SUP Sizing

One of the most frequent questions we get is "What size Cruiser SUP do I need?"

A very valid concern for someone new to the sport of SUP and one we always respond with a few more questions of our own..

• "What kind of water conditions will you be using the board on?" 
• "What is the weight range of those using the board?" 
• "Will you be taking kids or pets on the board with you?
• "What is your experience level on a SUP?"

These questions allow us to determine how to best size a board for you personally.  Stand up paddleboards carry a certain amount of weight based on their volume.  The higher the volume, the more weight a board can carry.  Being on the right size board is critical to having a great SUP experience. With that being said, when deciding on a board size we almost always recommend to choose one size up.  By selecting a larger sized board you have ensured increased stability, better tracking, and increased glide speed.

Beyond your own size and comfort level on a SUP, the other major consideration is having the option of taking your kids or pet out for a paddle with you.  If this is something you may be interested in then it is definitely a good idea to go up a size for the sake of additional stability.  Needless to say a child or pet will move around a bit, and that added weight displacement has a huge effect on the stability of your SUP.  Plus, if you ever want to try SUP Yoga or just let a beginner friend try out your board, the extra volume will go a long way.

Have a great day of SUP fun!
The Team at Cruiser SUP/Paddleboard Direct

Which Cruiser SUP Paddle Is Best For Me?

Black 50% Carbon Paddle

After introducing the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding to countless individuals, the one question that always seems to be asked is, which paddle should I use? People see the different colors of the paddles, the different construction and logos, but don't really know what that all translates to once out paddling on the water. The paddle functionality is something you don't really seem to notice until you become more comfortable on a SUP. At first, you are just focusing on staying balanced and keeping the board moving in the water. Once you become more acquainted with the feeling of balancing over water you naturally become a better paddler and want to dig the paddle in to gain speed or to turn the board when needed. At this stage, a nice, light paddle makes a world of difference.

The mistake that a lot of people make when purchasing a Cruiser SUP is to just stick with the heavier alloy paddle that comes free with the board. Don't get me wrong, the alloy paddle is a very solid paddle and if durability is something that you are seeking, the alloy will last for quite some time. However, if it is performance that you are after, the smart move, because of how fast the learning curve of SUP is and how quickly one becomes a decent paddler, is to go with the relatively cheap upgrade to a lighter full carbon or 50% carbon paddle for the $49-$99 upgrade. This offer is only made available with purchase of a SUP as an upgrade. After the fact, these high end performance paddles go for $149-$249. So now, what exactly are the benefits of these beautiful carbon paddles?

When deciding on a Cruiser SUP Paddle you have a lot of different options in regards to the color and look of the paddle. However, the difference in performance of the paddles is all about the construction and adjustability. The materials used in construction of the paddles determines the weight, flex, and durability of the paddle. The heavier the weight the more taxing on the arms and shoulders and as a result slows down your maximum speed as you aren't able to get as many paddle strokes in. Light weight carbon construction paddles are far superior in this regard and will allow you to get more paddle strokes in per side and faster transition from one side of the SUP to the other. The lighter weight of the carbon paddles will also allow for you to go on longer journeys on your SUP as you won't become worn down as fast as you would when using a heavier paddle. If you just want a paddle that will last year after year no matter how much it gets banged up and who uses it, then the alloy paddles are a very solid and durable solution to your paddle needs.

Bamboo All Carbon Paddle

If there is one thing that I can assure you of, it's that if you have only ever used a heavier alloy paddle and then go out on a lightweight carbon fiber paddle, you will be blown away. There is nothing like the excellent glide and ease of side to side transition that the carbon fiber paddles provide. You will find more enjoyment in the sport of SUP and totally appreciate your new found maximum sustained speed with a Cruiser SUP carbon fiber paddle. Plus, your back and shoulders will really appreciate the lighter weight.

