The Best Standup Paddleboards of 2024 (2024)

• Length10'10"
• Width35"
• Thickness6"
• Weight capacity325 lbs.
• Weight (inflated)28.5 lbs.
• Fin setup2 plus 1, removable
• Tie-down points14 (including two metal D-rings)
• FeaturesRetractable center 9" Green Stompfin, EVA deck pad, raised rear stomp pad, 2 plus 1 fin setup
• AccessoriesAdjustable carbon paddle, hand pump, removable fins, backpack roller bag, repair kit

• Many tie-down points
• Unique rocker profile increases stability and maneuverability in whitewater
• Retractable center fin

• We wish Hala would consider switching the 12 soft rigging points to D-rings for greater durability and ease
• Constructed for dynamic, aggressive paddlers so might not be worth the investment for simple flatwater cruising

Colorado-based Hala Gear is known for making high-quality, innovative SUPs, and the Hala Rado ($1,399) is one of its bestselling boards of all time. With a slightly longer length, playful tail shape, and sturdy deck (helpful for both balance and towing gear), this all-around board continues to top our list.

The Hala Rado is a 10’10” board, designed to function well in both whitewater and flatwater. It has a unique progressive rocker profile, meaning a slight upward curve from the tail to the nose of the board helps the board more easily and aggressively maneuver and surf whitewater and waves. The design also has a swallowtail shape at the tail for better performance in moving water, allowing agility and balance.

In terms of features, we love that this board has reinforced grab handles on the bow and rear. There is a center handle that’s soft and flattens and two cloth side handles, too. And while the bungee tiedown area on the nose is on the smaller side, there are plenty of other rigging points on the board — 12 soft rigging points plus two tail and nose D-rings.

The brand also pioneered a patented retractable fin system called the Stompbox. It keeps the center fin safe and in check in faster-moving, obstacle-ridden waters. If the spring-loaded fin comes into contact with the river bottom or rocks, it slides up into the board. And the full SUP package features a Grafik carbon paddle.

While the Hala Rado board is on the heavier end, that’s mainly due to the burlier construction, with a double-layer PVC drop-stitch and a PVC stringer that runs through the board. It also means this board is built with a greater weight capacity — to be rigged down with gear for multiday trips from simple campouts to longer expeditions or to carry multiple people on a lake paddle.

Thanks to the size, construction, and performance across flat and whitewater, this board ranks high and is definitely geared toward more dynamic paddlers. But it will also work great for beginners who plan to primarily paddle on rivers. If you’re looking for a shorter and lighter board, check out Hala Rado’s mini-me, the Hala Radito.

Check Price at Amazon

• Length10'8"
• Width33"
• Thickness6"
• Weight capacity250 lbs.
• Weight20 lbs.
• Fin setup2 plus 1 removable center fin
• Tie-down points11
• Features10-inch removable center fin, center handle for carry, handles on nose and tail, fixed bungee strap on nose, four D-rings on side rails, 1 D-ring on tail
• Accessories3-piece paddle, repair kit, hand pump, backpack travel bag

• Relatively lightweight
• Sturdy
• Great price

• Side bite fins are not removable
• Not the top choice for whitewater adventure

Our Florida-born editor and avid paddler confirms this home-based brand produces quality boards for flatwater, ocean, and canal paddling — and our testing proved so.

The BOTE’s Breeze Aero Classic Paddleboard ($700) is no exception. It’s a middle-of-the-pack-sized board with great versatility and an economic price tag compared to most of our favorite SUP designs.

This SUP is constructed with military-grade PVC plus more than 10,000 composite stitch fibers along the interior core to enhance the board’s rigidity. A BVA foam pad lines the top of the SUP for added comfort.

With a slightly rockered nose, the board handles uneven waters well. The additional small side-bit fins are fixed to help the board track even in waters that are too shallow for the removable 10-inch center fin.

BOTE even came up with an innovative attachable shoulder sling that clips to the side of the Breeze Aero Board and adds another carry option.

All of those thoughtful design details at less than $700 make this one of the best inflatable standup paddleboards for the price.

