, you have to make decisions on stability vs speed and width vs length. The best choice is really a personal one for you to make. Personally, I prefer stability above all things. Do keep in mind that shorter kayaks track slower through the water. And the kayaks that are wider offer more stability. I think the best bang for your buck lies in a kayak that stable and wide with a clear deck.

2. Rigged vs Unrigged. I talked about this up above, but it is pretty important. A stock, unrigged kayak is going to be the cheaper option every single time. That being said, I only recommend this type of boat if you’ve got enough experience to know how to rig it yourself and keep the balance optimal. No one wants to be swimming around with the fishes instead of catching them, right?

3. Sit-in vs Sit-on-top. The best choice here depends on where and how you’ll be fishing. Will you be in cold water or water that has a strong current (like waves)? If so, go with a sit-in fishing kayak to stay dry and increase stability in windy conditions. Sit-ins also give you the bonus of storage that is built-in.

The disadvantages are that your visibility is limited and it can take a while to get in and out of the thing. For those reasons, sit-on-top is the most popular type of fishing kayak. Of course, if you’re in windy conditions then the boat can be unstable and it can be a wet ride. But, it is easy to get out and do some wading and to add some accessories to the boat.

Fishing Kayak Reviews – My Top 5 Picks Rated for 2018

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for your new fishing kayak on sale, let me share some of my favorite models for this year. These are all great boats that you can take out on your weekend fishing trip. And, I think you will find that there are plenty of affordable models on the market to fit any budget.

 

1. KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS Kayak

KL Industries Sun Dolphin Journey SS Kayak review

If you need a fishing kayak that offers a lot of value for the money, then look no further than the Sun Dolphin Journey SS. It has an amazingly low price but offers you a lot of bang for your buck. And honestly, it has everything the beginner kayak angler needs from their boat.

The seating area for this one is an open cockpit design, and it is both large and comfortable. You also have plenty of space for all your gear and accessories, including a waterproof dry box for things like your fish finder or phone, which is pretty cool.

  • It comes with a portable accessory carrier, which comes in handy a lot. You can even tow it behind the kayak, which is really nice. Another cool feature are the adjustable foot braces, which makes it a comfortable ride for anglers of all sizes and heights.

This is a good, cheap kayak for fishing that is a lot of fun to use. However, do know that the seat is not padded like the higher end models. However, that can easily be replaced, if you’re interested in that sort of thing. I think it’s also important to note that there are no scupper plugs on this model, which means that you have to physically tip the boat upside down to drain any water that gets inside of it.

2. Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak with Paddles and Backrests

Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak with Paddles and Backrests review

This is another great value rigged fishing kayak for the money. The Lifetime Sport Fisher Kayak is priced similarly to the KL Industries model above. And, you get some of the same features and value with this one. You also get two sport paddles with this boat, which is great because it saves you a little money on gear.

This 10-foot fishing kayak is designed for either single or tandem use, which makes it a great versatile choice. And the backrests are nice and soft so that it is a comfortable day out on the lake. You can actually get up to three people in it’s ergonomic seating, which is nice for a family fishing outing. Or, bring the dog along! The maximum capacity is 500 pounds, which is pretty decent at this price point.

  • One of the things that I really like about this one is that it has a tunnel hull design, which means that you can easily stand or sit in it without tipping or losing stability.

There is space for four fishing poles in the holders, a dry storage hatch, scupper holes and ditty trays (among other notable features). There are also multiple footrests for fishermen of all sizes and it has molded handles so that is is easy to carry the boat to and from the water.

Overall, this is a very stable kayak with some great features for the money – and all at a very affordable cost.

3. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak review

Right now, this is really one of my favorites of the summer, and for good reason – it has an affordable price and lots of room! Plus, it just happens to be a good quality kayak for the money. It has some good features and is big enough for two people. If you need a two-seater, I think you will really like the value that the Intex Explorer K2 offers. It’s also great for the kids!

This inflatable fishing kayak only comes in yellow and has seats for two people. However, you can use this for just one person as the seats attach to the bottom with velcro, so it is easy to remove one of them. I also really like that the seats have a backrest – awesome for those long waits for something to take the bait.

