Best stand up paddle boards | Soft top, Hard top & inflatable

Want to try paddle boarding? Or are you just looking for your next board?

Well you're in the right place, we're going to take a look at 6 of the best SUPs on the market.

We are going to cover the best stand up paddle boards that are good for the ocean, flat water, surfing, fishing and of course for beginners.

With so many SUPs on the market it can be confusing so we are going to help you choose the right one for you.

Model	Images
Best hard top epoxy paddle board: Bugz Epoxy SUP	(view more images)
Best soft top Eva paddle board: Naish Nalu	(view more images)
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board: Aztron Nova Compact	(view more images)
Best Stand up paddle board for beginners: BIC Performer	(view more images)
Most Innovative Inflatable iSUP: Sportstech WBX	(view more images)
Best cheap stand up paddle board: benice	(view more images)

Here's Francisco Rodriguez Casal on his Bugz SUP:

Best paddle boards reviewed

Now let's dive more deeply into each of these top picks:

Best Hard Top Epoxy Paddle Board: Bugz Epoxy SUP

Construction: thermally cast epoxy
Max. Weight: 275 lbs
Size: 10'5 x 32" x 4.5"

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This 10' 5" long epoxy paddle board is great for beginners and intermediates who are just getting started on flat water and small waves.

With a width of 32 inches and a volume of 175 liters, this board is made with thermally molded construction making it lightweight, stable and versatile.

It also makes it easy to carry and paddle. The size and volume of this board make it ideal for those looking to gradually improve their skills.

The Bugz Epoxy is not what I would call cheap, but it is arguably the best stand up paddle board for the money, highly recommended.

Check the most current prices and availability here

Best soft top Eva paddle board: Naish Nalu

Construction: EPS foam core with wooden stringer
Max. Weight: 250 lbs
Size: 10'6″ x 32 x 4.5”
SUP Weight: 23 pounds
Includes: Matching two-piece aluminum paddle, deck bungee cords, 9" detachable center fin

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The Naish Soft Top SUP is probably the prettiest board on our list! That is of course not a good reason to buy a SUP, but it certainly can't hurt.

It has a large traction block that allows you to flexibly move your position on the board, as well as do yoga.

The Naish is 32" wide so it is a stable board that is ideal for beginners but will suit intermediate to more advanced paddlers.

At 10'6" in length, it's a fast SUP with a removable 9" center fin that provides great tracking.

Eclipse includes bungee cord harness at the front to attach a PFD. It has a wooden stringer for extra strength with reinforced side rails to protect against dents.

It is easy to transport with a recessed handle and Aztron includes a matching two-piece aluminum paddle.

Using a lightweight foam core, it weighs just 23 pounds, so it's easy to transport.

I would recommend a board bag for protection during transport. You wouldn't want this beautiful board to get damaged.

Best for: Beginners/advanced paddlers who want a nice SUP that is ideal for all round use.

Check out the Naish here at Amazon

Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board: Aztron Nova Compact

Aztron Nova Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board at a glance:

Construction: Inflatable PVC
Max. Weight: 400 lbs
Size: 10'6″ x 33 x 6”
SUP Weight: 23 pounds
Includes: 3-Piece Fiberglass Paddle, Dual Chamber Pump, Carrying Backpack & Strap

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The Aztron is the first iSUP or inflatable SUP on this list. If you're unfamiliar with iSUPs and their benefits, check out our guide below on this as well.

The Aztron comes pretty close to the performance of the epoxy SUPs on our list and has a high load capacity of over 400 pounds.

This makes it ideal for taking a passenger or your dog for a ride! At 33 inches wide, it's also one of the more stable SUPs, so it's perfect for novice paddlers.

The nice thing about the Aztron SUP is that it is a complete package meaning it comes with everything you need for a day on the water.

Included is an inflation pump, lightweight fiberglass SUP paddle and leash.

The paddle is divided into 3 parts and is fully adjustable. The Aztron includes the latest dual chamber pumps that inflate the board in just minutes.

Although you may want to consider using an electric pump.

Everything fits in the backpack for easy transport and storage. The deck has a thick padding for all-day comfort. Available in five bright colours, you're sure to find one you like and match your style!

When I first saw Aztron's inflatable paddle board, I was very impressed. This is a quality iSUP designed to be as close as possible to a standard epoxy paddle board.

