Edwin Hammond Meredith is a Florida Keys-based chef who has taken up an interest in stand up paddleboarding (SUP); he recently completed a 33.8 mile SUP crossing. Edwin Hammond Meredith intends to participate in competitive SUP races in the near future.
After an individual has decided that they enjoy SUP enough to make a serious commitment to the sport, he or she must select a personal board. Purchasing a board involves several steps, beginning with a size and weight assessment. The length and style of a board can vary greatly, ranging from under eight feet to over 12 feet and varying from an inflatable structure to epoxy in composition. Rider weight categories begin as low as 120 pounds and approach 285 pounds. With boards weighing between 18 and 27 pounds, individuals must consider what size board they can handle at the current time and what size board they might grow into in the future.
Paddle boarders will also need to consider what kinds of interests they want to pursue with their board. An individual who simply desires exercise and outdoor experiences will have different needs compared to a person interested in competitive racing. Displacement hulls, for example, have a sharp design that allows them to cut through the water at great speeds. However, this design makes displacement hull models more prone to tipping over, particularly for inexperienced riders. A planing hull board, on the other hand, is rounded and travels at a slower, more stable pace.
After an individual has decided that they enjoy SUP enough to make a serious commitment to the sport, he or she must select a personal board. Purchasing a board involves several steps, beginning with a size and weight assessment. The length and style of a board can vary greatly, ranging from under eight feet to over 12 feet and varying from an inflatable structure to epoxy in composition. Rider weight categories begin as low as 120 pounds and approach 285 pounds. With boards weighing between 18 and 27 pounds, individuals must consider what size board they can handle at the current time and what size board they might grow into in the future.
Paddle boarders will also need to consider what kinds of interests they want to pursue with their board. An individual who simply desires exercise and outdoor experiences will have different needs compared to a person interested in competitive racing. Displacement hulls, for example, have a sharp design that allows them to cut through the water at great speeds. However, this design makes displacement hull models more prone to tipping over, particularly for inexperienced riders. A planing hull board, on the other hand, is rounded and travels at a slower, more stable pace.
