Standup paddleboarding is without doubt one of the fastest-growing water sports activities of the previous decade. The market is flooded with high-quality standup paddleboards, and our purchaser’s information may also help you select the very best, whether or not you’re a seasoned paddler or simply beginning out.
Standup paddleboarding, or SUPing, is the act of standing (or sitting or kneeling) on a inflexible or inflatable board that’s tapered at each ends. You utilize a paddle to speed up and steer 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 you don’t get in a ship or kayak. Inflatables, which we deal with right here, are an ideal possibility as a result of once 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 towards rocks or different particles.
Designs just like the Blackfin Mannequin V, which is longer and narrower with a pointed nostril, are constructed for pace, can carry a heavy load (or two individuals), and are perfect for excursions. Different boards such because the BOTE Breeze Aero Basic Paddleboard are shorter, wider for stability, embody tie-down factors, and are pretty mild: They’re nice for single paddlers and informal outings.
Since this information was co-authored by our lead paddlers, Senior Editor Morgan Tilton and contributor Mary Murphy, in 2021, our workforce of testers has continued to discover lakes and rivers by SUP from Colorado to Utah to Texas and Florida. Should you’d prefer to be taught what differentiates every SUP, take a look at our Purchaser’s Information, or evaluate fashions within the Comparability Chart. And you probably have questions concerning the pockets breakdown, check out the Worth & Worth abstract. In any other case, learn our full gear information under.
Editor’s Observe: We up to date this information on November 11, 2024, with instructional sections: E-Help Motors & Fins and Attachment Techniques.
The Greatest Standup Paddleboards of 2024
Smooth, roomy seize handles — and 5 of them
Tons of sturdy lash factors
Excessive weight capability
Very sturdy development
Secure
We want the chest strap on the board bag was simpler to regulate
A bit difficult to get mud stains out of the foot pad
Mary Murphy
Testing the Hydrus JoyRide; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Comparatively light-weight
Sturdy
Nice value
BOTE Rac System appropriate
Facet chunk fins usually are not detachable
Not the best choice for whitewater journey
Mary Murphy
Tandem capability
Fins set up with out instruments
Consists of restore package
Mounting factors for seat
Difficult to maneuver when loaded down with all 3 fins hooked up
Not the very best board for inexperienced persons
Mary Murphy
Exceptionally inflexible for an inflatable SUP
ISLE-Hyperlink converts to extremely adjustable sit-on-top Kayak
Spacious storage bag
Fin attachment could be tough at first
Mary Murphy
Testing the Isle Pioneer Professional SUP; (photograph/Berne Broudy)
Expansive thick cushion throughout prime
Snug carry handles
Want extra tie-down factors for multiday journeys
Not our first selection for whitewater
Mary Murphy
Extraordinarily mild
Good stability and efficiency for measurement
Small pump design
Carry-on measurement
Solely single fin
Smaller deck pad space
Not probably the most sturdy
Mary Murphy
Testing the Kokopelli Chasm Lite; (photograph/Mary Murphy)
Massive sufficient for 1-4-day expeditions (carrying rider plus gear)
Sturdy
A number of attachment factors
Secure when paddling
Smaller deck pad space
Exhausting to pump to most PSI
Mary Murphy
Testing the Pau Hana Endurance Air SUP; (photograph/Sean Jansen)
Greatest for solo paddlers and lighter masses
Tremendous light-weight
Streamlined and quick
Not very best for carrying a number of paddlers or heavier cargo masses
The marginally narrower and leaner design makes the board not as secure in whitewater, wakes, or waves
Mary Murphy
Wonderful stability and stiffness
Good maneuverability
Beneficiant, snug, and grippy deck pad
MAGNEPOD appropriate
Small hooked up fins get deformed and should be straightened
Aluminum paddle susceptible to wreck and is slippery
Rudimentary journey bag
Mary Murphy
Anchored bungees are positioned on each the nostril and tail
Coil leash included
Not a superb possibility for a number of paddlers
No handbook pump is included
Mary Murphy
Testing the iROCKER; (photograph/Mary Murphy)
Tremendous modern minimal backpack carry system
The fins are mounted so vacationers need not fuss with managing further equipment
Paddle not included
Lacks tie-down factors for overnighters and heavier masses
Fins usually are not detachable (for some paddlers, the dearth of adjustability is a downfall)
Mary Murphy
Increased weight capability for hauling gear on excursions
Suitable with an enormous vary of equipment which can be particularly nice for anglers, birders, and excursions just like the SUP paddle seat
Ample tie-down and attachment factors
Extra equipment add up so finances accordingly
Not a SUP weight we might wish to hike far with
Mary Murphy
All-in-one package
Good value
Decrease weight capability for the burden of the board
Barely narrower width (not for inexperienced persons)
Mary Murphy
Standup Paddleboard Comparability Chart
Scroll proper to view all the columns: Worth, Size, Width, Weight, Fin setup.
