How to choose the right SUP board for your weight & style 2025

Are you thinking about buying a SUP but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? You're not alone. Choosing a SUP can feel complex when you're faced with hundreds of models with different dimensions, volumes, and specifications. But the truth is, the right choice is all about matching the board to your weight, height, and paddling style.

As stand up paddling experts with over 18 years of experience, we're here to help you navigate the SUP jungle. In this guide, you'll get a step-by-step method for choosing the SUP that's right for you. You'll learn why volume is more important than length, how your paddling style affects your choice, and access our sizing chart.

Whether you're a beginner looking to get started safely or an experienced paddler looking for performance, you'll know exactly which SUP board will give you the best experience on the water.

Table of contents:

• Your weight & SUP volume
• Length & width factors
• Thickness & stability
• Paddling style influences choice
• SUP types per need
• Size chart guide
• Expert model recommendations

Your weight & SUP volume

The first and most important thing when choosing a SUP is to understand the relationship between your weight and the volume of the board. Volume is measured in liters and determines how much weight the board can carry while still floating stably and efficiently.

The basic rule for SUP volume:

• For beginners: Your body weight × 1.3-1.5 = ideal volume in liters
• For experienced users: Your body weight × 1.0-1.2 = ideal volume in liters

A person weighing 70 kg should therefore aim for 91-105 liters as a beginner, or 70-84 liters as an experienced paddler. Too little volume results in the board sinking too deep, which creates resistance and makes paddling tiring. Too much volume makes the board difficult to maneuver and unresponsive to your movements.

Adjust volume based on:

• Muscle strength: Stronger paddlers can handle lower volume
• Experience: More experience = better balance = lower volume works
• Area of ​​application: Longer trips require more volume for packing
• Water conditions: Flowing water requires more stability and volume

Kona Sports' Scandinavian design philosophy focuses on finding the perfect balance between performance and stability. Our boards, which Active Air for larger paddlers with 291 liters are designed to provide optimal buoyancy for paddlers up to 120 kg.

Length & width factors

The length of a SUP board affects speed and directional stability, while the width affects stability and maneuverability. Understanding these dimensions will help you choose the SUP that matches your paddling style.

Length (feet/meters):

• Short boards (9-10 feet): More maneuverable, easier to transport, perfect for yoga SUP and games
• Mid-length boards (10-12 feet): All-around performance, balance between stability and speed
• Long boards (12+ feet): Higher speed, better glide, ideal for touring and long rides

Width (inches/cm):

• Narrow boards (under 30"): Faster but require better balance
• Medium width (30-33"): Optimal balance between stability and performance
• Wide boards (33"+): Maximum stability, perfect for beginners and yoga

Long-distance touring boards like the Kona Cruiser Air SUP 12'6" 30.5" exemplify the perfect balance with its length for touring performance combined with a width that provides confident stability for paddlers of all levels.

Expert tip: Start wider than you think you need. You can always upgrade to narrower boards as your technique develops, but a board that is too narrow to start with can ruin the entire SUP experience.

Thickness & stability

Board thickness is often the most overlooked dimension, but plays a crucial role in performance and usability. Thickness is measured in inches (or cm) and affects everything from stability to pumping time.

Thickness categories:

• Thin boards (4-5"): Lower center of gravity, the feeling of standing on a surfboard, requires more technique
• Standard thickness (5-6"): Balanced performance, suitable for most applications
• Thick boards (6"+): Higher volume without increasing length/width, more stable platform

Advantages of thicker boards:

• Higher volume = better buoyancy for heavier paddlers
• More stable platform for yoga, fishing or family paddling
• Better damping against waves and ripples
• Easier to get the right volume without making the board unmanageably long

Disadvantages to be aware of:

• Higher center of gravity may feel "top heavy" initially
• Requires slightly more force to pump (for inflatables)
• May feel less "surf-like" for experienced paddlers

By combining Scandinavian design philosophy with functionality, Kona Sports creates boards that optimize thickness for the Swedish climate and water conditions. Our Inflatable SUP boards use drop-stitch technology which allows for 6" thickness without compromising stiffness.

