In this video, Dan Gavere explains the Anatomy of an Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard. Have you ever wondered what the inside of an iSUP (inflatable paddleboard) looks like and what it’s made of?
Dropstitch:
The top and bottom decks are joined by many tiny fibres called yarns, and this technique is called dropstitch technology. Starboard’s new boards are now made with a woven dropstitch to make them lighter and stiffer.
Nose Kick & Rocker:
The nose of the board typically points slightly upwards, we call this nose kick and forms part of the rocker profile of the board. This nose kick helps prevent the front of the board ‘nose-diving’ when catching a wave or to pop up and over swell when paddling in bumper conditions.
- Inflatable surfing paddle boards need more rocker and a rounder outline to get over and onto waves.
- Inflatable race & touring paddle boards will have less rocker and straighter outlines which means they will go faster.
Rails:
The rail refers to the side or edges of a board. Shorter boards will have a narrower and more rounded rail outline, while longer touring and racing boards will have a straighter rail outline so they go faster and straighter. The straighter rails means a board will not turn quite as well while a shorter rounder rail means the board will turn easier and be much more manoeuvrable in the surf.
Top Deck:
The top side of the board is called the deck. On the deck of a Starboard inflatable paddle board, you will typically find bungee tie-downs to carry additional gear or secure your paddle), soft centre carry handle to transport the SUP. The carry handle also marks the spot where you want to stand.
Tail:
As we work our way from the centre of the board down the traction pad down to the tail kick pad. This is where you want to place your foot to execute a buoy kick turn (pivot the board on the spot) or place your back foot when surfing a wave.
Behind the tail kick pad, you will also find the rear carry handle, the inflation valve (to pump up the board) and also a stainless steel D-ring to attached things – like your leash.
Fin Boxes:
On the underside of the paddle board you will see fins or fin boxes where the fins are attached to the board. Different board models come with different fins configurations (i.e. single fin on race board vs thruster on surf board) and fin mounts (how the fin attaches to the board).
And that’s all there is to the anatomy of an inflatable paddle board. To learn more head to our inflatable paddle board page of helpful resources.
