Paddleboarding has become a popular water sport that many people of all ages have enjoyed, especially among the older population. In fact, SUP boarding is now the new trend, and many seniors are finding this water activity not only fun, but it also provides many health benefits for them as they age. SUP paddleboarding is easy to learn and you don’t even have to be an expert in athletics to paddleboard. However, when choosing the right SUP board, we recommend buying one that is durable, fun to paddle on, and from highly regarded companies that are proud of their product and care about their SUP community. In this article, we’ll share what the best paddle boards for seniors are and how to choose the right one.
Types of SUP boards
Now, there are three types of SUP paddle boards to choose from, and seniors can find more on them by reading our last post. However, here’s a quick summary.
- Touring boards- longer and narrow than your average board, great for long distance, more speed than other boards.
- Activity paddle boards- round-shaped nose, excellent for water-based fitness activities, wider for more stability.
- All-round boards- oval shaped nose, offers both comfort and stability, transforms into a kayak.
Stable Paddle Boards for Seniors
For seniors, choosing the most stable paddle boards is highly recommended. One main reason is that as seniors age, they tend to lose their ability to balance well. Not to mention, muscle mass and strength may also decline with age. Therefore, choosing a lightweight SUP board is the way to go for seniors who want to learn SUP paddleboarding. It will be easier to glide through the water, and more convenient to carry when you’re ready to head home from a day at the beach, lake, or river. Seniors should also choose a board that is versatile, including travel-friendly; for carrying all your gear. Many avid paddleboarders believe that the Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ is the best stable SUP board on the market for seniors. However, we thought it best for you to decide. Here are the top five SUP paddleboards for seniors.
1. Nautical 10’6’/11’6” by iROCKER
Whether a senior chose the 10’6 or 11’6 by iROCKER, they both are well constructed and offer a dual layer pvc construction. This board also has a 32” width and 6” thick, making for a more durable and more stable board for entry-level paddlers. The 10 ‘6 is more of an all-round board with a low price. However, the 11’6 has a higher weight capacity, so you can pack more gear or have a friend come along. The Nautical 10 ‘6 and 11’6 both have a total of 17 d-rings, so seniors can customize their board with either a kayak seat or with extra gear storage. The Nautical also provides 2, 6-point bungee cargo areas, one at the nose and the other at the tail of the board. The board also incorporates a snap-lock technology, provided on all 3 fins. Plus, each board is lightweight to carry; the 10’6 is 20 lbs., while the 11’6 is 22 lbs. Prices start at $349, which is not bad.
Pros
- Durable dual-layer construction
- Budget-friendly cost
- Soft, deep-grooved deck pad
- Durable and lightweight paddle
- Sturdy snap-lock 2+1 fin setup
- Monthly payment option
Cons
- Entry-level board; could be better.
2. Bluefin Cruise 10’8″
Here are the basic specs of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon: It offers a combined all-around board and touring board, which is 10 ‘8 “long, 32” wide, and 6.3” thick. A budget-friendly SUP with good balance, stability, and speed. It provides a weight capacity of 330 pounds, perfect for extra gear or if you want to bring along a pet or a guest. This board is well constructed, yet it isn’t quite lightweight. The coating is UV resistant with a triple layer of pvc. The Bluefin Cruise also has a dual-chamber inflation system. Bluefin adds durability to the max by incorporating a snap-lock fin box that is removable. The Bluefin Cruise 10’8” makes a statement through its outstanding construction and versatility. The SUB board is backed by a 5-year warranty and a 60-day guarantee. Bluefin Cruise also offers a 12’ and a 15’ board, at a slightly higher price. Prices for the Bluefin Cruise 10’8 start at around $449.
Pros
- Triple layers for more durability
- Budget-friendly price for the full kit value
- High quality backpack with multiple compartments to store accessories
- Effortless foot placement for step-back turns5 year warranty
Cons
- slightly higher cost than other SUB boards
3. Outdoor Master Ace 11’
Outdoor Master offers a variety of affordable SUP boards for new and experienced riders. The Ace 11’ Sport iSUP is one of their best boards. It is between an all-around and touring board, with lots of stability and speed. The board is 11’ long, 32” wide, and 6” thick. It holds up to 300 pounds and only weighs 23 lbs. when carrying it around. It also offers plenty of space for extra gear or a small passenger. The Outdoor Master Ace provides a removable, center snap-lock fin, dual pvc layer technology, 18 d-rings, and 2 sets of safety handles to hold gear or your passenger in place. The board also provides many accessories with it, such as a repair kit, waterproof phone case, and 3-piece aluminum paddle. The going price for the Outdoor Master Ace 11’ is around $600, which is a bit higher than the average SUP board.
Pros
- Great kit value for a low price
- Roomy backpack comfortably fits the board and accessories
- Board shape makes for some added speed in the water without sacrificing stability
- Lots of storage and attachment options
- Durable construction
Cons
- A fiberglass paddle would be better
- Could use an extra zipper pocket on the backpack for organization
4. Gili Mako 10’
The Gili Air 10’6 and 11’6 is among the best boards to choose for paddleboarding. Like the Nautical, the Gili Mako offers all-around rounded boards and offers stability, with an extra inch of width. The Gili Mako can be suitable for either a larger person or if you just need extra gear for your time on the water. Weight capacity of the Gili boards are around 295 lbs. What’s so cool about the Gili is that the boards are lightweight with a single layer PVC construction and extra durable. The Gili also has snap-lock fins, which last longer than flexi fins, allowing for better tracking and maneuverability on the water. The board is also not short on features. Gili Mako boards include 14 d-rings, a 6-point bungee cargo area at the nose, a 4-point cargo area at the tail, and kayak seat attachments. The board also has 3 carrying handles and a paddle holder. The going price of the Gili Mako 10′ is $559.
