The Finest Standup Paddleboards of 2024

Standup paddleboarding is among the fastest-growing water sports activities of the previous decade. The market is flooded with high-quality standup paddleboards, and our purchaser’s information will help you select the most effective, whether or not you’re a seasoned paddler or simply beginning out.

Standup paddleboarding, or SUPing, is the act of standing (or sitting or kneeling) on a stable epoxy or inflatable plastic board tapered at each ends and utilizing a paddle to maneuver via the water. Whether or not you’re floating on a mellow river or lake, navigating Class 2 rapids, or exploring coastlines, a SUP provides freedom and publicity you don’t get in a ship or kayak.

Paddleboards are comparable in form to a protracted ocean surfboard but in addition have fins which are detachable or fastened on the underside, which assist the board observe properly within the water whereas being steered.

Inflatables, which we give attention to right here, are an ideal choice as a result of after they’re deflated, they will extra simply slot in a closet, trunk, or truck mattress. You may even take them on airplanes. Inflatable designs have advantages on the water, too, like sturdiness in opposition to rocks or different particles.

Some paddlers use their boards for multiday adventures, whereas others race, fish, surf ocean waves, do yoga, run whitewater, hike to glacial tarns, or hang around with family and friends on the native reservoir. Our consultants take all of those makes use of and eventualities into consideration when evaluating paddleboards.

During the last 3 years, we’ve had the pleasure of testing 15 superior boards out on lakes and rivers from Colorado to Utah to Texas. Our editors and contributors are always looking for out the most recent and the best to incorporate in our purchaser’s information. 

Beneath, you’ll discover our listing of the most effective inflatable standup paddleboards of 2024. We’ve grouped them into classes that can assist you discover the paddleboard that’s best for you. Be sure you take a look at the purchaser’s information, FAQ, and comparability chart on the finish of this text should you want extra assist selecting.

Editor’s Be aware: For our June 14, 2024, replace, we’ve lined the Isle Pioneer Professional. This board is exceptionally inflexible and secure for an inflatable paddleboard. It’s an ideal selection for folk who need to carry numerous gear, paddle with their pals, and even float with their canines.

The Finest Standup Paddleboards of 2024

Standup Paddleboards Comparability Chart

How We Examined Standup Paddleboards

On prime of in depth analysis, we get pleasure from placing these SUPs to the check. We took these SUPs on meandering river outings, via turbulent whitewater, and on calm waterways via canyons. We hiked our SUPs to high-altitude mountain lakes, paddled on wide-open reservoirs, and loaded them up for multiday journeys. 

Hailing from Crested Butte, Colo., contributor Morgan Tilton is an avid paddleboarder each summer time. Whereas a day on the lake is at all times enjoyable, Morgan prefers to err on the aspect of journey. Morgan has accomplished a self-supported first SUP descent down the 100-mile wild whitewater of the Escalante River, in Utah, giving her a singular perspective to guage SUPs for his or her cargo-carrying and touring skills. 

Primarily based out of Denver, Editor Mary Murphy steadily checks the most recent paddleboards on the native lakes, no matter circumstances, and enjoys multi-day excursions each time she will get the possibility. Her expertise with a spread of boards permits her to make helpful, related comparisons.

For this information, we seemed on the general development, sturdiness, and options of every standup paddleboard throughout a spread of costs and purposes. Our metrics for every board included high quality, development, and worth. We put an enormous give attention to inflatable standup paddleboards and all-around fashions. They’re an ideal choice for all expertise ranges, have a wide range of makes use of (flatwater and whitewater), and don’t require particular racks or additional storage.

We examined the entire boards on this listing — with and with out gear luggage strapped down — to get a really feel for a way the boards deal with at totally different weights. We additionally name out the standard and performance of the included equipment like pumps, paddles, and carrying luggage.

As well as, we contemplate the most recent, highest-rated, hottest, and bestselling fashions available on the market right now.

