Don't buy the first SUP board you come across. Do some research online, in magazines or on paddling forums, and buy gear from a well-known, reliable brand you have read or heard about. As the number of paddlers and rental companies grows, new SUP board manufacturers appear every day, but the fact that they make boards doesn't mean they make them well. There are manufacturers whose boards can't be inflated above 10 psi (when the recommended pressure starts at 15 psi), and manufacturers offering long boards without any reinforcement technology, so the board bends as soon as you stand on it. That's why you should always analyse the market before buying: read articles by professionals and reviews, and talk to experienced SUP instructors.
This is the best way not only to see what the SUP board really looks like, but also to feel whether it suits you. If the board bends like a banana when you stand on it, or your feet get wet straight away, step off and look for other options. A good-quality inflatable SUP board never bends in the middle, no matter how long it is: 11 or 14 feet. The pressure should also be high enough to let you stand comfortably on the water and glide across its surface.
When looking for a SUP board, you may notice that prices of inflatable boards vary hugely: from a couple of hundred to a thousand euros and more. And there is a good explanation for this: cheap inflatable SUP boards are made from cheap materials, which makes them less stiff, less durable and hard to repair, as spare parts are difficult to get. So don't waste your money on poor gear from an unknown manufacturer. Of course, some globally recognised brands may offer an economy option to their customers. Such boards are just as good in quality as the same manufacturer's more expensive boards, but they usually come with a simpler pump or a lower-quality bag, which makes them available at a lower price.
Today the market is full of different types of SUP boards: from multi-person XL boards to professional racing gear. Before buying, think about where you will use it most often and assess your abilities. This will determine the shape, thickness and volume of the SUP board and the accessories you need. The most popular 10’6” boards are great for beginners, but if you plan to paddle more than once a season, you may get bored of one over time, so you should consider longer and narrower touring or racing boards that let you glide across the water faster and with more fun. In addition, a 10’6” board definitely won't suit a paddler heavier than 100 kg, or if you plan to paddle with a dog or a child. In that case it's best to choose a bigger SUP board, which will be more stable and won't bend in the middle under the extra weight of the paddler or cargo.
Inflatable SUP board manufacturers offer many different pumps, which differ not only in colour, size or number of cylinders, but also in efficiency. The best way to find out which pump suits you best is to try it. There is no point in having an inflatable SUP board if you can't pump it up, or if you have no energy left for paddling once it's inflated.
One of the advantages of inflatable SUP boards is that you can take your gear with you wherever you travel. Provided, of course, that you have a suitable and comfortable bag. Leading manufacturers offer bags that won't cause you any hassle: integrated wheels, comfortable handles, wide and sturdy shoulder straps so you can carry everything on your back, compartments for accessories and a special material that protects against direct sunlight. Choose not only a high-quality SUP board, but also accessories with good features. Only then can you fully enjoy your gear and get the most out of it.
Fins are what can help you tell a good SUP board from a bad one. There are usually two types of fins: those already glued to the board, and removable ones that you can choose yourself. Some SUP boards have both fin systems. If you decide to buy a SUP board with a removable fin system, check how durable it is: will you really not lose the fin while paddling? The US fin box system, the most highly rated in the world, is the most common choice on the market. It is reliable and sturdy, and it fits fins of various shapes, depending on where and how you plan to paddle.
When you buy a brand-new board, manufacturers provide at least a one-year warranty. You may never need it, but it's good to have. In addition, the seller should give you contact details you can turn to if you have questions or problems with the gear. Pay attention to this before buying new, unused gear from a well-known manufacturer – it always comes with an international warranty.
Depending on what you will do with the SUP board and how you will transport it, pay attention to its weight. All-round SUP boards can weigh between 9 and 15 kilograms. Manufacturers keep improving their technologies to offer ever better and lighter SUP boards that let you travel freely.
Due to the complex manufacturing process, some SUP boards may have defects. That's why, whenever possible, always try them out first, or at least inflate them. Some inflatable SUP boards may have too much or even reverse rocker, bend in the middle like a banana, or have bubbles on the deck or along the seams due to gluing defects. The warranty mentioned above will protect you against this, but if you clearly see such defects when buying, look for other gear.