It has a low profile, which is perfect for doing your fishing in lakes and rivers with mild waters. And for some directional stability, this kayak has a removable skeg.

In addition to the removable skeg, it comes with:

  • two paddles
  • two adjustable seats
  • dual action air pump
  • repair kit

It is quick to inflate and deflate, which makes taking this thing out on the water a breeze.

5. Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package

Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package

This high quality sport kayak is great for fishing and really performs well out on the water. The Sea Eagle Inflatable does have two seats, but I find is easier to take this one out as a solo fishing kayak unless you’re with someone who knows how to keep the balance with you.

First, this thing fully inflates in under 10 minutes time. Deflating is just as quick, which is great when you’re in a hurry to get home and show your old lady what you caught out there. Other features you might want to know about for this lightweight fishing kayak include:

  • NMMA Certified
  • 3 deluxe one-way valves
  • Self-bailing drain valve – great for ocean surf and whitewater
  • Lashed-down inflatable spray skirts
  • Weight capacity of 650 pounds – the perfect kayak for heavy guys
  • Can carry up to 3 people
  • Can handle whitewater up to class III
  • Good for fishing, whitewater, paddling, skin diving, yacht tending and flatwater recreation
  • Removable seats
  • Rear and front rear rope handles
  • I-beam construction floor
  • Rugged PolyKrylar can withstand dog paws! no puntures!
  • Pressure gauge and repair kit included
  • Get better tracking and speed with 2 skegs on the bottom
  • Two paddles included

You and your dog will just love going out in this one – especially since you don’t have to worry about those dog paws poking holes in the kayak!

How To Take Care Of Your Fishing Kayak

Once you get yourself a new kayak for fishing, you will want to make sure that you take good care of your investment. As you probably already know, these things are not cheap so it is a good idea to just do some basic kayak maintenance every so often to keep things in tip-top shape so that your kayak lasts you for many years to come.

You basic kayak maintenance routine falls into two different categories – taking care of it during fishing season when you’re out on the water using it regularly and taking care of it during the off season when it’s in storage.

In-Season Maintenance Tips

Since it’s fishing season right now, let’s start with what to do during fishing season. Here are some of the top things to remember when using your kayak so that you take really good care of it.

  • Never drag it on the ground – always carry your kayak to avoid damaging the bottom on the ground’s rough and uneven surface
  • UV protection is important – just like you skin, the sun’s UV rays can damage the surface of the kayak. At the start and end of the season, use some spray-on UV protectant on the boat’s surface. We recommend 303 protectant spray for the best results.
  • Cover it up – when you’re not using it, keep that kayak cockpit covered. You’ll keep out rodents and other pests, organic debris and even mold. So, get yourself a good quality kayak cover.
  • Practice proper kayak storage – once dry, make sure that you store your kayak out of the sun and in the proper manner. Keep reading below for more outdoor kayak storage tips.

More on storing your kayak during the in-season: For a plastic kayak, you’ll want it stored on it’s edge in order to keep the hull formation in tact. Or, you can opt for upside down kayak storage where each side is supported on the deck, it is raised off the ground and a tarp is just draped over it so that you’re not restricting air flow.

Off-Season Maintenance Tips

In the off-season, your fishing kayak maintenance is really all about proper storage techniques. And before you put it away, you better make sure that thing is both dry and clean. Get yourself a soft cloth or sponge and wipe everything down. I like to start out by removing any loose or detachable pieces and then hosing down the entire boat.

After that, drain out any water and use that cloth or sponge to wipe everything clean. Then, dry it with another clean, soft cloth. Just make sure before you dry it that you’ve cleaned out every nook, cranny and crevice. The last thing you want is a family of insects to hatch in the kayak while it’s in storage!

And remember to clean all the pieces and accessories as well. This includes your paddle – so, take it apart and give it the same treatment.

  • This is also a good time to check and tighten up any loose bolts or screws. I suggest having a can of WD40 available as well – I know that I usually end up needing some!

Now, before you start putting it away until next season, remember to use that UV protectant spray on it now that the season is over and done with. Keep that kayak surface looking good and in the best condition possible!