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton and photographer Eric Phillips on a multiday SUP journey; (photograph/Eric Phillips)
How We Examined Standup Paddleboards
We take SUPs on river outings and turbulent whitewater, throughout lakes, and thru canyons. We hike with our SUPs to high-altitude mountain lakes, paddle on wide-open reservoirs, and cargo them up for multiday adventures.
Our Skilled Testers
Hailing from Crested Butte, Colo., Senior Editor Morgan Tilton is an avid paddleboarder. Tilton enjoys paddling the lakes, reservoirs, and rivers within the Elk and San Juan Mountains. With 5 associates, Tilton accomplished a self-supported first SUP descent down the 100-mile wild whitewater of Utah’s Escalante River, giving her a novel perspective to judge SUPs for his or her cargo-carrying and touring skills.
Based mostly out of Denver, contributor Mary Murphy incessantly assessments the most recent paddleboards on the native lakes, no matter circumstances, and enjoys multi-day excursions every time she will get the prospect.
Different contributors have included Sean Jansen and Seiji Ishii.
The gear package that Mary Murphy packed in for a 15 -ile backcountry lake paddle day; (photograph/Mary Murphy)
Our Testing Grounds
From the mountain to the ocean, we now have examined SUPs in Colorado, California, Utah, Texas, Florida, and Mexico.
Our Testing Course of
When testing SUPs, we take a look at the general development, sturdiness, rails, handles, attachment factors, pad, stomp pad, air valve, weight, size, width, depth, form, fin compatibility, adaptability, and equipment. Bundles typically embody a carry bag, hand pump, fins, and doubtlessly a leash or paddle.
Our metrics for every board included high quality, development, and worth. We put an enormous deal with inflatable standup paddleboards and all-around fashions. They’re an ideal possibility for all expertise ranges, have a wide range of makes use of (flatwater, whitewater, and ocean), and don’t require particular racks or further cupboard space.
We check all the boards on this listing — with and with out gear luggage strapped down — to get a really feel for the way the boards deal with at completely different weights. As well as, we contemplate the most recent, highest-rated, hottest, and bestselling fashions in the marketplace as we speak.
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton going SUPing on a Colorado lake; (photograph/Eric Phillips)
Purchaser’s Information: Easy methods to Select a Standup Paddleboard
Paddleboards 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 nicely within the water whereas being steered.
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 consultants take all of those makes use of and situations into consideration when evaluating paddleboards.
Many boards are provided in a bundle with a paddle, fin, hand pump, and journey bag included in the price of the bundle.
Testing SUPs; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Varieties of Standup Paddleboards
Quite a lot of standup paddleboard designs exist, tailor-made to particular actions and person objectives. Boards may have hybrid designs that work nicely for a wide range of purposes.
All-Round
These well-liked boards work for a lot of varieties and expertise ranges of paddlers, from whitewater to flatwater. Nonetheless, the designs don’t excel at a particular kind of paddling, akin to racing or whitewater.
The vast majority of the SUPs in our information are all-around boards, given the designs are sometimes appropriate for inexperienced persons, households, teams, people, and laid-back paddling along with extra aggressive missions. All-around SUPs could be inflexible or inflatable, and we deal with inflatable designs on this information.
Whitewater (River or Ocean)
SUPs for whitewater are usually inflatable, which will increase the sturdiness whereas operating towards 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 flat water.
Testing SUPs within the ocean; (photograph/Sean Murphy)
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 could be inflexible or inflatable.
Fishing
For larger stability, fishing-oriented SUPs are sometimes wider, which makes them a tad slower than narrower boards. These boards additionally often have loads of attachment factors for angler equipment. Fishing SUPs could be inflexible or inflatable.
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton on an in a single day SUP journey in Colorado; (photograph/Eric Phillips)
Race
The size of the SUP is longer, and the width is narrower. The longer design helps the board monitor straighter. The three major race classes are 12’6″, 14′, and every part that’s longer than that. The form, or hull, could be pointier to displace the water (referred to as a displacement hull), which is sweet for flatwater races and lengthy distances. Or, a planing hull sits extra on prime of the water, which is beneficial for uneven or ocean water.
