The Finest Stand Up Paddle Boards of 2024

Standup paddle boarding is among the fastest-growing water sports activities of the previous decade. The market is flooded with high-quality arise paddle boards, and our patrons information might help you select the very best, whether or not you’re a seasoned paddler or simply beginning out.

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

Paddle boards are comparable in form to an extended ocean surfboard but in addition have fins which can be detachable or mounted on the underside, which assist the board monitor properly within the water whereas being steered.

Inflatables, which we deal with right here, are an ideal choice as a result of after they’re deflated, they’ll extra simply slot in a closet, trunk, or truck mattress. You’ll be able to 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 specialists take all of those makes use of and situations under consideration when evaluating paddle boards. During the last 3 years, we’ve had the pleasure of testing 14 superior boards out on lakes and rivers from Colorado to Utah to Texas. Our editors and contributors are consistently searching for out the most recent and the best to incorporate in our purchaser’s information. 

Beneath you’ll discover our record of the very best inflatable standup paddle boards of 2024. We’ve grouped them into classes that can assist you discover the paddle board that’s best for you. Make sure to try the buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart on the finish of this text for those who want extra assist selecting.

Editor’s Be aware: For our March seventh, 2024 replace, we’ve added the iRocker Blackfin Model V. Beforehand recalled because of seam sealing points, this board reemerges defect-free as considered one of our favourite paddle boards. We’ve additionally included complete recommendation for sustaining and repairing your paddle board.

 

The Finest Stand Up Paddle Boards of 2024

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Standup Paddle boards Comparability Chart

How We Examined Standup Paddle boards

On prime of intensive analysis, we take pleasure in placing these SUPs to the take a look at. We took these SUPs on meandering river outings, by turbulent whitewater, and on calm waterways by 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 paddle boarder each summer season. 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 talents. 

Based mostly out of Denver, Editor Mary Murphy regularly assessments the most recent paddle boards on the native lakes, no matter circumstances, and enjoys multi-day excursions at any time when she will get the possibility. Her expertise with a spread of boards permits her to make helpful, related comparisons.

For this information, we appeared on the general building, sturdiness, and options of every standup paddle board throughout a spread of costs and functions. Our metrics for every board included high quality, building, and worth. We put an enormous deal with inflatable standup paddle boards and all-around fashions. They’re an ideal choice for all expertise ranges, have quite a lot of makes use of (flatwater and whitewater), and don’t require particular racks or further storage.

We examined all the boards on this record — with and with out gear baggage strapped down — to get a really feel for the 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 baggage.

As well as, we take into account the most recent, highest-rated, hottest, and bestselling fashions available on the market as we speak.

Purchaser’s Information: How you can Select a Standup Paddle board

Kinds of Arise Paddle boards

Quite a lot of standup paddle board designs exist which can be tailor-made to particular actions and consumer objectives. Boards may also have hybrid designs that work properly for quite a lot of functions.

All-Round

These in style boards work for a lot of sorts and expertise ranges of paddlers from whitewater to flatwater. However the designs don’t excel at a particular kind of paddling reminiscent of racing or whitewater.

Nearly all of the SUPs in our information are all-around boards, given the designs are sometimes appropriate for newcomers, households, teams, people, and laid-back paddling along with extra aggressive missions. All-around SUPs might be strong or inflatable, and we deal with inflatable designs on this information.

Whitewater

SUPs for whitewater are sometimes inflatable, which will increase the sturdiness whereas working in opposition to rocks, bushes, or different particles. Whereas they’re lengthier than a river surfboard, they’re usually shorter than the longest SUPs which can be 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 might be strong or inflatable.

Fishing

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

Race

The size of the SUP is longer, and the width is narrower. The longer design helps the board monitor straighter. The three main race classes are 12′ 6″, 14′, and all the things that’s longer than that. The form, or hull, might be pointier to displace the water (referred to as a displacement hull), which is nice 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

When you frequent the ocean and wish to surf waves, you are able to do so on a SUP. These designs are normally shorter in size and narrower for maneuverability.

Strong vs. Inflatable SUPs

Strong Designs

Efficiency-wise, strong SUPs journey stronger by water and with extra stability in comparison with a lighter, air-filled inflatable. A inflexible board is usually product of EPS foam that’s strengthened with fiberglass and epoxy. The mix is sturdy and pretty mild.

