Whether you’re slipping off the yacht at dawn, towing toys behind the speedboat, or cruising to the family’s cottage at the lake, paddle boards elevate the boating lifestyle — literally. They’re the ideal “yacht toy”: compact, stowable, and ready for lazy mornings, fishing from the deck of your lakehouse, or unexplored shorelines. As any boat owner knows, the best toys are low‑maintenance, multi‑functional, and begging to be tossed overboard at a moment’s notice. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top paddle boards that blend stability, performance, and portability — perfect companions for your boating adventures.
The Quick Top 10 Paddle Boards in 2025
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1
Best Overall Performance: ISLE Explorer Pro -
2
Versatile Budget iSUP: TIGERXBANG Defender Pro 10'6" iSUP -
3
Best Touring Performance: Bluefin Sprint Carbon 14’ -
4
Best Hybrid Kayak and SUP: Isle Switch SUP & Kayak -
5
Amazing for Everything: Blackfin XL 11’6” -
6
Most Transportable: Red Paddle Compact MSL -
7
Stable, Light All Rounder: Sea Gods Diatom Ten6 -
8
Ideal for Yoga: Glide Lotus 10’6 -
9
Best Budget Hybrid iSUP: Retrospec Weekender Plus 2
All the Best Paddle Boards We've tested
Where to buy ISLE Explorer Pro:
Amazon
The ISLE Explorer Pro is an incredible touring iSUP board, and has the best stability out of the iSUPs we’ve tested. It uses its patented InfinityFiber technology, which makes its surface up to three times more rigid than other brands. This allows it to perform almost equally as well as hardboards in almost every category.
In addition to its shockingly stable and durable construction, the board is also endlessly customizable. This touring board features webbing links along the entire length of the board, allowing you to use connector straps for storage and accessory placement throughout the board.
Another factor that makes the ISLE Explorer Pro an incredible iSUP is that it can easily moonlight as a very user-friendly kayak. Unlike some SUP boards that claim to be SUP/kayak hybrids, the ISLE Explorer Pro performs comfortably and surprisingly well as a kayak, thanks to the quality construction and customizable seat placement.
- Material: Patented InfinityFiber for a rigid feel
- Board Length: 12’ (also available in 14’)
- Board Width: 31.5”
- Thickness: 6”
- Board Weight: 23 lbs
- Max Capacity Weight: 325 lbs
- Ideal PSI: 15 PSI
Things we like:
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Patented InfinityFiber technology makes this the most sturdy iSUP we have tested
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All the perks of a hardboard with the portability of an inflatable
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Performs great as an iSUP and as a kayak
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Very versatile board
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Three Handles For Easy Transport
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Great handles as well as extra paddle storage
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Webbing links throughout the board allow for endless customization
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Can carry lots of cargo on longer journeys
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Click-in fin and foldable fin box are well-designed and user-friendly
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Decking is soft and inviting
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Easy and quick maneuvering board
Things we don't like:
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No Pump or paddle included, Though many SUP owners may have these already
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All added accessories must be purchased through ISLE a la carte
Where to buy ISLE Explorer Pro:
Amazon
Where to buy TIGERXBANG Defender Pro 10’6″ iSUP:
Amazon
The TIGERXBANG Defender Pro 10’6” iSUP is a versatile iSUP that is a great purchase for those looking for a durable and sturdy iSUP and kayak hybrid at a reasonable price point. The Defender Pro has great buoyancy and rigidity. It also has great quick-lock fins that give this board good tracking and glide. These are hard qualities to find in a board that costs less than $500.
This board easily turns into a kayak as well. The kayak seat is easy to install, and the backrest is adjustable, which provides comfort on longer rides. The package includes everything you need – from the fins to a leash, a manual pump, a paddle with kayak attachment, and even the kayak seat.
While the bungees and paddles included with this board are not the best and turning can be challenging, this board still over-performs for its price, especially if you can purchase it while it is still on sale.