Since the season is over, put that cover on the kayak, take it in your garage, shed or other indoor storage space and put it on it’s rack. If you don’t have a kayak storage rack, hopefully, you have space to store it standing up on its stern (this causes the least amount of stress on the boat). Other good storage option include a hoist system, sling system, or something like the Boone Blue Kayak Crib 2 Paddles cheap kayak storage rack.

Of course, if you have a folding or inflatable kayak, then you don’t really have to worry about these storage issues. Instead, just inspect the boat for any damage before folding or rolling up until fishing season rolls around again next year (after you clean it, of course!).

Whether you’re on a tight budget and looking for something like the best fishing kayak under $400 for the money or just the best value option, I’m certain that you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for out there.

Best Kayak UV Protectant Spray

kayak UV protectionIt might sound weird, but the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage more than just your skin. They are also harmful to your kayak! So, if you want to keep that kayak of yours looking good and performing well without any problems when you take it out fishing, then you need to be protecting it from the UV rays. If you don’t, then you can expect the surface of your kayak to start to crack and fade.

Protecting the kayak is actually really easy. In fact, all you have to do is spray the exterior of the vessel with some UV protection spray at the start of the season. Once the season is over and you’re ready to put that kayak into storage for the winter, just spray it down again.

That is really all it takes – two applications of the spray on the kayak each year!

So, what do you look for to get the best UV protection spray for your kayaks? Well, you’ll need something that is designed for vinyl. Often, you can find this spray at your local marine equipment shop or auto accessories shop (the same stuff is often used on personal vehicles). Or, just order the top brand online from Amazon and have it shipped right to your door.

303 UV spray for kayakAs an experienced kayaker, I think the best UV protection spray for the money is 303 spray. Just ask any kayaker out there and they will agree with me. Don’t believe me? Check out this forum thread for the proof.

  • Click here to get your bottle of 303 UV spray from Amazon.

Applying this stuff to your kayak is very easy. You just spray it on and that’s it. Now, before you spray it, make sure that the boat is both clean and dry for the best results. Otherwise, it might not work as expected.

And of course, remember to store the kayak in the shade when it is not in use to prevent any extra damage to the surface.

With this stuff, you’ll keep that kayak of yours looking good for many years from now. So, protect that investment today.

 

Filed Under: Featured, Fishing, Water Recreation

Reviews of the Best Stand Up Paddleboards of 2022

By James Leave a Comment

The Best Time Paddleboarding with a DogStand up paddle boarding is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports around. It is a great form of exercise and fun that nearly anyone can enjoy. There are a wide variety of board shapes and sizes, all of which perform differently than one another. The reason for this is that stand-up paddling requires less skill than more traditional forms of surfing: just stand on your board and paddle yourself around.

Intro To SUPs

Essentially, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) are larger versions of surfboards. Otherwise, all SUPs feature a handle—cut from the middle of the board—for convenient carrying, a cushion deck pad to stand on, and fins which allow the board to move in a straightforward manner through the water.

Otherwise, our buying guide here is designed to help you fit your SUP needs with your unique purposes. The buying guide will go more in-depth on some items to consider and then offer a few suggestions as the specific products that you can purchase.

 

Recommended SUPs

Surftech Saber

Surftech Saber SUPThis product is a likely one of the best beginner paddleboards on the market. Made from high-grade fiberglass and epoxy, the Surftech Saber also features an elegantly designed wooden half-deck layer. Novice paddlers will find this board one of the easiest to stand on and great for developing on the water skills.

The manufacturer makes available multiple models, including options that will provide more speed or more stability. The Surftech Saber is designed as a “touring” model and as such is one of the best “gliding” board designs available. Outdoor Magazine recently ranked this board in its list of “Top Ten All-Around SUP boards”, giving Surftech Saber an overall score of five stars out of five in the categories of stability and glide.

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Solstice Bali

This SUP is a lightweight and fast paddle board. The Solstice Bali board is made from 1000 Denier PVC reinforced fabric. Among inflatable paddle boards, this is one of the best as far as rigidity and durability. It comes with four stainless steel tie-down notches that are great for securing your board during travel.

