Excited to try out new adventures this year? Take up paddleboarding.
But what should you look for when shopping for a paddleboard? For many, the cost of a paddle board can be a determining purchase factor.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of a paddle board is often a reflection of its quality. Higher-quality materials result in a more durable and higher-performing board.
The typical price range for a paddle board is $500 to $1200, offering a spectrum of options (for consumers of all budgets–whether that consumer prioritizes quality or affordability). Depending on the features, materials, and quality levels, paddle board prices can go higher.
While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, it’s worth considering investing in a quality board. Here are some of the top-rated choices available in 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Material Composition: Solid boards typically use epoxy or fiberglass, while inflatables rely on durable PVC with advanced drop-stitch technology. These materials significantly impact stiffness, durability, and on-water performance.
- Performance Features: Various aspects, like fins and hull shape, directly affect how the board maneuvers in different water conditions and activities.
- Size and Shape: Different sizes and shapes cater to various experiences, whether it’s cruising, surfing, or yoga on the water.
- Weight Capacity: The board’s weight capacity must be able to accommodate your own weight, along with the weight of the safety gear you might bring along.
- Storage and Maintenance: Factor in the necessity for appropriate storage and maintenance routines to preserve the board’s condition and longevity, ensuring it remains ready for your adventures.
Top Picks for Stand-Up Paddle Boards
Start your paddleboarding fun by picking the right board from this carefully curated collection:
Isle Explorer 2.0
Average Price: $895
Product available through ISLE Paddle Boards
The Isle Explorer 2.0 is meticulously designed for fitness and adventure enthusiasts, offering an inflatable paddleboard equipped with a double-layer, drop-stitch construction.
This innovative design ensures exceptional durability, making the board a functional choice for various water conditions and activities.
Pros
- Perfect for yoga, fishing, and surfing
- The stable design caters to paddlers of different skill levels
- The paddleboard comes with a travel bag, nylon center fin, slim hand pump, adjustable carbon hybrid paddle, and an eight-foot coil leash.
Cons
- Lacks super fast speed and maneuverability
Key Features
- Size: 11′ 6″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight: 24lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Surftech Lido 10’6
Average Price: $955
Product available through Sandy Point Progressive Sports
The Surftech Lido 10’6” stand-up paddleboard is a versatile watercraft that excels in durability, stability, and adaptability. Tailored for flatwater cruises in lakes, bays, or inlets, as well as for navigating small waves in the ocean, this board promises a reliable and enjoyable experience.
Pros
- The 10’6” length makes it easy to get on top of the board
- Highly durable and made from top-notch materials like EPS foam, high-quality fiberglass, epoxy resin, and reinforced rails
- Perfect for tackling big waves and calm waters
- Slip-free surface ideal for yoga
- Handy deck-tie-down straps for securing your gear
- Recessed grab handles and a padded rear grab handle to carry the board
Cons
- The cutout grooves/lines on the deck pad can become uncomfortable
Key Features
- Size: 10’6” x 32” x 5”
- Weight: 28lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Sleek Hull Shape
NRS Escape 12’6
Average Price: $1345
Product available through Backcountry
The NRS Escape 12’6” is one of the best stand-up paddle boards, perfect for riders who crave speed. Its tough build and ability to pump up to 20 PSI make it a great companion on the waves. The board’s narrow width and longer length are optimal for racing, helping you reach the finish line.
Pros
- Handles up to 20 PSI inflation
- Built with double-layer sidewalls and stiffening bands
- The pressure relief valve prevents overinflation
Cons
- The paddle is not included in the package
- The board width of 30 inches can make it difficult to balance
Key Features
- Size: 12’ 6” L x 30” W x 6” D
- Weight: 27lbs
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Double-Layer Sidewalls
- Stiffening Bands
- Inflation Valve
Red Paddle Co. Voyager 12
Average Price: $1,649
Product available through Riverbound Sports
The Red Paddle Co. Voyager 12 is crafted with longer adventures and lighter paddlers in mind. Its optimal length and thickness provide an ideal balance for extended journeys on the water.
With additional volume, this board allows you to effortlessly pack all your gear on the front, enhancing convenience during your paddle.
Pros
- RSS battens for extra stiffness
- Multiple fins
- Narrower plan shape and hard-release Speed Tail for improved gliding
- Perfect for smaller and lighter paddlers
Cons
- The paddle is not included in the package
- High price tag
Key Features
- Size: 12’ 6” L x 32” W x 6” T
- Weight: 27lbs
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Naish Mad Dog
Average Price: $2,508.00 to $2,628.00
Product available through Naish.com
The Naish Mad Dog is a powerhouse designed for aggressive surfers seeking to push their limits and dominate the waves. The board’s perfect rocker allows it to ride like a surfboard, enabling sharp turns with speed and power.
