Stand up paddleboards originated in Hawaii in the 1960s when surfing instructors stood up on their boards to watch over their students. The sport grew in popularity during the first decade of the 21st century. And why not -- a stand up paddleboard and a paddle are all you need to explore lakes, rivers and oceans. You also get an unmatched view of the water and surroundings by being upright. As a bonus, stand up paddleboards offer a full body workout and an exercise that is well-suited to cross trainers. The right size board for you primarily depends upon your experience level, weight and the type of water conditions you expect to encounter.
Experience
If you are just learning to paddleboard, stability is vital. Longer boards are more stable and conducive to learning -- you want to spend your time paddling and getting a feel for the sport instead of repeatedly falling into the water. A 12-foot board offers maximum stability, in part because of its long length and in part because it is also wider and thicker than a shorter board. You can rent a long board when you are starting out, learn the basics and later buy a shorter board, which will give you more control and maneuverability in the water.
Weight
Longer boards are most appropriate for heavier stand up paddleboard riders. If you weigh well over 170 lbs., a 12-foot board should be a good fit. If you are around 170 lbs., an 11-foot board is appropriate. If you are very small and slight, a 10-foot board might prove ideal.
Water Conditions
You will be paddling through flat water, rough water or surf. A smaller board works fine if you are navigating a smooth lake. The rough water of a river or windswept lake is not as kind to smaller boards, which will dig into the choppy water and feel unstable. You should use a board in rough water that is 6 to 12 inches longer than a board you can control in smooth water. As for surfing the ocean waves, a novice stand up paddleboard rider should use the same board as in rough water. You will have more control and fall less often. Boards in the 11- to 12-foot range should work well. When you get more proficient, you'll gravitate toward smaller boards in the 9.6- to 10.6-foot range, which allow you to paddlesurf adroitly through the waves like good surfers do.
Considerations
Your paddle should be roughly 7 inches taller than you. The standard width of a paddleboard is 26 inches. If you are smaller or want a lighter board, a narrower width is an option. A board that is too thick will be hard to maneuver. However, thin board are less stable. Newer boards, as of 2011, taper in thickness to provide more stability without sacrificing maneuverability. A larger fin on your paddleboard also increases stability, although you won't be able to execute turns as fast. Finally, don't forget you have to transport your board to the car and to the water, so make sure you can carry it comfortably.
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