How to Choose the Right Paddle Board

Understanding Hull Types

The hull is the underside of your paddle board. Its shape determines how the board moves through water.

Two main hull designs dominate: planing hulls and displacement hulls.

Planing Hull Boards

A planing hull is wide and flat. The board sits on top of the water rather than cutting through it.

This design prioritises stability. The broad, flat surface distributes your weight across a larger area. You feel more balanced, especially when standing still.

Planing hulls work well for surfing, yoga, casual cruising, and whitewater paddling. The wide shape lets you shift your weight quickly without tipping. Beginners find these boards forgiving.

The trade-off is efficiency. A planing hull creates more drag. For short outings on calm water, this rarely matters.

Displacement Hull Boards

A displacement hull has a pointed nose and narrower profile. The board slices through water instead of riding on top.

This shape reduces drag. Each paddle stroke propels you further with less effort. Displacement hulls glide smoothly and track straighter than planing designs.

Touring boards use displacement hulls. If you’re covering 5 miles or more, the efficiency gain is significant.

The downside is stability. Narrow boards require better balance. New paddlers often feel wobbly until they develop core strength.

Inflatable vs Solid Paddle Boards

Both types have clear advantages.

Why Choose an Inflatable SUP

Inflatable boards pack down to the size of a large rucksack. They weigh 9-12kg when deflated.

This solves two major problems: transport and storage. You don’t need roof racks or a garage. An inflatable fits in a car boot or under a bed.

Modern inflatables use drop-stitch construction. Thousands of polyester threads connect the top and bottom PVC layers. When inflated to 15 PSI, the board becomes rigid enough for most activities.

Quality matters significantly. Cheap boards use single-layer PVC and feel soft underfoot. Premium inflatables use dual-layer construction with reinforced rails.

Inflatable boards handle impacts better than solid boards. Rocks and shallow water won’t crack an inflatable. This durability appeals to river paddlers and families.

The main limitation is performance. Even the best inflatable has slight flex. For recreational paddling, touring, and yoga, the difference is negligible.

When to Choose a Solid Board

Solid boards offer maximum performance. They’re constructed from foam cores wrapped in fibreglass or carbon fibre.

A solid board doesn’t flex. Every bit of your paddle power transfers directly into forward motion. This efficiency matters for racing and long-distance touring.

Solid boards also excel in surf conditions. The rigid hull responds instantly to weight shifts.

The drawbacks are practical. Solid boards measure 10-14 feet long and weigh 12-18kg. They require roof racks, storage space, and careful handling.

If you have secure storage and prioritise peak performance, solid boards deliver.

Paddle Board Categories by Activity

Board categories describe the primary use case.

All-Round Boards

All-round boards measure 9’6″ to 11’6″ in length and 30-34 inches in width. They use planing hulls for stability.

These boards handle flat water, small waves, and casual cruising equally well. The wide platform feels stable for beginners. The Loco Amigo Air is a perfect example of a versatile all-round board.

For first-time buyers, an all-round board between 10’0″ and 10’6″ makes sense. You’ll use this board for at least two seasons before your skills justify something more specialised.

Touring Boards

Touring boards range from 11’6″ to 13’2″ in length. They’re narrower—typically 29-32 inches wide—and use displacement hulls.

The extra length increases glide. You cover more distance per stroke. The displacement hull cuts through water efficiently, reducing fatigue on long paddles.

Most touring boards include cargo attachment points for multi-day expeditions.

The trade-off is manoeuvrability. Long boards turn slowly.

Surf SUPs

Surf SUPs measure 7’0″ to 9’8″ in length. They’re significantly shorter than other categories.

Short boards turn quickly. The reduced length allows rapid pivot turns and responsive handling in waves. The Loco Shred Air combines surf performance with inflatable convenience.

The low volume and short length make surf SUPs less stable in flat water. They’re specialist tools for wave riding.

