Who is this for: If you’re looking for a stable, all-around inflatable board to paddle short distances then the Drive from Starboard is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Deluxe construction which is highly durable for an inflatable. Because of the width being 30 inches the board is stable and it has 1.81 lbs per foot weighing only 19.1 lbs total. Its shape makes the Drive an all-around board that can be used by everyone and it’s designed primarily for recreation. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short-distance paddling, around the beach and dock. Retailing at $1,299, the board is among the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a SUP/kayak hybrid to paddle short distances then the Aqua Marina Evolution is worth a look. This product is unique in that it can be used as either a stand up paddle (SUP) board or a kayak and comes in the PVC drop stitch construction which is rather fragile and has its ups and downs. Due to its width of 41 inches when outfitted as a kayak the board is very stable however, when the board is used solely as a SUP its width of 26 inches make it very unstable. The Kayak setup has 2.83 lbs per foot (board is 11’2 when outfitted as a kayak) weighing 31.8 lbs. It’s shape makes the Evolution best for beginners as a Kayak and best for advanced paddlers as a SUP. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short distance paddling around the beach and dock. Retailing at $599 the board is in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability and is a great price for a SUP/kayak hybrid.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, inflatable all-around board to paddle short distances then the Hala Hoss is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board is 35 inches wide, making it incredibly stable and it has 2.27 lbs per foot weighing 24.4 lbs total, which is pretty light. Its shape makes the Hoss an all-around board that can be used by everyone and is designed primarily for recreation. Everything combined, the board is best fit for short-distance paddling, around the beach, dock or on the river. Retailing at $1,399, the board is in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a fast, inflatable, race/touring board to paddle mid to long-range distances then the Hala Nass T is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Carbon Fiber Composite construction which is very durable and has its ups and downs. Due to its narrow width of 26 inches the board is very unstable, however, it is fast. Its construction comes in at an average weight coming in at 32.8 lbs and has 2.34 lbs per foot, putting the board at an average weight for its size. Its shape makes the Nass T a touring and/or race board for advanced paddlers and is designed to be used in both recreational and competitive paddling. Retailing at $1,699, the board is among the high-tier price point but comes with the best that the brand has to offer.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a stable, inflatable, paddle board geared towards surfing and touring then the Hala Playa is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Fiberglass Hybrid Inflatable construction which is durable and has its ups and downs. Due to is 30 inch width, the board is fairly stable and it has 2.77 lbs per foot weighing 29.1 lbs total, making the board moderately heavy for its size. Its shape makes the Playa a hybrid between a surf and a touring board that can be used by intermediate paddlers and was designed for recreation. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for mid-range distance paddling between 3-5 miles. Retailing at $1,379, the board is among the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a fast, premium inflatable race board to paddle in SUP races then the Red Paddle Co. Race Elite is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the MSL technology from Red Paddle Co. and is highly durable and has its ups and downs. Due to its width of 26 inches the board is very unstable, however, at only 1.36 lbs per foot (19.1 lbs total) this board is very lightweight. Its shape makes the Race Elite a board for exactly that: a race board for advanced paddlers that can be used in competition. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short or long distance racing. Retailing at $1,799 the board is in the high-tier price point but comes with the best that the brand has to offer.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a stable, touring/race, inflatable board to paddle mid-range distances (3-5 miles) then the Boardworks Shubu X Rocket is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Single Chamber Dropstitch construction which is durable and has both ups and downs. Due to its width of 30 inches the board is stable and best suited for intermediate-advanced paddlers. The board has 2.24 lbs per foot weighing a total of 25.8 lbs. Its shape makes the board best suited for touring or race training and should be easy to use for paddlers with an intermediate skill-set. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for recreational paddling and is great for touring and race training. Retailing at $1,199, the board is priced in the mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a stable, inflatable, all-around board to paddle short to mid-range distances and in the low price point of under $500 then the Thrive from Aqua Marina is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in drop stitch construction which is somewhat fragile and has its positives and negatives. With its 30 inches in width the board is stable, it has 1.75 lbs per foot, weight a total of 17.11 lbs which makes the board very lightweight but can also have an impact on the durability of the board with the construction not being as strong. Its shape makes the Thrive an all around board that can also be fun in the surf and is suited for intermediate paddlers. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short to mid-range distance paddling between 3 and 5 miles max. Retailing at $449, the board is among the most affordable ones you can find.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a board that will be very durable for you to have for yourself, your kids, friends and family that can be beaten up, thrown around and still last for a long time, this is the board for you. The Baja 100 is a perfect board for flat water paddling and touring and can withstand up to 230lbs. The board is made out of a plastic-like construction called RamXs polyethylene and is very stable and very durable however, the board has 4.7 lbs per foot and weighs 47 lbs total, making the board very heavy.  As it's typically the case with low price point boards, the Baja 100 is relatively heavier when compared to boards in higher price point tiers. You’re going to want to look at the mid-to high price-point range boards for lighter and faster boards. Retailing for $399.99, the Baja 100 is among the most affordable boards you can find.