- Material: PVC, Double-sided Drop Needle Material
- Board Length: 10’6”
- Board Width: 32”
- Thickness: 6”
- Fins: 3 removable fins
- Board Weight: 18 lbs
- Complete Loaded Kit Weight: 33 lbs
- Backpack Dimensions: 37”x16”x10”
- Max Capacity Weight: 330 lbs
- PSI Range: 10-15 PSI
- Warranty: 1 year
Things we like:
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Great Value For A iSUP/Kayak Hybrid
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Board Transforms Easily Into Kayak
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Good Rigidity For The Price
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Very versatile board thanks to its wide and rounded design
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Excellent Glide For A Budget iSUP
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Board Provides Great Tracking For A Mid-Level iSUP
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The Kayak Seat Is Adjustable
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The board Comes with everything a beginner needs
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Easy-to-insert Three-Fin Design
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Soft decking is comfortable for longer paddles and yoga
Things we don't like:
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The turns are wide and slow
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There is no action mount
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The soft decking could have a better grip
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Front bungees lack strength and durability
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There is a lack of additional D-rings for customization opportunities
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Improved stability would be helpful for beginners
Where to buy TIGERXBANG Defender Pro 10’6″ iSUP:
Amazon
Where to buy Bluefin Sprint Carbon 14’:
Amazon
The Sprint Carbon 14’ has a lot going on for it–more than a typical, touring inflatable. It shares components we’re used to seeing from other Bluefin Carbon Series boards like the dual-inflation chambers, carbon rails, quality seams, cargo straps, and deck pad, but there is an effort to up the ante on performance.
On the water, the Sprint Carbon continues Bluefin’s pattern of offering a well-design board with a very good paddle. Mostly positives here with only one or two sticking points against it.
- Material: 500 denier PVC + carbon rails
- Board Length: 14’
- Board Width: 30.3”
- Thickness: 6.3”
- Board Weight: 24 lbs
- Full Package Weight: 34 lbs
- Pump: Double Chamber
- Max Weight: 420 lbs
Things we like:
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Great speed and tracking
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Dual inflation chambers and carbon rails give it rigidity
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2+1 smart lock (2) and box-fin (1) system accommodates wide variety of fin types
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A tree gets planted for every product sold from Bluefin’s site.
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Quality accessories
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Extra D-rings for seat or cooler attachments
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Cool design and colors
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At $800-$900, it’s a fair price for a touring/racing longboard.
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Five-year warranty
Things we don't like:
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On the heavier side for portability (34lbs in backpack)
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Small backpack requires smart packing after use
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More than is needed for just casual paddling
Where to buy Bluefin Sprint Carbon 14’:
Amazon
Where to buy Isle Switch SUP & Kayak:
Amazon
The Switch is a SUP kayak hybrid from Isle Surf & SUP. This is one of the most versatile inflatable craft we’ve seen in the last few years.
It’s got cargo features and accessory options that are designed in unique ways. As a tandem kayak, these features really shine through. As a stand up paddle board, the Switch is a pretty awesome touring board that has the maneuverability to match the best all rounders too.
Just to top it off, the Link System allows for more attachments, while eliminating all the D-rings used by other boards. That makes this one of the best yoga boards as well.
- Material: AirTech Fusion Lite Drop Stitch Construction
- Board Height: 11’6”
- Board Width: 35”
- Thickness: 6.35”
- Weight: 19 lbs.
- Pump: Manual
- Max. Weight Capacity: 425 lbs.
