Buzz
I live close to a park with a lake, and over time, I've seen the variety of small watercrafts evolve from a blend of canoes and kayaks to a mix of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). SUPs have become incredibly popular, and standing on your board is part of the fun. But what if I suggested a different way to explore the water? Try using a kayak paddle while sitting on your SUP.
I've given this idea a lot of thought. Regular readers might remember that I love kayaking, but I also own an inflatable paddleboard, which I enjoy as well. When I’m choosing which vessel to take to the lake, I consider these factors:
The kayak is more efficient for fast movement in the water, thanks to its shape and double-bladed paddle.
The paddleboard is simpler to pack and carry, since it’s a straightforward board that deflates and rolls up. (With a kayak, there’s the extra step of securing it to the car roof. Not difficult, but a bit of a hassle.)
The paddleboard feels more refreshing on a hot day, because you can easily dip your feet in or even hop off for a swim. In a kayak, you're on the water but not truly in it.
The paddleboard allows you to lie down and relax (just drop an anchor if you’re concerned about drifting away). While you can lean back in a kayak, it’s never quite as comfortable.
Taking everything into account, the paddleboard is the ideal choice for a lazy afternoon. The kayak, on the other hand, would be my go-to for a workout session (racing across the lake, like a jog for your arms) or on a cooler day when I’d rather not get wet. But if I’m just in the mood to relax, why would I want to stand up and awkwardly steer the boat with a single-sided paddle?
Yes, it's perfectly fine to use a kayak paddle with a paddleboard
A typical kayak paddle features two blades—you alternate between dipping the right and left sides in the water, propelling you forward with ease. The paddle for a paddleboard is different, being longer, with one blade at the bottom and a T-handle at the top for a comfortable grip. You paddle on one side of the board, though you can switch sides if your arms get tired and you want a break. It’s essentially like a canoe paddle, but longer since you're standing.
However, mixing and matching is completely acceptable. You can simply grab a kayak paddle, or you can go deeper into it. Paddleboard enthusiasts have created convertible paddles that let you add a second blade, and some even bring both a paddleboard paddle and a kayak paddle on the same board. If you fully commit to this approach, you can even get a clip-on kayak seat.
Still don’t have a paddleboard? Here are a few simple options to consider:
Here’s a basic 10'6" board kit (with a standard, single-bladed paddle) for less than $200. It’s not extravagant, but it’ll get the job done.
Here’s an electric pump to inflate your paddleboard (I highly recommend this over using a hand pump).
And here’s a basic kayak paddle like the one I use.
If you want to explore specialized gear for sit-down paddleboarding, consider these:
Convertible paddleboard paddle (with one or two blades)
Universal kayak seat for paddleboards
But I opted for the simple approach. Yesterday, I took my regular kayak paddle and my standard paddleboard to the lake. I sat on the board with my legs crossed and paddled it just like I would a kayak. And it worked perfectly fine.
I was able to move as fast as I normally do while standing; maybe even faster. And unlike my kayak trips, I could secure the paddle to my bungees whenever I wanted, lie back, and unwind, thanks to the flat surface. I could even stand up and try some yoga. (Do I attempt full, slow, meditative yoga flows on my paddleboard? No. Do I sometimes test if I can lift my feet off the board in crow pose without falling? Absolutely. And sometimes I succeed.)
I’ve realized this is the perfect combination, especially for a relaxed lake day. The board makes transportation easy, and the double-bladed paddle still lets me get around. So what if it’s called a ‘stand up’ paddleboard? Standing is overrated.