Of course it's not the same, but when you inflate it to the recommended 15 psi it comes close.

It paddles more like a rigid paddleboard as it is more streamlined than the typical iSUP. It is very stable at 33 inches wide, 6 inches thick, and the 10,5 ft long model supports over 350 pounds of rider and payload.

You could easily have two paddlers on this board with room to spare, or take your dog with you.

The diamond groove pattern on the deck is non-slip, so even if it gets wet, you can stay on the board if it gets a little rough.

Like all the iSUPs I review here, it has an internal stitch construction design that makes the board very strong and durable.

Check the latest prices here

Also read: these are the top rated wetsuits for when you want to take it a step further

Best Stand up paddle board for beginners: BIC Performer

Made from polyethylene – the most common type of durable plastic – this classically designed paddleboard is a strong and durable board.

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It comes in a variety of sizes and colors ranging from 9'2 to 11'6” tall. With its integrated deck pad for safety and good looks, 10-inch dolphin fin, plus a combined oar plug and deck rig anchor it's great for the family and beginners of all ages.

The 8'4 BIC Performer is an excellent paddle board for kids and the 11'4 ″ model is a top contender for the best SUP.

The built-in ergonomic handle with cutouts makes carrying much easier and more comfortable, no matter what size board you choose.

Ideal for: families and beginners

The BIC is for sale here at Amazon

Most Innovative Inflatable iSUP: Sportstech WBX

Sportstech WBX SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board at a glance:

Construction: Inflatable PVC
Max. Weight: 300 lbs (may be exceeded)
Size: 10'6″ x 33 x 6”
SUP Weight: 23 pounds
Includes: 3-Piece Carbon Fiber Paddle, Dual Chamber Pump, Wheeled Carrying Backpack & Strap

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The Sportstech brings us our second inflatable paddle board. Very similar to the Aztron above it is 10'6" long, 6" thick and 33" wide.

The Newport uses a new board making technology called “fusion lamination”, which makes for a lighter, stronger SUP than competing models.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was the viewing window. Something you don't often see on a SUP and which makes it extra fun if you mainly go for nature spotting.

Not only that, there is plenty of extra storage in the bag to carry a life jacket, water bottle etc.

As soon as you unfold the paddle board you immediately notice that they are rigged in the front and a large thick deck pad. If you bring a passenger, they will appreciate the comfort.

With the dual-chamber, triple-action pump, I was able to inflate it in minutes.

Inflating an iSUP can be a bit of a workout, but the high volume pump makes the task much easier than most other single chamber pumps that come with cheaper SUPs. It's a really big upgrade!

Sportstech lists the 300-pound weight limit, but that can be exceeded. The WBX comes as a complete package with all the accessories you need.

The 8 stainless steel D-rings and bungee cord deck rigging fore and aft allow you to attach a seat or accessories, plus safe gear such as a PFD or cooler.

The included paddle has a carbon fiber shaft unlike most that come with aluminum or fiberglass. There are two other features that set the Sportstech apart from other iSUPs.

The storage/travel bag can not only be used as a backpack, the bag has wheels so that you can pull it behind you like a suitcase. A huge advantage to get to and from a parking lot or your home.

It also comes with a "Typhoon" double chamber pump that inflates the SUP in just minutes.

Available in 5 attractive colors and a 2 year warranty, the WBX is one of the best paddle boards that is sure to please you in style and performance!

Check it out here at bol.com

Best cheap stand up paddle board: Benice

The Benice inflatable SUP is one of the cheapest paddle boards on the market. Even at a bargain price, I found the performance on par with iSUPs that cost a lot more.

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It is made of high quality, four-layer commercial PVC with drop-stitch construction for rigidity. Inflated, the iSUP is 10'6" by 32" wide, so it's a stable board and ideal for beginners.

Benice recommends a weight load limit of 275 pounds, but I think that can be exceeded. You can easily take two people and / or your dog with you without any problem.

Even at a bargain price, it is very comparable to more expensive iSUPS. Where you will notice the difference are the accessories, such as the lack of wheels and storage compartments on the carrying case and the single chamber pump.

At nearly half the price of other boards, I'd say this is a pretty acceptable trade-off.

View it here at bol.com

How To Choose A Good Stand Up Paddle Board – Buyer's Guide

Paddleboarding can be a fun and exciting experience, if you are prepared with the right equipment and the knowledge needed to be successful.