- Recommended Inflation: 14-17 PSI
Things we like:
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Doing yoga, fishing, tandem kayaking, tandem SUPping
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Most comfortable 2-in-1 seat
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One of the most lightweight models out there
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The seat can also be used as a trekker chair
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Looking forward to future accessories with the 40 loop Link System
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The Isle Link System removes D-rings, making space for yoga
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There's a foot brace (inflatable pillow) for better core training
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Paddle holder for yoga sessions
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A good paddle
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Super stable for beginners and when going tandem
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The unique material is easy to roll up and pack away
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You can connect multiple boards
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Suede-like deck pad is very nice on the feet
Things we don't like:
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Currently no Action Mounts
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As a trade-off, the more comfortable deck pad takes longer to dry=longer packing time
Where to buy Isle Switch SUP & Kayak:
Amazon
Where to buy Blackfin XL 11’6”:
Amazon
The Blackfin XL inflatable Paddle board is a premium, high quality sup board for any level. At 35 inches wide and with a remarkable amount of rigidity, the XL is ideal for fishing but is good for touring too. On account of all the specialized mounts and because of the extra stability it’s one of the more versatile SUPs out there.
During testing, we compared it to the Model X and found both to be great all arounders. But the XL has the benefit of also being a very decent touring board–surprisingly so.
In terms of paddling, the board performs exceptionally well. The carbon paddle is great, the same one across the whole Blackfin line. This SUP is also not restricted to experience level, as the Blackfin XL glides over the water rather than through it, as the X seems to do with taller, heavier paddlers.
We recommend the Blackfin XL inflatable paddle board for riders who want a premium, recreational paddle board experience with the possibility to try fishing or touring. The same advantages that the action mounts provide are, at the same time, disadvantages for performing yoga. The mounts get in the way, so we don’t recommend it for yogis.
- Best Suited For: Any level/touring/fishing/yoga
- Material: Triple layer composite PVC with drop stitched inner core layer
- Volume: 380 liters
- Capacity: 485 lbs
- Dimensions: 11’6” x 34” x 6”
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Recommended Inflation: 15 PSI
Things we like:
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Amazing stability
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Great maneuverability
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Fantastic carbon fiber paddle
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All the right accessories and more
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19 D-rings for attaching equipment
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20 Action mounts for that perfect shot of you paddling
Things we don't like:
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While very stable, the action mounts will get in the way of performing yoga
Where to buy Blackfin XL 11’6”:
Amazon
Where to buy Red Paddle Compact MSL:
Amazon
The Compact MSL Pact inflatable paddle board from Red Paddle Co is an iSUP intended for travel and expedition. This touring board, available in 9’ 6”, 11’, and 12’, transports well and packs up nicely into its backpack.
Much of its innovation and design changes are aimed at making this board as compact and easy to transport as possible. The board has some interesting features like its thinness at just over 4 inches thick. It has a 5-piece paddle and a great carrying backpack for the quality accessories included.
It is not the most stable or sturdy board in its price range, but longevity and ease of travel have their trade-offs. It does, however, have great tracking and glide for a compact touring board.
- Board Type: Touring
- Ideal PSI: 16-22 PSI
- Board Length: 12’ (11’ and 9’ 6” options also available)
- Board Width: 32”
- Thickness: 4.7”
- Board Weight: 22.38 lbs
- Max Capacity Weight: 265 lbs
- Board Volume: 302 Litres
- Bag Volume: 90 Litres
- Paddle: 5-Piece Adjustable Paddle
- Fins: Twin Click Fin
Things we like:
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The Compact Design is arguably its biggest selling point
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The Red MSL comes with a 5-year warranty
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Decking is practical and comfortable
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Twin-fin system provides great tracking
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The board is fairly lightweight and easy to carry
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The compact Voyager backpack is easy to transport
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The waterproof phone case is a nice included accessory
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The multiple handles are a plus
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The board is easy to turn
Things we don't like:
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Many design features do more harm than good
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The thin 4.7” board sometimes hurts performance and gets you wet
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The side rails are more a hindrance than a help
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The new hand pump design is not an improvement from other hand pumps
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The premium price is inhibitive
Where to buy Red Paddle Compact MSL:
Amazon
Where to buy Sea Gods Diatom Ten6:
Amazon
The Diatom Ten6 that we got to test is the ultralight fusion variant. Sea Gods has a more premium model, the CX–or cross stitch weave.