The forgiving rocker demands less input for generating speed, a significant advantage in less powerful surf conditions. Delivered with a quad fin set, the Mad Dog from Naish features a 4+1 fin setup, providing riders the flexibility to tailor the board to their unique riding style.
Pros
- Easy to paddle
- Reliable in multiple surfing conditions, such as onshore and offshore wind
- Responsive to bigger waves
Cons
- Heavyweight material
Key Features
- Size: Available in various sizes (7’10”, 8’1″, 8’6″, and 8’11”)
- Weight: 17lbs
- Weight Capacity: Up to 210lbs (depending on the board size)
- Sandwich Deck
Stand-Up Paddle Boards For Beginners
Choosing the correct beginner board is a vital step in starting your paddle boarding journey. These boards typically have a rounded nose and a wider deck, which gives them excellent stability, making them the ideal choice for novice paddlers.
Gili 11 Adventure
Average Price: $730
Product available through GILI Sports
Gili 11 Adventure inflatable stand-up paddleboard (iSUP) is meticulously designed for utility, touring, and outstanding performance. With an enhanced rocker and a pointed nose, the Adventure excels in handling rough waters and choppy conditions.
The tri-fin setup ensures efficient water tracking, facilitates tighter turns, and enhances overall balance, making the Gili Adventure an ideal choice for those seeking a thrilling paddleboarding experience.
Pros
- Light and portable
- Easy to secure touring fin
- Quick to set up
- Space to carry kids or pets
Cons
- Tracking needs improvement
- Slow speed
Key Features
- Sizes: 11′ L x 32″ W x 6″ T
- Weight: 22lbs
- Weight Capacity: 290lbs
- Fins: One big center fin (9”) and two smaller side fins
- Dual-Layer Fusion Technology
Weekender Plus 2 iSUP
Average Price: $379
Product available through Retrospec
The Weekender Plus 2 iSUP is ideal for cruising on small waves or relaxing on calm lake water. With a robust dual-layer construction, it exhibits exceptional rigidity, puncture resistance, and a noteworthy level of stability.
Pros
- Designed for lazy paddling and cruising on small waves
- Easy to steer in lakes and rivers
- Made from double-layer PVC
- Net at the front to place your stuff
Cons
- Not designed for super-fast races or big waves
- Requires heavy pumping to inflate the board
Key Features
- All-Purpose Inflatable Paddleboard
- A Drop-Stitch Core
- Non-Slip Eva Foam Deck Pad
- Size: 10” L, 30” W, 6” T
- Weight: 17lbs
- Weight Capacity: 275lbs
Stand-Up Paddle Boards For Touring Enthusiasts
Touring paddle boards are designed for optimal performance during long paddles, with a longer and narrower shape and a pointed nose that enhances water-cutting ability.
This design results in superior acceleration, enabling paddlers to achieve maximum speed with minimal effort. Some notable models include:
ISLE Explorer Pro
Average Price: $995 – $1095 (depending on the selected model)
Product available through ISLE Paddle Boards
The ISLE Explorer Pro stands out with its patented* Airtech Prolite construction, offering unparalleled rigidity in an inflatable, portable, and lightweight design. This paddleboard seamlessly transforms into a sit-on-top kayak through the Patent-Pending ISLE-LINK system.
Pros
- Ample storage for extended paddling
- Tool-free 9″ touring fin attachment
- Sturdy deck
- ProFuse technology for an airtight, solid build
Cons
- Pump and paddle are not included in the basic package
- No D-rings at nose and tail of the board
Key Features
- Size: 12′ L, 31.5″ W, 6″ T and 14′ L, 31.0″ W, 6″ T
- Weight: 23lbs and 27lbs
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs and 37lbs
Bluefin Sprint Carbon 14’ SUP
Average Price: $899
Product available through Bluefin Sup (Image courtesy of SUPboarder Magazine)
The Bluefin Sprint Carbon 14’ SUP redefines inflatable touring performance with carbon stiffening rails (FRS) and AIR DUO dual inflation chambers. Ideal for general paddlers venturing into touring, it provides the balance and confidence needed to advance SUP skills.
The pointed 14′ profile effortlessly glides through the water, ensuring straight lines and increased distance coverage with each stroke.
Pros
- Impressive speed and precision for cruising and racing
- Dual inflation chambers and carbon rails provide exceptional rigidity, stability, and performance
- 2+1 smart lock and box-fin system
- Additional D-rings for attaching seats, coolers, or other gear
Cons
- Short paddles
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Heavy SUP
Key Features:
- Size: 14’
- Weight: 38.5lbs
- Weight capacity: 198 lbs
Stand-Up Paddle Boards For Wave Seekers
Paddle boards for wave seekers are specifically designed to ride waves while standing. These boards are typically shorter and have lower volume compared to others, which contributes to their enhanced maneuverability and responsiveness.