$419 at BOTECheck Price at Amazon

• Length12’6”
• Width32"
• Thickness6"
• Weight capacity485 lbs.
• Weight30 lbs.
• Fin setup3 removable
• Tie-down points20 D-rings, 2 Bungees
• FeaturesSand Spear mounting points, seat attachment points, triple-layer PVC construction, reinforced seams
• Accessories3-piece paddle, triple-action hand pump, carrying bag

• Tandem capacity
• Fins install without tools
• Includes repair kit
• Mounting points for seat

• Challenging to maneuver when loaded down with all 3 fins attached
• Not the best board for beginners

We’ve paddled on and tested the Blackfin Model V ($899) now for several years running. But the 2023 updated SUP was the first time we got our hands on this paddleboard after seal issues that caused asubsequent recall(which affected the Model X, XL, and V) were fixed.

In terms of paddleboards, the Blackfin Model V is a stellar, all-around touring SUP example: it’s got triple-layer PVC, carbon rails, and reinforced seams. The board is 12’6″, 32″ wide, and can carry up to a whopping 485-pound weight limit. This is where it shines above other 12’6″ boards. It can carry a heck of a lot of weight and is streamlined enough that advanced paddlers will enjoy it just as much as those who have only been paddling for a few seasons.

Because of its shape and tapering at the tail, along with the center fin and twin fin setup, this board excels in offering speed and good tracking in the water, even in windy or choppy conditions. We wouldn’t recommend this board for beginners, though it does offer stellar stability, and at 32″ wide, could still accommodate those with less experience.

Those who will get the most out of this SUP are intermediate to advanced paddlers who want to tour all day, paddle farther distances, paddle fast, or paddle tandem. For our test of the updated Blackfin Model V, we focused on inspecting the board, and treating it like we would any other SUP: inflating and deflating with both a manual and electric pump, cleaning it after use, and storing deflated and folded.

We didn’t treat it with kid gloves but treated it like we would any other SUP in terms of testing, inflation, and storage. The board has a high-pressure value, similar and standard with other SUPs, and a recommended PSI of 12-16. (Between 12 PSI on the low end and 17 PSI 2 times when carrying about 40 pounds of extra weight on board.) We inflated/deflated this board over 20 times to ensure no issues off the bat with the seams or seals. So far, so good.

The Blackfin Model V goes back on our top five favorite list of SUPs. More importantly for anyone still concerned about quality or durability, it comes with a 2-year general warranty,3-yearseam warranty, and 1-year accessory warranty (for components like the fins and 3-piece paddle).

$900 at iROCKER$900 at Amazon

• Length10’ 6”
• Width34”
• Thickness6”
• Weight capacity300 lbs.
• Weight23 lbs.
• Fin setupSingle center fin, removable
• Tie-down points6 Point Front, 4 Point Rear Bungee
• FeaturesFull-Length Traction Pad, Paddle Holder, High Pressure Valve

• Exceptionally rigid for an inflatable SUP
• ISLE-Link converts to highly adjustable sit-on-top Kayak
• Spacious storage bag

• Fin attachment can be tricky at first

The Isle Pioneer Pro ($895) is a high-performing, versatile board that can carry multiple passengers (or a few dogs) while remaining stable in the water. Its Airtec Pro construction uses Infinity Fiber material, creating a semi-rigid structure that enhances stability and stiffness compared to traditional inflatable boards.

The board’s ample deck space, numerous tie-downs, and ability to attach a seat and footrest make it suitable for various activities, from fishing to kayaking. User-friendly features such as polycarbonate deck clips, a surf leash, and an innovative fin attachment system further enhance its appeal. The board also comes with a spacious roller bag for easy transport and storage. Available in different sizes with weight capacities up to 450 pounds, the Pioneer Pro is ideal for carrying heavy loads and multiple passengers. Isle also offers a range of accessories, allowing users to customize their paddleboarding experience.

This board features a six-point front and a four-point rear tie-down bungee, so dry bags, coolers, and other gear can remain secure for long paddles. Isle also offers a seat attachment that transforms the Pioneer Pro into a sit-on-top kayak. The seat is highly adjustable, so you can get into the most ergonomic and efficient paddling position.

The Pioneer Pro has a few drawbacks, but no real dealbreakers as far as we’re concerned. The pressure-fit fin attachment system requires some learning, and regular pressure checks are necessary due to temperature variations.

This board stands out for its performance and versatility, making it a great choice for casual paddlers, anglers, and those needing to transport heavy loads. The board’s innovative design and robust features make it a worthwhile investment, supported by a 4-year warranty that ensures its quality and durability.

