Essential Criteria for Choosing your Paddleboard

PREPARING TO BUY

To get the most out of your sessions, it's important to be well equipped. Before you acquire the equipment to paddle or practise a few yoga poses, alone, with friends, family, or your pet, be sure to consider the following points when purchasing.

• How you will use this board;
• Your transportation and storage capacity for the board;
• The shape, volume, capacity, length and width of the board (the sales associates in the store will be able to guide you based on your needs);
• The accessories you may need for your getaways.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BOARDS

Several types of boards exist on the market, which makes this sport suitable for everyone. Although performance-oriented professional athletes are more likely to opt for the rigid board, the vast majority of people who practise SUP as a recreational sport will choose an inflatable board because of its ease of storage and flexibility.

Regarding the boards, there is a variety for every taste and every member of the family.

SUP for Children: Some models have been specially designed for children so that they too can enjoy the water. Onata's Mini Wave is 7.6 feet long and allows kids to manoeuvre it easily and get a great force to speed ratio.

Short boards (less than 10 feet): for smaller users or those looking for more manoeuvrability.

Medium board (between 10 and 12 feet): The most flexible and can be used for any type of activity including yoga. Can easily carry up to 2 adults depending on the weight of the individuals and its maximum load.

Long board (More than 12 feet): Ideal for long trips as to have more space to bring extra equipment (food or other items).

All boards come with a carry bag, an adjustable paddle, a hand pump and a repair kit.

PADDLE AND LEASH

It's important to choose a paddle that's right for you and your height. In general, your paddle should be 10 to 20cm taller than you. The end of the paddle should be well above your head.

If you want a higher-end paddle than the one that comes with your SUP, look for Aquabond paddles, or the fiberglass and carbon paddle with the double blades or the T-tip option from Onata. Also, for optimal performance, it is recommended that non-adjustable paddles reach your wrist when you are standing with your arms raised above your head.

The leash: The leash does not always come with the SUP. It is recommended to use one when practising the sport on water with more current or simply to give you extra security. Leashes are comfortable and can be attached to your ankle and to the anchor on the back of the SUP. They are stretchable and long enough to allow the user who has fallen into the water to return to the boat safely and easily.

LOAD CAPACITY

It is important to consider the load capacity. That is, the weight of the user and the passenger (adult, child, or pet), if applicable. This information is found in the specifications of the board and it is important not to exceed this figure, in order to enjoy optimal buoyancy and movement.

ACCESSORIES

Now that you've found the board that suits you best, you shouldn't overlook the accessories that complement your sport.

• PFD (Personal Flotation Device): If you're going sailing on your own, it's essential to carry a flotation jacket (compulsory at all times), a waterproof pouch for your mobile phone or a waterproof bag for your belongings on board. If you're bringing along your canine companion, we recommend that you buy a PFD adapted for him or her, for your pet's safety as well as yours.
• Safety whistles and lighting accessories: Essential accessories that we recommend for any outing on the water. Include a safety whistle and lighting accessories if you are going out to SUP after sunset.
• Electric Pumps: Although your board comes with a manual pump, you can save time with an electric pump, especially if you own more than one SUP or will be paddling with several people.
• Tensioners (Elastic cords): These elastic cords allow you to hold your belongings such as water bottles and dry bags in place.

MAINTENANCE

We encourage you to clean your SUP after use and before moving to another body of water so as not to carry microorganisms from one place to another. The use of a biodegradable soap is recommended.