The market has diverse paddleboard options and a wide range in price. A paddleboard can cost $200 to $3000. This wide disparity in pricing makes it difficult to determine how much to spend on a paddleboard. This article answers the question: How much does a paddleboard cost?
Factors that Influence the Price of A Paddle Board
Going through online stores to choose the perfect paddleboard will leave you confused as there is a wide range in their pricing. Some paddle boards are sold at low prices, and others are on the high side. This is a result of several factors.
Some Factors Influencing the Price of A Paddleboard Includes:
- Paddle Board Material
- Size of the Board
- Purpose of the Paddleboard
A. The Paddle Board Material
While the two primary paddle board types are the hardboard and inflatable board, they are further classified based on their construction materials. This material is a major factor in determining how much a paddleboard will cost.
Four major materials are used in constructing paddleboards: Plastic, Epoxy, Carbon fiber and Wood.
1. Plastic Paddle Boards
These boards are quite inexpensive. An average plastic SUP is between $250- $300.
These plastic boards are characterized by storage compartments fitted into them. They have the added advantage regarding additional add-ons available to the boards. You can customize your deck to your taste, with features such as a backrest handy for these types of boards.
2. Epoxy Paddle Boards
Epoxy paddle boards are the most expensive stand-up boards except for some special wooden boards. Their prices range from $700 to $2,000. This lightweight paddle board is built with EPS foam and several layers of fiberglass and epoxy resin.
Designed with a unique soft deck pad that provides comfort, this board arguably tops the list regarding durability. The ideal “all-rounder”, Epoxy paddle boards are the perfect companion for any water adventure. The materials used in designing this Bored make the board quite maneuverable, ensuring optimal performance in any water condition.
3. Carbon Fiber Paddle Boards
These paddle boards tend to be the most high-end type of stand-up paddleboard. These paddleboards are light and easy to paddle. The carbon fiber material has an extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for stand-up paddle boards.
A carbon fiber paddle board ranges from $100 to $500.
4. Wooden Paddle Boards
Made typically from Bamboo, these paddle boards offer the durability and strength of the carbon fiber boards but with a much cheaper price tag. With a beautiful exterior, these boards are one of the strongest and still quite light.
The price of a wooden paddleboard depends on what kind of wood is used and its designs. Paddleboards made from cheap wood can cost between $100 to $300. Others made from rare woods can cost between $1,000 to $3,000.
B. The size of the board
One major element affecting the cost of most paddle boards is the size. The bigger the paddle board size, the more material is used in its construction. This means the price increases relative to the increase in size.
1. Short Paddle Boards
The short paddleboards are usually under 10 feet. These boards are mainly used by kids and, in other cases, for surfing. They feature a planing hull and are more maneuverable than bigger paddle boards. Their small size makes them perfect for surfing waves.
Price range: $200 – $500
2. Medium Paddle Boards
Medium paddleboards fall between 10 to 12 feet. These boards are perfect for comfort, speed, and ease of handling. They are ideal for all-round usage, unlike other paddle boards. They are mostly used for SUP yoga.
Price range: $300 – $1000
3. Long Paddle Boards
These boards are about 12’6 feet and above. Many long paddle boards feature displacement hull boards which are great for cutting through waves and maximizing speed. They are built to improve efficiency and speed. They make a perfect touring board for long-distance.
Price range: $300 – $2000
C. Purpose of Paddle Board
Another important factor determining the prices of paddle boards is the purpose of their design. In many instances, boards designed for SUP racing cost more than recreational boards.
1. Racing Paddle Board
Paddle boards designed for racing are built to provide maximum speed while ripping through the waters. Made from carbon fiber to reduce their weight, these boards range from $1000 to $3000.
2. Fishing Paddle Board
While those that are willing to catch their dream fish can do so with a specialized paddle board and its complementary accessories. These boards can range anywhere from $700-$3,000 depending on the materials used and the add-on accessories.
3. Surfing Paddle Board
Finally, paddle boards for surfing will get your heart racing as you catch the waves! These boards are not for novices, as they require a certain level of mastery for you to balance on the board while surfing your way through the waves. These boards are smaller in size and volume, enabling more response when turning or riding waves. Although, this size makes it difficult for you to paddle while on still water. Their prices range from $250 to $1000.
4. All-Round Paddle Board
Some hybrid boards will make your heart thump with excitement. These boards can handle waves and paddle comfortably on still water. So, be ready to dole out the cash for these boards as they do not come cheap, ranging anywhere from $1,000-$2,000.
5. Yoga Paddle Board
Taking your yoga sessions to the next level is what paddle boards are all about, granting you the serenity of the still waters and the warm, cool breeze of the sea.
These boards are usually wide enough to accommodate yoga poses and even push you to your limit. The subtle movements of the water decrease your stability, enhancing your mental alertness while trying to stabilize your weight and pose on the board. This will give you wonderful results once you attempt those poses again at home or in your comfort zone.
Inflatable boards are usually recommended for these activities, as they support your weight and stay high above the water.
Price range: $300 – $1000
6. Touring Paddle Board
Finally, are you planning to paddle long distances? Paddle boards designed for touring grant you the required speed, its pointed nose is built for tracking while their displacement hull helps you to rip through the water.
These boards can even be used for racing and range from $700 to $2000, depending on the materials used to improve their performance.
Conclusion
Size, materials and usage are the major factors influencing the cost of paddle boards. This guide should assist in planning your budget for your next paddleboard. With these, you should find it easier to purchase your desired paddle board at a very reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are inflatable paddle boards any good?
Inflatable paddleboards are ideal for all-round recreational paddling. These boards are versatile, durable and very portable, making them the perfect leisure board.
Are cheap paddleboards worth it?
It is better to go for a more expensive than a very cheap paddleboard. While they may look attractive at first purchase, their materials and construction are low quality. These paddle boards are not durable and give subpar performances. As a result, It is better to go for a higher-priced board.
Why do paddleboards cost so much?
The size, design and materials used in construction are some factors that determine the high cost of paddle boards. In addition, the effort, labour and time put into the building and design of these boards also add to its price.
How long do paddle boards last?
Paaddlebaords that are given adequate care and frequently used should last for about 3 to 5 years. Essentially, how much they last depends on how they are cared for and how frequently they are used on the water.
What size paddle board do I need for my height?
The general rule is that paddleboarders who are 5 – 6 feet should go for a board that is 10-11 feet long and 30-34 inches wide. For tall paddlers, you should go for a board with 30-34 inches in width and 12-14 feet long. Paddlers below 5 feet ncan go for SUPs that are 8-9 feet long.