Surf
Should you frequent the ocean and wish to surf waves, you are able to do so on a SUP. These designs are often shorter in size and narrower for maneuverability.
Inflatable SUPs match right into a backpack carry bag with padded shoulder straps, hip belt, and chest strap; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Inflexible vs. Inflatable SUPs
Inflexible Designs
Efficiency-wise, inflexible SUPs journey stronger by water and with extra stability in comparison with a lighter, air-filled inflatable. A inflexible board is usually made from EPS foam that’s strengthened with fiberglass and epoxy. The mix is sturdy and pretty mild.
One other inflexible materials possibility is to spend money on a carbon fiber board in order for you an excellent lighter-weight, stiffer construct. Carbon fiber is pricier. Designs may incorporate wooden, which is aesthetically engaging. These choices embody bamboo, which is powerful, mild, and cheaper than carbon fiber. Different forms of wooden embody cedar, paulownia, and beetle-kill pine.
Usually, inflexible boards have a broader vary of styles and sizes in comparison with inflatables. Should you do go along with a inflexible board, ensure you could have the correct transportation setup, like a car rack, in addition to a spot to retailer the full-length board year-round.
Inflatable SUP designs are very best when you plan on mountain climbing to succeed in a lake, river, or the ocean; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Inflatable Designs
Inflatable SUPs often are made from plastic with reinforcements, akin to alongside the rail and beneath the place the paddler stands. They’re pumped up with air to be used, much like pumping up your bike tires earlier than a experience. The supplies of the deck pad are gentle and grippy underfoot.
Inflatable designs are tremendous well-liked as a result of they’re simpler to retailer and transport than a inflexible board. However they do require vitality and time to inflate each single time you employ the board. Sometimes, it takes us about 10 minutes to pump up a board — it’s an ideal warmup earlier than a paddle. It will probably elevate 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 can be in low water depths or close to rocks, sharp sticks, or logs as a result of they’ll take in and deal with abrasion and influence higher than a inflexible board.
A clean, non-displacement hull is clean and extra maneuverable whereas a displacement hull is sharper and improve pace and monitoring, particularly in wind and chop; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Form or Hull
The hull is the form of the board. There are usually two forms of shapes for SUPs, that are in easy phrases rounder and pointier.
A clean, non-displacement hull is clean and makes the board extra maneuverable: also called a planing hull. A displacement hull is sharper and extra pronounced, which will increase pace and monitoring, particularly in wind and chop.
Broad & Blunt (Planing Hull)
This SUP design is flatter and rides towards the floor of the water. It’s a design function for inflatables.
Made with a wider, rounder nostril (and tail), the general form is secure and simpler to show and maneuver. Planing hulls are used for all-around SUPs. These shapes are usually good for whitewater, browsing (the form is much like a surfboard), and training yoga on a SUP.
A displacement hull reaches under the floor of the water and is extra pronounced for slicing the water and a speedier, high-tracked tempo; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Slim & Pointed (Displacement Hull)
A displacement hull is narrower and the nostril is pointier, in order that the board easily cuts by the water and tracks nicely. The articulation of the nostril goes under the floor of the water. A displacement hull will increase effectivity: Skilled paddlers will full 10 paddles per aspect in comparison with 3-4 paddles per aspect, which is the common strokes that may be reached with a rounder planing hull earlier than needing to change sides to take care of a straight trajectory.
The tail is usually flat as a substitute of spherical. Flatwater or touring and race-specific boards usually have a displacement hull.
This design is an effective selection for competitions, occasions, and speed-oriented exercises or masking lengthy distances.
Size & 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, when you weigh 140 kilos (and wish the board to be further speedy or maneuverable), you could have the choice of selecting a shorter size — and, due to this fact, decrease quantity — board. Should you weigh at or over 180-200 kilos — or if you wish to paddle with a canine, little one, or companion — contemplate an extended size and wider board. Additionally, contemplate if you wish to journey tremendous light-weight akin to on quick day journeys. Or when you want loads of storage for cargo, akin to dry luggage and a cooler.