For more, be sure to check out our full review of the Isle Pioneer Pro.

Check Price at Isle

• Length10'6"
• Width32"
• Thickness4.75"
• Weight capacity260 lbs.
• Weight21 lbs.
• Fin setupSingle fin, removable
• Tie-down points4 (D-rings that anchor the bungee strap)
• Features3 grab handles
• AccessoriesAdjustable 3-piece paddle, backpack roller bag, hand pump, leash, repair kit

• Expansive thick cushion across top
• Comfortable carry handles

• Need more tie-down points for multiday trips
• Not our first choice for whitewater

The SHUBU ($1,029) has a moderately spear-headed nose and one removable fin, and we found it tracks well in the water. On a few day trips to SUP some high-altitude mountain lakes, with conditions varying from glassy to choppy waves, we noticed this design managed the range of conditions well.

This board is a great choice for water yogis and shoe-free paddlers. The deck pad is covered in a layer dubbed “Honey Fomb,” which looks like honeycomb and feels like a thick, therapeutic yoga mat. A whopping three-quarters of the board is topped with this cushion, which makes standing, sitting, kneeling, or practicing Warrior II Pose that much more comfortable.

Even our GearJunkie testers who typically wear closed-toe water shoes — and have never wanted to take them off while SUPing — loved the Honey Fomb. The texturized, squishy cushion proved to be a game changer beneath bare feet.

The SHUBU board has three carry handles in the center, at the nose, and at the tail. Four tie-down points are connected with a bungee cord, which is enough space to hold a dry bag, shoes, and a water bottle for a day trip. It was definitely one of our boards of choice for day excursions.

At 21 pounds, it’s also a good option if you’re looking for a relatively transportable SUP for hikes. The one downside was a lack of tie-down points. Otherwise, it’s a great all-around SUP, especially for yogis.

$669 at Backcountry$399 at Amazon

• Length10'
• Width30"
• Thickness6"
• Weight CapacityUnknown
• Weight12.9 lbs
• Fin setupSingle
• Tie down points4
• FeaturesEVA deck pad, welded D-rings, bungee
• Accessoriespump, paddle, leash, pack

• Extremely light and packable
• Great stability and performance for size
• Easy to pack, portage, and carry
• Quality paddle
• Small pump design
• Carry-on size
• Great price

• Only single fin
• Smaller deck pad area
• Not most durable

In 2022, Kokopelli — a packraft brand based in Colorado — set out to make the lightest, most packable SUP package on market. And it succeeded. The Kokopelli Chasm Lite SUP ($999) weighs under 13 pounds for the 10-foot board, and the entire package (bag, SUP, paddle, pump) weighs under 20 pounds total. It is a feat of innovation.

But not only is this small SUP light and highly packable, but it’s also capable and fun. We paddled on this board in testing mostly on flat water, in a wide range of temperatures and elevations, with and without gear. We tested its max PSI and max weight limit. The board is slightly shorter (10 feet) and narrower (30-inch width) than some and only has a single fin setup.

But, everything about how this board packs down, moves, and functions on the water is stellar. It’s not a board for beginners; it’s a board for those who want to hike or portage out to more remote lakes and destinations.

What started out as a bold and lofty idea from the brand on Kickstarter has manifested into something real — really light, really packable, really well-designed, and really fun. The Kokopelli Chasm Lite is at the top of our list when it comes to the lightest weight SUPs we’ve enjoyed thus far.

For an in-depth run down, check out our full review of the Kokopelli Chasm Lite.

Check Price at Kokopelli

• Length10'
• Width32"
• Thickness6"
• Weight capacity260 lbs.
• Weight19.8 lbs.
• Fin setup2-fin, removable
• Tie-down points4 D-rings plus front and tail bungees
• Features2 removable 2 x 9 in fins, EVA deck pad, offset carry handle in the center plus carry handles on nose and tail, bungee cords on nose and tail
• Accessories5-piece carbon paddle, iROCKER 12V Electric Pump , 10-inch coil leash, backpack travel bag

• Anchored bungees are located on both the nose and tail
• Coil leash included

• Not a good option for multiple paddlers
• No manual pump is included

Even after just a few paddles, it was hard not to love this board. iROCKER’s new Ultra Series takes the definition of “lightweight” and ups the ante — this board ($849) was redesigned to be under 20 pounds.