Whitewater Boards

Whitewater boards are short (8’0″-9’6″), thick, and have high volume. The rocker profile and reinforced construction handle river conditions.

These suit paddlers specifically interested in rapids and moving water.

How to Choose the Right Size

Size determines everything.

Board Length Guide

Short boards (under 10 feet): Turn quickly, less stable. Best for surfing, kids, or light adults.

Medium boards (10-12 feet): Balance stability and glide. Suitable for most recreational paddling.

Long boards (12+ feet): Maximum glide, excellent tracking. Used for touring and racing.

Width and Stability

Width is critical for stability.

28-30 inches: Fast but requires good balance. Suitable for experienced paddlers under 80kg.

31-33 inches: Balanced width for most paddlers between 65-95kg. Provides reasonable stability without excessive drag.

34+ inches: Maximum stability for heavier paddlers (95kg+), beginners, or yoga activities.

Weight Capacity Charts

Paddler Weight	Width	Length	Min Volume
Under 56kg (8.8 st)	30-32″	9’6″-10’6″	180-220L
56-70kg (11 st)	31-33″	10’0″-11’0″	220-260L
70-85kg (13.3 st)	32-34″	10’6″-11’6″	260-300L
85-100kg (15.7 st)	33-34″	10’6″-12’0″	300-340L
100kg+ (15.7+ st)	34-36″	11’0″-12’6″	340L+

These ranges assume recreational paddling on calm water.

Essential Accessories

A paddle board package requires more than just the board.

Choosing the Right Paddle

Your paddle should reach your wrist when you stand with your arm raised overhead.

Adjustable three-piece paddles suit families sharing equipment. Fixed-length paddles are lighter and more efficient.

Carbon paddles cost more but weigh significantly less than aluminium. The weight difference matters over hours of paddling.

Pumps

Inflatable boards need pumps rated to 15-20 PSI.

Manual double-action pumps move air on both strokes. They’re efficient to about 10 PSI.

Electric pumps save time and effort. Most auto-shut-off at preset PSI.

Budget 10-15 minutes for manual inflation, 5-8 minutes for electric.

Safety Equipment

A leash connects your ankle to the board. If you fall, the board stays within reach.

Coiled leashes work well for flat water. Straight leashes suit surf conditions.

Board Protection

Rail tape protects board edges from impacts and extends lifespan. Board bags prevent UV damage and scratches during transport.

Budget Considerations

Paddle board prices span £300 to £2000+.

Entry-level (£300-£500): Basic construction, functional accessories. Good for learning and light use.

Mid-range (£500-£800): Dual-layer construction, quality accessories. Supports regular use and lasts 5+ years.

Premium (£800+): Advanced construction, lightest weight, top accessories. For serious paddlers and frequent use.

The performance gap between £400 and £600 boards is significant. The gap between £800 and £1200 is smaller.

Beginner-Specific Advice

First-time buyers make predictable mistakes.

Start with weight capacity. Confirm the board supports your weight plus 20kg safety margin.

Choose an all-round board between 10’0″ and 10’6″. The Loco Motion Air offers excellent stability for beginners.

Prioritise width over length. A 10’0″ × 34″ board is more stable than a 12’0″ × 30″ board.

Buy a complete package. Separate purchases cost more.

Consider inflatable first. Storage and transport convenience outweighs minor performance compromises.

Common Mistakes

Buying too small. New paddlers underestimate how much board they need.

Choosing for aspirational use. Buy for how you’ll actually paddle in the first season.

Skipping accessories. A leash is essential. A proper pump prevents frustration.

Conclusion

Start with your weight. Match that to appropriate board dimensions. Pick your board category based on actual planned use.

An all-round board sized correctly for your weight works brilliantly for most recreational paddlers.

The best paddle board is the one you’ll actually use. If portability gets you on the water more often, buy inflatable. If you want maximum performance, choose solid.

Get on the water. That’s where you’ll discover what you love about paddle boarding.