Purchaser’s Information: Tips on how to Select a Standup Paddleboard

Sorts of Standup Paddleboards

A wide range of standup paddleboard designs exist which are tailor-made to particular actions and person targets. Boards can even have hybrid designs that work properly for a wide range of purposes.

All-Round

These standard boards work for a lot of varieties and expertise ranges of paddlers from whitewater to flatwater. However the designs don’t excel at a selected kind of paddling akin to racing or whitewater.

The vast majority of the SUPs in our information are all-around boards, given the designs are sometimes appropriate for learners, households, teams, people, and laid-back paddling along with extra aggressive missions. All-around SUPs may be stable or inflatable, and we give attention to inflatable designs on this information.

Whitewater

SUPs for whitewater are sometimes inflatable, which will increase the sturdiness whereas operating in opposition to rocks, timber, or different particles. Whereas they’re lengthier than a river surfboard, they’re typically shorter than the longest SUPs which are speed- or race-oriented on flatwater.

Touring (Flatwater)

Touring boards are made to be secure and transfer quick in water for paddling over lengthy distances. The form, or hull, is pointier to displace the water. Touring SUPs may be stable or inflatable.

Fishing

For higher stability, fishing-oriented SUPs are sometimes wider, which makes them a tad slower than narrower boards. These boards additionally often have loads of attachment factors for angler equipment. Fishing SUPs may be stable or inflatable.

Race

The size of the SUP is longer, and the width is narrower. The longer design helps the board observe straighter. The three major race classes are 12’6″, 14′, and the whole lot that’s longer than that. The form, or hull, may be pointier to displace the water (known as a displacement hull), which is sweet for flatwater races and lengthy distances. Or, a planing hull sits extra on prime of the water, which is helpful for uneven or ocean water.

Surf

In the event you frequent the ocean and need to surf waves, you are able to do so on a SUP. These designs are often shorter in size and narrower for maneuverability.

Strong vs. Inflatable SUPs

Strong Designs

Efficiency-wise, stable SUPs journey stronger via water and with extra stability in comparison with a lighter, air-filled inflatable. A inflexible board is often fabricated from EPS foam that’s bolstered with fiberglass and epoxy. The mix is sturdy and pretty gentle.

One other stable materials choice is to spend money on a carbon fiber board if you’d like a fair lighter-weight, stiffer construct. Carbon fiber is pricier. Designs can even incorporate wooden, which is aesthetically enticing. These choices embrace bamboo, which is powerful, gentle, and cheaper than carbon fiber. Different varieties of wooden embrace cedar, paulownia, and beetle-kill pine.

Typically, inflexible boards have a broader vary of sizes and shapes in comparison with inflatables. In the event you do go together with a stable board, make sure you may have the right transportation setup, like a automobile rack, in addition to a spot to retailer the full-length board year-round.

Inflatable Designs

Inflatable SUPs often are fabricated from plastic with reinforcements, akin to alongside the rail and beneath the place the paddler stands. They’re pumped up with air to be used, much like pumping up your bike tires earlier than a experience. The supplies of the deck pad are tender underfoot.

Inflatable designs are tremendous standard as a result of they’re simpler to retailer and transport than a stable board. However they do require vitality and time to inflate each single time you employ the board. Sometimes, it takes us about 10 minutes to pump up a board — it’s an ideal warmup earlier than a paddle. It may well increase your coronary heart price and make your biceps burn relying on the PSI wants of the day!

They’re additionally typically much less performance-oriented than inflexible boards in regard to hurry and stability.

Inflatable SUPs are an ideal selection if you’ll be in low water depths or close to rocks, sharp sticks, or logs as a result of they will soak up and deal with abrasion and affect higher than a stable board.

Form or Hull

The hull is the form of the board. There are typically two varieties of shapes for SUPs, that are in easy phrases rounder and pointier.

Large and Blunt (Planing Hull)

This SUP design is flatter and rides towards the floor of the water. The broader, rounder nostril (and tail) and general form are secure and simpler to show. Planing hulls are used for all-around SUPs. These shapes are typically good for whitewater, browsing (the form is much like a surfboard), and working towards yoga on a SUP.

