Paddle: Guide to choose your Inflatable Paddle Stand

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The stand up paddle is a very popular nautical sport in France in recent years.It is relatively simple and accessible to all.And if you also plan to get started but you do not know for which paddle model, we invite you to consult this article.This is a guide on the paddle that will help you choose the one suitable for your level and your needs.

What is the stand up paddle?

The stand up paddle or sup is a sporting activity that has existed since the 1960s;This is the ancestor of surfing.Indeed, it consists of a board on which the practitioner is standing and a paddle allowing him to move on the water.

Currently, inflatable plates like the Paddle Lidl are acclaimed due to their lightness and ease of transport (because it is foldable).In addition, they are practical for use, both for a beginner and for a professional.

Regulations for stand up paddle

Many of us consider SUP as floating equipment for leisure.However, the use of a paddle requires compliance with maritime legislation in force.

Rules for beaches and boats

The regulations for the SU changes according to your type of board and its length.Rigid boards of less than 3.5 m and the inflatable boards are considered to be beach devices.Thus, they are not allowed to navigate more than 300 m from the beach.Any rigid board with a length of more than 3.5 m is considered to be a boat.Thus, it is possible to navigate up to 2 nautical miles from the coast.But provided you equip yourself with a vest, a towing device, a leash and an individual, waterproof and 6 -hour luminous identification means with a range of 6 hours.

Paddle legislation according to the type of water

What type of paddle for what use?

Since each paddle has its specificities, it is essential to understand the correspondence of existing planning forms on the market.

The length of the board is one of the criteria to be considered in terms of maneuverability.The shorter it is, the easier it is to handle.The width of the board is also a variable to consider for its stability.And another variable not to be overlooked is the thickness of the board because it also impacts its stability.Note that there are two types of board thickness: 10 cm and 15 cm.The 10 cm boards are made for people with a weight less than 85 kg.

Important technologies for an inflatable paddle

In order to choose a durable and efficient inflatable paddle, you must consider its technologies.Here are some examples related to the latest generation Sup inflatable:

Simple skin or double skin?

If you have already inquired about inflatable paddles, you have necessarily heard the simple skin and double skin terms.Note that this criterion is important in the choice of a SUP.

In general, the walls of the paddle are made up of PVC layers.These are glued to an artisanal (or industrial for certain brands such as Aqua Marina).For a single skin stand up paddle, these walls are made up of two layers including a layer of PVC and additional reinforcement.And a sup is said to be double skin when its walls are made up of three layers: between the first layer of PVC and the reinforcement, there is an additional PVC layer.

In terms of performance, double skin paddles are undoubtedly more solid and rigid.They will offer you better sliding sensations.Its main drawback is the price! The quality of the PVC used is also a very important variable which explains the price differences between the stand up paddle.

The price of an inflatable paddle

Although the price of a product does not guarantee its quality, it plays an important role.And to design a quality stand up paddle, you have to put means.To date, a high -end stand up paddle can cost between € 500 and € 1,500.Of course, it is possible to find low coast paddles, around € 350, on the market.But be careful not to acquire an "inflatable mattress"!

Note that in the choice of an inflatable paddle, the price is synonymous with technology, innovation, and construction technique.So if you want to get a SUP who can support you for several years, we advise you to invest in models around € 500.