One other strong materials choice is to spend money on a carbon fiber board if you’d like an excellent lighter-weight, stiffer construct. Carbon fiber is pricier. Designs may also incorporate wooden, which is aesthetically enticing. These choices embody bamboo, which is robust, mild, and cheaper than carbon fiber. Different varieties of wooden embody cedar, paulownia, and beetle-kill pine.

Usually, inflexible boards have a broader vary of sizes and shapes in comparison with inflatables. When you do go along with a strong board, be certain you’ve the correct transportation setup, like a automobile rack, in addition to a spot to retailer the full-length board year-round.

Inflatable Designs

Inflatable SUPs normally are product of plastic with reinforcements, reminiscent of alongside the rail and beneath the place the paddler stands. They’re pumped up with air to be used, just like pumping up your bike tires earlier than a journey. The supplies of the deck pad are comfortable underfoot.

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

They’re additionally usually 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’ll soak up and deal with abrasion and influence higher than a strong board.

Form or Hull

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

Extensive 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 usually good for whitewater, browsing (the form is just like a surfboard), and training yoga on a SUP.

Slim and Pointed (Displacement Hull)

A displacement hull is narrower, and the nostril is pointier so the board effectively, easily cuts by the water, and tracks properly. The tail is usually flat as an alternative 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 protecting lengthy distances.

Size and Width

With boards, the size and width correlate to general quantity and weight capability. Total measurement influences how nimble a board is in waves or whitewater (relative to the paddler measurement 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 reasonable size. In case your precedence is long-distance excursions, go for an extended board.

In any other case, for those who weigh 140 kilos (and need the board to be further speedy or maneuverable), you’ve the choice of selecting a shorter size — and due to this fact much less quantity — board. When you weigh at or over 180-200 kilos — or if you wish to paddle with a canine, little one, or accomplice — take into account an extended size and wider board.

Additionally, take into account if you wish to journey tremendous light-weight reminiscent of on quick day journeys. Or, for those who want loads of storage for cargo, reminiscent of dry baggage and a cooler.

Generally, listed below are the rules of a brief, reasonable, and longboard:

Brief size (lower than 10 toes)

Medium size (10 to 12 toes)

Lengthy size (larger than 12 toes)

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

Usually, we advocate a barely bigger board to new paddlers to supply extra stability.

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

When you’re searching for a household, it can save you buckets by buying one longer, wider board as an alternative of two (or 4). As an illustration, two 140-pound adults can comfortably match on an 11′ board (the match and weight restrict will range by model). Like kayaks, there are even tandem-specific models on the market (starting from 12 to fifteen toes in size).

Weight and Weight Capability

Inflatable SUPs usually weigh lower than strong boards. All the inflatables in our information weigh below 31 kilos. The heavier boards embody 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, nonetheless, there’s not a direct correlation so take note of these numbers. As an illustration, the NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP mannequin has a 275-pound capability. The BOTE HD Inflatable Paddle board weighs a tad much less, has a larger general quantity, and may carry 315 kilos.

The Badfish SUP Flyweight can tote as much as 230 kilos, and the iROCKER All-Round 10′ Extremely Paddle board can carry 260 kilos. The bottom weight capacities amongst our selection SUPs are the NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP Board and the NRS STAR Part 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 consists of plastic.

The supplies supply traction and grip, they usually usually really feel comfortable and cushioned. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t get burnt from friction! When you plan to paddle whitewater or uneven water, don’t be ashamed to put on knee pads, particularly on an extended journey.

One among 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 training 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 no less than covers the middle to the tail, given the paddler shall be making extra dynamic paddling strokes and shifting round to shift weight on the board. As an illustration, the Hala Rado is almost totally lined in an EVA cushioned deck pad, which is even topped off with a 1.5-inch raised stomp pad within the again, just like the upturned tail you see on a skateboard deck.

Compared, the EVA deck pad on the iROCKER All-Around 10′ Ultra Paddle board is cut 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 be strategically positioned on the Paddle North Portager Paddle board, 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 range and the form might be rounder or extra angled.

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

Handles

Many SUPs are designed with a well-cushioned, ergonomic carry deal with within the middle of the SUP, so you possibly can carry it below your arm. There will 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 wire nets mounted to the entrance or again of the board (or each).

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

Different rings embody comfortable rings, which aren’t as fast to string, and plastic rings, which aren’t as sturdy as chrome 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 Paddle board 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 monitor properly (learn: keep straight) within the water and assist enhance stability. Configurations and dimensions range. The longer the fin, the extra affect it is going to have on monitoring and stability. In distinction, shorter fins are nice for shallower water like low-volume rivers, sure seashores, or areas with a lot of vegetation like seagrass. Typically of us discuss with fin measurement in regard to the size of the fin or how a lot it protrudes into the water.

