Best Hard Paddle Board
By: James | Last update: 11 July 2022
Some people like it the conventional way. Even in stand up paddle boarding, the best players surely started learning about the sport in the classic and old school way. Of course, we are referring to hard paddle boards.
Long before inflatable paddle boards or iSUPs were invented, paddlers have been enjoying the waves using these classic wood boards. If you’re just starting your paddle boarding journey, we suggest you trace back the roots of the sport by doing it the conventional way. We’re not saying that iSUPs are of inferior quality, but we just want you to go through the right process.
In this article, we will give you insightful details on buying the best hard paddle board on the market.
🥇Best hardboard race choice
Fanatic Ray Bamboo 12’6″
🥇Best popular hardboard
JP Australia Hybrid hardboard 11’6″
🥈Best budget choice
Aztron Jupit Bamboo Allround 10’8″
What is a Hard Paddle Board?
There’s probably a slim chance that you’ve been to different articles, skimming and scanning through articles, reading about hard paddle boards. And we’d bet that you’re confused with unfamiliar sports lingoes like EPS foam, sandwich construction, hand-shaped, glassing, epoxy, resins, fiberglass finish etc.
If these terms are TMI for you, let us guide you in knowing about the best hard paddle board the layman’s term way.
Generally, a hard paddle board is a stand up paddle board made from hard materials (e.g. wood, epoxy, or fiberglass). This kind of SUP (stand up paddle) board is the first on the market before inflatable SUP boards were invented. Inspired and crafted after traditional surfboard construction, hard SUP boards are the first to define the sport when it comes to form and function.
Currently, there are two kinds of SUP construction for hard boards:
1. The Lay-up or Traditional EPS/Epoxy Construction
It takes a lot of high-level craftsmanship to build a hard board paddle board of this type. Identical to the classic way of making surfboards, the EPS/Epoxy hard board is made from a shaped foam block with several layers of glassing on the finish. Unlike traditional surfboards, a SUP hard board is crafted with a lighter and a more durable Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam core.
A premium quality epoxy resin is also used during the glassing stage. We think this is one of the best hard paddle boards you can get your hands on because of how it is crafted. From the shaping of the foam core, and swathing of fiberglass fabric, to the pouring of the resin and glassing stage, the whole process truly aims for a high-quality board. There are some hard SUP boards made of carbon fiber–a lighter but more durable material. These are mostly costly, but you’ll get your money’s worth.
2. Sandwich or PVC Construction
The Sandwich or PVC Construction and the Expoxy/ Lay-up use the same materials, but vary in the process. While the latter uses layers of fiberglass to create a shell where foam core is put in, with the Sandwich it’s different. Board manufacturers use three layers of materials to create a sandwich-like construction. Generally, it’s layers of inner fiberglass, high-density foam (or it would be wood laminate), and outer fiberglass.
What’s so good about this? It’s the process that’s hard and more expensive to produce. But the good thing about this is it creates a stronger shell. And honestly, we think that with the right brand, a sandwich construction could be the best hard paddle board you could ever have.
Why Choose a Hard Paddle Board?
When you’re looking for an exquisite blend of form and function, hard paddle boards are the way to go. Because, unlike iSUPS, hard paddle boards are beefy yet extremely great at stability and flotation (buoyancy). They glide effortlessly atop the waters and are extremely lightweight. And because these boards underwent high-quality craftsmanship, they are best to use whether in flat-water or surf-friendly environments.
By the way, we’ve gathered some general information about the kinds of stand up paddle boards on the market. Depending on your sports lifestyle and preference, there are boards built for every specific purpose. Just to give you an idea, here are some of the most common stand up paddle boards on the market:
Different Types of Stand Up Paddle Board
Touring – This paddleboard is about convenience. Made primarily for flat water and sea paddling, these paddle boards are generally longer than all round paddle boards. Most down-winders use this when they are SUP boarding from one place to another. The board’s nose is made pointed to let the paddle board glide swiftly on the water. The longer the touring paddle board is, the better it slices through the water. However, stability is compromised.
Race – It has the same shape as a touring board, but race boards are generally designed for speed. These are made long with pointed noses, but are narrower as compared with touring boards.
All Round – Considered the most suitable paddle board for everyone, an all round paddle board provides the most stability as compared with the other boards. On a regular size, the boards are thick with a wider nose/tail. This paddle board is made to give the most comfort and convenience while paddling.
Surf – This board is built for those who prefer surfing. Usually shorter, surf paddle boards have higher maneuverability. But, like the other boards, there’s always a drawback. These are often slower but adds stability, especially on flat water.
