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Standup Paddle Board Reviews

After personally paddling, weighing, and thoroughly testing dozens of boards, our expert staff has selected the best stand up paddle board models. These are designated by the "A" grade and organized by categories (inflatable, all-around, touring, etc). In its 6th year the Supconnect team spent countless hours individually assessing each one of the SUP boards below, counting a total of 23 metrics per board and consistently applying them across all products. The end result: simply the most comprehensive, consumer-friendly, value-added review platform in the standup paddle world. Click through each one of the reviews and find a consistent, in-depth assessment of each product listed. FAQ

Pau Hana Big EZ Stowaway Lite

Price: $599 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All-Around
Weight: 18 lbs Sizes: 11'

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly inflatable standup paddle board that is both affordable and unique check out the Big EZ Stowaway inflatable SUP from Pau Hana Surf Supply. The Stowaway is a limited edition stand up paddle board that is exclusively sold at REI and has 10 unique designs to choose from. This paddle board is very lightweight and best for those looking for a recreational board best for short distance paddling in calm, flatwater conditions. Priced at just $599 this board sits in the mid-tier market in terms of affordability and is a great entry-level board that is eye catching and easy to use. It comes in a complete package with the board, paddle, pump, leash, fin and drybag for storage.

BOTE EasyRider

Price: $649 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All-Around / Hybrid
Weight: 28 lbs Sizes: 10'4"

Who is this for: The EasyRider from BOTE is an inflatable standup paddleboard / kayak hybrid. This board is beginner-friendly, very stable and works well for paddlers up to 250lbs. The EasyRider is best used in flatwater, calm conditions and shorter distances close to shore. This board comes in a complete package with everything you need to get on the water, including the compatible kayak seat attachment. The full package offers the board, sup/kayak convertible paddle, pump, kayak seat attachment, fin, repair kit and travel bag. At $649 this package is quite affordable for all it offers.

Aqua Marina Glow

Price: €699 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All-Around
Weight: 21 lbs Sizes: 10'4"

Who is this for: If you’re looking for an incredibly unique inflatable paddle board that has the ability to glow in the dark you’ve gotta check out the Glow from Aqua Marina. This board is well-suited for paddlers of all skill levels and is designed for paddling in flatwater conditions. This paddleboard is best for paddling shorter distances and is going to be something unique to have whether it’s your first paddle board or a new addition to your SUP quiver. Priced at €699 the Glow is incredibly affordable and comes with a ton of add on’s that will allow for a fun unique experience.

Body Glove Performer

Price: $999 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All-Around
Weight: 23.3 lbs Sizes: 11'

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, inflatable, all-around/touring paddle board that is at an affordable price point of less than $1,000 then the Performer 11 from Body Glove is worth a look. Due to its width of 34 inches the board is very stable and weighed in at 23.3 lbs, which is pretty lightweight and easy to carry. Its shape makes the Performer a board that can be used by everyone, no matter the age or skill level, and is designed primarily for recreation. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short distance paddling, around the beach and dock or on the river. Retailing at $999, the board fits in the affordable mid-tier market.

NAGI Outo Inspire

Price: $639.99 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All-Around
Weight: 21 lbs Sizes: 10'6", 11'6"

Who is this for: If you’re in the market for an affordable inflatable stand up paddle board that is designed with surfing and all around paddling in mind, take a deeper look at the NAGI Inspire. This paddle board comes in two sizes, 10’6” and 11’6” and comes with a complete package meaning it has everything you need to get on the water. Included is the board, paddle, pump, leash, 3 fins and repair kit and of course a carry bag. Priced at $669.99 for the 11’6” model, this package sits at the lower end of the mid-tier price point in terms of affordability.

Surftech Generator

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Price: $1,395 Build: Non-inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All-around
Weight: 25.14bs Sizes: 10'6", 11'6"

About the board: The Generator is a beginner-friendly, non-inflatable board, offered at a pretty affordable price ($1,395) but has a premium look and performance. The board is very stable, lightweight and has some gorgeous looks. The bamboo construction really makes the board stand out. The Generator is best suited for short-range paddling around the beach and dock and is a great board that the entire family can enjoy. Its premium look and lightweight feel alone warrant Supconnect’s “A” grade. Read more HERE.

