What is a single layer Paddle Board?

By: James | Last update: 20 february 2023

There are various types of Stand Up Paddle Boards. Within the Paddle board industry, there are a number of well-known production methods. You have single-layer drop stitch, double-layer drop stitch and finally you have fusion technology. But what exactly is single-layer drop stitch? I will explain it in this blog.

Don’t know what Stand Up Paddle Board is? Then first view our explanation of a Paddle Board.

What is a single-layer Paddle Board?

As the name suggests, a single layer Stand Up Paddle Board consists of 1 layer. This layer is made of PVC and is held together by drop-stitch. Drop stitch are hundreds of threads connecting the layers. Want to know more about drop stitch? Then take a look at my explanation about drop-stitch. A single-layer SUP is very light but generally not sturdy. Single layer SUPs are also often cheaper since less material needs to be used than with, for example, a double-layer SUP.

Characteristics of a single layer SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Board

A single layer SUP has a number of characteristic qualities. View both the advantageous and disadvantageous features in the overviews below: Pro’s

• lightweight, because the board consists of only 1 layer of PVC
• Cheaper, since less material is used than with double layer
• Inflatable, and therefore easy to carry
• Easy to roll up, because it is only 1 layer that you have to roll up

Cons

• Not sturdy, and therefore bends quickly, which is detrimental to your SUP experience
• Leak faster, because there is only 1 layer of PVC

Characteristics single layer Stand Up Paddle Board

The characteristics of a single layer Paddle board are as you would expect from a cheaper SUP Board. The boards are ideal if it is your first SUP board. But if you already have a bit more experience, these boards bend too much. As a novice paddler you will not notice that much since you are only concerned with your balance and technique. But once you have mastered the techniques, it will start to annoy you. Because of this ‘flex’, the point of the board hits back into the water with every paddle stroke. This is very disadvantageous since the SUP Board slows you down with every paddle stroke. For the rest, a single-layer SUP is nice and maneuverable thanks to its lightweight. We only recommend a single-layer SUP to a novice paddler.

Difference between single layer, double layer and fusion

Watch the video below from Red Paddle Co to see the difference between single layer, double layer and fusion technology.