A guide to finding the right paddleboard to suit your paddling style
Choosing the right paddleboard can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. This guide will help you find the perfect board that matches your paddling style.
INTENDED USE
Recreational Paddling
For leisurely paddling on calm waters, the Pau Hana Malibu Classic is an ideal choice for beginners. Its wide deck provides stability, making it perfect for people just starting out and family use. The Oahu paddle board was designed for recreational paddlers with a bit of experience who may occasionally want to try their hand at surfing.
INTENDED USE
SUP Touring
If you seek longer paddles or multi-day trips, the Endurance Touring SUP range offers the speed and capacity you need. The Endurance is designed to carry gear efficiently, ensuring a smooth journey, and has been designed to accommodate a bivy on the decked so not only does your paddle board get you to camp, but it also acts as a camping platform when you are there.
INTENDED USE
Fishing and Utility
For those looking to fish, the Big EZ Angler comes equipped with SeaMounts to attach mounts for rods, coolers and other gear. The wide deck offers excellent stability when your reeling in a catch while the Ricochet technology provides a robust shell when fishing close to rocks or water debris.
INTENDED USE
Yoga and Fitness
The Moon Mist yoga board provides a stable and comfortable platform for on-water yoga sessions, with a soft deck pad and ample space for poses. Not only is it a great board for yoga, but once you have mastered the art of balance, it serves as an excellent surf SUP. If on water fitness is what you are looking to improve, the MiniSport is an excellent choice. It’s a fast, agile board for those looking to complete more intense paddling sessions and increase paddling fitness. The wide tail offers stability while the displacement nose cuts through the water effortlessly.
Board Size and Weight Capacity
Selecting the appropriate paddleboard size and ensuring it meets the necessary weight capacity are important steps to enhance your paddling experience.
Volume
Consider the board’s volume based on your weight and the gear you'll carry. The Big EZ Hawaiian supports heavier paddlers or those carrying extra gear, while lighter paddlers might opt for a smaller, more nimble board like the Moon Mist.
Length
Longer boards, like the Endurance Touring SUP, track better and are faster, making them ideal for distance paddling. Shorter boards, like the Malibu Classic, are more maneuverable and better suited for quick turns and shorter distances.
Pau Hana's boards are known for their high-quality, durable construction. The use of advanced materials like Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) in some models ensures longevity and environmental friendliness. If eco-consciousness is a priority, consider models featuring TPU. VFT and Ricochet technology provide a very durable shell which can increase the longevity of the board if the water where you paddle is susceptible to debris or rocks.
Crafted with precision, this board features a vacuum-compressed EPS core infused with epoxy resin for a lightweight yet durable structure. Bamboo reinforcements in load-bearing areas add extra strength and resilience, while high-density Corebrace™ supports all installed components for enhanced durability. A self-regulating Goretex vent plug maintains stable core pressure, ensuring optimal performance in varying conditions.
Ricochet® is an advanced impact-resistant technology engineered to protect boards from rocks, paddles, and hard impacts. Developed over years of research, its specially formulated membrane is seamlessly integrated into the fiberglass construction. The result is a lightweight, sleek board with exceptional durability—built to withstand the toughest conditions.
Vacuum-formed technology encases the EPS foam core, providing a lightweight yet robust structure, while Kevlar-reinforced rails add exceptional strength and impact resistance for a paddle board built to withstand the toughest conditions. A self-regulating Goretex vent plug maintains consistent core pressure, ensuring reliable performance in any environment.
Drop stitch technology consists of two PVC layers reinforced with woven fabric, connected by thousands of high-tensile fibers that link the top and bottom of the board. This construction method provides exceptional structure and rigidity, giving the inflatable a firm, stable feel comparable to a hardboard.
Drop stitch technology uses two layers of TPU connected by thousands of high-tensile fibers, linking the top and bottom of the board. This construction creates exceptional structural integrity and rigidity, giving the inflatable the feel and performance of a hardboard.
Woven drop stitch technology is two layers ultra-light material lined with woven cloth that are attached at thousands of points where a fiber connects the top and the bottom of the board. The drop stitch technology gives substantially more structure and rigidity to the inflatable.
Enhancing Your Paddleboarding
Accessories and Customization
Pau Hana’s range of hard boards some of their inflatable collection feature the SeaMount system and which a variety of accessories to enhance your paddling experience. Whether it's adding a rod holder, cooler, gorilla nets, or a wide range of other accessories, consider how you can customize your board to meet your needs.
The RAM Self Leveling Drink Cup holder is the perfect accessory for a long day on the water. Easily installed and positioned to keep your favorite beverage within reach, this...
The Pau Hana paddle clip will keep your paddle securely in place. Good for locking in your paddle while fishing or touring so that it doesn't fall off your board or need to b...
The RAM® Tube Fishing Rod Holder attaches to a 1.5” Tough-Ball and threads easily into the SeaMount® System with the Sea Mount Base Plate. This fishing rod holder must be u...
Selecting your first SUP
These boards are all great options for those looking to buy their first paddleboard, they are stable, durable, and designed for beginners with the capacity for progression. They are also made with high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.
Recommended Paddleboards to Consider:
11'0'' | Big EZ Hawaiian Paddle Board$1,299.00
The Pau Hana Big EZ Hawaiian is a classic and popular choice for beginners, with a user-friendly design and stable platform. One of the first paddleboards designed for beginners, its durable construction makes it a versatile option for families and paddlers who want to take their furry friends along for the ride.
The Pau Hana Malibu Classic is a great option for beginners because of its stability and durability. It has a wide, stable platform that makes it easy to balance and paddle. The Malibu Classic is made with a foam core and ABS shell, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
10'10 | Solo SUP™ Backcountry iSUP$1,299.00
The Pau Hana Solo SUP Backcountry is an inflatable paddleboard that's perfect for medium to small paddlers who are short on space. Its inflated size of 10'10" x 30" x 6" makes it easy and stable to paddle, while its deflated size makes it incredibly convenient to transport and store. When rolled up, it's approximately the size of a rolled sleeping bag, making it easy to take with you on the go.
Before You buy
It's a good idea to rent or borrow a paddleboard before making a purchase, this will allow you to try a variety of boards and find one that is comfortable and works for you. By choosing the right paddle board and equipment, you'll have a more enjoyable experience on your journey of learning to paddleboard.
The Take Away
Choosing the right paddle board comes down to understanding your needs and matching them with the right product. By considering your intended use, experience level, and specific requirements, you can select a board that will provide years of enjoyment on the water.