The manufacturer includes with purchase a carry bag, gauge, and a handheld air pump. The air-pump takes only a few minutes to inflate your board. The board is a little over ten feet in length and weighs about forty pounds when fully inflated. The weight makes it highly buoyant and therefore great for novice paddlers. Inflatable boards are generally not as stable as fixed boards but this one is one of the most around.

However, it should be stated that the board does not come with fins installed and therefore you will need to learn how to do this or have an experienced user do it for you.

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ISLE Classic

The ISLE Classic is constructed of hardened foam with a polyethylene deck ideal for comfort. The Classic also comes with paddles and an underside fin. In my opinion, that’s a real bargain because paddles can be expensive on their own.

The foam material that this board is made out of appears to be the only concern among customers. Some have complained that the smallest of dings create noticeably indents on the body and tearing in some places. However, these cases are rare. Nevertheless, you should take care of the board and not treat it like an invincible object.

At 10ft, 8in, the Classic is an ideal beginner’s board that can hold upwards of 275lbs.

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California Board Company Hydra

The CBC Hydra is a tri-finned paddleboard, helping it to glide through the water with less bumps. The body constructed of hard EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Scrap), helping the core to be watertight. EPS helps the Hydra to be more stable, allowing it to hold around 300lbs of weight. The polyethylene that holds the bottom together

As an added bonus, the front of the board has a small hardpoint for a mounted camera. The Hydra is one of a handful of non-inflatable paddleboards that make it easy for you to transport (using roof racks for cars) and diversify your experience.

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BIC Sport TOUGH-TEC Performer

The design of the TOUGH-TEC Performer allows it to be one of the best boards in level water. You can see that the tail end of the board is more rounded whereas most SUPs are flat and straight. While not exactly revolutionary, this gives the rider better control in the water, especially when using a paddle.

One of the best advantages of the Performer (only the 9’2″ size) are its abilities as a surfboard. If you’re not looking to splurge even more money on a nice surfboard, the Performer can be the one for you. There’s no need for conversions, all you need to do is take it out into the waves and give it a shot!

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Best Inflatable SUPs

SereneLife

The SereneLife SUP is generally considered to be one of the best all-around SUPs, inflatable or not. While it doesn’t have that authentic feel of a hardened SUP, the board is perfect for all skill levels. It measures 10’ x 30” x 6”, plenty wide for stability and control. Balance is one of the most difficult things to master when using a SUP, so the SereneLife SUP uses a large surface area on the top for the grip padding. The body is constructed of PVC, so if you fall off the board, it definitely won’t hurt as much if you were to hit a hardened foam board.

Why should you buy the SereneLife? Apart from being (probably) the most popular SUP on the web, your purchase includes a pump, paddle, lease, storage bag, and repair kit. Most authentic boards that offer this package are a couple hundred dollars more expensive. Luckily for you, SereneLife keeps the price reasonable.

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Atoll Cruiser Deluxe

The manufacturers of the Atoll 11′ Cruiser Deluxe pride themselves on the board’s new, ultra-light construction. How does that benefit you? The lighter the board, the easier to manuever. Some people tend to think that a light construction less overall durability. The Cruiser is outfitted with layers of PVC (Pyvinyl Chloride), a common material used in the construction of both inflatable and non-inflated boards.

Apart from being an unusually strong board, the Cruiser is designed to be compatible with after-market fins. The length, size, and orientation of the fins actually goes hand in hand with the board’s construction.

  • In other words, some fins are not going to be useful on some boards do to weight and the construction of the board.

If you’ve got extra fins lying around, be sure to pick up the Cruiser in order to make use of them.

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Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer

The Adventurer, like the other boards on our list, is constructed of durable PVC and employs drop-stitching tech. Drop-stitching ties the top and bottom board together firmly to prevent any sort of bending motion in the middle of the board.

  • With a firm center, don’t feel like you’re limited to just paddleboarding. Try out yoga or surfing if you’re feeling brave enough.