Editor Mary Murphy carrying the physique glove SUP right into a lake; (photograph/Mary Murphy)
Usually, listed here are the rules for brief, reasonable, and lengthy boards:
Brief: Lower than 10 ft
Medium: 10 to 12 ft
Lengthy: Better than 12 ft
Widths vary from round 25 inches to 35 inches or extra. Including width will increase the amount, which improves stability and capability for hauling gear. Narrower boards have much less drag, transfer quicker, and may extra simply pivot.
Usually, we suggest 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.
Should you’re looking for a household, it can save you buckets by buying one longer, wider board as a substitute of two (or 4). As an example, 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 fashions on the market (starting from 12 to fifteen ft in size).
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton and contributor Eric Phillips strapped down a tough cooler to the inflatable SUP on a multiday journey; (photograph/Eric Phillips)
Weight & Weight Capability
Inflatable SUPs usually weigh lower than inflexible boards. All the inflatables in our information weigh below 31 kilos. The heavier boards embody 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.
If you trim a SUP’s grams, usually, the board has a decrease weight capability general. Nonetheless, there’s not a direct correlation so take note of these numbers. As an example, the BOTE HD Inflatable Paddleboard weighs a tad lower than different fashions, has a larger general quantity, and may carry 315 kilos.
As an example, the Badfish SUP Flyweight can tote as much as 230 kilos, and the iROCKER All-Round 10′ Extremely Paddleboard can carry 260 kilos.
The stomp pad behind the SUP could be textured and embody an increase like on the Hydrus JoyRide; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
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 typically consists of plastic.
The supplies provide traction and grip, they usually usually really feel gentle and cushioned. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t get burnt from friction. Should you plan to paddle whitewater or uneven water, don’t be ashamed to put on knee pads, particularly on an extended journey.
Considered one of our favourite deck pads is on the Boardworks SHUBU Solr. Utilizing a fabric referred to as “Honey Fomb,” which appears like honeycomb and looks like a therapeutic, thick yoga mat, it makes standing, sitting, kneeling, or training yoga poses way more snug.
Should you paddle with youngsters, canine, or different passengers, it’s very nice to select a board with a deck pad that goes from tip to tail for full traction.
The deck pad provides consolation when you stand or sit and in addition supplies traction; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
All-around or whitewater boards usually have a deck pad that covers the vast majority of the board’s floor and at the least covers the middle to the tail, given the paddler might be making extra dynamic paddling strokes and shifting round to shift weight on the board. As an example, the Boardworks SHUBU Solr is sort of solely lined in a cushioned deck pad.
Comparatively, the EVA deck pad on the iROCKER All-Round 10′ Extremely Paddleboard is cut up within the center with two strips the place the paddler is more likely to stand, which helps trim down weight.
The common rail is 6 inches in depth, and there are welded, sturdy seams the place the plastic is bonded on the SUP; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Rails
The SUP rail is the sting across the board. The rail supplies can range, and the form could be rounder or extra angular.
Rails are vital to concentrate to as a result of they’ll typically be the primary place on a board to get dinged or start to deteriorate by use. It’s good to know how you can restore a rail and have your restore package on a visit.
The Hydrus JoyRide consists of three heart handles and one on every finish; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Handles
Many SUPs are designed with a well-cushioned, ergonomic carry deal with within the heart of the SUP, so you’ll be able to carry it below your arm. There may also be carry handles on the nostril and tail. Some carry handles are extra snug than others, and never all are cushioned. The Hydrus JoyRide has 5 very plush seize handles: three within the heart of the board, one on the tail, and one on the nostril.
Many board designs embody a crisscrossed bungee twine on the nostril, the place you’ll be able to safe a towel or attire or clip gadgets to the steel (or fabric) d-rings; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Tie-Down Factors & Bungee Straps
Numerous tie-down factors exist on SUPs. Many designs function bungee twine nets mounted to the entrance or again of the board (or each).
For in a single day paddle journeys and whitewater journeys, our favourite function is stainless-steel D-rings — they’re straightforward to clip or thread tie-downs into, dependable, and tremendous sturdy.
Different rings embody gentle rings, which aren’t as fast to string, and plastic rings, which aren’t as sturdy as stainless-steel.
Sure SUP designs function particular attachment factors for model equipment tailor-made to sure sports activities like fishing and touring. The BOTE HD Aero Paddleboard is appropriate with detachable rack receivers for the model’s deal with rack or bucket rack equipment for anglers.
