Best Stand-Up Paddle Boards

7 Best Stand-Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) 2024

(Last Updated: August 13, 2020)

Stand up paddle boarding is an interesting sport that combines surfing and kayaking. Over the years, the game has become popular with more people taking interest in this water sport. We normally use the acronym SUP to describe the sport. The whole essence of SUP is the use of sup paddle boards and a paddle. You use the paddle to create motion and propel yourself forwards. In comparison to traditional surfboards, paddle ones tend to have more buoyancy and are larger in size.

 

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  Price Name Our Rating
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Pathfinder Inflatable SUP 8.8
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SereneLife Inflatable SUP 8.9
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Goplus Inflatable 8.6
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HydroForce White Cap 8.1
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FunWater Inflatable 9.2
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iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable 9.8
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Peak Inflatable 9.5

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Whether you are an amateur or an experienced paddle boarder, it can get overwhelming when it comes to figuring out the best place to buy paddle boards. The good thing is that you can buy a paddle board online and have it delivered to you. We will help you sift through the wide array of options and offer you a comprehensive list of the best water paddle boards worth your consideration. Before we get there, we need to understand more about sup boards. Think of this as a handy guide to help you get the right information before you make your purchase.

Let’s get started.

How to choose a Standup Paddle Board?

With so many best stand up paddle board reviews available, it’s understandable that you might be confused about the right board to buy. There are determining factors that affect your choice. Do you know how to use a board that you stand on and paddle? How long do you want to stay in the water? What’s your experience? Is it for fun or are you planning to compete in a race?

These questions help bring perspective on what exactly your needs are and narrow down your options. To start, we have the:

All-rounder

This is a versatile paddling board that you can use to explore different elements of the sport without having to buy multiple different types. It’s good for small waves and a bit of cruising down the river.

They tend to be longer and wider than traditional surfboards. Due to its narrow tail and length, you can comfortably maneuver in waves. For this type, most companies use glass fiber in the construction. It offers plenty of glides, making it a good choice for flat water paddling. This is one of the best paddle boards for beginners. It should definitely be at the top of your list.

Racing

In comparison to the all-rounder option, a racing one is longer in length and with a pointed nose. This design helps increase glide, making it easy to stay on a straight path. Professional paddle boarders use this stand up water board for flatwater and ocean touring competitions. It is perfect for long distance and sprint races.

The only difference is the increase or reduction in length. Racing types comprise of a lightweight material, usually a combination of Kevlar and Carbon Fiber. In terms of cost, they tend to have a higher price range that all other SUP options.

Surf

Despite your experience, you can actually get to have fun SUP surfing. For this, you need a shorter board, with a narrow tail and nose. These types usually have more curve than all the other options. The narrow design is important as it helps you maneuver easily on a wave.

Having all that fun comes at the expense of having a slower board with less stability. You can get a cheap stand up paddle board for sale to get started.

Flatwater/Touring

All you need to know is how to stand up on a board and you’re set. Since it’s the most common of all types, you can easily get a cheap stand up paddle board for touring. You can use it on lakes, coastal bays, and canals. A touring paddleboard has a perfect glide which is great for a long cruise. You can choose between soft top paddle boards and one with a hard top.

They are wider and are more durable than racing ones. You can use the extra room on the deck to carry your bags or even your dog. Feel free to use your flatwater board in any weather condition.

Inflatable

This type is the latest entry in the list of SUP types. They are great for all individuals starting from beginners to seasoned paddle boarders. Use an electric or hand pump to assemble it. You can inflate it by yourself without additional help. This simple feature makes it a great option in the list of women’s sup boards.

Due to their lack of stiffness, compared to normal ocean stand up paddle boards, they are not the best for rough conditions. If you are into wave riding, then you might probably give this one a pass. Other than that, a stand-up paddleboard inflatable is a great option if you want to save storage space and ease the burden of transportation.

How does stand up paddle boarding work?

By now you know how to choose a stand-up paddleboard. The next thing we have to cover is stand up paddle boarding tips.

The fact that it’s a sport that involves waterboards you stand on can be challenging for a beginner. In that case, it’s best to start on calm waters with no wave interruption. You might fall over a couple of times before you get your footing, so make sure the water is deep enough.

With your stand up paddle board on the water, place your knee on each side of the deck. Position yourself in the middle of the deck. Once you feel balanced, use one of your foot to stand. Make sure you do it slowly, keeping your back slightly arched. When you manage to stand, use your paddle to create motion.

By paddling backward you are able to move forward. If you need to change direction, use a forward paddle motion. That’s it. Seems simple, but you need to practice to get it right.

 

A List of the Best SUP Boards 2024

Here is a handpicked selection of the best stand up paddle boards you can buy.

 

1. Pathfinder Inflatable SUP

Inflatable designs have been the highlight of all SUP games in the market and the Pathfinder is no different. It is one of the cheap SUP types available that have better quality than other selections within the same price range.

