FAQ

WHAT IS THE BEST BOARD FOR KIDS? 

The Tahoe SUP Grom inflatable is designed specifically for kids. It is stable, durable and very light so that it is easy for children to maneuver.  For a board that the grown ups can use too, the Alpine Explorer 11' is the next size up from the Grom and has a capacity of 260 lbs.

WHATS THE BEST BOARD FOR A BIG GUY (6'2" 250)?
We have several boards with weight capacities that will easily hold your weight and allow you to carry gear or a dog as well. The Tahoe SUP Tallac can hold 400 lbs and it’s 14ft length allows it to track exceptionally well. The KM Compressor Tour Wide Body has a racing design with a capacity of 280 lbs.  Need more?  The Fish Stalker inflatable can handle up to 500 lbs!

WHAT IS THE BEST BOARD FOR DOING YOGA?  

The Tahoe SUP YoFit inflatable and KM Hawaii Yogi are the perfect stable board for yoga.  The full length plush deck pad is very soft and the inflatable boards are very easy to transport.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATERIAL USED TO BUILD PADDLE BOARDS? 

There are  many different construction types of stand up paddle boards. Board Construction Types

WHAT IS A GOOD BOARD FOR A BEGINNER?  

Stability, Durability and Price are the important factor when starting out in Standup Paddling.  For the touring style board, the Tahoe SUP PaddleCraft ticks all those boxes and more.  It also also allows you to progress your paddling and is a great board for fitness paddling, touring and yoga. The best all-around style board for a beginner is the KM Hawaii ALOHA.  A high volume cruiser that has the stability to get you started and the ability to progress into riding small waves when you are ready. 

I AM A MOTHER OF TWO GRADE SCHOOLERS AND LAST SUMMER THEY DESTROYED THE CHEAPO BOARD WE BOUGHT AT COSTCO.  WHAT BOARD IS DURABLE ENOUGH FOR THEIR ABUSE?
The KM Hawaii ALOHA board is built with a Bollistech™ finish, perfect for whatever the little monsters can dish out.

WHAT BOARD IS BEST TO KEEP ON MY BOAT?

Inflatable boards are a great option for boats.  They are extremely durable and yet will not do any damage to the boat when bounced around.  They also are great for storing on a boat, deflated down into its own backpack.  The Tahoe SUP Alpine Explorer boards feature TrueTrack™ fin set ups which give you the tracking ability of a standard hard board and provide the level of performance that will excite you about the sport.  Because nobody wants to feel like they are paddling an inflatable mattress!

WHAT BOARD CARRIES THE MOST WEIGHT? 

The inflatable Fish Stalker has upwards of 500 lb capacity and with its pontoon design is also the most stable board.  So hook into a 200 lb Tuna or load up the cooler with plenty of beverages and ice!

WHAT IS THE BEST BOARD FOR THE BEACH? 

The KM Hawaii Cruiser and Bamboo Cruiser is the go to board for all your dreamy beach day wishes.  The stable all arounder shape is great for the kids climbing all over it, plenty of length for taking a enjoyable cruise down the beach and with a  classic longboard design you catch small waves all day.  Surf's Up Dude!

WHAT IS THE BEST BOARD FOR TAKING YOUR DOG FOR A PADDLE?

Dogs do not care what board they are on, just as long as they get to come along!  Just make sure you are equipped with the Tahoe SUP Buddy Pad that gives your buddy a  nice soft, no skid surface to enjoy the ride on.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A BOARD TO SHIP?  

Your board will ship within 48 hours of ordering and typically takes 3-5 days to arrive.

CAN I HAVE MY BOARD SHIPPED TO AN ADDRESS THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM BY BILLING ADDRESS?
Yes.  Check the option for different shipping address

WHAT IS THE BEST BOARD FOR A LAKE?  

The Tahoe SUP line of boards were the original flat water touring brand.  Meaning that up to the time Tahoe SUP launched in 2008, the selection of standup paddleboards in the market were all surfboard shapes.  The new designs are perfect for river, lake and ocean conditions but rest assured you will be riding the best boards ever made for lakes. KM Hawaii has a great selection of sleek touring and racing boards in the Compressor models that fly across flat water.

WHAT IS THE BEST BOARD FOR A RIVER? 

Inflatable boards are quickly becoming very popular because of the ease of storage and transportation but they are also the best option for rivers.  The construction of the inflatable boards is the most durable and care free and simply bounces off river rocks.  Check out the Tahoe SUP Alpine Explorer or the Fish Stalker iStalker boards.  
Although very addicting and dynamic, standup paddling on rivers is not without its risks. Educate yourself about proper safety equipment and river hazards before paddling into a flowing river.

SHOULD I PURCHASE A BOARD BAG TO PROTECT MY BOARD?
Making the small investment on a padded board bag is always a good idea.  Paddle boards are big and most damage doesn't happen on the water, it happens in storage or in transport. Keeping the board out of direct sunlight will also increase the life of your board. Smart decision is to keep the board in a bag when its not in the water

WHAT IS THE BEST BOARD FOR LEARNING TO SURF?
KM Hawaii has a full selection of boards for all skill levels.  The best board for learning to catch small waves is the KM Cruiser or the Bamboo Cruiser.  These are modeled after classic longboard shapes and provide plenty of stability the new paddle surfer.  There is also plenty of opportunity to progress your surfing as well on the Cruiser.  The thruster fin set up and narrow tail will help you generate speed and have you making rail to rail turns and carves in no time.  

I WANT TO GET IN SHAPE AND HEARD SUP IS A GREAT WAY TO DO IT WITH LOW IMPACT.  WHAT’S MY MOVE?
Standup Paddling is a very popular sport for fitness.  Many athletes from other sports are crossing over into SUP to increase their performance and dynamic ability.  Because there is no impact and how standing up and paddling engages the entire body, it is perfect for athletes who are recovering from injuries and people who want to exercise outside instead of in a gym. 
We recommend using a paddle boards capacity guideline to narrow down what board would be best for you.  Then the decision to make is do you want a touring board (displacement hull) or a planing hull (surfboard shape)  If you have no interest in catching waves and will be paddling in lakes or flat ocean, the touring boards are for you.  If you think you would want to seek out some waves once you get the hang of it, then the surf shape is what you want. 

SHOULD I GET AN ADJUSTABLE PADDLE OR FIXED LENGTH?
A fixed paddle is a good idea when you know exactly what length is perfect for you on the board you ride.  Board heights vary so you may want to consider a couple fixed paddles if you ride different boards.  
An adjustable paddle is great for multiple users and growing kids.  The quality of the adjustable paddles now has many people enjoying them and changing the length for different boards or water conditions.