Paddling style influences choice

Your planned paddling style is crucial for the right SUP choice. Different activities place different demands on the board's characteristics and performance.

Recreational Paddling: The goal is relaxation and exercise at a leisurely pace. Prioritize stability and comfort over speed. Choose wider boards with more volume. Good for families and beginners who want to enjoy nature without pressure to perform.

Fitness & Training: For workouts on the water, you need a stable platform that allows for a variety of exercises. Look for a board with a good grip surface, multiple D-rings for equipment, and sufficient width for safe movement.

Touring & Adventure: Longer tours require boards that glide efficiently through the water and have room for packing. Focus on longer boards with good directional stability and storage options.

Yoga SUP: Requires maximum stability and a wide, comfortable surface. Look for extra wide boards with soft-top or grip surfaces that provide secure grip for various yoga positions.

Racing & Performance: For those who want to paddle fast and efficiently. Prioritize narrow, long boards with lower volume. Requires good technique and balance but rewards with speed and performance.

Kona Sports' "Stand up people. Stand up life" philosophy is reflected in how we design boards for different lifestyles. Our The racing SUP for competition is perfect for performance-oriented paddlers, while the Active Air series focuses on all-round use.

SUP types per need

To choose a SUP, it will be easier to understand the main categories and what they are optimized for:

All-round SUP

The most popular category for good reason. All-round boards for everyone offer a balance of stability, speed and versatility. Perfect for beginners who don't know exactly what they want to do with their SUP, or experienced paddlers who want a board for different activities.

• Length: 10-11 feet
• Width: 31-35 inches
• Ideal for: Recreational paddling, fitness, short trips, learning

Touring SUP

Designed for longer distances and adventures. Expedition touring boards are longer and narrower, providing better speed and directional stability. Often equipped with extra D-rings and bungee storage.

• Length: 11-14 feet
• Width: 28-32 inches
• Ideal for: Long tours, expeditions, day trips with packs

Racing SUP

For those who want to paddle fast and compete. Performance racing boards are narrow and long with minimal volume to reduce water resistance. They require good technique but offer incredible speed.

• Length: 12-14+ feet
• Width: 22-28 inches
• Ideal for: Competition, training, speed challenges

Yoga/Fitness SUP

Extra stable and wide for safe training on the water. Often with specially designed grip surfaces and reinforced areas for various exercises.

• Length: 10-11 feet
• Width: 33-36+ inches
• Ideal for: Yoga, fitness, meditation, photography

Kona Sports' product portfolio covers all of these categories with Scandinavian precision. Our Active Air represents perfect all-round performance, Cruiser Air focuses on touring comfort, while Numinous Air delivers racing performance.

Size chart guide

Here is a size chart that takes Nordic conditions and paddlers into account:

SUP Size Chart based on weight:

Adjust the table for:

• First time SUP: Add 10-20% extra volume
• Strong balance/surfing experience: Reduce volume by 10-15%
• Mainly touring: Increase volume for packing
• Racing ambitions: Reduce volume as technology develops

Kona models by weight group:

• 60-80 kg: Active Air 10'8" (291L) - perfect all round start
• 70-90 kg: Cruiser Air 12'6" (297L) - ideal for touring
• 80+ kg with racing goals: Numinous Air 14'0" (291L) - performance focus

This table is developed based on over 18 years of experience with Nordic paddlers and water conditions. It takes into account that Swedish paddlers often use drysuits or wetsuits, which affects the volume requirement.

Expert model recommendations

After helping thousands of paddlers find the right SUP, here are our expert recommendations based on different profiles:

Best SUP for Beginners: Kona Active Air 10'8"

This The perfect beginner board offers the perfect balance between stability and performance. With a 291 liter volume and 32" width, it provides security for learning while growing with your development. Scandinavian design meets functionality with premium materials that last over time.

• Perfect for: First SUP purchase, family use, recreational paddling
• Weight range: 60-120 kg

Best SUP for touring: Kona Cruiser Air 12'6"

Designed for Swedish conditions with a focus on comfort and performance on longer trips. 12'6" length provides excellent glide while 30.5" width maintains stability. Good storage and good construction make every trip an experience.

• Perfect for: Day trips, expeditions, photography, nature experiences
• Weight range: 70-120 kg

Best SUP for Performance: Kona Numinous Air Racing 14'0"

For the serious paddler looking for speed and performance. 14' length combined with 27" width creates a racing SUP for competition that competes with rigid boards. Despite the racing focus, Kona's sustainability and quality are maintained.

• Perfect for: Racing, training, long distances, competition
• Weight range: 70-120 kg

Expert's secret tip:

• Don't buy too small at first: Better to grow into the right size than struggle with a board that's too small
• Try before you buy: Many retailers offer demo days
• Invest in quality: A good SUP will last 10+ years with proper care
• Think holistically: Include paddle , pump and safety equipment in the budget

Kona Sports' "Stand up people. Stand up life" is about choosing the right thing to do from the start. Our boards are designed to unite body, movement and gear in a harmonious experience that lasts over time.

To learn more about SUP safety on Swedish waters, we recommend The Swedish Lifesaving Society's courses and guidelines for safe paddling.

Summary

Choosing a SUP is not about finding the "best" board, but about finding the one that suits you. With the right volume for your weight, dimensions that match your style, and quality that lasts over time, your SUP investment will be a source of joy for many years to come.

The most important factors to remember: start with your weight to determine volume, choose dimensions based on your paddling style, and invest in quality that grows with your development. Kona Sports' Scandinavian design philosophy and 18+ years of expertise ensure you get a SUP that combines performance with durability.

Stand up people. Stand up life. Your SUP journey starts with the right choice - let us help you find the perfect board for your adventures on the water.

Need help choosing? Contact our SUP experts for advice or to try out Indoor SUP to test your balance before you buy.

FAQs about SUP selection

What volume do I need for my SUP board?

As a rule of thumb, multiply your body weight by 1.3-1.5 to get the ideal volume in liters for a beginner. Experienced paddlers can use 1.0-1.2 as a factor. So a 70 kg person should aim for 91-105 liters for a beginner. Then adjust based on your strength, experience and planned use.

Should I choose an inflatable or rigid SUP?

Inflatable SUP boards (iSUPs) are ideal for most paddlers as they are easy to transport, store and offer excellent performance. Modern iSUPs with drop-stitch technology, such as the Kona Sports Air series, perform almost as well as rigid boards but with significantly greater practicality.

How important is the length of the SUP board compared to the width?

Length primarily affects speed and directional stability, while width affects stability and maneuverability. For beginners, width is more important because it provides stability for learning. As technology develops, you can prioritize length for better speed and touring performance.

Which SUP type is best suited for Swedish conditions?

An all-round SUP for Swedish waters is ideal for Swedish conditions as it handles varying water conditions - from calm lakes to west coast ripples. The Kona Active Air 10'8" is designed specifically for Nordic paddlers and handles everything from archipelago paddling to inland lake adventures.

How much should I budget for my first SUP?

A A quality SUP that will last a long time costs between 4000-8000 SEK complete with paddle, pump and safety equipment. Cheaper options may seem tempting but often cost more in the long run through repairs and replacements. Kona Sports focuses on long-term value rather than short-term solutions.

Can I use SUP all year round in Sweden?

Yes, with the right equipment you can paddle all year round. Winter paddling requires a drysuit, safety equipment and knowledge of ice conditions. Many Swedish paddlers enjoy winter paddling as a unique nature experience. It is important to always inform someone about your paddling plans and never paddle alone in cold waters.

Does brand matter when choosing a SUP?

Brand matters for quality, durability and support. Established brands like Kona Sports with 18+ years of experience offer proven quality, expert knowledge and long-term support. Our boards undergo rigorous testing for Nordic conditions and come with extensive warranty and service.