Don’t allow your height or weight put you off stand-up paddleboarding. Whilst a standard board may not support taller or heavier riders adequately in the water, the huge range of large rider stand-up paddleboards on the market are ideal for heavier riders.
Generally, smaller and lighter riders will use thinner boards, whilst heavy riders will need a thicker board with increased width for additional stability.
Why choose an iSUP with additional volume?
Being a heavier rider can greatly influence the type of stand-up paddleboard (SUP) you’ll require. Your height and weight will naturally impact the buoyancy and stability on a paddleboard, so it’s important to look out for the levels of volume afforded.
Inflatable SUPs (also called iSUPs) are often a great choice for a larger rider as they are easy to store and are very stable and durable. An inflatable SUP will usually have a higher volume than a solid paddleboard, affording increased buoyancy which will help them carry more weight. Alongside stability and buoyancy, a good quality inflatable paddleboard will also provide speed and manoeuvrability.
Buoyancy on the water
If you are a heavier rider, it’s crucial to find a board with significant buoyancy. The thickness or depth of the board is a strong indication of this. Most SUPs for larger riders will feature a 6” thickness in order to create a stable and supportive ride which can handle a heavier load. Indeed, there are paddleboards with a higher depth, but 6” is optimal for providing an overall balanced performance when on the water.
Length vs width
Typically, the larger the board, the more support it will afford. A wider board will enhance stability and mobility, allowing heavier or less experienced riders to build their confidence on a SUP. However, speed and responsiveness can be slightly inhibited on wider boards. As a consequence, longer boards might be preferred since they promote gliding ability and speed.
Opting for a longer or wider board will come down to personal preference and how you wish to use it. You should aim to find the perfect compromise between width and length amongst the range of iSUPs for heavier riders, all of which are capable of carrying a larger weight.
Suitable iSUP types
Depending on how and where you want to use your paddleboard, there are several board types to choose from – all of which are specially designed to accommodate heavier riders (sometimes with possible extra passengers adding additional weight).
Allround XL SUPs
At Two Bare Feet, we are one of a few SUP suppliers to offer iSUPs which are specifically catered towards large riders who are looking for an everyday paddleboard. Our Allround XL SUPs are designed for heavier riders who are wanting a versatile setup for ‘allround’ water use.
In many cases, these boards can be a great family option too, as they feature extra-large storage capacities and max payloads, as well as enough volume to comfortable accommodate the weight of an adult rider as well as a kneeling passenger.
Touring SUPs
If you like the sound of passing the hours on relaxed expeditions across lakes and rivers, then you should consider a touring SUP, which are specifically engineered to perform well on long-distance trips even when supporting an increased weight. With a thickness of 6”, our Two Bare Feet touring boards offer incredible stability and buoyancy. Their lengthier design also allows for increased speeds and tracking – perfect if you are gliding forwards on your onward journey. Check out our 12’0” Phatpad Touring SUP, a model which will support heavy riders with ease.
The higher maximum payloads of touring boards make them great for carrying extra loads, whether that’s heavier riders, added cargo or additional passengers.
Surf SUPs
Consider a surf SUP if you are a rider who enjoys plenty of action out on the waves. Traditional surf paddleboards, which are designed for white-water use and wave riding, mostly have a reduced depth to make them less cumbersome, so they can be easily manoeuvred. In turn, this can reduce the stability for a heavier rider and reduces the maximum recommended weight. A solution to this would be to opt for a board with marginally more length and width in order to compensate for the decreased thickness.
Our Two Bare Feet 10’6” Aerostar Allround / Surfboards are an excellent option for larger riders who will need some extra stability on an iSUP, especially as they have an increased board length and width in comparison to standard surf paddleboards.
Maximum board weight
When choosing your paddleboard, it’s important to carefully check the specifications and measurements. In particular, the maximum payloads and given volumes will help determine whether a board is right for you. Choosing a board with an unsuitable maximum payload for your stature can result in an unstable and unenjoyable ride.
Purchase your SUP today
In summary: as a heavier rider you will usually require a higher-volume and wider board which is comfortable and stable on the water. However, you might want to enhance the responsiveness and speed by downsizing to a slightly narrower, shorter or thinner model.
No matter what style you prefer, Two Bare Feet specialise in selling an extensive collection of inflatable iSUPs and SUP accessories which are bound to suit your needs as a paddleboarder. Take a look at our collection or get in touch today if you’d like any more information.
