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The Ultimate Guide To Paddle Boards And Stand Up Paddleboard Reviews

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Stand up paddle board

Before we get to the part where we look at actual stand up paddle board reviews I think it will be a good idea to give you some handy information and history about stand up paddle boards.

What Are Stand Up Paddle boards

Paddle boarding is a sport that has consistently been gaining momentum and popularity. Similar to surfing, it involves using a board to surf the ocean waves. Originally, it was only done using the prone or kneeling position. However, there has been a recent revival of the ancient form of 1surfing, now known as Stand Up Paddle boarding.

Known in the Hawaiian language as Hoe he’e nalu, it’s now seen as a way for surfers to paddle much longer distances. Now recognized as the fastest-growing water activity, it allows people of all athletic builds to participate in a challenging activity that relies on skill and agility to tame the biggest and baddest waves.

Led by such famous paddle boarders as Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Rick Thomas and Kai Lenny, the sport has been adopted by many former surfers due to its versatility and ability to let them catch more waves within a set while offering better views of those incoming waves.

Stand up paddle boards are made up of a blade, shaft and handle and generally cost from $600-$1,500. Most are now classified as vessels by the Coast Guard and require riders to wear personal flotation devices when boarding in certain spots.
Introducing Inflatable Paddle Boards and The Top Stand Up Boards

A major development in the design of sup’s has been the creation of inflatable stand up boards. This has allowed both the board and pump to be carried in something as small as a backpack. Durable yet lightweight, some boards can be inflated to as much as 30 pounds per square inch.

When someone is trying to find the best stand up paddle board, they usually look for product reviews. We will look at many Stand up paddle board reviews from  a number of different models. A few of the best ones we will review are the Tower Adventurer Inflatable SUP, Ocean Kayak Nalu Hybrid Paddle board, Solstice Stand Up Paddle board and Naish Paddle Boards.

When a person is deciding which is best for him, stand up paddle board reviews can be of great help. I will be doing some in depth reviews on these particular boards inside this site.

BIC Sport ACS with Adjustable Paddle

BIC sport acs  while surf’s up, let’s climb on board and check out the BIC Sport ACS with Adjustable Paddle. The BIC Sport is widely recognized as a great board for beginners as well as a great second board for more skilled boarders.

The greatest feature of this board is its volume of 175-205 liters. While some other boards on the market have less volume, the BIC Sport ACS offers more volume  that guarantees  to eliminate sagging in the middle. While that extra volume may not sound like much, what it offers its rider is increased rigidity and buoyancy on the water, resulting in less drag and a more comfortable ride.

The width of this board is another big draw to riders. It’s 32 inches wide, which is two inches wider than most other boards on the market. The wider platform allows riders to have greater stability on the board while also having increased maneuverability and speed.

This wider platform is especially helpful when boarding in lateral currents. This board is also one of the easiest ones to transport.

The BIC Sport ACS is an extremely durable board for less money than you’d expect. Thermometer in steel molds to ensure consistent and accurate reproduction of the original shape. Proven and long-lasting with great performance. Priced from $899.95, it’s a bargain for anyone who wants one of the best SUP’s available.

The Ocean Kayak Nalu

Next up is the Ocean Kayak Nalu Hybrid Paddle board. This one is considered to be a great all-purpose board that’s known for its durability. Whether a person wants to paddle on a calm lake, ride the ocean waves or sail through whitewater rapids this board is up to the challenge. Constructed of polyethylene, it’s as tough as they come while delivering a smooth ride.

The best feature of this board is it can be used as both a stand up or sit down model. It’s a great board to take with you if going to places where weather may be uncertain. Likewise, if going to a calm lake or river it’s just as much at home there as well. And if you find yourself somewhere with the wind gusting, you can simply decide to sit down and use it this way.

Whatever the weather throws its way, the Nalu Hybrid can meet it head on and come out on top. Its shallow design and long keel make it easy to maneuver in choppy waters while being faster than you’d think. Despite looking bottom-heavy it can really go at a fast clip.