The first and most important thing to have to get started is, of course, the paddle board.

In this guide you will find useful hints and tips for buying the perfect paddle board for your needs and some things to remember when you're just starting out.

Paddleboarding is a test of balance, agility, your observation skills and even your knowledge of the ocean, river or lake. Being prepared is very important so that you can enjoy an exciting and fun boarding experience.

Types of Paddle Boards

There are four main types of paddle boards. If you determine what your goals are, you can determine which board suits you best.

• All-rounders: Similar to traditional surfboards, these boards are great for beginners and those who tend to stay close to shore or in calmer waters. These are also great for anyone looking to fish from their board.
• Race and tour boards: These boards generally have a pointed nose that makes it easier to paddle longer distances. However, the whole board is usually narrower, so it's a good idea to make sure you have a board that you can balance on and that the narrower boards need more practice to get used to. Being pointier and narrower means you can reach higher speeds.
• Kids Stand Up Paddle Boards: As the name says, these boards are specially designed for kids and younger or smaller paddle boarders. They are usually lighter in weight, wider and smaller in size making them easier to maneuver in the water. There are different types of kid's boards, so if you're looking for young boards, you still need to look further into the boards that are best for your kids.
• Family Boards: These are great for the whole family, and they are soft-top boards with a wide nose and stable tail that make it easy for anyone to use, including kids. These are perfect for some fun family fun.
• Boards for women: When paddle boarding first became popular, the boards were heavy and difficult to carry. Now you can buy boards that are lightweight and some even have a narrower center, making it easier to reach across the board for more convenient carrying. Some boards are even specifically for yoga stretching and poses.

Leersup.nl has just a slightly different categorization but comes with the exact same points that are important to pay attention to.

Considerations for a Stand Up Paddle Board

So let's take a look at a few things you need to know to choose the right SUP.

Paddle Board Length

The SUP length is the primary determination of how the board handles and how fast it goes. Like kayaks, the shorter the SUP, the easier it is to turn and maneuver.

• SUP <10 Feet – These paddleboards are ideal for surfing with their short length and good maneuverability. Short planks are also ideal for children as they are easy to turn.
• SUP 10-12 Feet - This is the "typical" size for paddleboards. These are excellent all-round boards for beginners to advanced.
• SUP > 12 Feet - Paddle boards over 12 feet are known as "touring" SUPs. With their longer length, they are faster and intended for long distance paddling. They also tend to track better, but as a trade-off less maneuverable.

Keep in mind that longer planks are harder to store and transport!

Paddleboard width

The width of your SUP is also a factor in how it maneuvers. As you might guess, a wider board is more stable. Unfortunately, you give away some maneuverability, but also SPEED.

Wider boards are slower. SUPs come in widths between 25 and 36 inches with 30-33 being the most common by far.

Height/Width – Try to match your board width to your body type. So if you are a shorter, lighter paddler, go with a narrower board as you will be able to maneuver it much easier. While a taller, heavier person should go with a wider, more stable board.

Skill Level – If you are an experienced paddler, the narrowest board with sufficient buoyancy and staple leak is best for faster and easier paddling.

Paddling Style – If you plan on touring or going out for hours with a cooler and other gear, keep in mind that you will need more storage space. A wider 31-33 inch board should suffice. If you plan on doing yoga, you will definitely want a wider, more stable board.

Thickness paddle board

The last criterion in a SUP is thickness. After you determine your length and width, you need to look at thickness.

A thicker board will have more buoyancy and thus more weight capacity per given length. So two paddle boards of the same width and length but one is thicker, it will support more weight.

Inflatable vs Solid Core SUPs

Inflatable SUPs have become very popular lately for a number of good reasons. Let's take a look at both types to see what's best for you.

An inflatable SUP is made of a PVC design, which when inflated to 10-15 PSI becomes very rigid, approaching a solid SUP.