Quatro Carve Pro
Average Price: $1,974.00 – $1,989.00 (depending on the selected model)
Product available through Wind-NC
The Quatro Carve Pro takes wave performance to new heights with accelerated speed, faster top-end speeds, and enhanced maneuverability. Its fast rocker not only facilitates swift turns but also boosts paddling speed, making wave-catching a breeze and positioning effortless.
Pros
- Versatile tail design for handling different waves
- Easy to carry and maneuver
- Durable with Quatro’s Pro Light Full Double Sandwich Construction
- High nose lift and narrow width for late drops
Cons
- Higher price
Key Features
- Size: 7’7 to 8’7 (six sizes available)
- Weight: 15.5lbs
Assessing Paddle Board Performance
The design and features of a paddle board greatly impact its performance. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a paddle board suited to your needs and preferences:
- Fins: Fins contribute to maintaining a straight course and stability.
- Width: The width of the board provides a stable platform.
- Hull shape: There are two primary hull shapes – planing and displacement. A planing hull is designed for speed and agility on flat water, while a displacement hull is optimized for efficiency and smooth navigation in choppy or open water conditions.
- Hard Paddle Boards: Rigid, solid-core boards known for their high performance, speed, and responsiveness on the water.
- Inflatable Paddle Boards: These flexible, inflatable boards are designed for portability, ease of storage, and navigation in various water conditions.
The Importance of Paddle Board Material
The material composition of your paddle board has a substantial effect on its performance and longevity. Solid paddle boards are commonly made with a foam core, which is then covered with an epoxy or fiberglass exterior.
The foam core provides buoyancy, while the durable exterior layer helps protect the board from damage. These materials play a crucial role in determining the board’s stiffness and durability, both of which are key factors in its performance.
Inflatable paddle boards, on the other hand, are predominantly crafted using resilient PVC material, interwoven with drop-stitch technology. This ensures strengthened, resilient seams that contribute to structural integrity and long-lasting performance.
Incorporating advanced elements such as double chamber construction enhances stability and rigidity. They allow inflatable boards to emulate on-water performance traits closely resembling those of solid boards.
Solid vs. Inflatable Paddle Boards
| Criteria | Solid Board | Inflatable Paddle Board |
| Durability | Known for high durability and stability, especially in rough waters. | Less durable, but recent inflatable paddle board models do not have this limitation. |
| Weight | Generally heavier, making transportation and storage more challenging. | Lightweight and portable, ideal for easy transportation and storage. |
| Construction Material | Typically constructed with epoxy or fiberglass shells, susceptible to dents and scratches. | Made from advanced technologies like carbon fiber inlays, dual inflation chambers, and high-pressure construction |
| Portability | Less portable due to weight and requires a roof rack or larger storage space. | Highly portable, can be deflated and easily stored in a compact space. |
| Performance | Offers excellent performance and stability in various water conditions. | Slightly lower performance compared to solid boards. |
| Storage | Requires more space and a dedicated storage area, which is less convenient for smaller living spaces. | Easy to store, deflate and roll up for compact storage |
| Transportation | Challenging to transport, requiring a car with roof racks or a larger vehicle like a toy hauler. | Easy to transport and can be carried in a backpack or a small vehicle. |
| Recommended Use | Ideal for users prioritizing performance, stability, and durability. | An inflatable board is suitable for users prioritizing portability, easy storage, and convenience. |
Summary
Once you’ve found the perfect paddleboard for your aquatic escapades, safeguard its longevity and condition by storing it in a suitable space.
When it comes to storage, here are some options to consider for your paddle board:
- Keep it indoors to protect it from external elements, such as rain and pests.
- If you have an outdoor storage unit, partially deflate and cover the board with a tarp to shield it from sunlight.
- Store inflatable SUPs in their carry bag or keep them inflated in a cool, shaded area like a garage.
If your garage lacks the room necessary, rent an indoor storage unit through a peer-to-peer marketplace like Neighbor.
Using a storage unit for your board ensures it remains sheltered from environmental elements like sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures, as well as potential theft. Rent now and keep your board ready for the next wave!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose a Good SUP Board?
To choose a good SUP board, consider your skill level, intended activities, and body weight. Opt for a board with the right size, shape, and stability for your needs, and don’t forget to factor in durability, material, and additional features based on your preferences.
Does the SUP Brand Matter?
The brand of an inflatable SUP doesn’t matter as much as finding one that meets your specific needs, budget, and quality standards.
Which Is Better, an Inflatable or a Solid Paddle Board?
In general, inflatable paddle boards are better due to their lightweight, stability, durability, and versatility. However, if you are focused on surfing, racing, or performance, solid epoxy boards are more suitable.
How Does the Size and Shape of a Paddle Board Impact Its Performance?
Wider boards offer better stability for activities like yoga, while narrow boards are designed for speed and work well for smaller paddlers.