Hard Paddle Board: Traditional is a Good Jumpstart
When we say traditional, we don’t mean a poorly shaped hard board that’s prone to dings and scratches. We mean the best hard paddle board with superior durability, layered with a touch lining of fiberglass and a reinforced core through veneer woods. If this is your first time purchasing a hard paddle board, please take a look at the essential details:
- Paddle Board Foam Core
- Foam Density
- Veneer
- Layers of Glassing
- Fin Base and Fins
The sliders below will show you what the overall qualities of an hard (also called composite) paddle board are per category:
Common Buying Traps: When the Best Hard Paddle Board is Out of Reach
One way to avoid a purchase failure is to equip yourself with the right information when it comes to buying the best hard paddle board in the market. You can’t just go to a physical store or browse the internet and choose the one that looks ‘cool’ enough. Remember that every paddle board is different. How you choose the details directly affects how it performs on the waters. Here are some common buying traps you need to keep an eye on.
Beautiful boards don’t mean top-notch materials
Did you know that paint doesn’t really add anything to the board’s performance? As a matter of fact, it only adds weight and you’d want your board to be as light as possible. Some hard boards are so heavily painted to conceal the flaws during the glassing process. We suggest you go for the board with a translucent finish, so you could see the glassing job done. Even better, you won’t have to worry about paint chipping over time.
Scrutinize the ‘low weight’ marketing claim
There are some brands that try to produce boards with claims of ‘ultra-low weight’ features. The thing about this is if you chance upon a board that’s made out of low-quality materials, these boards easily ding. Even worse, they can potentially snap on the waters! How do you avoid this? We’ll discuss more about foam cores and veneers along the way.
Do not believe every marketing claim
When finding the best hard paddle board in the market, you will see marketing claims everywhere. Don’t fall for enticing words. Always look for brand-quality seals that prove that the board has undergone quality testing before being sold in the market. Reading customer reviews will greatly help, too.
More About the Best Hard Paddle Board
VENEERWhen it comes to foam core reinforcement, always look for wood veneers, especially bamboo. These veneers are molded, heated, and compressed with foam, fiberglass, and resin to create very light but top-rated paddle boards. That is why when you are buying a rigid paddle board in the market, always look for the following inclusions when checking the following: Materials: EPS Foam Core, Epoxy Resin, Fiber Glass Cloth Finish: Wood/Bamboo Veneer, Carbon Fiber, Carbon Crosslink |
LAYERS OF GLASSINGGlassing is the process of which a foam core gets a reinforced layer of strength. Ideally, a good hard paddle board is double- or triple-layered on top/bottom. Take note of the number of layers put to strengthen the hard board core as these are essential to the board’s total durability. |
FIN BASE/FINSIf you’re a newbie, there’s a chance you’ll fall for buying a board with only one fin base. Although that is a good choice, also always take a look at a three vin setup because this setup can be handy for multiple waters. |
Research Factors for the Best Hard Paddle Board
| 🏆 SUP Planet Ⓒ |
PADDLE BOARD FOAM COREThe foam core is what makes up the insides of every rigid paddle board. Why foam? Since stand up paddle boards need to be as light as possible, light materials should be used to maximize the board’s flotation. Traditional surfboards are made from polyurethane foam cores, but the density greatly affects the board’s performance. That’s why EPS foams, which are lighter, were made as a perfect alternative to PU foam cores. These foam cores are then reinforced with one or several layers of glassing to make a durable hard board core. Take note that EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) cores can only be processed with Epoxy resins. And this is the good news: Epoxy resins are more durable and ding resistant than polyurethane resins! |
FOAM DENSITYThe foam core’s density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (or kilograms per cubic meter). Long and short of it, if the foam core is denser, then the more rigid it is. The good thing about this is that your board will be more durable against dings. However, the trade-off would be on the weight. So, finding the best hard paddle board is a balance of a lower foam density and top-quality layers of epoxy resins on the outside. There are some brands that can achieve this goal. Always remember to take note of the board’s most strength but least weight potential. |
VENEERWhen it comes to foam core reinforcement, always look for wood veneers, especially bamboo. These veneers are molded, heated, and compressed with foam, fiberglass, and resin to create very light but top-rated paddle boards. That is why when you are buying a rigid paddle board in the market, always look for the following inclusions when checking the following: Materials: EPS Foam Core, Epoxy Resin, Fiber Glass Cloth Finish: Wood/Bamboo Veneer, Carbon Fiber, Carbon Crosslink |
LAYERS OF GLASSINGGlassing is the process of which a foam core gets a reinforced layer of strength. Ideally, a good hard paddle board is double- or triple-layered on top/bottom. Take note of the number of layers put to strengthen the hard board core as these are essential to the board’s total durability. |
FIN BASE/FINSIf you’re a newbie, there’s a chance you’ll fall for buying a board with only one fin base. Always go for a default three-fin setup. Because whether you’re going for an all-round paddle board or a touring paddle board, a multiple fin setup is a way to go. |
Conclusion
In a world where technology is revolutionizing everything classic and conventional, sometimes, it’s good to stick with the old-school ways. The best paddlers started by using hard paddle board. And even if modern alternatives are available in the market, they know the difference. So, buy the best hard paddle board today and hone your skills to perfection!
To make your search for the best hard paddle board a lot easier, we have already made a selection for you. View our selection of the best hard stand-up paddle board(s) at the top of the page.
Learn more about stand up paddle boarding by reading other articles from our website!