Stand Up Paddle Surfing - Choosing A Board With Craigslist

  Craigslist is an excellent place to turn as you begin your search for a new or used stand up paddle surfboard. Craigslist is largely free classified ads service for approximately 450 cities worldwide. You can find everything on there from houses to surfboards, and that's why we like it. In this article we will talk about why Craigslist.com is a great place to look and what to look for in a posting for a stand up paddle surfboard.

Craigslist is a great place to start your search for a stand up paddle surfboard for two reasons: 1. cheap used boards and 2. cheap new boards. When you first visit craigslist.org, the first thing you'll want to do is select a city near you from the center of the page. Next in the search box on the left hand side of the page type in a search term such as "stand up paddle". Right now, I'm on honolulu.craigslist.org and a page of matching listings has appeared. How do we sort through all of these?

If you are are looking for a used board, maybe as one to learn on, or as a second board so you can take a friend out on the water with you, look at the cheapest boards first. Right now I see one for $110 and another for $225. Boards at this price are probably going to be pretty beat up and quite heavy. They are probably old tandem boards that can double as stand up paddle surfboards. Should this deter you? No way. In fact, if it's already beat up, you won't worry too much when you, or your friend, dings the rail while still learning to control the paddle. Although tandem boards may be more narrow and tippy than a board shaped for stand up paddling, this can be remedied by putting on the biggest fins you can find. Extra large fins will stabilize the board while you're learning to paddle.

Another benefit to picking up a used board from craigslist is that, as you skills improve and you feel like it's time to upgrade, you won't feel at a loss giving up the used board since you won't have so much money invested in it. When it's time to upgrade, you can hold on the the used board as a second board, or pass it along to someone else for the $150 you paid for it.

You'll also find some used boards in good condition on craigslist. Right now I see some for about $650. This a great price for all the reasons listed above. These boards are probably shaped for more performance surfing but might have the bumps and bruises of a used board in good condition. Again, you can't go wrong at these prices. I remember a year ago when you couldn't find anything anywhere for less than about $2000. Shapers were back ordered and there was nothing used. Take advantage of the used stand up paddle surfboard market. Many times, the boards are being sold simply because the owner has discovered he or she is too heavy or light for the board and needs a change. These people's boards are often in perfect condition and just need to be traded out. I have met several surfers who are selling their boards for this reason.

If you call on a board only to find out that it's been sold, ask the seller who he or she knows that might be selling a board like the one you're looking for . More than likely they'll know of someone who has a used board for sale.

New boards are a great find on craigslist.org as well. Often, shapers and distributors will put their brand new production models on craigslist, to simply get their boards in the marketplace and on the water. Since craigslist is a free service, the marketing costs are zero and the board makers can afford to give a good deal to those who are shopping on craigslist. If you see a new stand up paddle surfboard on craigslist, check it out for sure. It's a great way to save a couple hundred bucks on a new board. If it's a posting by the shaper, they'll probably even ship it to you.

In conclusion, as you start looking for a new or used stand up paddle surfboard, check out craigslist.org It's a great resource. And finally, when you find that magic model online, try and arrange to take it out on the water before you buy it www.sup-shop.berlin. Meet up with the seller at a lake or at the ocean so you can verfiy that it floats you and that it's what you're looking for.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a new and exciting water sport. It's a great whole body and core strengthening work out. You can paddle board just about anywhere, as long as there is a body of water. The great part is you don't need to know how to surf.

The benefits are outstanding not only from a fitness standpoint but you'll be burning calories and improving your balance. To further increase your balance you may want to take some yoga classes. Practicing yoga will improve your balance and stamina making it easier to stand up and paddle.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding is becoming very popular, so we thought we'd give you some pointers on what you'll need and how to get started.

Equipment:

First you'll need the right gear. Minimal equipment is needed for this sport. All you need is a paddle and a board. Because boards can be costly we suggest renting a board or buying a used board.

Here are some tips to look out for when shopping for a used board:

Check for Dings: the most obvious are cracks or open holes in the board, but be aware of yellow or otherwise discolored areas that may be absorbing water.

De-lamination: this occurs when the fiberglass separates from the foam core underneath. Once a board is delaminated, its basically one step away from being surf-god sacrifice material (in other words, its toast!). Run your fingers over the surface of the surfboard taking notice of any bubbles or areas that feel 'soft'.

Just make sure the surfboard is water tight and will float you well. Its kind of like learning to drive... start with the station wagon, the Ferrari will come later.

You can purchase your own board once you know if it's the right sport for you.

Tips:

• Keep your feet about shoulder length apart, facing forward on the board.

• The paddle is held with one hand lower than the other; with the top hand all the way at the top of the paddle. (If paddling on the right side of the board, keep your right hand lower on the paddle than the left. )

• Alternate strokes on each side to keep the board going straight.

• To turn the board, drag the paddle on the side you want to turn. Stepping back on the board and dragging the paddle on the side you want to turn makes turning easier.