In our opinion, the Ten6 ULF proves a point about value. This is not a budget board, but it is a stand up paddle board that has the look and feel of the best premium boards. That counts substantively for its performance and, especially, the aesthetics–perhaps the very best and coolest.
The 34 inch width and large deck pad make this an amazing beginner board, great for yoga, and cargo capacity too.
What makes this a stand out–beyond the vibrant, cool colors, is that it is rigid and tracks well. This is a really versatile SUP.
- Material: 1.7mm Ultra-Light Fusion 12,800/M2 Drop Stitch and UV glaze
- Board Height: 10’ 6”
- Board Width: 34”
- Thickness: 6”
- Board Weight: 24 lbs
- Full Package Weight: 40 lbs
- Pump: Manual, Two-way inflation
- Max Weight: 340 lbs
- Recommended Inflation: 14-18 psi
Things we like:
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Tracks reasonably well
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Amazing carbon fiber paddle
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Good overall package of items
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Gorgeous art on deck and bottom
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Lifetime warranty
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Well-balanced for carrying
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Solid construction and all-around performance
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Great stability and deck pad for yoga
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Great board for beginners
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Unbreakable, Kumano click-in fin
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High-Quality Accessories
Things we don't like:
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Premium Value = Pricey
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While wheeling the backpack works well, it can be heavy to carry on back
Where to buy Sea Gods Diatom Ten6:
Amazon
Where to buy Glide Lotus 10’6:
The Glide Lotus Inflatable Paddle Board is a wide, beginner paddle board made with the modern-day yogi in mind. It’s great for paddlers looking for a stable, and sturdy inflatable SUP.
This paddle board boasts a high level of stability and comfort making it suitable for trying yoga positions while on flat water.
Overall the Glide Lotus 10’6 Inflatable Paddle Board is a fantastic recreational paddle board that is comfortable and stable. This board is easy to use and transport with added stability making it ideal for paddle board yoga.
- Best Suited For: Yoga, Beginners, Travel
- Material: Military-grade PVC with Glide Fusion drop stitching technology
- Volume: 300L
- Capacity: 400 lbs
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 35” x 6”
- Weight: 26lbs
- Recommended Inflation: 12-15PSI
Things we like:
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Lightweight and comfortable
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Extra wide for high stability
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Large bungee system on nose of the board
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Portable thanks to carry strap and bag
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A lot of fun to play on
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Can carry a lot of weight
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Strong quality to budget ratio
Things we don't like:
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Yoga-mat-style deckpad can get slippery
Where to buy Glide Lotus 10’6:
Where to buy Retrospec Weekender Plus 2:
Amazon
The Weekender Plus 2 iSUP from Retrospec is a great budget-friendly hybrid iSUP. At around $400, this board is worth every penny. It is the company’s most durable iSUP, and its design is similar to a stable surfboard, with a rounded nose, square tail, and three detachable tracking fins.
The board tracks and turns well as both a kayak and iSUP. The kit all packed up in the provided carrying bag only weighs 23 pounds, making it easy to transport. The backpack itself might be a little uncomfortable, but this lightweight full-equipped kit is easy to transport over short distances.
This is not a racing board, nor is this the best iSUP for touring longer distances or into rougher seas. But if you are looking for a budget-friendly cruising board for pleasure that has the option for kayaking, the Weekender Plus 2 is a great choice.