Considered a great starter board, it’s so easy to use that many people in their 50’s, 60’s or older who are new to paddle boarding make this their board of choice. Weighing 40 pounds, it may not be best for kids because of its weight but adults will have no problem handling it. Priced around $650, it’s a great board to buy if speed, stability and ease of use are at the top of your list.

Solstice Stand Up Paddle board.

This board is another favorite of the SUP community. Weighing only 22 pounds, it’s almost 11 feet long and extremely rigid and strong. Considered sleek, lightweight and very fast the Solstice is a board that meets and exceeds the expectations of everyone who rides it. It’s list price is close to $1,000 but it can usually be found for about $600-$700, which is a steal for a model that delivers this kind of performance.

The Naish Paddle Board Line

Speaking of performance, Naish Paddle boards give that and then some. Considered the industry leader in paddle boarding by many, Naish boards get great reviews. The types of boards they make are almost endless, and they have something for all ages and skill levels.

The company’s Air series of inflatable stand up boards come in lengths of 10 feet and are 33 inches wide, providing excellent stability. Supporting riders weighing up to 240 pounds, they are ideal for almost anyone wanting to get out on the waves. Priced slightly higher at about $1,000 they are well worth the price for the hours of pleasure and fun they will give their owner.

Paddle boarding Is Just Plain Fun And Healthy

Paddle boarding continues to grow in popularity not only with everyday people, but athletes and celebrities as well. Professional particleboard like Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Josh Beckett loves paddle boarding, as does one of Hollywood’s favorite leading ladies, “Pretty Woman” star Julia Roberts.

One reason so many athletes and actors and actresses love paddle boarding is its ability to provide a full-body workout while having fun on the water. Athletes such as skiers and snowboarders use SUP’s as one of their cross-training activities to stay in shape, and kayaks also use it as an alternative exercise when training for competitions.

Before hitting the water for a day of paddle boarding, a person should keep some things in mind to make the experience more pleasurable. Besides having the board, paddle and PFD, wearing the proper clothing can not only keep one more comfortable but also help a person stay safe depending upon the weather conditions.

If someone is going to be boarding where hypothermia may be a concern, wearing a wetsuit or a dry suit can guard against this. In warmer areas a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt will work just fine, and allow the rider to be able to freely move around while getting wet. To guard against the sun, applying sunscreen and wearing some good sunglasses will protect against sunburn and the glare off the water.

The Paddle boarding Basics

Now that you have the right equipment and clothing for paddle boarding, it’s time to get the right techniques to help make the most of the experience. It’s best to start out on calm waters, and it’s a good idea to take a friend with you when first learning. When learning the proper stance, it’s good to have a friend stabilize the board as you stand on it.

The key to a good stance is all in the hips. Feet should be parallel and hip-width apart, and balancing is done with the hips. Stare off at the horizon instead of down at your feet, and remember paddle boarding is a lot like cycling in that when forward momentum increases, so does stability.

To turn a paddle board one can use a sidestroke, sea-stroke or back-paddle. To sidestroke, just paddle on one side until the board turns in the direction you wish to go. To go left paddle on the right and vice versa. A sea-stroke, also called a sweeping stroke, is used when the paddle is put near the front of the board and a long sweeping stroke is used from front to back. Back-paddling is used to turn or reverse course, and is done by either dragging the paddle or paddling backwards on either side of the board.

Unfortunately, falling off a board is inevitable. While it’s important to learn how to stand on a board, it’s also good to know the proper way to fall off of one. When a rider feels a fall coming, aim for the side so that you fall into the water rather than on the board. Falling on a board can sometimes cause serious injury, while falling in water will only get you wetter. If you get separated from the board and paddle, find the board first and then use it to paddle to and retrieve your paddle.

When first starting out, many beginners make some common mistakes on their paddle boards. Two of the most common ones are standing hunched over and keeping their knees straight. Instead of being hunched over, it’s best to keep the shoulders level and back straight. Also, bent knees help with stability and one’s ability to maneuver the board.