Slender and Pointed (Displacement Hull)

A displacement hull is narrower, and the nostril is pointier so the board effectively, easily cuts via the water, and tracks properly. The tail is usually flat as a substitute of spherical. Flatwater or touring and race-specific boards sometimes have a displacement hull. This design is an efficient selection for competitions, occasions, and speed-oriented exercises or overlaying lengthy distances.

Size and Width

With boards, the size and width correlate to general quantity and weight capability. General dimension influences how nimble a board is in waves or whitewater (relative to the paddler dimension and cargo weight) in addition to the board’s stability.

If ocean browsing is your focus, go shorter. For an all-around board, select a average size. In case your precedence is long-distance excursions, go for a protracted board.

In any other case, should you weigh 140 kilos (and need the board to be additional speedy or maneuverable), you may have the choice of selecting a shorter size — and due to this fact much less quantity — board. In the event you weigh at or over 180-200 kilos — or if you wish to paddle with a canine, little one, or accomplice — contemplate an extended size and wider board.

Additionally, contemplate if you wish to journey tremendous light-weight akin to on brief day journeys. Or, should you want loads of storage for cargo, akin to dry luggage and a cooler.

Usually, listed here are the rules of a brief, average, and longboard:

Quick size (lower than 10 toes)

Medium size (10 to 12 toes)

Lengthy size (higher than 12 toes)

Widths vary from almost 25 inches to 35 inches or extra. Including width will increase the quantity, which improves stability, in addition to capability for hauling gear. Narrower boards have much less drag, transfer sooner, and might extra simply pivot.

Typically, we suggest a barely bigger board to new paddlers to supply extra stability.

The most typical dimension boards are 10′ 6″ or 11′. However there are many lengths, shapes, and sizes past that vary.

In the event you’re looking for a household, it can save you buckets by buying one longer, wider board as a substitute of two (or 4). For example, two 140-pound adults can comfortably match on an 11′ board (the match and weight restrict will differ by model). Like kayaks, there are even tandem-specific fashions on the market (starting from 12 to fifteen toes in size).

Weight and Weight Capability

Inflatable SUPs typically weigh lower than stable boards. All the inflatables in our information weigh underneath 31 kilos. The heavier boards embrace the 31-pound NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP Board and the 30-pound BOTE HD Inflatable Paddle Board. The lightest board is the 12.9-pound Kokopelli Chasm Lite, adopted by the 18-pound Badfish Flyweight.

The burden capability is how a lot a SUP can safely carry, together with paddlers, pets, catch, or cargo.

Whenever you trim a SUP’s grams, sometimes the board has a decrease capability for weight general, nevertheless, there’s not a direct correlation so take note of these numbers. For example, the NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP mannequin has a 275-pound capability. The BOTE HD Inflatable Paddleboard weighs a tad much less, has a higher general quantity, and might carry 315 kilos.

The Badfish SUP Flyweight can tote as much as 230 kilos, and the iROCKER All-Round 10′ Extremely Paddleboard can carry 260 kilos. The bottom weight capacities amongst our selection SUPs are the NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP Board and the NRS STAR Section Inflatable SUP Board that may every carry 180 kilos.

On the very best finish of weight capability, the Portager can carry 350 kilos. The upgraded Portager XL even carries as much as 650 kilos.

Deck Pad

The deck pad covers the highest of the SUP the place the paddler will sit or stand. Protection varies per board, and a few boards have wider, longer patches of pad than others. The fabric mix is exclusive to every model however usually contains plastic.

The supplies provide traction and grip, and so they typically really feel tender and cushioned. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t get burnt from friction! In the event you plan to paddle whitewater or uneven water, don’t be ashamed to put on knee pads, particularly on a protracted journey.

Considered one of our favourite deck pads is on the Boardworks SHUBU Solr. The deck pad is roofed in a layer dubbed “Honey Fomb,” which seems like honeycomb and appears like a therapeutic, thick yoga mat. A whopping three-quarters of the board is topped off with this cushion, which makes standing, sitting, kneeling, or working towards Warrior II Pose that rather more snug.