It all comes down to what you want to do with your SUP. If you are just looking for a new activity to relax out on flat water or throw your kids on the front of the board, then by all means, the alloy paddle will last and perform wonderfully. But, if you want performance speed, maneuverability, and quick side to side transition for great SUP exercise, racing, or surfing, then there is no better option than a Cruiser SUP lightweight carbon fiber paddle.

Check out the full line of Cruiser SUP Paddles here.

Inflatable Cruiser SUP V-Max AIR vs. V-Max Bamboo

Cruiser SUP Team Member Glenn with V-Max Bamboo

Paddleboard Direct and Cruiser SUP team member Glenn recently took the Cruiser SUP V-Max AIR out for some testing on Lake Ontario during 15-20 knot SW winds with accompanying 5 foot rolling swell. Not very easy conditions to say the least, but with the experience that Glenn has on a SUP, more than enough to get a great comparison of an inflatable to a rigid SUP. If you have ever wondered the difference in performance of an inflatable SUP compared to a rigid SUP then please keep reading below. Glenn offers some excellent detailed analysis of his experience.

Here's what Glenn had to say:

"When it comes to varying Stand Up Paddle Board models, I have ridden almost all of them.  If you give me 2 different SUP's to compare with as little as a few millimeters of specification in difference - I am able to tell them apart. My point being, when I test SUP's, I am constantly comparing the board to the database in my mind of all the boards I have ever paddled and I pay attention to every minute detail. Comparing the Cruiser SUP V-Max AIR to the V-Max Bamboo, there is a huge number of similarities, but also a huge number of differences. First thing you notice, the V-Max AIR is inflatable, there is no mistaking that. While the V-Max AIR is stiff,  you can easily tell it is inflatable (softer feel, but very stiff). The softer feel is almost comforting when riding in rougher conditions, as it isn't as harsh of a ride as the V-Max Rigid can be in steep and short period wind swell.

Cruiser SUP Team Member Sands riding V-Max AIR

Transport: There is no question the V-Max AIR is superior in the transport department. I drive a pretty small car and while I do often carry several boards on the roof, the back pack size of the V-Max AIR in the back seat is a nice treat compared to the constant howling wind coming from the roof rack with a rigid board (or two) strapped to the racks.  

Durability: Again, there is no question the V- Max AIR wins. The V-Max Bamboo is definitely tough, however if it is dropped or impacted into something like a rock, the board is most likely going to ding or crack at the spot of impact. Of course, you don't wan't to abuse any SUP, but if you happen to tick the V-Max AIR off a rock on your way into the water, the board will just bounce off with minimal to zero damage.

Glide and tracking: I would call it a dead heat. Both SUP's average about 12-14 stokes per side.  The V-Max Bamboo is crisper on the first couple of strokes and to accelerate, but once at speed, both SUP's maintain momentum equally well.

Going downwind: This is the one area I have to give to the V-Max Bamboo version, but barely, and with some explanation.  Getting a glide on the V-Max Bamboo takes nothing more than putting yourself in front of the piece of swell and letting the board do the rest. The V-Max AIR does need an extra stroke or two and requires a little extra muscle to get the board up to speed.  But, let's rewind back to the rock I hit on the beach where I realize that if I was using the V-Max Bamboo I would not have even been on the water to catch that swell, that took one more stroke to catch, as I would have spent the day fixing the ding on the board. I then quickly forget that it took one more stroke to catch the swell.

Cruiser SUP V-Max Platinum Edition Bamboo Touring

Looks: That is a tough call, in my opinion. I like red, I like bamboo, I like silver; I really just love all Cruiser SUP's.

Overall:  When I factor in the convenience and the toughness, the V-Max AIR is my preferred version of the V-Max. Still, there is a place in my board quiver for the V-Max Bamboo version and I will use both throughout the season. Though, most likely the V-Max AIR will become a fixture in my car just for the flat out reason that the performance is so similar, yet the V-Max AIR is so much tougher, portable, and convenient.  Factor in the price difference between the V-Max AIR and V-Max Bamboo and it is very tough to find any reason not to go with the V-Max AIR.

Winner: Inflatable Cruiser SUP V-Max AIR!"