Pros
- Light and nimble on the water
- Tons of features to store gear, such as attach cup holders
- Organizationally focused iSUP backpack
- Sturdy removable snap-lock fins
- Dual layer fusion technology adds durability without adding weight
Cons
- May not be ideal for larger riders
5. Thurso Surf 120 Waterwalker
The Thurso Surf 120 Waterwalker is by far the most expensive SUP board on this list; however, it does come with plenty of features and is a great value for the money you spend. The board is 10’ long, 30” wide, and 6” thick, and is one of the fastest and most nimble SUP from the list. Thurso Surf 120 has a weight capacity of 260lbs and offers a durable dual layer construction with carbon rails to increase rigidity. The board also has a 2+1 fully removable snap-lock fin set up, giving the board exceptional performance on the water. Features include front and rear bungee cargo area, an additional paddle holder, EVA deck pad, plus 4 additional d-rings for more gear storage or a kayak seat. Seniors who chose this board will also receive a double chamber, triple action pump, 3 snap-lock fins, a 10’ coil leash, a roller SUP bag, and a carbon fiber paddle. Normally the Thurso Surf 120 runs about $749, but it is currently on sale for $599. Here is a summary of its performance:
Performance
- Stability – 8
- Speed – 7.5
- Maneuverability – 9.5
- Tracking – 8
Activities
- All-around, Touring, Pet, Surfing
Pros
- Nimble and fast board, great for smaller paddlers
- Extra room for gear storage
- Carbon fiber rails and reinforced seams added for durability
- High quality, lightweight, carbon fiber paddle
- Roller bag
- 2-year Warranty and financing options
Cons
- May be too small for larger paddlers, however, larger options are available
- The most expensive SUP board of the five on this list
Physical Benefits of Paddle Boarding
The physical benefits of paddle boarding seem endless. It can help improve your balance and strengthen your body, which is great for the older population. Many seniors lose their balance as they grow older, allowing for more chances of falls to occur; yet seniors can strengthen not only their core, but their arms, back, and legs. Paddleboarding can also have a low impact on your overall body, lowering the risk of injuries. Below are more physical benefits that paddleboarding has to offer:
- Enhances Your Flexibility – This is great if you have stiff joints.
- Chances of Weight Loss – Paddleboarding is a full-body workout, helping you lose weight and build lean muscle tone.
- Helps With Injury Recovery – Paddleboarding is often used as physiotherapy
- Helps Prevent Diseases – Paddleboarding is a moderate way of exercising, which can be good for your cardiovascular health and prevents the risk of relatable diseases.
- Decreases Risk of Falling – Improving your balance and coordination with paddleboarding can make the risk of falling lower.
- Increases Your Bone Strength – Paddleboarding is an excellent strength exercise, which increases your bone strength, according to the National Institute of Health.
- Boosts Your Immune System – Exercising in the open air improves your overall immune system.
Mental Benefits of Paddle Boarding for Older People
Face it, when you are outside, getting some sun and fun on the water, your whole mood changes. Most people become happy and relaxed while doing something they love. Even if you are a beginner at SUP boarding, there is no doubt that you will feel good and enjoy being on the water. Here are some more mental benefits that paddleboarding can provide to seniors who want to have fun in their retirement years.
- It Makes You Happy – Being near water is proven to make people happier.
- It Reduces Stress – Exercising as well as being near water decreases the stress hormones in the body.
- Energy Booster – While surrounded by nature and exercising can give someone a positive energy boost.
- Improves Cognitive Functioning – new and challenging activities are good for building and maintaining cognitive skills.
- Nature Improves Mood – It can stimulate the supply of oxygen to the brain.
- Meditation on a board – While Paddleboarding, your concentration increases, allowing you to stay in balance and providing peace of mind.
- Curbs and Prevents Depression – Paddleboarding can be used as a remedy in dealing with depression.
Why an inflatable, entry-level SUP is better than a hardboard when starting out
Although Stand Up Paddleboarding has been around for centuries, it has only been a popular sport over the last few decades. Choosing the right SUP board is just the start. In fact, over the last few years, there has been more innovation and advancements in how the boards are made. Many choose inflatable boards, compared to hard SUP boards. They each will offer great benefits for the SUP user; it just depends how comfortable each person feels about their board. Here are some factors to consider: portability, speed, tracking, weight capacity, and performance. Ultimately, it is up to the user. Now let’s list the benefits of each:
Benefits of Inflatable SUPs:
- Easier to Store and Transport
- More Durable, yet Softer than a Hard Board
- Inflatable SUPs are Lighter and more Stable
- Inflatables are Recreational Boards
Benefits of Hard SUPs:
- Hardboards can offer Higher Performance
- Hardboards are better suited for Surfing
- Hardboards handle wind better
- Hardboards are easier to manage
The differences between Inflatable SUPs vs. Hard boards come down to user preference. Try both, and see which one you favor! Remember, the best SUP paddle board is the one you use.