The Ultra Series includes an All Around 10′ and 11′ lead with big design changes to the materials. The All Around Ultra Series 10′ isn’t just light but is also 50% smaller, packed down in a redesigned carry bag.

In testing, this board performed great. Because it’s shorter in length, stability may be a learning curve for some paddlers, depending on personal preference. We actually liked riding a shorter board and found it easy to maneuver, even in waves.

But the brand does recommend this design for shorter (5′ 5″ and below) and lightweight paddlers.

There are D-rings and extra on-deck bungee storage for strapping down gear. A creative addition we haven’t seen before — two extra handles attached between two of the D-rings on the nose also hold the bungee cords.

Rather than three fins, the twin-fin configuration is an update that allows the board to be folded in half when deflated (often a center fin’s mount is bulky even with the fin removed), which works great. And while the All-Around board was made to be lighter, it doesn’t sacrifice durability — it’s still made with drop-stitch construction.

Then comes the carrying bag; featuring padded shoulder straps, a rolltop design, and plenty of storage made it another favorite component of this SUP. One of the biggest pros (and possibly cons) is the lack of a manual pump: Ultra instead included a 12V electric pump for faster setup. Basically, plug it into a 12V outlet or AV port (like in a car, truck, or RV), choose the correct setting for the board’s PSI, and you’re set. Ours took less than 10 minutes to inflate.

Take a look at this board if you want something super packable and light for paddling at home or traveling. Overall, this is among the lightest, most compact inflatable designs we’ve tested.

Read our full review of the iROCKER Ultra Series All-Around 10′ Paddleboard.

$700 at iROCKERCheck Price at Amazon

• Length12'
• Width30"
• Thickness6"
• Weight capacity300 lbs.
• Weight24 lbs.
• Fin setup1
• Tie-down points23 D-rings, 23 Seamount attachment points
• FeaturesPVC drop stitch exterior, double-layer PVC side rails, EVA deck pad
• AccessoriesHand pump, backpack travel bag, paddle

• Large enough for 1-4-day expeditions (carrying rider plus gear)
• Durable
• Lots of attachment points
• Stable when paddling

• Smaller deck pad area
• Hard to pump to maximum PSI

Our tester was hesitant to use an inflatable paddleboard for a 110-mile trip, but was pleasantly surprised at the performance of the Paul Hauna Endurance Air ($1,249). The board tracked steadily through windy chop and glassy flat water, proving itself “expedition worthy” while retaining the portability of an inflatable SUP.

A cargo net keeps your gear secure for the long haul, and 23 D-rings offer plenty of options to ensure you’ll get the whole rig balanced to your liking. Weight distribution (and redistribution) is key for maximum efficiency as conditions change, and this board supported 3 days of supplies, plus our 200-pound tester with ease.

Inflating this SUP to its recommended PSI is not a quick task. It took our seasoned tester over 15 minutes to fill this 250L board, but it never needed to be topped off during the 3-day testing expedition. While the Endurance Air’s weight limit is sufficient for a 3-day trip, it doesn’t have the 415-pound capacity of its non-inflatable cousin.

Weight limit aside, this SUP does a good job of combining the portability of an inflatable board and the performance of a hard board. If you’re looking for a SUP up to the rigors of multiday expeditions, but won’t load your rig down during your road trip, the Endurance Air offers a great compromise. There are lighter, more packable inflatable boards, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that performs as well during long days on the water.

For a more in-depth look at this inflatable touring board, check out our full review of the Paul Hana Endurance Air.

Check Price at Pau Hana

• Length10'6"
• Width30"
• Thickness5"
• Weight capacity230 lbs.
• Weight18 lbs.
• Fin setup2 plus 1, removable
• Tie-down points6
• FeaturesBungee straps, center handle, handles on nose and tail, unique Velcro strap for water bottle in center, integrated GoPro mount
• AccessoriesHand pump, backpack travel bag, coil leash, multi-piece paddle

• Best for solo paddlers and lighter loads
• Super lightweight
• Streamlined and fast

• Not ideal for carrying multiple paddlers or heavier cargo loads
• The slightly narrower and leaner design makes the board not as stable in whitewater, wakes, or waves

At only 18 pounds, the Badfish SUP Flyweight ($1,199) is among the lightest designs out there. A new addition to the brand’s lineup, the design is streamlined, easy to charge, easy to lift, and easy to inflate. We found the inflated board remains stable when wakes move across smooth water, and the pointed nose helps drive the SUP forward.

We didn’t think the weight would make much of a difference, but we definitely noticed that lifting up this nimble SUP and carrying it to the water’s edge was faster and easier compared to heavier models.

While hand-pumping the SUP, we also noticed the job didn’t seem to take as long — perhaps because the volume we aimed to fill was a bit lower. Deflating doesn’t take long, either. The board folds up with ease and maintains a compact shape for transport.

The Velcro strap for a water bottle is an awesome idea — usually, we clip ours to a D-ring or tie-down point with a carabiner. The only hangup we have is making sure we don’t accidentally smack our foot on our water bottle (we prefer a Hydro Flask for keeping the water cold) or tripping on it when a wake suddenly ripples over, since it’s toward the center of the board.

Right away, we received compliments from passersby on the bright stripes and colors of the top. The Badfish SUP is light, fast, and fun! While the price is on the higher end, we know Badfish SUPS are extremely durable, well-constructed boards designed with top-of-the-line materials. If going light is your top priority, it’s the best standup paddleboard you can buy.

$1,199 at Backcountry$899 at Amazon

• Length10'4"
• Width34"
• Weight capacity250 lbs.
• Weight20 lbs.
• Fin setup1 removable (10"), 2 fixed
• Tie-down points7
• FeaturesThree carry handles, fixed bungee strap on nose, 1 D-ring on tail
• Accessories3-piece aluminum paddle, backpack-style bag, hand pump, coiled leash, repair kit

• Excellent stability and stiffness
• Good maneuverability
• Generous, comfortable, and grippy deck pad
• Great value

• Small attached fins get deformed and must be straightened
• Aluminum paddle prone to damage and is slippery
• Rudimentary travel bag

Don’t be dissuaded by the entry-level designation, as the BOTE WULF Aero 10 ‘4” ($499) is a quality board that just happens to be inexpensive and easy to maneuver. Unlike some other beginner boards, this board arrives with the full gamut of standard features including an EVA foam deck that runs the length of the board.

Our own Seiji Ishii put the WULF Aero through its paces over the course of 3 months. He found this board stiff and stable once inflated with the included single-chambered pump (though he switched to an electric pump after several inflations in the hot Texas sun). Once in the water, the WULF Aero provides a solid 34-inch wide platform for the uninitiated paddleboarder to successfully track a straight line without too much effort. This board is equipped with two fixed fins and one removable center fin.

The WULF Aero tips the scales at lightweight 20 pounds, and the entire package, including a pump, paddle, and carrying bag, is only 30 pounds. Three handles make getting the board down to the water no sweat. The pump and carrying bag are adequate and functional, though the single-chambered pump isn’t the most efficient, and the carrying bag is very simple, but this helps keep the WULF Aero more affordable.

A wide and stable board isn’t going to be the speed demon that more experienced paddlers are looking for, but the user group the board is aimed at will benefit from stability. The included three-piece aluminum paddle isn’t the lightest or most durable, and it became very hot after some time in the sun. These complaints are pretty minimal when you take the WULF’s very approachable price into consideration.

If you’re new to the sport or simply looking for an affordable board everyone can use at the lake this summer, the BOTE WULF Aero is a great option that doesn’t cut any corners where it counts.

$499 at REI$499 at BOTE

• Length10' 6"
• Width32"
• Thickness4.7"
• Weight capacity220 lbs.
• Weight21.9 lbs.
• Fin setup2-fin, fixed
• Tie-down pointsD-ring on tail, 2 elastic straps on nose, 1 adjustable bungee strap with two D-ring anchors
• Features3 carry handles, accessories mount
• AccessoriesBackpacker roller bag, hand pump

• Super innovative minimal backpack carry system
• The fins are fixed so travelers don't need to fuss with managing extra accessories

• Paddle not included
• Lacks tie-down points for overnighters and heavier loads
• Fins are not removable (for some paddlers, the lack of adjustability is a downfall)

Plainly put, Red’s MSL board ($1,499) performs great in a variety of conditions. It’s beginner-friendly (and expert-friendly), and it will last for years if you treat it well.

What really sets this package apart is the innovative roller backpack design. There’s an option to fully isolate the shoulder harness from the rest of the roller backpack, leaving behind a simple system of straps that attach horizontally and vertically around the SUP.

You won’t have pockets to carry extra items, and you’ll need to plan ahead for how you’ll attach everything to your board rather than leaving random items beachside (like the pump and shoulder harness). But for a streamlined paddle day, this arrangement is great.

Measuring 10′ 6″, this board has drop-stitch construction, a generous EVA-textured-grip deck pad, and the brand’s proprietary flexible, molded fins called the iFin. This means you don’t have to fiddle with installing, remembering your fins and nuts and bolts, or making repairs. Basically, you could drive your car over the SUP and the fins wouldn’t break. The duo-fin setup stays fixed to your board so there’s no setup or breakdown.

In terms of size and weight, this board is on par with others on our list. It can hold up to 220 pounds, is wide enough to provide balance and stability, and weighs in at nearly 22 pounds. It’s not the lightest, but relative to the durability it’s fairly easy to carry, portage, and travel with.

There’s a flat bungee system on the bow as well as an updated sidewall and material construction. The new bungee system works great and is being implemented on all future SUPs. The board looks and feels a bit more streamlined than its predecessors.

Overall, we’ve found it to be one of the best standup paddleboards for stability. For use on the nearby lake, mellow rivers, or the beach, it’s a great all-around board.

$844 at Backcountry$1,119 at Red Paddle Co

• Length11'6"
• Width34"
• Thickness6"
• Weight capacity315 lbs.
• Weight30 lbs.
• Fin setup2 plus 1, removable
• Tie-down points10 D-rings anchor the bungee straps plus 4 D-rings along sides, D-ring on nose, 2 D-rings on the top
• FeaturesBungee straps on nose and tail, 10-inch center fin,four D-rings on side rails
• Accessories3-piece paddle, repair kit, hand pump, backpack travel bag

• Higher weight capacity for hauling gear on tours
• Compatible with a huge range of accessories that are especially great for anglers, birders, and tours like the SUP paddle seat
• Ample tie-down and attachment points

• Additional accessories add up so budget accordingly
• Not a SUP weight we'd want to hike far with

BOTE’s HD Aero Paddleboard ($1,149) is a modified version of the brand’s Breeze Aero, our budget pick. But the HD Aero has a redesigned deck and grab handle, updated side rails, and the brand’s HD construction. This refers to the board’s updated overall construction to increase stability while keeping the board’s weight low. The base is wide, and the shape is slightly rockered.

We took the higher-end HD Aero out for several spring paddle excursions in central and western Colorado. On our first day out on this board, we noticed two things: the rigid, reinforced stitching and construction (including the tough military-grade PVC) and the slightly heavier weight than our go-to board at home (we typically paddle a 10’6″ board, which is a whole foot shorter). Both of these qualities are huge pluses in our book.

For an 11’6″ board as stable as this one, 30 pounds is a fine weight. The three-fin system and fin placement are spot-on, and the board feels balanced and even. And the BVA foam deck pad was comfortable.

This board propelled smoothly through flat water, even with gear strapped to the bow. It’s a fun board to paddle, especially on overnight trips when you want to cover some ground (er, water).

The design also offers tons of creative storage solutions, like the paddle sheath, a slot on the nose that holds the blade of your paddle so you can free up your hands — perfect for anglers. The brand has developed plenty of functional accessories to pair with those attachment options.

If you’re looking for a longer board that puts stability and portability at a premium and costs under $1,100, this is a great option.

$1,082 at BOTE$1,099 at Amazon

• Length10' 6"
• Width34"
• Thickness6"
• Weight capacity285 lbs.
• Weight24 lbs.
• Fin setup2 plus 1 removable center fin
• Tie-down points12
• Features3 grab handles, bungee cords on nose and tail
• Accessories3-piece paddle, backpack travel bag, hand pump, coil leash

• Economic price point
• Fixed side fins mean you don't have to worry about forgetting or losing hardware
• Velcro paddle holders are super unique

• Ideal for one paddler (versus multiple passengers)
• Not our choice board for overnighters or whitewater due to lack of D-rings

ISLE’s Pioneer 2.0 SUP ($795) has been a popular model for a few years running, mainly thanks to its all-around, beginner-friendly shape, great balance, and accessible price point. Why do we like it? It works for both beginners and more experienced paddlers, the price is relatively lower compared to other designs, and ISLE didn’t skimp on quality materials.