It’s a shorter overall board at 9 feet (a sizable portion of SUPs are 10 and 11 feet), but in my opinion that’s less board that you have to account for. Longer boards, while more streamlined in the water, have more weight and are harder to balance on. Looking for a good board for beginners and can still hold a good amount of weight? Stick with the Adventurer.

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Things to Consider

PaddleboardingThe first thing to consider when buying a stand-up paddleboard will be to decide exactly what form of paddling you will be doing. Have you decided to take up stand up paddling as a hobby or recreation? If so, you will likely only need a board that can handle small to medium sized waves. In this case, your main consideration will be stability.

Are you doing the activity largely as a means of exercise? This too will require a board that can handle small waves to medium sized wave, but will also require more maneuverability. Will you be paddleboard racing? this activity will require a more advanced board that can handle faster speeds and longer distances. Otherwise, other things to consider are your body weight (more weight will require a more buoyant board), and budget.

SUP Width

This is likely the most important feature for maneuverability and stability. Wide boards, which are about 31″ or wider, will be more stable than narrower boards—making them much easier for a novice or beginner to stand.

However, what you gain in stability you will lose in speed. Most advanced user of SUPs tend to move on to narrower boards as they progress in ability. These boards usually range between 29″ and 30″.

SUP Length

Most boards will fall into the range of about 10-14 feet in length. A longer board will generally move faster, straighter, and with more efficiency (less muscle required) than a shorter board. For beginners, the longer the board the better.

Otherwise, the main consideration in the product feature of length will be to consider the exact location that you will be paddling. If you plan on riding in the ocean, a shorter board with more maneuverability will be required. If you’re racing down a quiet and calm lake, a longer board make will better suit your purposes.

While considering the length of board that you wish to purchase, you will also want to consider where you will store it and if your car can handle your transport needs. Also, consider the amount of time that you will be carrying your board, as longer boards are generally more awkward to carry. Lastly, a longer board can be fairly obnoxious to transport in windy conditions.

SUP Weight and Volume Capacity

Most boards will fall into the range of 25 to 40 lbs. Your board needs to be able to displace the right amount of water comparable to your own personal body weight. Otherwise, the board will not be able to support you in the water. The lower the board sits in the water the less stable it becomes. So, heavier persons will generally experience less stability than a lighter person and will want to consider purchasing a more buoyant board (more weight and volume)

Of course, the best way to determine which board is the best buoyancy for you is to test it out on the water. However, there are some ways around this. A paddle board will usually come with board specifications including volume and weight. The higher the volume in liters the more weight that it will be able to support. A shorter board can have a higher volume if it is fairly thick or fairly wide. Moreover, a narrow and thin board can have a lower volume and still maintain its stability.

SUP Core Materials

There are four basic varieties of material that make up the average SUP: inflatable materials, hollow core, Polyurethane foam, and EP foams. Inflatables are are some of the most durable boards that one can buy on the market. They are made up of a PVC external body and drop-stitch construction with creates an inner core of air.

The thing to remember with inflatable SUPs is that it is extremely important to pump the board up to the specified instructions. If you under-pump your board, you will feel it in your arms because it will be very difficult to paddle the device. If you over pump the board you risk rupturing it, especially over multiple uses and time.

EPS foam boards are encased in epoxy, carbon fiber, and fiberglass and are the most purchased SUPs around. Depending on the production process–usually having to do with the percentage of Carbon fiber versus the percentage of fiberglass–these sorts of boards can vary widely in weight and density. Polyurethane foam boards are usually quite a bit heavier than EPS boards and are usually recommended for beginners or novices.

SUP Hull

Planing Hull

The best hull choice for beginners is a planing hull, which is designed similarly to a surfboard with a round and flat nose that glides over the water as opposed to cutting through it. They are designed to push water down and travel above it (planing).

Planing hulls are often referred to as “all-around” and “touring” boards, because that ride well on calm waters and are therefore perfect for light recreational use. They tend to be the most stable SUP board, however, you won’t get much speed out of them—which is why they are recommended for novices. For the most part, the boards are essentially for leisure.