SUPs accommodate 1, 2, or 3 fins; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Standup Paddleboard Fins
Fins beneath the board close to the tail assist a board monitor nicely (learn: keep straight) within the water and assist improve stability. Styles and sizes range. The longer the fin, the extra affect it’s 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 number of vegetation like seagrass. Typically of us confer with fin measurement in regard to the size of the fin or how a lot it protrudes into the water.
A number of paddle manufacturers provide detachable and interchangeable fins for varied forms of water. Sure boards have a mixture of each mounted and detachable fins, just like the BOTE WULF Aero 10 ‘4”, which has two mounted aspect fins and a detachable bigger heart fin.
Detachable fins are straightforward to connect by a slide-in fin field; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
A detachable fin attaches to a board by way of a fin field or plate, which is the place the top of the fin slides or snaps into place. Observe: not all fins are appropriate with all forms of fin bins.
Quite a lot of fin configurations exist:
1-fin: One single, often longer fin that’s positioned within the heart
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 area evenly aside
2 plus 1: One single bigger fin within the heart 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 provide spare fins with a purchase order.
The Hydrus JoyRide consists of three uniquely formed fins, and the board is a single-fin design; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Standup Paddleboard Paddles
The vast majority of SUPs embody a paddle with buy, however not all. Considered one of our favourite designs, the Hydrus JoyRide, features a assortment of nice equipment, however the paddle must be bought individually. Usually, an inflatable SUP features a multi-piece or three-piece paddle that breaks down and suits nicely within the journey bag. The size is adjustable.
A paddle has a deal with at one finish linked to the shaft and a blade (which matches within the water) on the different finish. Nicer paddles have extra ergonomic handles.
Paddle shafts are often made from aluminum, glass fiber, carbon, or Kevlar. Carbon is probably the most performance-oriented as a result of it’s light-weight and robust, and the funding may very well be well worth the lengthy haul.
The adjustable carbon paddle from Hydrus is without doubt one of the lightest, most ergonomic paddles we’ve ever used; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Leash
A leash is useful when you fall off your board and don’t need it to drift away, particularly if it’s breezy or wavy or when you pushed the board away as you toppled over. A leash can be a software utilized by flatwater racers, given their pace. Many SUPs are made with a leash attachment level like a D-ring.
Some SUP packages embody a coiled leash that attaches to the board. The opposite aspect of the leash is padded and attaches with Velcro across the paddler’s ankle, such because the one made by BOTE ($44).
Be sure to safe the leash to a hard and fast attachment level on the again of your SUP; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Nonetheless, there’s main competition nationwide concerning the security of utilizing a leash on a SUP (and on a river surfboard), particularly in turbulent, quick-shifting, debris-laden water. The business lacks common requirements concerning this piece of substances. Fatalities have occurred attributable to leashes getting lodged in underwater particles when a SUPer falls off in fast-moving river water.
To assist improve a paddler’s capacity to disconnect themselves from their setup, a number of manufacturers have designed quick-release leashes akin to NRS ($64), Hala ($80), and Degree Six ($50). If you are going to buy a quick-release leash, make sure to observe and confidently know how you can successfully and effectively use it within the water. And no, a leash doesn’t change the buoyancy and security of a PFD (private flotation machine). Make sure you observe the PFD, or life jacket, laws the place you intend to SUP.
A journey backpack for a SUP can match the board, restore package, hand pump, collapsible paddle and extra; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Journey Baggage & Straps
Journey luggage are often included within the bundle for an inflatable SUP, they usually typically have a backpack design with padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a chest strap. Different journey luggage even have sturdy wheels to allow them to be rolled. Sometimes, the luggage have zippered, Velcro, or sleeve pockets on the outside or inside. Baggage are a good way to maintain all the equipment in a single place, together with the fins, hand pump, and patch package.
Probably the most distinctive journey bag design we’ve seen is the one made by Purple Paddle Co., which comes with the MSL 10′ 6″ Trip SUP. Nice for minimal method hikes, the SUP gives the choice to completely isolate the shoulder harness from the remainder of the curler backpack, abandoning a easy system of straps that connect horizontally and vertically across the SUP. For a streamlined paddle day, this association is nice.
One various to a journey bag is an adjustable carry strap, referred to as Travelink (offered individually), that attaches to the rail of sure Bote SUPs, just like the BOTE Breeze Aero 10′ 6″, for simpler transport.