Stand Up Paddle boarding Is A Way Of Life

SUP For those who paddle board they describe it as a passion and way of life for them. They are usually very eager to talk about and share their love of the sport with others. To hear them talk, life starts and stops with paddle boarding. They live it and breathe it, and many have turned it into their life’s work.

There are many companies throughout the United States and the world that offer paddle boarding instruction and parties. Those people looking for something different can choose a SUP party for someone’s birthday or anniversary as a way to remember special times in life.

Paddle board adventure trips down whitewater rapids are also popular, as are business meetings conducted via paddle boarding. Many companies now send employees to corporate “board” meetings, where business is conducted while paddle boarding. These are great ways for employees to bond with one another, and if they’re lucky they may get to see their boss fall off his board a few times during the day!
And To Sum It All Up

So if you are looking for something new and exciting to help with relaxation while providing a great workout, consider taking up paddle boarding. Whether you live in Hawaii and wish to ride some waves, or want to paddle on a calm, serene lake paddle boarding can provide you with hours and hours of fun. For those looking to really enhance their workout, consider taking a Stand Up Paddle boarding exercise class.

Some places even offer yoga performed on paddle boards! With today’s stressful workplaces and hectic personal lives, paddle boarding offers people a chance to unwind and get away from the hassles of home and work. Standing on a board in the middle of a calm body of water can be a fantastic holistic experience, and may lead to another convert to the exciting sport of Stand Up Paddle boarding.

Bic Sport ACS with Adjustable Paddle Review

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BIC Sport ACS with Adjustable Paddle Stand-up paddle boarding is quickly becoming one of the most popular water sports worldwide. A cross between surfing and kayaking, those who start it often become obsessed with it. Providing a great full-body workout, it’s used by everyday people as well as professional athletes from various sports as both a workout and form of relaxation. As with any sport, you are only as good as the equipment you choose. For the beginning stand-up paddle boarder, there is no better choice for a board than the Bic Sport ACS.

Great for beginners as well as more experienced boarders, the Bic Sport ACS offers the perfect combination of thickness, width and shape. It’s four-inch thickness guarantees a board that won’t bend or sag, and the 32-inch width provides a comfortable amount of room for any boarder to stand without losing their balance.

With a long board shape reminiscent of a classic surfboard, riders rave about its stability and handling. Great for use in calm waters or small waves, its surface allows for an even distribution of the rider’s weight. Riders, especially beginners, love the adjustable handle when it comes to hugging those tough waves. Available in 10 or 11 foot lengths, the Bic Sport ACS provides the ultimate in quality and performance.

People who use the Bic Sport ACS describe it as “beautiful, great and a fantastic deal for the money.” Customers report having no trouble learning how to use it soon after it arrives, and both adults and kids have been able to experience the thrill of standing on the board, feeling in complete control after only limited action. Riders who are experienced kayaks have no trouble making the transition, and if a boat comes by and creates waves they simply balance themselves or kneel down until it passes.

Many customers who buy one of these report buying a second, third and fourth one for the family. Parents and kids alike love the Bic Sport ACS for its ease of use and ability to accommodate bodies big and small. With summer approaching, users say they can’t wait to get back out on the water.

The FCS fin system and EVA diamond groove deck pad give riders the fast speeds they sometimes desire while allowing great directional ability while paddling. Weighing 35-41 pounds, it’s light enough to transport yet heavy enough to stay stable while withstanding the pounding of waves and the weight of riders. The combination of a polyethylene outer shell and polyurethane foam core guarantee the stability and performance of a kayak and surfboard rolled into one.87

What makes this board so appealing to riders is durability for a low price. Costing $700-$800 including the paddle, most buyers consider it a steal. Many surfing and stand-up paddle boarding schools purchase these boards because of their price, durability and ease of use that lets students rapidly progress from beginner to intermediate levels. For anyone interested in learning stand-up paddle boarding, enthusiasts of all ages highly recommend the Bic Sport ACS as a great first board. I found the best price and the most reviews at Amazon.com. Please click here to check it out for yourselves.