Displacement Hull

With a pointed nose, these hulls are designed similarly to kayaks or canoes. The aerodynamic hull “slices” or cuts through water improving speed and overall efficiency. Displacement Hulls tend to be much thinner than planing hulls, which makes them a less stable ride but very fast. These boards are really made for racing or long distance rides and are usually less strenuous on your arm muscles as you paddle.

Fins

Board fins, found on the underside of most SUPs, can add a lot of stability to your board. For the most part, the more surface area that a fin has the more stability you will experience in the water. Fins are especially important for SUPs because without them you would only spin out as you paddle.

Race Fins

Race fins are stiffer and straighter than other fins and are designed for downwind runs. For racers, these fins mean all the difference in winning and losing a competition. But, if you are a novice paddler you likely won’t need racing fins.

Large single fins

These fins are the most commonly available and your board will likely already come with one of these attached to the underside. Normally longer and wider than most other fins, these fins are designed to provide novices with the maximum possible control and straight forward motion (tracking).

Two Plus One Fin Setup

Top PaddleboardsAnother option for SUP purchaser is adding two “sidebites” on the undercarriage of your board. This will provide even more stability and straight forward motion than single fin models. It is usually recommended that these sidebites be about half the size of the middle (and larger) fin. Of course, this really depends on your board make and model. For best results when replacing your fins, contact the board’s manufacturer.

Twin Fins

The twin fin design features two fins near the edge of your board. This setup is especially suited for speed and not recommended to novice paddlers. This feature allows for easier turning and drawing out of turns along the entire edge of your board.

Thruster Fins

The thruster setup features 3 fins. In this setup, all the fins are the same size with two installed about ten inches from the tail (back) and one installed in the center of the board. This setup is slightly less speedy than the twin fin setup and features less stability. Some paddlers prefer this option as means of exercise or practicing paddling skills.

Quad Fins

This is, as the name suggests, four fins on the underside of your board. Unless you really know what you are doing, having too many fins on your board can become really tedious. In fact, it can much-unneeded weight to your board, which will reduce your overall buoyancy.

But, for the truly skilled paddlers—who have garned much knowledge about board design—this can be a great option to add maneuverability and speed. A nearly infinite number of differing fin designs and setups can be used in any number of positions. The quad fin setup has become a favorite of the SUP tinkerer or for those who enjoy constructing their own paddle boards.

In fact, some even add a fifth fin to their paddle. But, this usually requires many years of experience, knowledge, and know-how to do properly.

Inflatable SUP fins

These fins come in the same general type and design as regular SUP fins. However, they are usually made of flexible rubber and other semi-rigid materials. Inflatable SUP fins are designed to be easily detachable.

Other Accessories And Necessities

Paddle

The best paddle is usually about 6″ to 8″ inches taller than yourself. However, most stand up paddles will come fully adjustable in length. The key to buying a paddle is to choose one that is sturdy but won’t be too heavy to push in the water. An Aluminum shaft with a nylon blade is a great choice for beginners.

Personal Flotation Device

Depending on where you are paddling, the law may require you to wear a life jacket. This is because the Coastguard classifies paddle boards as a “vessel” when used outside of swimming areas. This is usually only required when paddling on the ocean, rivers, or lakes and outside specifically designated “safe zones.” Otherwise, the Coastguard also requires that you carry a whistle and have a source of light available when swimming after sunset.

Car Rack

This accessory is fairly self-explanatory: you will need some way of transporting your SUP. Unless you have an inflatable device and can easily store your board, a car rack is likely your best option. It is usually fairly easy to find a rack specifically designed to fit your paddle board. However, some choose to use foam blocks and utility straps to secure their board on the roof of their car.

Leash

Leases tether the board to your ankle, keeping it near you if you fall off. This is not only convenient, is also a safety feature. Depending on the size of the wave, when falling off the board it can often be difficult to find the surface for air. The leash will assist you in this because it is attached to your board which floats. Leashes also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For simple recreational uses, lightweight leashes are desirable. But, for more aggressive sporting activities, a more sturdy leash that won’t break will be your best bet.

