If you’re thinking about getting into paddle boarding, the first thing you have to worry about is transporting it to the beach. So, it’s natural to wonder, how much does a paddle board weigh?
A paddle board’s weight is usually determined by several factors. Namely their materials and sizes. However, in general, the lightest inflatable paddle board weighs around 10-15 pounds, and the heaviest weighs up to 50-60 pounds. In contrast, you’ll find rigid paddle boards to be on the heavier side, ranging from 30-100 pounds on average.
The fact is, to be a smart buyer, you must think differently. The weight of a paddle board is important, but if you pick the wrong one, your board might snap in no time. Hence, you have to calculate your weight too before purchasing a board. The rest of this article will provide you with all the information about paddle board weights and more!
How Much Does A SUP Weigh (Inflatable & Rigid)
Firstly, SUPs are many kinds. There are inflatables, surfboards, all-rounders, flatwater, and so many more. However, inflatables and rigid or solid boards would be the focus of this section.
Several factors determine the weight of paddle boards, including the boards’ strength. Therefore, referring to a fixed number will not answer your question.
Inflatable boards are lighter than rigid boards. It is because these boards are not internally constructed from solid materials but air. You need an inflator when you buy these boards.
They are convenient to travel with because they do not take up much space. You can fold these into bags and carry them with you wherever you go.
The amount of air going into them usually heavily determines their weight. As there are other added materials on the boat, such as the fins, the nose, and the polyester fabric, these will also contribute to the overall weight.
The lightest inflatable board weighs between 10-15 pounds. A board like this is small and probably for children. In terms of durability, they’re not that great.
The length and width of these boards might not provide you with the best service.
In contrast, the biggest ones (50-60 pounds) will be durable, but they might be difficult to use for beginners. Larger boards can be quite hazardous to ride in the ocean, because the bigger the board is, the more chances you have of hurting someone during the ride.
In contrast, rigid or solid boards are quite durable in the ocean. The usual solid materials used for their construction are wood and plastic. If you choose lightweight solid boards, there is a chance of the board breaking during strong waves. You have likely seen them cracking just in the center. So, choose wisely!
Solid boards range from 30 to 100 pounds but you can also find heavier ones with a little digging. Typically, these can support 200-300 pounds of body weight.
People who weigh more than this might have to custom build their boards. Otherwise, there is a high chance of them breaking while you are in the water.
Does The Construction of A Paddle Board Affect The Weight?
Yes, the construction of a paddle board or SUP does affect its weight. The materials used inside the boards are the main reason behind their weight. This is why it is important to choose the right material for the boards.
Have you ever wondered what is the lightest paddle board? The name of the lightest paddle board is Atoll boards. The majority of these are made of military-grade PVC or lightweight drop-stitch materials.
Hence, this makes them weigh approximately 15-19 pounds, and their weight capacity is up to 500 lbs. These boards are sturdy and they glide quite easily in waves.
Inflatable boards can also be made from materials called the ‘drop stitch’. Some of them have 2-5 layers of this coating on the inside. Adding more coating to the board will make it heavier. It will also increase the durability of the boards.
Commercially made SUPs, however, usually have two layers of drop-stitches. PVC material is used on the outside to create waterproof coatings. Therefore, all of these contribute to the board’s weight.
While a one-layered board is lighter they are not as strong as any other multi-layered boards. Additionally a single-layered board is less expensive since they have less work and materials but also may have a much shorter lifespan in “regular use”.
A rigid board, on the other hand, is much heavier than inflatable boards. Due to the wide range of materials, they are made from, their weight can vary greatly.
The most commonly used material is wood, foam, plastic, fiberglass and even epoxy. In comparison to the other materials, wood and plastic are the most durable and heavy.
As opposed to foam, carbon boards are often used as the interior base of high-end paddle boards. In case you didn’t know, a carbon fiber board would be extremely lightweight and fast in the water.
However, they also have some negative aspects. For instance, as stated above, they can be quite expensive and are susceptible to damage.
Due to this, the rigid boards have different weights. It all depends on the material of the board. A foam-made item would generally weigh less than one made from epoxy or wood, for example.
These boards, however, are generally of high quality and extremely durable.
Does Weight Affect A Board’s Performance?
Weight does influence the performance of a board since the material it is made from has a big impact on it. In most cases, lighter boards are quicker in the water. They glide easily and have excellent buoyancy. Boards that are heavy on the other hand perform well in strong currents, whereas lightweight boards can feel shaky.
Beginners are better off with light paddle boards since they are still learning. It’s advised not to go too far with these boards because they are prone to breaking.
Unless you are a good swimmer, it’s best to stay near the shoreline. Inflatable paddle boards are ideal for calm waters or whitewater.
Heavier boards are great for people who are experts at paddle boarding, on average these boards are high quality and last longer. These also are very fast, because they can go quite some path with one stroke.
The rigid boards make perfect surfboards too, which makes them an excellent choice for heavy waves. In other words, professionals love to use heavier boards.
How Should You Choose Paddle Boards Based on Your Weight?
The best way to choose a paddle board is using your own weight. But, before you can do that, you must know what kind of board you want to purchase.
It is important to clarify that a paddle board of average weight will be great for any user. You can also request the store owner to provide you with information on the boards’ weight limit. You should also select the boards based on your height and your level of skill.
The easiest way to find the perfect board according to your weight is by multiplying your weight in pounds by 1.4. For example, as a beginner, if you weigh 150 pounds, then your board’s volume should be 210L. For advanced or professional users, they have to multiply their body weight by 0.5 or 0.6.
Conclusion
In conclusion, inflatable and rigid paddle boards can weigh differently depending on several factors. These board’s weight also impacts their performance. Therefore, before you buy one, it would be wise to examine their capabilities!
I hope this article has answered your question of how much does a paddle board weigh and other related topics! See you next time!!