All-around or whitewater boards sometimes have a deck pad that covers the vast majority of the board’s floor and at the very least covers the middle to the tail, given the paddler shall be making extra dynamic paddling strokes and transferring round to shift weight on the board. For example, the Hala Rado is sort of solely lined in an EVA cushioned deck pad, which is even topped off with a 1.5-inch raised stomp pad within the again, much like the upturned tail you see on a skateboard deck.

As compared, the EVA deck pad on the iROCKER All-Round 10′ Extremely Paddleboard is break up within the center with two strips the place the paddler is more likely to stand, which helps trim down weight. The deck pad can also be strategically positioned on the Paddle North Portager Paddleboard, marking the place a paddler can keep centered on the board.

Rails

The SUP rail is the sting across the board. The rail supplies can differ and the form may be rounder or extra angled.

Rails are good to concentrate to as a result of they will usually be the primary place on a board that may get dinged or start to deteriorate via use. It’s good to know how you can restore a rail and to have your restore package on a visit.

Handles

Many SUPs are designed with a well-cushioned, ergonomic carry deal with within the middle of the SUP, so you’ll be able to carry it underneath your arm. There may also be carry handles on the nostril and tail. Some carry handles are extra snug than others, and never all are cushioned.

Tie-Down Factors and Bungee Straps

Varied tie-down factors exist on SUPs. Many designs characteristic bungee twine nets fastened to the entrance or again of the board (or each).

For in a single day paddle journeys and whitewater journeys, our favourite characteristic is stainless-steel D-rings — they’re straightforward to clip or thread tie-downs into, dependable, and tremendous sturdy.

Different rings embrace tender rings, which aren’t as fast to string, and plastic rings, which aren’t as sturdy as stainless-steel.

Sure SUP designs characteristic particular attachment factors for model equipment tailor-made to sure sports activities like fishing and touring. The BOTE HD Aero Paddleboard is suitable with detachable rack receivers for the model’s deal with rack or bucket rack equipment for anglers.

Fins

Fins beneath the board close to the tail assist a board observe properly (learn: keep straight) within the water and assist enhance stability. Shapes and sizes differ. The longer the fin, the extra affect it would have on monitoring and stability. In distinction, shorter fins are nice for shallower water like low-volume rivers, sure seashores, or areas with plenty of vegetation like seagrass. Usually of us discuss with fin dimension in regard to the size of the fin or how a lot it protrudes into the water.

A lot of paddle manufacturers provide detachable and interchangeable fins for numerous varieties of water. Sure boards have a mixture of each fastened and detachable fins, just like the ISLE’s Pioneer 2.0 SUP, which has two fastened aspect fins and a detachable bigger middle fin.

A detachable fin attaches to a board through a fin field or plate, which is the place the tip of the fin slides or snaps into place. Be aware: not all fins are suitable with all varieties of repair bins.

A wide range of fin configurations exist:

Single fin: One single, often longer fin that’s positioned within the middle

3-fin: Three fins which are equal in size and dimension and spaced evenly aside

2-fin: Two fins which are equal in size and dimension and area evenly aside

2 plus 1: One single bigger fin within the middle and two smaller fins on both aspect

If you already know you need to take your board out on each flatwater and whitewater (or the ocean), spend money on a model that has a surf fin in its lineup.

Some manufacturers additionally provide spare fins with a purchase order.

Paddles

The vast majority of SUPs embrace a paddle with buy however not all. Typically, an inflatable SUP features a multi-piece or three-piece paddle that breaks down and suits properly within the journey bag. The size is adjustable.

A paddle has a deal with at one finish, linked to the shaft, after which a blade (which matches within the water) on the different finish. Nicer paddles have extra ergonomic handles.

Paddle shafts are often fabricated from aluminum, glass fiber, carbon, or Kevlar. Carbon is probably the most performance-oriented as a result of it’s light-weight and powerful, and the funding could possibly be definitely worth the lengthy haul.