ISLE Pioneer 3

Price: $695 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All-Around / Hybrid
Weight: 19 lbs Sizes: 10'6"

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a family-friendly all around paddle board that doesn’t break the bank consider taking a deeper look at the Pioneer 3 paddle board from ISLE Surf & SUP. The Pioneer 3 comes in a complete package that includes everything you need to get on the water and start paddling. Alongside the board the package includes a paddle, pump, leash, storage bag and fin. This standup paddle board is best for all around paddling in shorter distances, close to the shoreline and in calm conditions. This board is also compatible and able to be converted into a kayak if you want that option as well. Priced at $695 the Pioneer 3 sits at the lower end of the mid-tier market in terms of affordability and comes in 6 different colorways to choose from.

SIC Maui RS

Price: $2,499.95 Build: Non-Inflatable
Skill: Advanced Use: Race
Weight:  23.4lbs Sizes: 12'6", 14'

About the board:If you’re on the market for a premium race paddle board look no further. The RS by SIC Maui is short for ‘Rocket Ship’ and the name suits the board perfectly. This race board is fast and lightweight and is offered in multiple length and width combos, for both adult and youth paddlers. The RS is best for intermediate and advanced racers looking for a board that excels on flatwater but can also handle some chop. Starting at $2,599, the RS sits in the high price point tier but is a premium choice that is worth every penny. Read more HERE.

Starboard Sprint Expedition

Price: $2,949 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Intermediate / Advanded Use: Touring / Race
Weight: 28 lbs Sizes: 14'

Who is this for: If a premium expedition / touring stand up paddle board that can also double as a race board is something you’re after, the Sprint Expedition from Starboard is a must-see. This paddleboard was designed for the intermediate / advanced paddler who is looking for a board that can paddle long distances, specifically excelling on expeditions and adventures. The Sprint expedition is best suited for flatwater conditions and is a board that has speed. Priced at $2949 the Sprint Expedition is among the high-tier price point but comes with the best that the brand and SUP industry has to offer.

Aqua Marina Beast

Price: €549 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All Around
Weight: 19.7 lbs Sizes: 10'6

Who is this for: If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly inflatable standup paddle board that’s affordable check out the Beast from Aqua Marina. The Beast is great for beginner paddlers but also is something the entire family can enjoy. The board is measured at 10’6” x 32’ x 6 inches with a volume of 312L and weighs ~19lbs. The board is best for short-distance paddling of up to 2 miles and is best in flatwater conditions. The board comes with everything you need - paddle, pump, leash, and fin - and sits at the mid-tier price point with an MSRP of €549. Read more HERE.

Aqua Marina Fusion

Price: €449 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All Around
Weight: 19.2 lbs Sizes: 10'10"

Who is this for: If you’re looking for an inflatable all-around SUP that’s best suited for beginner paddlers, take a look at the Aqua Marina Fusion. Priced at €449, this board comes equipped with a bag, paddle, pump, fin, and leash which is essentially everything you need right outside the gate. With an MSRP of €449, this board sits at the lower end of the mid-tier market in terms of affordability. Due to its shape, this board is well suited for paddlers of all skill levels and is designed for paddling short to mid-range distances, able to handle some light chop. The board is extremely lightweight, weighing under 20 lbs, so it’s very easy to carry Read more HERE.

NIXY California Newport

Price: $755 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All Around
Weight: 21 lbs Sizes: 10'6"

Who is this for: The NIXY Newport is an overpriced inflatable SUP that comes in an incomplete package. This standup paddle board comes a la carte meaning any add on for the board (including the pump, bag, paddle, leash, etc.) is not included in the purchase. The Newport is an all around paddleboard that was designed with short distance and flatwater paddling in mind. Priced at $755, this board sits in the mid-tier market in terms of affordability but due to the fact that it doesn’t come with anything needed to get you on the water, it can be considered to be priced quite high since the normally-included basics are all add-ons.Read more HERE.

