Paddleboarding was first invented in the 18th century (and perhaps even earlier) by the native Hawaiians. Ever since then, the idea of using a paddle board to get around on the water became much more popular, especially in recent years. Today, you can find all sorts of people using this board on the water. 

But what are the different types of paddle boards and how can you find the right one for you? Keep reading and learn all about the different paddle board types and how to choose a paddle board that’s right for you. 

All-Purpose Paddle Boards

While there are many types of paddle boards, it is first important to differentiate them based on what kind of purpose they are meant to serve. As the name suggests, all-purpose paddle boards are good for all sorts of things and they are quite flexible. You can usually identify these boards based on their structure. 

These boards tend to be relatively wide boards to make it easier for people to balance on them, especially beginners. The boards are medium in size and are quite long. The larger size makes it easy to stand on the board without having to worry too much about falling off into the water. 

Specifically, these boards are around 10.5 to 11.5 feet long. The board only ever has one fin since a single fin should be enough to keep control over the paddle board and allow it to cut through the water. Its hull is a planing hull which means that it is particularly good at remaining stable, even in the presence of a few waves.

The Details

This is not to mention that this kind of hull makes the entire board easier to maneuver. These paddle boards are sometimes known as recreational or all-around paddle boards. Some people even call them flatwater paddle boards. 

Whatever the case, this type of board is great for all sorts of people. Whether you’re just starting out with paddle boards or whether you’ve been using them for years, the all-purpose paddle board will be the ideal choice. It is great for coasting along the surface of the water and exploring whatever you feel like exploring. 

This is not to mention that this type of paddle board is quite durable, so you shouldn’t come across any unexpected problems with it, especially if you take good care of it. 

Surf Paddle Boards

Why would you bother to get a surf paddle board rather than an actual surfboard to go surfing? One of the reasons is that surfing with a surfboard can be quite difficult if you’ve never tried the sport before. After all, it can be hard to get up on a surfboard and keep your balance when there’s a huge wave picking up speed right behind you. 

But a surf paddle board is a bit different. For one, you have a paddle with you. While it might not sound very significant, the addition of that simple paddle can make it much easier for you to keep your balance when you’re up on the board. 

This is not to mention that it is easier to go out into deeper and wavier water with the help of the paddle to push you along. This is compared to a surfboard on which you would need to swim out to wavier waters. Surf paddle boards are quite different compared to all-purpose paddle boards. 

What You Need to Know

This is because the version meant for surfing is thinner and more streamlined so that it can cut more easily through the water and follow along with the power of the waves. Besides that, this board has three fins rather than one so it has far more control and balance, even if you’re dealing with relatively large waves. 

The planing hull is also more rounded compared to the all-purpose board. This also helps it glide and cut through the water more easily. That way, the paddle board’s construction won’t slow you down when you’re riding the next wave. As for the length, this type of board is around 9 to 10 feet and the width is between 29 to 32 inches. 

Riding this paddle board should give you plenty of stability and balance as well as speed.

Paddle Boards for Touring

Sometimes, people don’t want speed from their paddle boards but instead stability and balance. This is exactly what you will get when you choose a touring paddle board. Sometimes, you can only see certain sites from the water, and this kind of paddle board is the best option for that. 

It is designed to be especially stable so people who have never even touched a paddle board before should still have a very easy time getting on board and standing up. Besides balance, these paddle boards are also designed for going for long distances. That way, you can see whatever sites you want to see.

Unsurprisingly, these boards are quite light and measure around 11 to 14 feet in length. The width is somewhat narrow but not as narrow as a surfing paddle board. The hull is pointier compared to other models so that it can cut through the water more efficiently. 

All About Different Types of Paddle Boards

There are many different types of paddle boards to choose from, and it is important to choose the right one if you want to have a good time on your board, whether it be designed for all-purpose use, surfing, touring, or something else. 

To learn more about paddle boarding, click here.