The most common question we hear from customers is: what’s the difference between “round nose” and “pointy nose” paddleboards? In more technical terms, customers are seeking to understand the difference in hull types.
What are the different hull types?
The hull of a paddleboard—or the shape of the board—comes in two basic designs: planing hulls and displacement hulls. Planing hulls are the wider, flatter shapes that ride on top of the water, facilitate stability, and are easier to turn. SUPs with planing hulls are often referred to as all around or all water boards.
Displacement hulls resemble more of the V-shape of a typical boat bottom meant to slice through the water for speed and tracking (a characteristic that allows your board to stay straighter for longer) but are potentially “tippier.” Boards with displacement hulls tend to be narrower and longer and are commonly referred to as touring boards.
While there’s many length variations amongst paddleboard brands and models, all around boards tend to run in lengths of 10’6” or 11’. Common tour board lengths are 11’6”, 12’, or 12’6”.
Which hull shape is right for you?
And now for the million dollar question: should you paddle an all around or tour board? A variety of factors will weigh into this decision, including your stature (height and weight), paddling experience, athleticism, confidence, and most important, the type of paddling you intend to do.
Seeking stability? Practicing yoga? Catching waves? Accompanied by a child, dog or cooler? An all around board, aka planing hull, is right for you.
Paddling long distances? Have the need for speed? Prefer a board that tracks, allowing you to paddle on one side for more strokes? A tour board, aka a displacement hull, is best.
Which board is right for you?
Now that you’ve decided which hull type you prefer, here’s the next question to answer: which specific paddleboard is right for you? Big picture, the crew at Stand on Liquid is here to help! Call us (541.639.4596), email us (sales@standonliquid.com), or come see us in person to get more info. Or dive right in and peruse our collection of inflatable and rigid paddleboards.
The Crew at Stand on Liquid
How To
Difference Between Planing and Displacement Paddleboard Shapes
And now for the million dollar question: should you paddle an all around or tour board? A variety of factors will weigh into this decision, including your stature (height and weight), paddling experience, athleticism, confidence, and most important, the type of paddling you intend to do.