Leash

A leash is useful should you fall off your board and don’t need it to drift away, particularly if it’s breezy or there occur to be wakes, or should you pushed the board away as you toppled over. A leash can also be a instrument utilized by flatwater racers, given they’re transferring sooner. Many SUPs are made with a leash attachment level like a D-ring.

Some SUP packages embrace a coiled leash, which attaches to the board. The opposite aspect of the leash is padded and Velcros across the paddler’s ankle, such because the one made by BOTE ($44).

Nonetheless, there’s main competition nationwide relating to the protection of whether or not or not a leash ought to be used on a SUP (and on a river surfboard), particularly in turbulent, quick-shifting, debris-laden water. The trade lacks common requirements relating to this piece of drugs. Fatalities have occurred attributable to leashes getting lodged in underwater particles when a SUPer falls off in fast-moving river water.

To assist enhance a paddler’s means to disconnect themselves from their setup a number of manufacturers have designed quick-release leashes akin to NRS ($64), Hala ($80), and Degree Six ($50).

If you are going to buy a quick-release leash, be sure you follow and confidently know how you can successfully and effectively use it within the water.

And no, a leash doesn’t exchange the buoyancy and security of a PFD (private flotation machine). Be sure you comply with the PFD, or life jacket, laws the place you propose to SUP.

Journey Bag

Journey luggage are often included within the bundle for an inflatable SUP, and so they usually have a backpack design with padded shoulder straps. Nicer journey luggage even have sturdy wheels to allow them to be rolled. Sometimes, the luggage have zippered pockets, too.

The luggage are an effective way to maintain the entire equipment in a single place together with the fins, hand pump, and patch package.

Probably the most distinctive journey bag design we’ve seen is the one made by Pink Paddle Co., which comes with the MSL 10′ 6″ Trip SUP. Nice for minimal strategy hikes, the SUP provides the choice to completely isolate the shoulder harness from the remainder of the curler backpack, abandoning a easy system of straps that connect horizontally and vertically across the SUP.  For a streamlined paddle day, this association is nice.

Packages

One other prime consideration to take a look at when buying a board is what comes with it.

This wasn’t at all times the case, however many boards at the moment are offered with a paddle, fin, pump, and journey bag included within the bundle.

Shopping for the board and paddle collectively saves time, analysis, and sometimes cash. And on the very least, these combo packages make sure you’ll get an adjustable paddle that works along with your board.

Transporting Your SUP

Inflatable SUPs may be deflated, rolled up, and simply stashed inside a truck mattress or inside your rig.

In the event you plan to move a SUP on the skin of your automobile, make sure the board is totally locked down and secured. For example, Thule makes a SUP roof rack and Viking Options makes a truck mattress rack.

SUPs which are sketchily or incorrectly fastened to automobiles can fly off and into the windshields of rigs behind them. Make certain your board is accurately affixed!

Price range

The SUPs featured in our gear information vary from $699 on the low finish to $1,399 on the excessive finish. Sometimes, SUPs price round $1,000.

If the board you’re keen on is out of your worth vary, look forward to a sale. You might hire or demo the board you want via your native retailer till you discover the one you want.

Some outfitters will even unload their demo fleet boards after a few seasons. These are all nice choices for setting your self up for fulfillment. Wait, plan, make investments.

When it comes to high quality, particularly with an inflatable SUP, it will likely be properly price it in the long term.

Caring for Your SUP

There are just a few widespread practices it is best to know when you spend money on an inflatable SUP.

• By no means go away your board sitting out within the solar. This may degrade the energy of the fabric over time, delaminating the board. To not point out, UV rays may trigger the floor and colours of your board to fade.
• At all times inflate to the advisable PSI. You need to preserve the utmost weight in thoughts in case you have two riders, whether or not two adults or an grownup, and cargo (canine or child). If you’re a heavier rider and need extra stability, be at liberty to inflate to the utmost advisable PSI when beginning out.
• Spend money on some boat cleaner in your SUP. An inflatable boat cleaner is designed to take away any grime, oxidation, and marks from a SUP or kayak (works on PVC or urethane supplies). Alternatively, you’ll be able to wipe down your board after use with a humid material. That is essential if you’re paddling steadily in saltwater. We at all times carry a tender microfiber towel within the trunk.
• Examine the valve and board earlier than you go. Most SUPs these days embrace a restore and patch package, however nobody desires to should take care of that on the water. At all times examine your board earlier than you head out for the day.