Inflatable SUP Benefits

1. Packing: If you plan on hiking back to a lake or river, an iSUP is the much better option. They can be tucked into a pack and carried on your back. Not really possible with a solid SUP
2. Storage space: living in a small apartment or no shed? Then an iSUP might be your only option, because a solid core SUP takes up more space and is harder to store.
3. Travel: Do you want to take your SUP on an airplane or long distance in your vehicle? An iSUP will be much easier to transport and store.
4. Yoga: While inflatables aren't exactly "soft," they give a little more to make them more comfortable for doing your yoga poses.
5. Cost: Inflatable SUPs have dropped significantly in price. A good quality can be bought for under €600, including the paddle, pump and storage bag.
6. More forgiving: Falling on a standard SUP can be a painful experience. An inflatable SUP is softer and has less chance of injury. They are especially desirable for children who may not have the balance of adults.

Solid core SUP benefits

1. Stability/Stiffness: A solid paddleboard is naturally more solid and stiff which gives you more stability. They are also a bit faster and more maneuverable.
2. More Size Options: Solid SUPs are available in many more lengths and widths so you can get the perfect size for your needs.
3. Performance: A solid SUP is faster and better for touring and speed. If you're out and about all day, a sturdy board might be a better option.
4. Last longer / easier: With a solid SUP there is nothing to pin / deflate. Just put it in the water and go without worry.

To make a fair comparison, we compared two identically sized SUPs, an iRocker, with a Bugz epoxy.

When comparing the two, we were generally surprised by the VERY minor differences. The stiff SUP was a little faster (about 10%) and a little easier to paddle.

Obviously the epoxy was stiffer but we were able to do all the same activities like yoga and fishing along with being able to carry all the gear we needed like a cooler and backpack etc.

Getting from car to water with the epoxy SUP was just a little faster, but not as much as you might think. By using an electric SUP pump we were able to cut it down to less than 5 minutes.

The disadvantages of the inflatable:

• Setup: It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to inflate an inflatable SUP board, depending on the size of the board and the quality of the pump. In addition, you should always carry a pump and install the fins.
• Speed: Like inflatable kayaks, they are slower as they need to be thicker and wider to provide adequate rigidity.
• Surfing: If this is something you want to do as you gain experience, an inflatable paddleboard has a thicker rail that makes it harder to turn.

How we evaluated the paddleboards

Stability

This was our main consideration when evaluating an inflatable paddleboard. Because they tend to be used by novice and intermediate boarders who want a board to be as stable as possible.

Of course, the bigger the board, the more stable it is. But the most important thing that gives a board its stability is how thick it is. The thicker the board, the sturdier and more stable it usually is. 4 inches thick is the minimum recommended thickness.

paddle performance

By its very nature, an inflatable stand up paddleboard will not cut through the water as well as a standard carbon fiber board. However, the better quality paddleboards will glide through the water noticeably easier than the cheaper boards.

Typically, a higher rocker helps how well it cuts through the water and makes it easier to paddle in rougher water or winder conditions.

Easy transportation

That's the main reason for buying an inflatable paddleboard, as making it easier to transport and store is an important consideration.

Although as mentioned above they do not cut through the water and the ability to carry in almost any car without needing a roof rack and being able to store one almost anywhere makes the inflatable SUP very desirable.

All boards tested required a little extra effort to get them back into the storage container after inflating, except for the Bugz.

If you're tired of pumping your paddleboard by hand, there's the option of a battery-operated pump. It won't save you having to pump it, an electric pump will inflate your paddleboard faster.

Here is a good option, Sevylor 12 Volt 15 PSI SUP and Water Sports Pump, it plugs into your car accessories port and inflates your paddle board in 3-5 minutes.

Before you buy your paddleboard, here are some questions for you:

• What are you going to use it for? – Are you planning to use it on a river or lake? Or do you use it on the ocean or a bay? You may want to do some surfing with your paddleboard. There are iSUPs to suit your needs. In general, a wider board is more suitable for rougher conditions and easier to stand on to surf.
• Think about your skills and skill level – if you're a beginner, a wider and longer board is much easier to balance and get up. It is preferable to get a board at least 32 inches wide like the iRocker and 10 inches or longer.
• Can you store and transport it? – Do you have space in your house or are you able to store the paddle board? Do you have a vehicle to transport the paddle board? You will prefer a rack to transport it safely. If not, the inflatable paddle boards we've reviewed are perfect for you.
• What kind of SUP do you want? – Since we have covered inflatable SUPs in this article, we assume that is also a possibility in what you are looking for. You may want to reconsider the benefits of the rigid SUPs before making your final decision.
• What is your budget? – How much are you willing to spend on your SUP? We've covered a wide price range in this review.