We respect the outside pockets on the carry bag of the Hydrus JoyRide; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Restore Kits: What’s Included
It’s not every single day that you’ve a possibility to observe a 7-year-old bomber SUP lastly bust on the rails from basic put on and tear. However it might probably occur — and occurred to us — so be ready. At all times carry at the least one restore package on a visit, and know if the provides are an sufficient amount to repair your SUP, plus the opposite boards, if there’s a gear emergency.
Many SUP bundles embody a restore package. Prepacked restore kits from producers usually embody:
A brightly coloured, strong waterproof case
PVC glue (polyvinyl chloride, a kind of plastic)
PVC patches (round — you’ll be able to reduce down with a pocket knife however ensure its giant sufficient to maintain the opening closed)
Valve software that may tighten or loosen the valve level in your SUP
In our expertise, a single repair within the area can require almost all the package’s provides. So, when you’re doing an extended multiday journey, contemplate including further provides to your package or carrying a couple of. Additionally, make sure to not contact PVC glue together with your naked pores and skin.
Many SUP bundles embody a restore package that is available in a vivid orange plastic tube; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Easy methods to Use: Restore Equipment Provides
If air is leaking out of the valve, use the valve software to tighten it by giving a small clockwise twist. The vast majority of the time there’s a leak, it’s coming from the valve, the place filth can get lodged. A valve software may loosen the valve sufficient to drag it up so you’ll be able to clear out any particles.
Not all valve instruments are interchangeable throughout valves — so carry the one which got here together with your board! Some PVC patches are rectangular, and others are round. Both approach, ensure you have a beneficiant quantity readily available. If it is advisable to repair even a small gap alongside the rail, the patch will doubtless want to increase a number of inches on both aspect of the opening with a view to totally safe the leak.
Contributor Mary Murphy paddling on the ISLE Swap paddleboard kayak; (photograph/Katherine Murphy)
Examine Your SUP
Should you see indicators of air bubbles across the fringe of the SUP, don’t take ‘em lightly — they could burst. It’s particularly vital to examine your board after a low tide day with rocks, following a multiday outing, and after you’ve executed a restore within the area.
Earlier than you are taking off, examine the valve along with the board’s seams.
BOTE makes a sandspear that stakes out your SUP by an built-in gap, which may also help park your SUPs alongside the coast or within the shade; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Within the Discipline: Watch out for Warmth
First issues first: Heed that warning label. Don’t depart your inflated SUP in direct daylight, whatever the board’s age. On one multiday journey after the solar rose and baked our boards on the seashore, this brought about a seam to leak. Leaving your board sitting out within the solar may degrade the power 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.
That is much less of a priority in case your SUP is parked within the water whereas sunshine beams down.
BOTE has straps built-in into sure board fashions to carry the sandspear; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Retailer in a Cool Place
That goes for storage, too: Beware of warmth. A well-liked possibility could be to maintain your SUP inflated and cling it between outings, however make certain 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 may also help lengthen its lifespan.
Most SUP packages embody a hand pump that’s light-weight, collapsible, and could be carried within the journey bag; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
E-Help Motors & Fins
A handful of SUP corporations provide aftermarket e-assist motors that may be added to specific SUP fashions. In 2024, ISLE launched a customized motor mount — which installs within the fin field — and steering system for electrical propulsion (reaching as much as 3HP). The motor was co-developed with Bixpy. At full cost (as much as a 5-hour course of), the smaller waterproof, rechargeable battery can function for 70 minutes at full pace: 5 mph. Bigger SUPs can carry a bigger battery or two batteries on a twin fin field. ISLE makes an influence financial institution, so you’ll be able to recharge a battery on-the-go, too.
E-assist is useful if it is advisable to cowl extra miles to discover new locations, in order for you security backup (say, when you’re coping with a headwind on the return paddle), and anglers typically take pleasure in totally transitioning their SUP into an electrified boat with a linked-up chair and different equipment.
A number of different manufacturers provide SUP designs with battery-powered motors like Sipaboards and TAHE, however they each manufacture an built-in motor immediately into the SUP itself, which drives up the bottom value.
BOTE MAGNEPOD connects equipment to boards by way of highly effective magnets, and a few fashions have a paddle sheath to carry your paddle when you fish; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Attachment Techniques
Numerous manufacturers have designed in-house attachment programs to attach or maintain branded gear — like water bottles or paddling seats — along with the back and front bungees or D-rings that you just usually see.
