When it comes to SUP size, some say bigger is better but that is not necessarily true. While you technically can’t be too light for a stand up paddleboard, there are many advantages to finding one that is sized perfectly for you. That is why the top SUP companies offer a selection of different board lengths and widths versus one-size-fits-all generic sizing. In this post, we are going to focus on the advantages of choosing a small SUP.
A small SUP can go on the biggest adventures!
What is a Small SUP?
Stand up paddleboards come in a variety of sizes. You can find boards ranging in length from SUP surf boards under 10’ to race boards topping up at 14’, and widths from as narrow as 19 inches for maximum glide all the way up to 36 inches for a stable fishing platform. There is so much variety when it comes to board dimensions!
SUP size is not only tailored to the category of the board, but also size of the rider. Our Waterwalker series is a great example of a lineup of all-around boards that serve the same purpose but are offered in different sizes. They all featured the same reliable, stable outline, with a rounded nose and tail, but are come in small, medium, and large.
The Waterwalker 120 is the smallest of the bunch. At 10’ in length and 30” in width, the recommended capacity for this board is 100-150 lbs, based on its overall volume of 190L. The smaller dimensions and lighter volume make the 120 a great board for a lighter rider. Compare this to the 126 with a recommended capacity of up to 180 lbs and the 132 which can comfortably take up to 210 lbs.
The Adept is another great example of a small SUP. Designed for kids and teens, the Adept is a 9’ board that is only 28 inches wide, with a recommended capacity of up to 120 lbs. Just like the 120, it is the perfect board for lighter, smaller riders.
The smaller the board, the easier it is to carry
Why SUP Size Matters
We know what you are thinking; why not just choose a larger SUP? After all, it can hold more weight. While it is true that large SUP boards with their higher volume can handle heavier riders and more gear, small SUPs have many distinct advantages over their bigger counterparts.
The Advantages of Choosing a Small SUP
Easier to Maneuver
Steering and turning a small SUP is a cinch! Because they are shorter and narrower, there is less board to wrangle, making them easier to maneuver. You’ll be a lot more nimble in whatever conditions you find out on the water. Generally, shorter boards turn more quickly. Just look at SUP boards designed for rivers and surfing – they are usually less than 10’ in length for maximum agility.
Lighter to Carry
Small SUPs weigh less than larger boards. For example, the Waterwalker 120 is only 22.5 lbs while the 126 and 132 are 24.3 lbs and 22 lbs, respectfully. While a few extra pounds won’t make a difference on the water, you’ll definitely feel it while carrying your board down to the shoreline or back to the car after your paddle session. The longer your trek to and from the water, the more crucial board weight becomes. The fewer the pounds, the better!
Faster to Pump
Why spend more time pumping than you have to? The smaller the board, the less air it will need, the quicker it is to pump. This is especially helpful for those who use a manual pump. A smaller board will be faster to pump up to the recommended PSI to maximize board performance. And less time pumping means more time on the water!
The Adept is the perfect paddleboard for teens and youth!
Ideal for Kids and Teens
If you’re getting the younger family members into SUP, you’ll definitely want a board that suits their size. Sure, you can get them on an adult-sized board but the high volume and large shape will feel more like a giant floating dock and less of an exciting piece of gear. A board suited to their size will be much easier for them to carry, paddle, and turn, allowing them to progress quickly and, more importantly, have the most fun on the water!
Packs Up Easier
The more board you have, the more area you’ll have to manage when packing it away. Large boards can be a challenge to roll up and place in their bag with all the accessories, especially if you are a smaller person. Small SUPs are easier to roll up (especially if you are petite) and take up less room in their storage bags. Don’t struggle with more board than you have to!
Idea for SUP Surf
If you’re hoping to get into SUP surfing, you’ll definitely want the smallest board suited to your weight. A small SUP performs well in the waves, as it is nimble and responsive, perfect for navigating the waves and catching your next ride.
Do You Really Size a Board to Your Height?
Here's the part a lot of shorter paddlers get told wrong: your height barely decides which board you need - your weight does. A board floats you on its volume, the litres of air packed inside it, so a petite paddler and a taller-but-lighter one can be perfectly happy on the very same small SUP. If you're on the shorter or lighter side, don't shop by how tall you are. Shop by how many pounds the board is built to carry, and you'll land in the right spot every time.
Where your height genuinely comes into play is your paddle, not your board.
Small SUP Size Chart: Match the Board to Your Weight
Not sure where you land? Here's how our smaller boards stack up by the rider weight each one is built for. Find your weight, and the board more or less picks itself. These are the recommended ranges - every board carries more than that up to its max, but you'll paddle best inside the sweet spot.
| Board | Best for rider weight | Length | Width | Volume | Board weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adept Youth (kids & teens) | up to 120 lbs | 9' | 28" | 190 L | 17.6 lbs |
| Waterwalker 120 | 100 - 150 lbs | 10' | 30" | 190 L | 22.5 lbs |
| Waterwalker 126 | 130 - 180 lbs | 10'6" | 31" | 300 L | 24.3 lbs |
| Waterwalker 132 | 160 - 210 lbs | 11' | 32" | 300 L | 22 lbs |
See a board pulling toward the top of its weight range? Size up. Chasing agility and quick turns? Size down. The extra width and volume on the 126 and 132 buy you stability, while the Adept and the 120 stay light and nimble for smaller paddlers.
Size the Life Jacket, Too
One piece of gear that has to match a small paddler is the life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard treats a paddle board as a vessel once you leave a swimming or surfing area, and out there children 12 and under are required to wear a Coast Guard - approved life jacket while everyone else has to carry one aboard (U.S. Coast Guard). Kids' PFDs are sized by weight, not age, so fit it snug before they get on the board - a jacket that's too big rides up over their chin in the water. Here's how we'd choose a life jacket for stand up paddle boarding.
Conclusion
Nimble, light, faster to pump up, easier to store, and better for kids; the advantages of a small SUP are clear! So if you’re in the market for your next (or first!) paddleboard, have a look at the recommended capacity and choose the one that suits you. You’ll have the best time out on the water!
The right board size is simply the one that matches how you like to paddle. Pick smart, and enjoy the extra speed and agility a smaller SUP gives you. Happy paddling!
Still second-guessing whether to size down? That is exactly the kind of call our team loves to talk through — tell us your weight, your water, and how you like to paddle, and we will help you land on a size that feels right. And if a nimble all-around ends up being your match, the Waterwalker 120 is one worth a look (the 10' Waterwalker 120 is $349 board-only / $549 as a complete kit).
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