Surftech Laguna

Price: $1,485 Build: Non-inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: Yoga
Weight: 23.5 lbs Sizes: 10'

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a non-inflatable paddleboard that is well-suited for SUP fitness and yoga, take a look at the Laguna from Surftech. This board sits in the mid-tier market in terms of affordability and is priced at $1,485 The Laguna is best for flatwater conditions and short-distance paddling. The Laguna comes in at an average weight and is fairly easy to carry. The board comes with a leash and fin so if you’re without a paddle note that you’ll need to get one separately. Read more HERE.

Surftech Alta Madera

Price: $1,425 Build: Non-Inflatable
Skill: Intermediate Use: Surf
Weight: 18.14 lbs Sizes: 9'8"

About the board: If you’re looking for a high quality, sustainably sourced standup paddleboard that is designed for surfing, take a look at the Alta Madera from Surftech. This paddle board is priced at $1,425 and sits at the higher end of the mid-tier price point in terms of affordability. This board is great for performance surfing but works equally well for all around, flatwater paddling. Due to the size of the board at 9’8” x 29”, this board would be best for intermediate or advanced paddlers. Read more HERE.

Blackfin Model X

Price: $749 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All Around
Weight: 26.15 lbs Sizes: 10'6"

Who is this for: If a very stable, all around inflatable that can also be used for SUP fishing is something you’re looking for, the Blackfin Model X is a must-see. The Model X is a really affordable option and great for both beginners and experienced paddlers alike. This board comes a la carte, meaning it only comes with the board, fins and repair kit. So, if you have all the other necessities like a paddle, pump and leash, this might be a good option when all you’re looking for is the board itself. However, if you need a complete package, those other items are all add ons. The starting price for the Model X is at $749.99 which puts it in the mid-tier market in terms of affordability.Read more HERE.

ISLE Switch

Price: $995 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All Around
Weight: 21.11 lbs Sizes: 11'6"

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly inflatable standup paddleboard that doubles as a kayak check out the Switch from ISLE Surf & SUP. This board comes as a complete package and has everything for both paddleboarding and kayaking all for under $1,000. The Switch package is available in two different color options: an aqua/navy/tan combo and a seafoam/navy/tan combo. This board is good for paddling short to midrange distances up to a few miles and will be best suited in flatwater conditions.Read more HERE.

Jobe Yarra Elite

Price: $1,099.99 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All Around
Weight: 23.2 lbs Sizes: 10'6"

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a premium inflatable paddleboard at an affordable price then the Yarra Elite from Jobe is a must-see. This paddleboard comes with a full kit meaning it has everything you need to get on the water. Included in the package is the board, paddle, leash, pump, drybag x2, fins x2, Padded Quick Release Waist Belt and repair kit. The Yarra Elite is best suited for recreational paddling of shorter distances. The board is stable and well suited for paddlers of all skill levels and ages. Priced at $1,099 this package sits in the mid tier price point in terms of affordability. Read more HERE.

Surftech Chameleon

Price: $1,130 Build: Non-inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: All-around
Weight: 25.4 lbs Sizes: 10'4", 11'4"

Who is this for: If you’re on the market for an affordable, non-inflatable paddle board that works well as both an all around board and a touring board then check out the updated Chameleon from Surftech. The 2023 edition of this board has received some beautiful updates from previous versions and looks great. The Chameleon is an all-around/touring hybrid board that can be used by everyone with recreational paddling in mind. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for mid-range distance paddling, up to 3-5 miles max. The board comes in two sizes (10’4, 11’4) and colors (green, pink) and is quite light making it pretty easy to carry around. Starting at $1,130, the Chameleon is a stunning board that is versatile in use at an affordable price. Definitely check this one out.

Aqua Marina Hyper

Price: $869 Build: Inflatable
Skill: Beginner Use: Touring
Weight: 27.5 lbs Sizes: 11'6", 12'6"

Who is this for: If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly inflatable touring board that is under $1,000 USD check out the Hyper from Aqua Marina. This board is designed with touring in mind and can go mid to longer range distances, in the ballpark of 3 to 5 miles. The Hyper is available in two different sizes, 11’6 or 12’6 and comes with a leash, fin, pump and bag so if you need a paddle you’ll have to get that separately. Read more HERE.

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