Will beginner notice a difference between lower and higher middle-end stand up paddle boards?
I'm considering stand up paddling as a sport for rest periods for my legs (running, hiking, cycling) and a way to train upper body muscles.
I've checked the prices, of course the cheapest are the ones from local Walmart-equivalents (300-400$). Those from local reputable sport market costs about 700-800$. The ones from local stand up paddle trainer/reseller starts from 1500$. Of course they are much better quality (more layers etc) but... as a beginner, would I notice a difference?
I would paddle on calm waters (a lake) without rocks or other obstacles that could damage the board. Under that circumstances, could I reasonable profit from better, but more expensive boards?
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Out on a calm lake with minimal adverse conditions, you're not going to notice any real difference as long as you're above the absolute baseline in equipment. As with most sports equipment the difference in quality only shows when things start to become challenging and you're describing the baseline situation for a paddleboard.
What you'll notice more is design, primarily length and width. A wider board is more stable, a longer board is faster.
You might also notice the weight, but lower end boards are usually inflatable and hence lighter. Hard boards aren't relevant until you're starting to push your limits or going surfing.
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/22734. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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If you goal is muscle exercise, a stand up paddle board may not be the best choice.
I stand up and paddle all the time in my 17 foot coleman canoe. I use the same 5 foot paddle sitting or standing.
When standing the physics of applying pressure to the water with the paddle means you can not apply as much force.
When sitting you have a much lower center of gravity, and options to use leg pressure against the side of the boat to drastically increase your stroke power.
In most kayaks and canoes you have the option to sit and paddle or stand and paddle. You also have the option of sitting and exercising much harder in either of these. A sit on top kayak is about as easy to transport as a stand up paddle board. A canoe is a bit more challenging to transport, but offers more options for water adventures.
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