In a single method, BOTE developed a patent pending magnetic system, referred to as MAGNEPOD. Chosen boards have an built-in, flush neodymium magnet which can be utilized to carry appropriate magnetized equipment like a compact waterproof speaker, water bottle, or a can cooler to carry your bubbly water or beer. The magnet is tremendous highly effective and we had no subject with our bottle flying off whereas paddling uneven ocean currents. We had to verify to swing our paddle excessive sufficient — in order to not karate chop the bottle — and tried to not splash water into our open canned beverage. However the magnetic system labored nice.
A separate system, referred to as Travelink, permits paddlers to connect a shoulder strap to the sting of their BOTE board for simpler carry.
Bungee cords are sometimes positioned on the entrance, again, or each ends of the SUP to carry gear like dry luggage or jackets; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Pau Hana developed SeaMount, that are flush, threaded anchor factors the place you’ll be able to connect equipment like D-Rings, a base plate — to then connect RAM balls, a pole mount — a cup holder, fishing rod holder and extra.
ISLE has a patent-pending design referred to as the ISLE-LINK system: customized G-hook and loops, that are extraordinarily sturdy, run the complete size of the board — a whopping 40 hyperlinks. The loops are appropriate with the model’s inflatable kayak seat and footrest, fishing crate, deck bag, and the versa strap — a shoulder strap you should utilize for hand-free carry — and different in-house aftermarket gear.
Some BOTE SUP fashions have a paddle sheath to carry your paddle when you fish or want your fingers for the children; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Guarantee Plan & Recycling Your SUP
Test your SUP’s guarantee plan. We’ve skilled incidents outdoors of our guarantee, together with retired boards that had a 5-year guarantee. Some manufacturers, together with Hala Gear, will take again retired SUPs and reuse the supplies to maintain waste out of landfills — like repurposing the deck pads as ground mats. Or utilizing the inside drop sew for instructional movies and shows.
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton at a lakeside seashore in Colorado on the brink of SUP; (photograph/Eric Phillips)
Product Lifespan
Based mostly on our expertise, you may usually count on the lifespan of a premium whitewater SUP to succeed in round 7 years. That’s if the board is constructed with double-glued, mechanically welded seams — and it’s not been hammered by pup ft or dragged throughout asphalt. Based on Hala Gear, the usual minimal life expectancy on all the boards they produce is similar timespan. That stated, the ultimate blowout we’ve skilled (after 7 years) was a reinforcement of the crimson flags of wear-and-tear, basic upkeep, in addition to prevention.
Testing SUPs on the ocean; (photograph/Sean Murphy)
Worth & Worth
Our favourite SUPs vary from $499 to $1,399 on the excessive finish. Sometimes, SUPs price round $1,000.
Funds
The bottom-priced SUPs are nonetheless fairly sturdy however their seams, rails, and plastic won’t be as sturdy and strengthened as a premium construct. These fashions are nice for entry-level paddlers or of us who hold their day journeys mellow on flat water. A number of choices embody the Gili Sports activities 11′ 6″ AIR ($595), Boardworks SHUBU Solr ($500), or BOTE WULF Aero 10′ 4“ ($499). You’ll additionally discover that these boards have fewer attachment factors to strap down gear (they’ll’t deal with as a lot weight, anyhow), in addition to fewer or leaner seize handles.
With a ten′ 6″ size, this reasonably sized ISLE board consists of velcro paddle holders on the higher aspect of the rail; (photograph/Mary Murphy)
Mid-Tier
On this zone — nonetheless below $1,000 — you’ll see an uptick in attachment factors, weight capability, higher-end development, and seize handles. These SUPs are nice all-rounders and durable sufficient for whitewater. Some have the next weight capability and are nice for lengthy excursions and dashing throughout water, just like the iRocker Blackfin Mannequin V ($900). Others incorporate extra technical supplies for rigidity, just like the Isle Pioneer Professional ($995).
Premium
Probably the most premium fashions cashing out above $1,000 are probably the most well-constructed boards. These are the whips you wish to use on whitewater adventures, fishing journeys, or multiday tenting journeys. These designs have welded seams, a number of layers of composite materials creating the outer shell, many gentle and ergonomic seize handles, lash factors in each path, steel d-rings, and adaptable, high-end fins. On this area, you’ll discover the Hydrus JoyRide ($1,165) and boards just like the Pau Hana Endurance Air ($1,249) with 23 D-rings.
Dry luggage with a number of tie-down factors assist for effectively loading a ship or SUP; (photograph/Eric Phillips)
Regularly Requested Questions
There isn’t any “best” model. Nonetheless, some SUP manufacturers have been round lengthy sufficient that we’d contemplate them on the prime of the market. The listing is brief: NRS, Blackfin, Starboard, BOTE, and Hala Gear. Extra prime manufacturers are rising, together with ISLE (based in 2008), Glide, and Atoll (each based in 2014).
Additionally, there’s a vary of product high quality based mostly on the supplies which can be used to make every SUP. As an example, steel d-rings are extra sturdy and usually price greater than various fabric designs or eliminating the tie-down level from the board.
Steel d-rings are the sturdiest attachment level on a SUP; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
As famous within the intro, the inflatable SUP market has skyrocketed over the previous 6 or so years. Why? Inflatable boards are unbelievable. You don’t want a particular roof rack, storage, or particular straps to hold a 12-foot, 40-pound piece of substances round. All you want is an outsized backpack and a few area in your trunk. Inflatable boards, by nature, deflate and pack down small. They’re straightforward to journey with, are pretty straightforward to look after and preserve, and are available in at an ideal value.
Even higher, virtually all inflatables (all those we’ve listed) are available in a bundle: SUP, paddle, backpack, fin, and pump. There’s no want to purchase any SUP gear individually. That being stated, the standard of inflatables does range broadly based mostly on supplies, development, and design. The steadiness and really feel of the board are slightly completely different.
If you understand you wish to spend money on the game or are going to be paddling in extremes (chilly or whitewater), you’ll wish to spend further time researching a board’s development (welded seams, thicker PVC) and efficiency in your supposed atmosphere.
Width, size, sidewall depth, in addition to general form are all elements that contribute to a board’s stability.
All the standup paddleboards we’ve included listed here are comparatively secure, however we’d mark the 11′ 6″ BOTE HD Aero as a really secure selection. This is because of its width, sidewalls, weight capability, and general development. This can be a middle-of-the-pack, not-too-heavy, and well-balanced board that measures a full 34 inches throughout.
It has an non-compulsory kayak seat if you’re trying to really feel further grounded and secure in your board. And the HD Aeros additionally clocks in at an ideal value level for its measurement.
If stability is a precedence, boards which can be made for fishing expeditions, yoga SUPs, and touring are generally a bit wider throughout. Any board that’s 34-36 inches throughout is mostly a sensible choice.
Testing a reasonably extensive, 10′ 6″ lengthy SUP from Isle with a planing hull that’s extra gradual; (photograph/Mary Murphy)
The very best SUP for inexperienced persons is the one that matches you finest. For most individuals, that’s a board that’s bigger so it has the next weight capability and supplies extra stability to accommodate riders of various weights (say, when you’re sharing a board together with your companion). We incessantly suggest an inflatable mannequin as a primary board attributable to its sturdiness and ease of storage.
Opposite to beginner beliefs, inflatable boards are very sturdy, can pack down small, are handy and simple to make use of and retailer, and are often extra budget-friendly. Even higher, when you be taught on an inflatable SUP, you’ll have nice stability for whenever you resolve to deal with ocean or whitewater paddling or improve to a inflexible board.
Additionally search for a board with a softer hull and fewer aggressive form, which is able to assist with maneuverability versus pace.
Our advice could be to search for an inflatable board at the least 10′ 6″ or 11′ in size, with a weight capability of at the least 230 kilos.
At all times inflate to the really useful PSI. You wish to hold the utmost weight in thoughts you probably have two riders, whether or not two adults or an grownup, and cargo (canine or child). If you’re a heavier rider and wish extra stability, be happy to inflate to the utmost really useful PSI when beginning out.
The board usually states the really useful PSI subsequent to the air valve; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
Put money into some boat cleaner on your SUP. An inflatable boat cleaner is designed to take away any filth, oxidation, and marks from a SUP or kayak (works on PVC or urethane supplies). Alternatively, you’ll be able to wipe down your board after use with a humid fabric. That is essential if you’re paddling incessantly in saltwater. We all the time carry a gentle microfiber towel within the trunk. If we’re mountain climbing in, we supply a light-weight towel and brush the filth off the board as we roll it up for the hike out.
Inflatable SUPs could be deflated, rolled up, and simply stashed inside a truck mattress or inside your rig.
Should you plan to move a SUP on the skin of your car, ensure the board is totally locked down and secured. As an example, Thule makes a SUP roof rack and Viking Options 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 sure your board is accurately affixed.
SUP luggage can have generously plush handles; (photograph/Morgan Tilton)
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