- Material: AerGlide-Fusion - dual layer 1000 D PVC, reinforced outer, drop-stitch core
- Board Length: 10’6”
- Board Width: 32”
- Thickness: 6”
- Fins: 3 removable fins
- Board Weight: 20 lbs (23 lbs with backpack and accessories)
- Max Capacity Weight: 300 lbs
- PSI Range: 12-15 PSI
Things we like:
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The fully-equipped kit comes with all necessary accessories, even for kayaking
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The board is priced very well for what it provides
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Three detachable fins help provide solid tracking
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Lightweight and easy to transport
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The included pump has a great deflating valve making packing up faster
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Performs surprisingly well as a kayak
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The Kayak seat is comfortable
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Anti-slip decking is effective and cushioning
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Includes a handy repair kit
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The added bungee storage in front and rear of the board is appreciated
Things we don't like:
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The carrying backpack included is a bit uncomfortable and can dig into your neck
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The paddle is a bit challenging to assemble and can get slippery when wet
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Hard to pump up to the ideal PSI on first uses
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Not ideal for racing
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With a max capacity of 300 lbs, it is not a tandem board or suitable for heavy paddlers
Where to buy Retrospec Weekender Plus 2:
Amazon
The Best Paddle Board Buyers Guide (2025)
Stand up Paddle Boarding is a relatively new sport in the watersports world and offers fun experiences for all levels. Paddle Boarding offers a diverse range of experiences from the more athletic, race and touring paddle boarding, to relaxing, fun, recreational paddle boards for the whole family. You can surf, practice yoga and fish all depending on the style of Stand-Up Paddle board (SUP) you have chosen.
If you are new to the sport and unsure what to look for, don’t worry, we have done the work for you. There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting the right paddle board, from volume and size; thickness, length and width, to accessories and extras. You will also have to consider the portability which might lead to you choosing between an inflatable stand-up paddle board (iSUP) or a solid SUP.
Type of Paddle Board
One of the first factors to consider when looking at purchasing a stand-up paddle board is whether you want a solid or inflatable board. Each board comes with its advantages and disadvantages and these factors will determine which is more suitable to your lifestyle and how you will use your paddle board.
Solid Paddle Board
Most solid paddle boards are made using fiberglass and/or epoxy around a foam core. This construction method allows boards to be lightweight whilst remaining stiff and durable. Some solid boards are made using carbon fibre this makes them a lot more lightweight, however, also means they are likely a lot more expensive (unless you can cop one on a huge sale like Black Friday). The most affordable SUPs are those made using plastic, these are a lot heavier which also affects the performance on the water. Often plastic SUPs are not as maneuverable or high performing as fiberglass and carbon fiber boards.
Inflatable Paddle Boards
The inflatable SUP board market has been increasingly growing in the last few years thanks to development in drop stitching technology. These boards use the high pressure of the air to fill their core and often have drop stitching construction and PVC exteriors as their main materials. Due to the high pressure air, these boards can feel very solid once inflated. The biggest advantage with inflatable SUPs is their portability. Folding into bags iSUPs are great for those who need to save on storage or are looking for a board they can take anywhere with them.
Paddle Board Hull
The shape of a paddle board hull will determine its performance on the water as well as its stability. The main two shapes are a planing and displacement hulls. These hulls vary slightly and along with other factors such as volume, length, width and weight capacity, will determine choosing between speed and maneuverability.
A planing hull board is generally wide and flat and is somewhat reminiscent of a surfboard. It is intended for on-top-of-the-water rides and is easily maneuverable. If you are into surfing, yoga, and recreational paddling, this is the hull type to look into.
Check out the Red Paddle Co. 10’6” Paddle Board for an example of a planing hull!
A displacement hull is differentiated by its pointy nose, the one often met in canoes and kayaks. This feature helps it cut through the water, thus pushing it to the sides and the nose itself. As a result, you smoothly glide through the waves at a fast speed. If touring, camping and racing are your main priorities for the board, this is the hull to choose.
Check out the Blackfin V 12’6” Paddle Board for an example of a displacement hull!
Paddle Board Material
There are a variety of materials which can be used when building a paddle board. Most commonly solid paddle boards will be made with a foam core with an epoxy or fiberglass exterior. These materials ensure that the boards are lightweight whilst remaining strong and durable.
Inflatable SUPs tend to be made using strong PVC with drop-stitch technology for reinforced, durable seams. The core is filled with air, the high pressure of the air in the centre provides a strong core. Some inflatable paddle boards will have more than one chamber to fill with air such as a double chamber. Paddle boards that feature double chamber construction have better stability and rigidity on the water.
