Beginner Paddle Board Terms
All-Around
An All-Around is a type of paddle board designed for “all-around” recreational use. The All-Around is a “jack of all trades but master of none” board. They are the most common type of paddle board sold and good for beginners.
Dig Deeper: Paddle Board Types Explained
Nose
The nose is the front part of the board. A paddle board nose can be many different shapes. All-Around paddle boards tend to have a rounded nose which gives the board more stability. Touring and racing sups have a longer pointed nose which helps them cut through the water more efficiently. Surfing paddle boards can have any nose shape: rounded, stubby or pointed.
Deck
The Deck is the top of the paddle board connecting the nose and the tail. A deck will have a deck pad which provides grip for your feet and a small amount of cushion. Right in the middle of the deck is a carry handle.There is often a bungee system near the nose for storing gear. Some touring boards have another bungee system near the tail. Some boards will have a camera mount near the nose.
Tail
The tail is the rear of the paddle board. Some boards will have a raised section of deck pad on the tail called a kicker or kick tail. You put your foot against the kick tail to perform turns called step-back turns. On the very tail of the paddle board will be a leash D-ring for attaching your board leash. The inflation valve on most inflatable paddle boards will be on the very tail. Although there are paddle boards that have the inflation valve on the front. Some paddle boards will have an extra handle on the tail.
The tail comes in different shapes just like the nose. Each shape gives the board different performance characteristics.
Rail
The rails are the sides of the board. Inflatable paddle boards have rounded rails that are the same thickness throughout the board length. Hard/composite boards have rails that are shaped to different thicknesses through the length of the board. These different rail shapes aid the boards performance.
Rocker
Rocker is the curve from nose to tail along the bottom of the paddle board. Or just the upward curve of the nose or tail alone.
Inflatable or Hard
There are two basic types of paddle board construction. Inflatable and hard/composite paddle boards. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. Inflatables transport easier and are more durable. Hard paddle boards are faster and perform better.
Read: Pros and Cons of Inflatable Paddle Boards
Fins
The fins are located on the bottom of the tail section. Fins allow the paddle board to move in a straight line (tracking) and give the board more stability. So without fins the paddle board would spin in circles and feel unstable.
Fins come in all shapes and sizes. The number of fins will vary too. Some boards will have only one while other boards can have five or six fins. The most common fin set ups are one long center fin, the 2+1 tri-fin, the thruster and the quad. The 2+1 is one long center fin and two smaller side fins. The thruster is three fins the same size. And the quad is four fins the same size. Beginner boards generally have bigger fins for stability.
Read: Glossary of Fin Terms
Read: Two Basic Fin Types
Read: Best SUP Fin for Stability and Tracking
Fin Box
The area where the fin attaches to the paddle board.
Read: Are Paddle Board Fins Universal?
Laird
Laird Hamilton. One of the founding fathers of modern paddle boarding. Big waver surfer, innovator and celebrity.
Leash
The leash connects the paddler to the paddle board. Usually the leash is attached around the paddler’s ankle. The leash is the paddler’s most important piece of safety gear.
Read: SUP Board Leashes Explained
Size
Paddle board dimensions are given in length, width and thickness. A typical inflatable paddle board for a beginner will be 10’6″ long, 32″ wide and 6″ thick. The combined dimensions of the board will determine the volume.
Read: What Size Paddle Board Do I Need?
Stability
How stable the board feels when standing on it. Paddle board width is one of the main factors in stability.
Read: What Makes a Paddle Board Stable?.
SUP
Stand Up Paddleboard
and ISUP is an Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard
Tracking
Tracking is how easily a paddle board moves in a straight line. Fins are necessary for a paddle board to move straight. Without fins a paddle board would spin in circles.
Paddling technique also determines how well a paddle board tracks. (moves in a straight line)
Read: Best SUP Fin for Tracking a Straight Line
Types
There are paddle board types for specific activities. All-around, touring (longer distance and camping), racing, downwinding, surfing, fishing, yoga.
Read: Paddle Board Types Explained
Volume = Float
The length x width x thickness from tail to nose is the volume of a paddle board. The volume will determine the amount of weight the board can float. The weight capacity of a paddle board is important if you are a big heavy paddler. Or if you intend to carry heavy gear on the deck of your board. If your board does not have enough float for your weight it will sit low in the water. A board with not enough float will drag in the water, move slow, paddle hard and feel unstable.
Read: How Much Weight Can A Paddle Board Hold?
Read: Best Paddle Board for Big Guys
More Paddle Board FAQ
Read: How Long Does it Take to Paddle Board a Mile
Read: How Difficult is Paddle Boarding
Read: Avoiding Risk when Paddle Boarding
Read: Can You Paddle Board When It’s Windy
