Page 38 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch August 16, 2013 SAVE 1000 $ ’S Buying Your First Paddle Board OCEAN CITY – It seems like everywhere you go near water these days people are standing up on oversized surf boards with a paddle in their hands. With hundreds of different models of boards and paddles on the market, how do you pick the right one for you? Under no circumstances should you buy a board or paddle unless you have tried it. SUP boards are peculiar animals. A 10-footer of one manufacturer will perform entirely differently than another, completely different stability, flotation and tracking. Most shops will charge a minimal fee for the demo but apply it to a future purchase. If they don’t demo, go elsewhere. Boards usually fall into three categories – surf, race and touring. Surf: Entry level surf SUP boards usually fall in the 10- to 12foot length and a variety of widths (29 to 32 inches) and thicknesses (4 1/2- 5 1/2 inches). A 110-pound woman will be happy on a board that a 200-pound man would sink. The three measurements of length, width and thickness create the “volume” of the board measured in liters. Most entry-level surf SUP’s will never ride a wave and will be paddling in our many bays and back water areas. Hi-performance board? Here’s where it gets a little tricky. For better performance, you’ll want to reduce the length and thickness of the board for better maneuverability. It also has the nasty side effect of reducing the volume and thereby the stability increasing the learning curve considerably. Expect to spend several sessions when making the step up to performance SUPs. It’s well worth the time spent. Again, do not buy if you can’t demo. Expect to spend from $875 to $1,500. Race: Races usually offer a short course (three miles or less) and long course (over four miles) and three divisions within each – 12 feet, 2 inches and under (surf style),12 feet, 6 inches and 14 feet. You can race your surfboard or full-on specialized race boards. Race boards have a variety of designs but generally a pointed wind, wave piercing nose as opposed to the surf style, rounded nose. These boards are designed for speed and their ability to go straighter with less effort. Costs range from $1,100 to $4,000. Touring: While all of the other boards are capable of “touring,” there are boards specifically designed to carry extra gear by using tie downs placed on the deck. Coolers, packs, fishing gear and tents all go with you. These boards have more volume (stability) and designed like their racing cousins to help with wind and speed Be safe, have fun. Paddle! – By Sandy Deeley Special To The Dispatch (More information on Walk On Water and all it has to offer can be found at www.walkonwatersupco.com.) AT MARC ANTHONY’S END OF THE SEASON CLEARANCE!!! All Carrier Brand equipment including energy rated. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED! FOLKS THIS DEAL WON’T LAST! Call us today to schedule your FREE estimate! 888-353-4050 Limited Quantity Marc Anthony Services 888-353-4050 www.marcanthonyservices.com 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST!