The Top 5 Paddle Boards

When paddle boards first started trending, it was easy to see why. A serene, peaceful water sport, paddle boards are meant to glide on top of the water. The rider can either stand on their feet, kneel, or even just lay and float around. And in recent years, stand up paddle board, or SUP, has combined with yoga for SUP yoga. Before all of this, however, paddle boarding has been a part of water-based cultures for thousands of years. They have been used for everything from fishing to transportation and now, recreation. Regardless of your own use, paddle boards are a ton of fun. In fact, today's paddle boards can come in a variety of materials and can even be inflatable and completely packable...which makes them ideal for backpacking into a high mountain lake for an almost decadent hiking-boarding experience. If you're looking to add a paddle board to your water sport toy box, these 5 paddle boards are a good starting point to finding one that'll work for you.

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Accessories

Durability and Stability in One

This top-of-the-line inflatable paddle board is an excellent choice.

Best Overall

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If you’re searching for the best of the best when it comes to an inflatable stand up paddle board, you can quit your search now. Made with premium, highest grade (read: military grade material) material, this is hands-down the most durable inflatable paddle board on the market. But that’s not all that we love about this board. Simply put, it’s easy-to-use (and if you’ve had experience on a paddle board, you know that’s a bonus). Measuring in at 10.5 feet long and 32 inches wide, the stability of this board makes learning how to stand and maneuver on the board a breeze.

We also dig that it comes with an entire kit. This includes an ankle cuff safety leash, an aluminum paddle, a manual air pump, a storage bag, and a waterproof bag.

Pros:

Completely portable and inflatable, making it ideal for small apartments or folks with a lack of storage. We also love that you can easily store it in your car and use it on a moments notice.
Complete accessory kit is included.
6 inch thickness on this board means it’ll hold two people (but be aware: maximum weight capacity is 275 pounds).

Cons:

With only four color/design options, and each one a bit more wild than the next, if you’re looking for an unassuming board, you might not appreciate the loud designs and colors present on this paddle board’s surfaces.

Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board and Accessories

Carry-in, Carry-out

Highly portable, this board-in-a-backpack is a favorite for hiking to a favorite paddle boarding lake.

Runner-Up

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Next up on our list of the best paddle boards, you’ll find this runner-up from Roc. Featuring much of the same as our top contender, this paddle board comes in second because of its size. It’s a bit shorter (only 10 feet long) but it still comes in at 32″ wide. Another bonus? It’ll hold a bit more weight, with a maximum capacity of 300 pounds. Its carrying backpack makes it a top contender–we love the option to pack in a paddle board for a mountain lake paddle.

So why does this paddle board come in a close second place? For the similar features and materials, it’s a bit more expensive than the SereneLife. We also wish there were a few more color options or designs available.

Pros:

Comes with a premium accessory package. In addition to the paddle board, you’ll get a collapsible aluminum paddle, a safety leash, a hand pump, a waterproof bag for your essentials, and a backpack that’ll hold all of it. This makes it an ideal carrying paddle board for those insane hike-in paddle adventures you’ve been dying to go on.
USA family-owned company.
Completely collapsible board and paddle for ultra storage and accessibility.

Cons:

We don’t love the one design that it comes in. More options for colors or design would be fantastic.

Bestway Hydro-Force Oceana Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Economical and Durable

If you're watching your budget but still want to splurge on a paddle board, this is the one for you.

Best on a Budget

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If you’re looking for an economical yet durable inflatable paddle board option, you’ve found your board. Although this board is a bit smaller than others at 9′ x 30′ x 6″, the wide base provides excellent stability and will hold up to 220 pounds.

Aside from the ease of maneuverability and the excellent stability of this board, this board is made with both a TriTech and Drop Stitch materials, making it a lightweight board that’s super easy to inflate and deflate. There’s a deck handle that makes for easy transportation after inflation, as well.

Pros:

Top deck is made of a soft non-slip traction surface. For beginners, this is an especially nice feature.
Full accessories kit that comes with this board, including the paddle board, bungee cord ties, a fully adjustable aluminum handle, a hand pump, a travel bag, leash, 3 different steering fins, and a truly genius addition: a repair and patch kit.
Price point is excellent if you’re just starting out.

Cons:

The carry bag is a bit small for carrying extra accessories.

Pathfinder Inflatable SUP board Bundle

Lightweight Design, Excellent Maneuverability

Smaller than most, this lightweight paddle board is ideal for kiddos.

Best for Kiddos

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A bit lighter weight comparatively, this paddle board comes in at 9’9″ and is 5″ thick. Yet it’s lightweight, smaller design doesn’t compromise weight capacity: it’ll max out at 240 pounds. Other notable features? The PVC material that it’s made from has a super strong, super durable multi-layer drop stitch. This means the board will last season after season, after whatever type of adventure you end up on. And adventure-wise, you can take this board pretty much anywhere. As with the other boards, you’ll get a carry bag (backpack style) that easily fits this board and all of its accessories.

Pros:

Two simple color options (orange and blue).
Detachable center fin.
Basic pump for inflation.

Cons:

While the board itself is nice, the parts and accessories seem to be a bit flimsy.

Goplus Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Premium Accessories

Accessibility and Durability

If you like to double up (or carry your dog, extra accessories, your kiddo, or just yourself), this board will carry the most weight of any on this list.

Best for Larger Boarders

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With an option for an 11 foot board, this inflatable paddle board from Goplus is an excellent option if you’re wanting a longer board. Although it’s a bit thinner, at 30″, the weight carrying capacity maxes out at 440 pounds–the most of any board on this list. This means you can feel totally at ease on this board with an extra person, extra accessories, or even just tooling around by yourself.

With its durable foam top and a non-slip grip, this paddle board will double as a great option for a surfboard as well as other water paddle boarding adventures you’ll find yourself embarking on.

Pros:

Weight capacity is the best on the list.
6″ thick board.

Cons:

The included pump is a bit flimsy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a paddle board?

Paddle boards can be a bit pricey, so it’s nice to know exactly what it is you should be looking for when it comes to taking the plunge, regardless of your skill level. First, you’re going to want to assess which type of paddle board it is that you’d like. Do you want an inflatable one? Or would you want prefer a solid board? The answer depends on a few things. Mainly, the storage space you have, your mode of transportation, and where you’ll primarily be using your paddle board.

Up next, you’ll want to think about the shape of your paddle board. There are primarily two types of hulls when it comes to the shape of a paddle board. There is a planing hull, which is wide and flat and designed to ride on top of water. It’s known for its maneuverability, and is a great option for beginners, leisurely paddles, SUP yoga, and general enjoyment on top of the water. The other type of hull is a displacement hull, and is a fantastic option for tougher fitness paddling, touring, or racing.

If you’re totally unsure which direction to go in, there are plenty of options on or near your local beach for SUP rentals. Trying before you buy could be an awesome option for you if you’re totally clueless but know you want to dive into this serene sport.

What’s the best way to care for your paddle board?

While proper care for your paddle board does depend on the type of paddle board you have, there are a few basic rules for proper care of your new paddle board. First, you’ll want to make sure you wash your board with fresh water after each use. You can use a cleaning solution (gentle soap or other recommended cleaning agent) every so often, as well. And finally, you’ll also want to keep your board out of the sun during storage, as well as in cooler temperatures (basically, a garage or similar storage space).

Beyond these few basic rules, you’ll likely have some clear-cut directions for care that come with your purchase. Following these rules will be vital to the proper care of your paddle board.