Repairs, Restore Package, and Product Lifespan

It’s not day by day that you’ve a possibility to observe a 7-year-old bomber SUP lastly bust on the rails from normal put on and tear, as one in all our editors did final summer time. 

Product Lifespan 

Primarily based on our expertise, you possibly can typically anticipate the lifespan of a premium whitewater SUP to achieve round 7 years. That’s if the board is constructed with double-glued, mechanically welded seams — and it’s not been hammered by pup toes or dragged throughout asphalt. Based on Hala Gear, the usual minimal life expectancy on the entire boards they produce is identical timespan. 

That stated, the ultimate blowout was a stable reinforcement of the purple flags of wear-and-tear, normal upkeep, in addition to prevention of a blowout.

Within the Discipline: Watch out for Warmth

First issues first; heed that warning label: Don’t go away your inflated SUP in direct daylight whatever the board’s age. 

On a sunny summer time morning, rays slowly baked our editor’s veteran SUP, which was anchored on a seashore throughout a multiday paddle journey, 12 miles from the takeout. A seam began to leak air, which was audible, and bubbles had been seen alongside the rail. 

Carry a Restore Package

At all times carry at the very least one restore package, and know if the provides are an ample amount to repair your SUP plus the opposite boards in your group in a gear emergency. 

Our editor’s restore package included PVC (polyvinyl chloride, a kind of plastic) glue and round PVC patches that she reduce in half with a pocket knife to maximise the protection. 

The only repair required almost the entire package’s provides, which had been beforehand unopened. (Be sure you not contact PVC glue along with your naked pores and skin.)   

Examine Your SUP

After getting back from that multiday journey, our editor pumped up her SUP for a brief river lap one toasty afternoon, walked inside for five minutes, and returned to a very blown rail. 

In the event you see indicators of air bubbles across the fringe of the SUP (which she had) don’t take ‘em evenly — they may burst. 

Retailer in a Cool Place

That goes for storage, too. A well-liked choice may be to maintain your SUP inflated and grasp it between outings, however be sure that the rack or pulley system permits the board to relaxation within the shade. 

General, stashing the plastic at a cooler temperature and out of pointless UV rays will help prolong its lifespan. 

Restore Kits: What’s Included

Many standup paddleboard bundles nowadays embrace a restore package. 

Prepacked restore kits from producers embrace: 

• A brightly coloured, stable waterproof case
• PVC glue
• PVC patches
• Valve instrument that may tighten or loosen the valve level in your SUP  

Tips on how to Use Restore Package Provides

If air is leaking out of the valve, use the valve instrument to tighten it by giving a small clockwise twist. The vast majority of the time there’s a leak, it’s coming from the valve, the place grime can get lodged. 

A valve instrument can even loosen the valve sufficient to tug it up so you’ll be able to clear out any particles. 

Not all valve instruments are interchangeable throughout valves — so carry the one which got here along with your board! 

Some PVC patches are rectangular and others are round. Both approach, be sure you have a beneficiant quantity available. If you could repair even a small gap alongside the rail, the patch will probably want to increase a number of inches on both aspect of the opening as a way to absolutely safe the leak. 

Guarantee Plan and Finish of Product Life

Verify your SUP’s guarantee plan. Our editor’s board had a 5-year guarantee, so the incident fell past that timeline. 

Some manufacturers, together with Hala Gear, will take again retired SUPs and reuse the supplies to maintain waste out of landfills — like repurposing the deckpads as flooring mats. Or utilizing the inside drop sew for instructional movies and shows.  

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