An added bonus we haven’t seen on other designs: the Pioneer has two Velcro straps along the right side of the board for attaching and carrying your paddle. Carrying the SUP and paddle all in one go leaves your other hand free for carrying a dry bag or cooler.

The Pioneer, pumped up to its recommended PSI, felt super stable in the water. It offered good maneuverability and a comfortable soft EVA deck pad — one of the best we’ve felt on an inflatable SUP. We often paddle barefoot if we’re not in sandals, so foot comfort is a priority. The Pioneer was also super balanced in flatwater (both in mild and windy conditions).

Compared to other SUPs, we liked this one most for its comfort and control on the water. Paddlers of all experience levels will have a good time on this board. If you’re looking for quality and stability and plan on paddling frequently, this board is versatile and works on flatwater or waves.

Read our full review of the ISLE Pioneer 2.0.

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Isle

• Length9' 10"
• Width30"
• Thickness5"
• Weight capacity180 lbs..
• Weight23 lbs.
• Fin setup2 plus 1, removable
• Tie-down points7 D-rings
• Features4 carry handles, bungee straps on nose, back stomp pad, EVA deck pad
• AccessoriesHand pump, 4 fins total for variation, backpack travel bag, repair kit

• Durable reinforced rails
• Rigid D-rings for tie-down points
• 2 unique angled soft handles on EVA deck pad

• Not many D-rings in the back for loading and balancing gear out
• No bungee straps on the tail
• Other SUPs are even lighterweight (but not inflated to be as rigid)

The heavy-duty NRS Thrive ($1,245) — which comes in 9’10” to 11′ sizes — is a do-it-all SUP that’s stellar for multiday tours. The D-rings and handles are plentiful and versatile, making strapping down gear and transport easy. Our tester used the 10’8″ Thrive for an overnight canyon trip across mostly non-wake water.

In a unique design, two cushioned handles are angled 45 degrees from the board edges on the upper section of the EVA deck pad, which are helpful for ergonomically carrying and maneuvering the SUP — like pulling it onto a beach — and serve as extra strap-down points while paddling. One of our testers was able to strap his camera in a Pelican case to the 45-degree angled handles, which most SUPs don’t have —a nice feature for the gear you want easily accessible.

This SUP’s mid-center cushioned handle is prime for single-person carry, and another non-cushioned handle on the tail assists for two-person carries. Five D-rings on the board’s nose — one is beneath the nose (on the underside of the SUP) — and another D-ring on the tail provide multiple tie-down points.

The Thrive SUP held its air — it inflates to a stocky 20 PSI for super rigid performance — and never dipped below the surface, even when loaded with gear and two adult paddlers.

A personalized pump includes multiple adapters for other SUP valves. The fins are removable — ideal for storage and rocky bottoms — and the SUP tracks well without the need to constantly alternate lead arms.

Check Price at Backcountry

• Length11’6’’
• Width32"
• Thickness6"
• Weight21 lbs.
• Weight capacity295 lbs.
• Fin setup2 plus 1 center fin
• Tie-down points9 D-rings
• FeaturesPaddle holder, 3 grab handles, front and rear bungee storage
• AccessoriesPaddle with adjustable aluminum shaft, nylon blade

• All-in-one kit
• Good price

• Lower weight capacity for the weight of the board
• Slightly narrower width (not for beginners)

A budget choice for beginner paddlers, GILI Sports touts that “you can buy a cheaper SUP, but you can’t buy a better one!” At $545, we found this true with the AIR 11’6 Inflatable Paddle Board model.

Quality components and good on-water performance were apparent with the first paddle. The board inflates to 32 inches wide and supports nearly 300 pounds. But it still paddles fast on flat water or in moderate waves.

GILI uses a “military strength” PVC as its main material, and with a high-pressure valve, the AIR inflates to a taut platform that feels like a hard board underfoot. It’s 6 inches thick and has an extra-large traction pad that we found comfortable and supportive on the lake.

The company includes everything needed for a beginner to get on the water and learn to SUP, including a paddle, pump, leash, and a nice backpack with pockets for the fins and other gear. The board folds up and stows away in the pack in minutes, making it transportable on a trail to the beach or for storing out of the way at home.

$400 at Amazon

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