It has an incredible design, a great choice if you are looking to save money. The impressive thing is that it comes as a complete kit. Sounds like a win-win situation for anybody. It’s an inexpensive option with great quality in comparison to the price of paddle boards with the same construction and design.

Instead of buying new paddle boards for everyone in the family, just get your hands on a Pathfinder.

Pros

  • Easy set-up and deflation
  • Portable
  • Easy maneuverability
  • Large deck space
  • Multi-layer construction
  • Adjustable paddle
  • Included accessories

Cons

  • Missing leash
  • Low weight limit
  • Over-inflation can result in leaks along the seams
  • The aluminum paddle does not float on water

2. SereneLife Inflatable SUP

This is one of the best inflatable stands up paddle board for beginners. It has a stable and light construction with impressive maneuverability.

You can get it at a fair price and get to enjoy the extra essentials provided as well. This includes a leash, air pump, and oar. If you’re in search of a lightweight stand up paddle board, you should try this one.

Pros

  • Great maneuverability
  • High quality
  • Quick set-up
  • High weight limit
  • Lightweight
  • Extra accessories

Cons

  • Weak fin assembly
  • Narrow body
  • Less stable

3. Goplus Inflatable

If you’re wondering, “how much does a paddleboard cost?” You’d be surprised to know that you can get your hands on this affordable inflatable SUP for less than $250.

Apart from the obvious financial gain, you get to benefit from its practicality and functionality. It is a great choice if you are on the market for a flatwater paddle board for sale.

Pros

  • Solid rigidity
  • Durable
  • Portable
  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy material
  • Removable fin
  • EVA textured foam pad

Cons

  • Poor pump
  • Best for flat water conditions
  • Excess inflation can burst the seams

4. HydroForce White Cap

This is one of the best paddle boards for beginners. You can use it for kayaking or open water cruising. That already is enough to have you interested in adding it to your shopping list.

Is it possible to get paddle boards cheap? Absolutely. And HydroForce is a great example

Just like most inflatable options, you get a kit with a few additional essentials to get you started. You will receive an oar, gauge, travel bag and pump. For the purpose of kayaking, there is a kayak seat provided as well.

It comes with guidelines on how to assemble it. With so many options available, this definitely stands out among the rest.

Pros

  • Solid construction
  • Good stability
  • Affordable
  • Fin attachment
  • Large deck

Cons

  • Loose pressure valve
  • Low weight limit
  • Does not have a leash

5. FunWater Inflatable

When you want to have fun, you want something that is easy to carry around. This fun water Inflatable SUP is the best sup for a perfect day of stand up paddling.

At first, you will appreciate its striking design and color combination. It is one of the lightest paddle board you can get with a compact construction.

You can buy a paddle board at a fair price without compromising on the quality. It comes with a repair kit which is more like a necessity for inflatable sups. Other than that, you get a package that consists of a pump, leash, paddle and a waterproof bag.

Pros

  • Fin attachment
  • Portable
  • Durable
  • Quick set-up
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Poor pump
  • Low weight limit

6. iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable

Practicality should be at the top of your list when you are looking at best paddle boards to buy. Don’t let the beauty of a product fool you into making a useless purchase. Now, with that in mind, let us introduce you to the iROCKER Cruiser.

It is functional and with an impeccable design. Just from first glance, you can see the effort the company put to make this product as great as it is.

In terms of prices, having more aesthetic features increases the stand-up paddleboard cost. That’s the case when it comes to the iROCKER. It has a higher price tag than all other options on this list.

Pros

  • High quality
  • Solid construction
  • Comfortable traction pad
  • Wide deck
  • Stable
  • Great performance
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Might feel a little slow

7. Peak Inflatable

Obviously, not everyone is capable of buying high-end sup boards for sale. There are affordable paddle board prices within your reach. You can get Peak inflatable at a fair price.

When you buy this Peak inflatable, you get a free waterproof phone case, pump, leash, and paddle. This type allows you to have fun as you work on improving your skills. It is great for both beginners and professionals.

Its stylish design is one of the small factors that make it an impressive choice. There is enough deck surface to do yoga or tag along with someone else on your cruise.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Great for beginners
  • Portable

Cons

  • A bit weak pump
  • Quite a heavy paddle
  • Over-inflation might destroy the seams

Conclusion

There you have it, a complete guide on what you need to know about stand up paddle boards. Hopefully, you have some sense of clarity on the type you need. The list we have provided is to help you narrow down your options to the top selections in the market.

You can easily get your hands on affordable stand-up paddle boards and start enjoying the outdoors. Most inflatable types come with instructions. Make sure you carefully read them before you get on the water. Safety should be your primary concern. By making a small investment, you can get a stand-up paddleboard for sale that suits your needs.

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