Check out the Starboard 12’6 touring deluxe double chamber board!
Volume and Capacity
Volume and capacity are the main factors to consider and are determined by your size. To ensure your board is stable and provides the best buoyancy you will want to purchase a board made for your size. This will also make it easier to maneuver the board once on the water too.
Volume and weight capacity are primarily influenced by your weight, however, the board width, height and thickness will also influence these factors and will determine the board performance.
Volume: The volume is measured in liters. The higher the volume the higher the weight capacity of the board and the more stable and buoyant it will be on the water.
Weight Capacity: Measured in pounds, the weight capacity lets you know how much weight the board can take and remain efficient on the water. If you are heavier than the weight capacity the board won’t float as well and it will affect the performance of the board.
Paddle Board Length
The length of a board will affect the performance of the board and most notably the speed. The length also determines what water conditions the SUP can handle. Paddle board length is measured using feet and inches.
Short (10’ and under): Shorter boards are excellent for surfing and for kids. The length makes them more maneuverable, this increased maneuverability makes them perfect for surfing waves.
Check out the Roc Explorer 10’ as an example of a short paddle board!
Medium (10’ to 12’): Medium length boards tend to be best for all-round paddle board use, recreational use or for yoga. They tend to have a rounder shape and planing hulls making them stable and buoyant with the ability to handle most water conditions.
Check out the Blackfin X 10’6” as an example of a medium paddle board!
Long (12’ and above): Long length boards are excellent for racing, long distance and touring. These boards are the fastest thanks to their length and tend to track a lot straighter in the water. Long paddle boards often come with displacement hulls.
Check out the Tower Xplorer 14’ as an example of a long paddle board!
As well as determining speed the length of a board will also influence the weight capacity and volume. The length will also influence the portability and weight of the paddle board and should be considered when looking at transporting and storing your SUP.
Paddle Board Width
Similarly to the length of the paddle board the width influences the performance of the board as well as the weight capacity and volume. Generally the greater the width of the board the better the stability, and vice versa, a board that is skinnier will be less stable.
Ranging between 25” to 36” the width of the SUP you choose will be dependent on your paddle boarding needs. When choosing the correct width you will want to consider your body type, weight and ability.
Narrow boards: These boards will be best for speed, however, compromising on stability. If you are a more advanced paddle boarder looking for a challenge a narrow board will provide exactly this. Narrower boards are also better for smaller, lighter weight people as they tend to have a smaller volume and weight capacity than wider boards.
Wide boards: Wider boards are excellent for stability and usually have a higher volume and weight capacity. These boards are perfect for recreational use and excellent for activities such as surfing and yoga, however, the length will also need to be taken into consideration.
Width is an important factor, however, you need to also consider the volume, weight capacity and length, to ensure your board is the best fit for your needs. A longer narrower board will be better for racing, a shorter wider board will be more suited to surfing, whilst a longer, wide board will be ideal for yoga.
Paddle Board Thickness
The last dimensions to consider when purchasing a SUP is thickness. Overall, the thickness will determine the volume and weight capacity of a board. The thinner a board, the smaller the volume and therefore the lower weight capacity. Thicker boards will have higher volume and therefore higher weight capacity.
Thickness will also determine how well the board handles water, thinner boards will be better on flatter water surfaces, whilst thicker boards will handle chop and waves better.
Paddle Board Fins
Each paddle board comes with fins to provide stability and good tracking. The most common fin set-ups are the single fin, the tri-fin and the 2+1 fin setup. Most fins are removable, especially the larger center fin. Paddle boards, with the 2+1 fin setup, will have permanent smaller fins attached.
Larger fins will provide straighter tracking whilst smaller fins, especially in a tri-fin and 2+1 fin setups will improve the stability and maneuverability of the board. Fin setups are the same in both solid and inflatable SUPs, however, they are more likely to be removable in inflatable SUPs to make them easier to store.