Plenty of paddle manufacturers supply detachable and interchangeable fins for numerous varieties of water. Sure boards have a mixture of each mounted and detachable fins, just like the ISLE’s Pioneer 2.0 SUP, which has two mounted 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 top of the fin slides or snaps into place. Be aware: not all fins are suitable with all varieties of repair containers.

Quite a lot of fin configurations exist:

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

3-fin: Three fins which can be equal in size and measurement and spaced evenly aside

2-fin: Two fins which can be equal in size and measurement and house evenly aside

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

If you understand you wish 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 supply spare fins with a purchase order.

Paddles

Nearly all of SUPs embody a paddle with buy however not all. Usually, an inflatable SUP features a multi-piece or three-piece paddle that breaks down and matches properly within the journey bag. The size is adjustable.

A paddle has a deal with at one finish, related 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 normally product of 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 may very well be well worth the lengthy haul.

Leash

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

Some SUP packages embody 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).

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

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

If you buy a quick-release leash, remember to follow and confidently know successfully and effectively use it within the water.

And no, a leash doesn’t change the buoyancy and security of a PFD (private flotation gadget). Make sure to observe the PFD, or life jacket, rules the place you propose to SUP.

Journey Bag

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

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

Probably the most distinctive journey bag design we’ve seen is the one made by Crimson Paddle Co., which comes with the MSL 10′ 6″ Ride SUP. Nice for minimal method hikes, the SUP gives the choice to completely isolate the shoulder harness from the remainder of the curler backpack, forsaking 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 bought 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 might be deflated, rolled up, and simply stashed inside a truck mattress or inside your rig.

When you plan to move a SUP on the skin of your automobile, be certain the board is totally locked down and secured. As an illustration, Thule makes a SUP roof rack and Viking Solutions makes a truck mattress rack.

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

Funds

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

If the board you like is out of your value vary, watch for a sale. You possibly can hire or demo the board you want by your native retailer till you discover the one you want.

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

By way of high quality, particularly with an inflatable SUP, will probably 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 might trigger the floor and colours of your board to fade.
• At all times inflate to the advisable PSI. You wish to hold the utmost weight in thoughts when you have two riders, whether or not two adults or an grownup, and cargo (canine or child). In case you are a heavier rider and need extra stability, be happy to inflate to the utmost advisable PSI when beginning out.
• Spend money on some boat cleaner on 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 possibly can wipe down your board after use with a humid material. That is essential if you’re paddling regularly in saltwater. We at all times carry a comfortable microfiber towel within the trunk.
• Examine the valve and board earlier than you go. Most SUPs these days embody a restore and patch equipment, 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 Equipment, and Product Lifespan

It’s not daily that you’ve a possibility to observe a 7-year-old bomber SUP lastly bust on the rails from basic put on and tear, as considered one of our editors did final summer season. 

Product Lifespan 

Based mostly on our expertise, you would usually count on 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. In accordance with Hala Gear, the usual minimal life expectancy on all the boards they produce is similar timespan. 

That mentioned, the ultimate blowout was a strong reinforcement of the pink flags of wear-and-tear, basic upkeep, in addition to prevention of a blowout.

Within the Area: 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 season 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 have been seen alongside the rail. 

Carry a Restore Equipment

At all times carry no less than one restore equipment, and know if the provides are an sufficient amount to repair your SUP plus the opposite boards in your group in a gear emergency. 

Our editor’s restore equipment 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 practically all the equipment’s provides, which had been beforehand unopened. (Make sure to not contact PVC glue along with your naked pores and skin.)   

Examine Your SUP

After coming 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. 

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

Retailer in a Cool Place

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

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

Restore Kits: What’s Included

Many standup paddle board bundles lately embody a restore equipment. 

Prepacked restore kits from producers embody: 

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

How you can Use Restore Equipment Provides

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

A valve device may also loosen the valve sufficient to drag it up so you possibly can 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 to have a beneficiant quantity readily available. If you have to repair even a small gap alongside the rail, the patch will seemingly want to increase a number of inches on both aspect of the outlet in an effort to absolutely safe the leak. 

Guarantee Plan and Finish of Product Life

Examine 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 academic movies and shows.  

FAQ