Paddle boarding also called stand-up paddle surfing(SUP), is a water sport where a person sits or stands on a board while holding a paddle and sail on coastal islands. A paddle is a wooden double-bladed implement used to thrust and drive a small craft. Kayaking is a water sport where a paddler surfs in oceans and lakes where one can appreciate the breathtaking nature. A kayak is a boat made of fiberglass or plastic that comes in different types and sizes which is used for surfing and an oar is used to steer the kayak.
Which Is Easier – Paddle Boarding or Kayaking?
Paddle boarding is easier than kayaking for an average person who likes watersports. It is easier to transport, bring, and put in storage. Boarding and disembarking are simple as well because a person will just step on and off the board.
Paddle boards are easy to lift and lighter to carry to the roof of the car. Inflatable boards are also handy and can be carried in the arms. Physical demands are less and if kneeling on the board is effortless for you, mounting, standing up and paddling can be done in just a snap.
Are Paddle Boards Faster Than Kayaks?
Paddle boards can reach 5-9 mph (8-14 kph) while kayaks can only reach 3 mph (4.8 kph), that’s half of a paddle board speed! Experts and athletes can reach up to 8-9 mph (13-14.5 kph). Paddle boards are faster than kayaks because of the type of paddle board maneuvered. Climate condition is also a factor that a paddleboard is faster because it will be determined by the wind speed, waves, and fast water.
The speed will also be identified by the rider on how fast he will surf. Paddling will make the board faster. Current is also a factor that will make the paddleboard move quickly like a tide change that can affect the acceleration of the paddle board. Travel distance is also crucial.
Is Kayaking or Paddle Boarding a Better Workout?
Paddle boarding is a better workout than kayaking as you are standing on the board and your whole body is functioning. The main targeted muscle of SUP is the abs or core. Paddle boarding tightens the obliques and abdomen in turn makes them stronger. Movement in stand-up paddle boarding also depends on core balance. Stand-up paddle boarding is simple and anyone can do it.
Given the fact that this is a good form of exercise, there are incredible benefits that a surfer can obtain in SUP. This awesome sport is low impact and relaxing. While paddle boarding, you can immerse yourself in sightseeing wonderful trees and landscapes. The art of paddle boarding can be savored in slow travel.
What Burns More Calories – Kayaking or Paddle Boarding?
When people use SUP exercises to lose calories, their effects can vary depending on their height, weight, age, genetic make-up, and other factors. Of course, the same is true for kayaking. Here is a list of calories you can burn for different types of paddle boarding:
- Recreational Paddling: 305 to 430
- Yoga SUP: 416 – 540
- Touring SUP: 615 – 708
- Surfing SUP: 623 – 735
- Racing SUP: 713 – 1,125
Kayaking, on the other hand, can burn around 300-400 calories per hour if you are a casual voyager. Here is the formula and example:
- Calories burned per minute = (MET x body weight in Kg x 3.5) ÷ 200
- A person weighs 180 pounds (72.57kg) and does moderate effort kayaking (a task that has a MET value of 5.0) for 1 hour (60 minutes total).
- Calories Burned from moderate effort kayaking (per minute) = (5 x 72.57 x 3.5) ÷ 200 = 6.34
- Calories Burned from moderate effort kayaking (for 60 minutes) = 6.34 x 60 = 380
Why Are Paddle Boards More Expensive Than Kayaks?
Paddle boards are made up of plastic, various fiberglass layers, epoxy resin, luxury wood veneer finish, a foam frame, and other costly materials, which makes them expensive. Epoxy SUPs range in price from $700 to $2000, and there are also few inexpensive paddle boards available for $300 to $500.
In first-world countries, labor rates and production costs are also high, which contributes to the high cost of paddle boards. The sport is becoming increasingly valuable due to advances in design and technology, such as inflatable board prototypes. If you want to excel at this sport, you should invest in high-quality paddle boards.
Can You Use a Paddle Board as a Kayak?
Absolutely, paddle boards can be converted to a kayak. Here are the steps to turn a paddle board into a kayak:
- Buy the right kayak bundle that matches your board type: Make sure to check with your retailer the right bundle that will go with your board.
- Attach the Street Straps to the rings: Attach the kayak seat at the center of the board. Place the straps on the top of the kayak seat on the front of the board. Put the straps on the bottom of the kayak seat on the back of your SUP.
- Pitch the Seat Up and Adjust Straps: Adjust the straps and once all is attached correctly, flip the seat open. See if the seat is cozy for you or you can even try it out. Your kayak is now ready!
- Pull the T-Bar Handle Out of the Paddle: Snap the attachment piece on the paddle to remove the original top handle.
- Change the T-Bar Handle with a Kayak Blade: Open and push the kayak blade. Click the latch and make sure it is in place.
There you have it. You have a kayak for your water adventures!
Should I Buy a Paddle Board or Kayak?
In choosing a paddleboard, it should be affordable, easy to maneuver, lightweight, great stability for activities, and drybag for phones, etc. A paddleboard usually costs $300-$400. The types of paddle board are fiberglass, soft top, foam, wooden stand-up, inflatable recreational, touring, surf, racing paddleboard.
Having familiarity with a person’s physical limitations and interests will help you determine what you should buy. A regular kayak costs $150 and a brand new fiberglass kayak costs $2000 to $3000. Kayak fiberglass paddles cost $150 and light carbon costs $300-$500. Life jackets cost $20-$30. Fishing kayaks, sea, inflatable, touring, whitewater are some of the kayaks are you can choose from.
