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How to recognize a good quality stand-up paddle?

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Stand Up Paddle

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27 March 2024

Bruno Sroka

In this article, we’ll explore the essential criteria to consider when selecting a quality paddle board. Whether you’re an experienced stand-up paddle boarder or a curious novice, it’s crucial to choose an inflatable stand-up paddle board that meets your needs and provides optimal performance on the water. Let’s take a closer look at the various important points to consider.

The criteria for selecting a quality paddle

There are many essential criteria for the right choice of an inflatable paddle, firstly, take an overview, check that the paddle seems to you to be of good quality overall, no manufacturing defects or even deformations. Next, let’s talk about the various important points to observe.

Manufacturing materials

Inflatable paddle boards are constructed of PVC, a petroleum derivative that has different qualities. The first, important in our case, pvc is 100% airtight, which allows for an inflatable structure.

But pvc is a material that can, in some situations, turn out to be rather fragile, which is why the thickness of the different layers is extremely important because in addition to rigidity, they will give the solidity of a SUP.

For example, many SUPs on the market are built with 0.4 or 0.5 mm layers, where, with a view to the durability of our products, we have decided to build our paddle boards with 0.7 mm PVC.

How to choose a SUP
Paddle boarding on the Seine in Pari

The construction of the paddle board

The thickness of the layers is extremely important, as we’ve discussed, but the construction and distribution of the thicknesses and welds are also important in the quest for a good quality paddle

For example, we add up three 0.7 mm layers on the rails, this is the most sensitive part of the paddle, where you will kick your paddles and also where you will put the SUP. The three layers on the sides also increase the rigidity of the paddle and therefore increase its efficiency.

Manoeuvrability and comfort

A stand up paddle is a slippery element, it must have as little drag as possible to make your rides a success without being excessively tiring.

To do this, the paddle board must be stiff, light and well built. The length-width ratio will largely determine your paddle’s ability to glide. A longer and narrower SUP will glide more but will be less maneuverable while a wider and shorter paddle board will be more maneuverable but less slippery.

Additional accessories and features

Finally, to perfect your choice of paddle, and estimate the quality of what you have in front of you, dwell on the small details that make a top-of-the-range product such as:

the quality of the accessories on the paddle (bungee cord, “D” ring, handles, storage, etc.)
The quality and presence of external elements such as the pump, the repair kit, the leash or the transport bag.

See our inflatable paddle boards

In short, you are equipped to go in search of good deals while avoiding the pitfalls. Keep in mind that paddles are fragile elements that must be treated with the utmost care.

All you have to do is enjoy your stand-up paddle season.

If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, please do not hesitate to contact us !

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