Paddle Board FAQs

How should you stand on a paddle board?

The easiest way to get started is to kneel and paddle on the board. As you become more confident, move one of your knees up so that you are on one knee and with one foot raise the other foot so that you are standing.

How do you keep your balance on a paddleboard?

A common mistake is standing on a paddleboard as if it were a surfboard. This means that your toes are pointing to the side of the board. You want both feet forward and your knees should be slightly bent. When you paddle, remember to use your entire core, not just your arms.

How heavy is a paddle board?

Inflatable SUPs vary slightly in weight, but usually weigh as light as 9kg and a heavier board can weigh up to 13kg, all the way up to 22kg for the larger touring SUPs.

Is paddle boarding a good workout?

The simple answer to this question is yes! Paddleboarding is an excellent workout for your whole body.

What are inflatable paddle boards made of?

iSUPS, or inflatable paddle boards, are made from a PVC that uses a so-called “Drop Stitch” construction which, when inflated, becomes very stiff.

What is a solid core stand up paddle board made of?

Solid core paddle boards are made from an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core with an epoxy/fiberglass shell for rigidity and water resistance.

Are inflatable paddle boards any good?

Yes! They have come a long way and when properly inflated they are almost identical in performance to an epoxy paddleboard when using the latest 6" thick models.

What are the Different Types of Stand Up Paddle Boards?

There are quite a few types of paddleboards, each designed for different puposes and materials. There are solid epoxy SUPs, inflatable SUPs (iSUPS), racing/touring SUPs, yoga SUPs, surf SUPs.

How much does an inflatable paddle board cost?

SUPS and iSUPS vary greatly in price. Cheaper beginner SUPs can cost as little as $250 and go up to $1000 for a high-end touring model.

How tall is the typical stand up paddle board?

It depends on what the paddle board is used for. The typical paddle board ranges between 9 and 10'6". They come in longer models that are used for long distances.

5 Tips for Beginner Paddle Boarders

Once you have your new board, it's time to learn how to use it safely. While paddle boarding is relatively easy, the first few times can be challenging.

With a little time and practice, you'll be an expert in no time. But if you're just starting out, here are helpful tips.

Take it slow at first

Don't plan on taking long paddle trips at first, it's best to take short trips first and learn how to stand on the board and gain confidence. You will also find that you may be using muscles that you haven't used before.

Paddleboarding is an excellent full-body workout.

Don't forget to use a belt

No, we don't mean a dog leash, a paddle board leash will strap around your ankle with Velcro and connect to a D-ring on the SUP. A strap prevents you from becoming separated from the SUP when you fall.

As you gain experience, you can skip one, but always use one while you're learning.

keep your distance

This applies more to smaller lakes or crowded beach areas, but you want to keep enough distance between you and other boarders, kayakers, or swimmers. There is plenty of space, so keep your distance.

learn to fall

When you learn how to paddle board, falling is inevitable. To avoid getting hurt when you fall, you need to learn how to fall properly.

Inflatable paddle boards are not soft to fall on, so it will hurt if you fall on them or get hit with them if you fall off.

The most important thing to keep in mind is falling off the board. So if you feel yourself falling, try to push yourself away and don't fall straight forward or back.

This is something you need to practice beforehand so you know how to do it right. This is why you want to use a strap so that the board can't get too far away from you.

Make sure the SUP is paddling in the right direction

I know this may seem super obvious but if you are new to paddle boarding but it may not be obvious when the board is in the water.

Locate the fins to make sure you are facing the right way. They should always be in the back and your back should be in front of them. The fins are used for tracking and help keep the board in a straight line. If they're in the front, they can't do their job.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are quite a few excellent iSUPs on the market and I can't cover them all. If you're just starting out you'll want a paddleboard that's stable and the Bugz and iRocker are two of the best around.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Jilong might be your best bet.

There are plenty of other things to consider and be aware of such as the direction of the wind, the correct way to paddle, how to stand upright and pay attention to your surroundings at all times .

Much of this is just common sense, but it's important to be reminded of these things. This is just a quick guide with some key points to consider.

Remember, paddle boarding is fun, but if you're not careful, what is an exciting sport to do with family and friends can take a tragic turn. Be safe, smart and have fun on your exciting journey to become a paddle boarder!

Also read: these are the best wakeboards to catch that perfect wave

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.