Why Buy SUP ATX?
SUP ATX is the worldwide leader in manufacturing and selling paddle boards directly online, through retailers and via large national chains. There's a reason for this. By design, SUP ATX has found the perfect balance between quality, cost and volume with the benefit of first starter advantage. Put simply, SUP ATX knows how to make the best quality boards, using long lasting U.S. manufactured durable materials, has developed the most sophisticated packaging and shipping techniques and was founded by an entrepreneur-Internet pioneer who knows how to develop an online brand by connecting with and creating lasting meaningful bonds with the like-minded who care deeply and share a love for the sport of stand up paddling and its associated lifestyle. Combine all of this with the most experienced and knowledgeable management staff in the industry headed by managerial professionals. The result is a globally scalable, well-run organization that has successfully fulfilled its mission to spread the sport of SUP, from oceans to lakes and rivers, providing the best quality equipment, at the most reasonable prices possible, all backed by customer service that is second to none.
When you invest in a SUP ATX brand Board and Paddle, you're not just buying another piece of water sports equipment. You're becoming a part of a global movement and lifestyle which you and your children will look back upon in years, and even generations to come, and be proud to have been a part of creating.
Which Paddle Board is best for your purposes?
1) Determine length preference
2) Determine construction preference
3) Determine color preference
1) Length of Paddle Board
The following are the most important considerations in choosing the paddle board or boards that are right for you. First, know that just about any paddle board in the 10 foot - 12 foot length range will work for almost any man, woman or child. Typically, the larger the board, the more weight it can comfortably float. 10 foot boards are sufficient for paddlers who weigh under 150 lbs. 11 foot boards are generally good for paddlers in the 150-200 lb range. 12 foot boards are good for paddlers 200 lbs or higher. Note that SUP ATX does offer the 12.5 and 14 foot length FXR line of boards that are designed for particularly heavier loads of 250-400 lbs.
We typically recommend 12 foot length boards for most customers of any weight when buying their first and only board. It simply provides the greatest flexibility of use. You will find as a paddle board owner than many people will want to try out your board. So, even if you weight only 100 lbs, having a 12 foot board will allow any friends or family who may weigh much more to comfortably be able to paddle on their first try. At 12 feet in length, the board would be more than necessary to float you as a lighter person, but the larger board will not impair your ability to paddle comfortably. Additionally, with a 12 foot board, you can easily bring a child, a pet dog, a cooler etc along with you for the ride. So for overall stability and flexibility of use, the great majority of customers buying their first board (and only one board) can't go wrong with 12 foot length.
Why then would you consider buying 10 foot or 11 foot boards?
As explained above, the longer the board, typically the more weight it can float. The flip side of this is that the shorter the board, typically the more maneuverable it will be. If you are primarily paddling on flatwater (ie: not surfing waves), having a higher degree of maneuverability should not be a serious consideration. However, if you are planning on surfing either waves in the ocean or would like to surf the wake of a boat, shorter boards are easier to maneuver in these situations. 12 foot boards can be surfed, as well, but as you become more skilled as a surfer, typically shorter boards become more appealing. Also, if you are buying two or more boards, having different sizes provides more options for meeting the particular needs for your group of paddlers by being able to put larger paddlers on larger boards and lighter paddlers or children on shorter boards.
2) Construction (paddle board series) Preference
Besides length, what are the secondary considerations in determining which board is best to fit your needs?
First, you must determine if the uses for your paddle board(s) are "normal" or are a "specialty". 90% of all our customers buy boards for "normal" use. Nearly 100% of first time buyers go with boards for "normal" use. In other words, if you are not sure if "normal" use is right for you, "normal" use is probably right for you! If your needs require a specialty board, you likely would not be reading this. You would already know exactly what board you need. "Specialty" boards include categories such as for paddle board racing (our Lahui Kai line of racing boards) or boards that are suitable for fishing (our FXR line of paddle boards).
If your needs do not require a specialty board, there is only one remaining consideration in determining the best "normal" paddle board for you. That is, whether you want a full EPS/Epoxy constructed board (LR series and SR series), or whether you want a full EPS/Epoxy constructed board with a "comfort top" covering the entire top surface of the board (HR series). This may sound confusing, but it is actually quite simple. Our LR and SR series are traditional looking and functioning boards. Our HR series are the same as the LR and SR series, but the entire top surface is covered in an EVA/Memory Foam top. Choosing which series is really just a matter of personal preference. The performance of these boards in the water is identical. If you want a more traditional appearing paddle board, go with the LR or SR series. If you want the entire top surface of your board covered in comfortable EVA/memory foam, go with HR series. For functional consideration, the benefit of the HR series boards is it makes it easier for pets or children to sit comfortably towards the front of the board (less slippery) and also if you are planning on exercising or performing yoga on your board, the comfortable top surface of our HR series tends to be preferable.
3) Color & Design Preference
Which color scheme or design is best for you?
This is 100% your personal preference. Once you decide on length of paddleboard and which series (construction type) is best for you, simply choose the color and design you like the most. |
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Glossary of Terms
The sport of Stand Up Paddling (or "SUP) is so new, the terms used to identify and describe the sport, as well as the names for the boards used, vary wildly. "SUP" stands for Stand Up Paddling. Surfing is often tagged on to the end to describe Stand Up Paddling while surfing waves. Since SUP ATX began popularizing the sport beyond the limitations of ocean surfing spots, most people Stand Up Paddle on flatwater lakes, rivers, bays, and reservoirs even more so than oceans. So, the sport is often referred to as simply, "SUP", short for, Stand Up Paddling. Often, paddle boarding is written as two words, but many people now write it as one word. Namely, paddleboard or paddleboarding, which is how the term "surfboard" came about. Initially, surf board was written as two words, but as the sport evolved and popularized, surfboards fused into one word. In conclusion, don't let all the name variations confuse you. |