Proper Clothes

If you are paddling in a colder climate, you will want to wear a wetsuit or drysuit in order to avoid hypothermia. In normal conditions, a bathing suit will suffice. Just make sure to wear something that won’t hinder the range of your bodily movement as you paddle or swim.

Filed Under: Water Recreation

5 Tips for Beginners to Stand Up Paddleboarding

By James Leave a Comment

Summer is in full swing, and that means it is time to experiment with new experiences. The warm weather is calling us outside, and most of us end up at the beach no matter how hard we might try to resist the sand and sun. Paddle boarding is a water activity that goes unnoticed because it isn’t as popular as surfing and jet-skiing, but for those who enjoy a less intense aquatic experience, paddle boarding is a great option to try out this summer. Keep reading below to learn about some great tips if you’re interested in testing out a stand up paddle board.

1. Choose the Right Type of Stand Up Paddle Board

The Best Time Paddleboarding with a DogFacing a wall full of stand up paddle boards can be intimidating, but don’t fear, we can help you pick the right board. There are three main types of stand up paddle boards to consider: Stock boards, 14 Foot boards, and Unlimited boards. Stock boards are best suited for users 180 pounds or less, and the boards are 12 feet long. They travel fast in rough waters and don’t put a fight when accelerating, but are not the fastest of the bunch in calm waters. 14 Foot boards combine the best qualities of the Stock boards and the covetable calm water speed of Unlimited boards– they’re a safe bet if you’re unsure of the other boards. Unlimited boards are around 17-18 feet long and are the fastest of the group because of their long waterline, which allows them to have a longer glide. Because they’re so long they can be difficult to handle during transport, and do not provide the easiest handling in rough waters. Of course, paddle boarding can be executed with a surfboard if purchasing a new board isn’t an option.

2. Have the Proper Paddle

Know the difference between a stand up paddle boarding paddle and a paddle used for canoes. They look similar, but paddle boarding paddles are generally longer. The blade of the paddle will vary in size depending on the activity, but they are usually shaped like a banana peel. Depending on what type of sport you’re participating in using your stand up paddle board the size and length of the paddle will vary. For surfing, you want a paddle that’s about 5 to 7 inches longer than your height– this is known as “shaka” length. For racing, the paddle should be closer to 10 inches above your height. The paddling technique is not too complicated, so don’t be intimated by having to operate the board and paddle. Hold the paddle in a wide grip with both hands in order to glide through the water quickly as a tighter grip will slow you down. The blade of the paddle should be angled away from the rider, and you should use a “push and pull” method of moving it. By “push and pull” it is meant that the rider moves the paddle forward gently, and then moves it back toward themselves quickly without before removing it from the water.

3. Keep it On a Leash

Unlike those annoying Velcro ankle tethers you hated to use when boogie boarding as a kid, having a tether on your stand up paddle board is important to ensure that it doesn’t float away if you fall off. Also, because the stand up paddle board itself is a flotation device, being tethered to it is an important step to take for safety reasons. In case you don’t wear a personal floatation device– though you should– having that tether on your board can keep you afloat if the waters get rough. Additionally, like paddles, there are different types of leashes and tethers depending on what type of activity you use your board for, so be careful to choose the correct one.

4. Dress Appropriately

In cooler waters, be sure to wear either a wet or dry suit to prevent hypothermia, especially if you’re taking an extended stay out on the water. In warmer waters, a bathing suit or shorts and a shirt meant for getting wet will do just fine. You want something that moves easily in the water and also shields your skin from the sun.

5. Be Aware of Safety Regulations

The US has specific safety measures for waterspouts. Stand up paddle boarding is regarded like most forms of prone surfboard riding and does not require a personal flotation device while in the designated surf zone. But because it’s quite easy to move out of that area without knowing, it’s best to wear a personnel flotation device as the safety regulations may change from area to area. If you’re hitting the waters during the peak of tourist season in an area, pay close attention to the safety regulations because the authorities of that area will be paying closer attention to how they are followed and thus enforce them with more intensity.

If you’re thinking of taking stand up paddle boarding under your wing, consider these tips before you get in the water. Happy paddling!

Filed Under: Water Recreation

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