Paddle Board Accessories
Each SUP will come with its own added extras and accessories. There are a range of accessories available and most of the time you can purchase these extra accessories separately to add to your board. The most important accessories for paddle boarding are:
Paddle: The most important accessory to any paddle board is the paddle. SUP paddles are like kayak/canoe paddles, with an extended handle and blade. When choosing a paddle there are a few factors to consider, including whether it floats, the weight and the handle of the paddle.
Most paddles will have adjustable handles which you can adjust to best suit the paddle boarder’s height. The length should reach your wrist when standing straight with your hand straight above your head.
Check out our list of best SUP paddles for 2025 here!
Leash: A leash ensures you are attached to the board, this is important for when you fall into the water, to ensure you do not lose the board. Most leashes tend to be coiled, which means they do not get in the way when paddle boarding, however, there are specific leashes for other uses, i.e. paddle surfing, river paddle boarding. Leashes are sometimes sold separately.
Life Jacket: The importance of wearing a good quality life vest can not be understated. Every year people drown in water sport related activities because they were not wearing a life jacket. Make sure to be safe and wear a life jacket.
Check out our list of best Life Jackets for 2025 here!
Attachment points/ D-rings: D-rings are an excellent extra when looking for a board. D-rings provide attachment areas where you can tie-down personal belongings, add seats, an SUP wind sail, fishing rods and many more to your board. They provide the freedom to customize your board as you see fit.
Bungee systems: Bungee systems are a great added extras that often come included with the paddle board, however, you can also buy these separately. They allow you to secure personal belongings when on your board, making sure your cargo stays safe and secured and allowing you to bring more on your trips.
If you already have a paddle board or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
Frequently asked questions
Whether you are just starting out with exploring the vast waters of the ocean or the river or are closely familiar with the versatility of the equipment, you will need a qualitative paddleboard.
To give you an overview of the best paddleboards on the market, we compiled an in-depth guide with a handful of great deals.
Before you dive into the compilation, check out our current favorites:
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Best Overall Performance: ISLE Explorer Pro
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Versatile Budget iSUP: TIGERXBANG Defender Pro 10'6" iSUP
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Best Touring Performance: Bluefin Sprint Carbon 14’
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Best Hybrid Kayak and SUP: Isle Switch SUP & Kayak
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Amazing for Everything: Blackfin XL 11’6”
f you are a beginner, you will need a paddleboard with a rounded nose and tail ranging in size anywhere between 9’6” and 11’ in length.
Since your primary goal is to learn how to maintain balance when standing on the board, any one of the following paddleboards will suit your needs well:
- iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Surfstar Flight 10’6″
- Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards
- SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- THURSO SURF Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Read full reviews of each paddleboard on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above.
All that said, if you’re still starting out and want something that’ll actively assist you on the water, you might want to consider getting a motorized paddle board.
While the price range of paddle boards ranges from $300 to $3000, the average cost of a paddle board settles at around $800.
Inflatable paddle boards tend to be the cheapest, whereas epoxy and soft-top models are more expensive.
Inflatable paddle boards tend to occupy less space than their hard-shell counterparts, which already gives them an edge. They can easily be stores in your closet or garage in the deflated state.
Not to mention, inflatable paddle boards are significantly cheaper than the non-inflatable paddle boards, meaning that your investment will quickly pay off with consistent use.
This is our 3 best iSUP’s right now:
- SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards
- Bluefin Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board
If you want to know more about Inflatable Paddleboards vs. Regular Paddleboards, read our guide here.
The 3 main attributes to look for when buying a paddleboard are these:
Construction: there are inflatable, epoxy, and soft-top paddleboards that accommodate a different user; Stability: your paddleboard should be between 10 and 12 inches long, 31 to 33 inches wide, and 175 to 240 liters full; Versatility: ideally, your paddleboard should be able to serve many purposes, ranging from full-on wave conquest to relaxing on-water yoga practice.
In this guide, we’ll go through all the things you need to consider when buying a Paddleboard.
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