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Best Standup Paddle Boards 2019

After personally paddling, weighing, and thoroughly testing 150+ boards, our expert staff has selected the best stand up paddle board 2019 models. These are designated by the "A" grade and organized by categories (inflatable, all-around, touring, etc). The Supconnect team traveled across 3 states and spent 8 months individually assessing each one of the inflatable 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.

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The Best SUP Boards 2019

best standup paddle board 2019 body glove navigator 2

best standup paddle board 2019 sic maui okeanos 3best standup paddle board 2019 surftech aleka 2

 

 

 A Comparison

The Best Paddle Boards 2019

 

Picture Board Weight Price Use Skill Build Width
best standup paddle board 2019 surftech alta Surftech Alta 30.5 lbs $999 All Around Beginner Inflatable 32 in.
best standup paddle board 2019 body glove navigator Body Glove Navigator 22.12 lbs  $999   All Around Beginner Inflatable 33 in.
best standup paddle board 2019 red paddle co voyager Red Paddle Co Voyager  25.3 lbs $1,599  Touring Intermediate Inflatable 30 in. 
best standup paddle board 2019 body glove oasis Body Glove Oasis  24 lbs $999 Yoga/Fitness Beginner Inflatable 34 in. 
best standup paddle board 2019 surftech aleka Surftech Aleka 22.11 lbs $1,469 All Around Beginner Non-Inflatable 30 in. 
best standup paddle board 2019 surftech generator Surftech Generator 25.14 lbs $1,349  All Around Beginner Non-Inflatable 32.5 in.
best standup paddle board 2019 sic maui okeanos SIC Maui Okeanos 31 lbs $1,499  Touring Intermediate Non-Inflatable 29 in.
best standup paddle board 2019 surftech promenade Surftech Promenade 34.7 lbs $999 Touring Beginner Non-Inflatable 31.5 in.
best standup paddle board 2019 sic maui rs SIC Maui RS 23.4 lbs $2,499 Race Advanced Non-Inflatable 23 in.

 

Best Paddle Boards 101

3 Things to Consider to Find the Best SUP

 

1. USE

The beauty of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is that there are so many ways and situations where you can participate. Here at Supconnect we break down the different uses of a paddle board into 7 categories: All Around, Touring, Yoga, Fishing, Race, Surf and River. Each category has their own specific purpose and thus, a different shape/design is necessary for each. There are boards that fit into multiple SUP disciplines and can be used in a variety of ways. A brief breakdown of each category is as follows:

  • All Around: For multiple purposes but primarily for recreation
  • Touring: For cruising paddles beyond the shoreline and for expedition paddling
  • Yoga: For optimal stability as a floating yoga mat
  • Fishing: For stability to cast the line, with plenty of accessories
  • Race: For speed, coming with lightweight build
  • Surf: For maneuverability and wave handling
  • River: For rapids, river eddies and river wave riding

2. BUILD

The best SUPs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From inflatables to non-inflatables to 14’ race boards to 36” wide yoga boards, the best paddle boards come in a wide variety. What makes one board fall into the "best" category are a few factors:

  • Quality. Quality is a massive factor leading into what gives a SUP a "best" rating. If a board is in a lower price point but uses higher quality materials in its construction the board is going to stand out compared to other boards of the same price point using basic or lower grade materials.
  • Looks. The board, to put it simply, is beautiful. Whether it's a simple mix of colors laid out beautifully or a highly detailed mix of graphics, the board needs to look good.
  • Add on's. Add on's are key. They, in a way, are 'upgrades' to a board and make the SUP stand out from others that are basic. Add on's could easily be a deciding factor between choosing one board over another which is why boards with add on's will almost always get a few extra points in our book.

3. ADD-ON'S

Add-on’s are accessories for a paddle board that add to your experience on/off the water. The quality of the bag/backpack and the air pump tend to be directly related to the board’s price points. Aside from your paddle, bags and pumps are the most important add-on’s to your board and can drastically improve your overall experience with the board, such as helping you more easily carry the board and/or pump it up more quickly. Other popular add on’s include bungee cords, a minimalist way to haul things; Connexsup, which allows for all sorts of attachments, even fishing rods; and FCS II/Connect, for easy fin instal. Other add on’s could be upgraded handles like the Liftsup & EZgrab and paddle holders for when you aren’t using your paddle. The best paddle boards almost always will have one if not all of these add-ons included.

 

Best Paddle Board Reviews

 

SURFTECH ALTA 

best standup paddle board 2019 surftech alta 1

If you’re looking for an inflatable paddle board that is under $1,000 and is geared towards the women’s market then the Alta from Surftech is a solid contender. At $999 the Alta inflatable is offered in two unique set of graphics that have matching paddles and leashes and partner with prAna for matching apparel. The board is 32 in wide and utilizes BLOOM foam, giving it an eco-friendly twist. The board is best suited for recreational paddling that paddlers of all skill levels will enjoy.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $999 Build: Inflatable  Weight: 30.5 lbs 
Use: All Around  Skill: Beginner Sizes: 10'

 

  

 

BODY GLOVE NAVIGATOR

best standup paddle board 2019 body glove navigator 1

This board is hands down one of the best inflatable standup paddle board models for 2019. The construction is very strong with reinforced rails and stringer and feels stiff. This inflatable has the perfect amount of rocker so it glides incredibly well for an inflatable. The board is also very stable with the square tail helping add to that stability as you cruise along. The board features some really nice add on's as well with a comfortable handle that is nice when carrying the board but it also features as a paddle holder when you want to be hands free. The graphics are beautiful and have a really nice color coordination that is attractive to both guys and gals. The board also comes with a full setup, a paddle, leash and pump and a nice portable carry bag. The paddle blade also has nice graphics adding a nice touch to the overall package.

See our full review HERE.

 

Price: $999 Build: Inflatable Weight: 22.12 lbs
Use: All Around  Skill: Beginner
Sizes: 10'6"

  

 

RED PADDLE CO VOYAGER

best standup paddle board 2019 red paddle co voyager 1

The Voyager from Red Paddle Co is an inflatable touring board best suited for intermediate paddlers. At 25.3 lbs, the Voyager is lightweight and relatively easy to carry, despite its size. The Voyager is offered in three sizes (12’6”, 13’2”, 15’), giving paddlers a nice range to choose from. The board also utilizes Red Paddle Co’s MSL technology which makes the boards very rigid and durable, ideal for an inflatable SUP. Starting at $1,599, the Voyager does sit in the premium-tier market in terms of affordability but does offer free shipping and a 2-year warranty.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,599 Build: Inflatable  Weight: 25.3 lbs 
Use: Touring  Skill: Intermediate Sizes: 12'6", 13'2", 15'

  

 

BODY GLOVE OASIS

best standup paddle board 2019 body glove oasis 1

At $999 this inflatable is simply one of the most beautiful mid-price point inflatables that you can buy. The graphics are gorgeous and have a very thoughtful coordination of color scheme all throughout the board. The construction is just remarkable. In fact, it’s quite surprising that at this price point you can find a carbon stringer with reinforced rails, comfortable handles on the nose and center of the board. The board is fairly stable. It’s not the most stable on the market but is fairly stable and pretty average in terms of stability and it would make for an incredible gift for your wife, girlfriend, daughter, etc. who is looking for a board in the yoga space and wanting to have fun on a board that is at an affordable price point that looks good.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $999 Build: Inflatable Weight: 24 lbs
Use: Yoga/Fitness Skill: Beginner Sizes: 10'

 

 

SURFTECH ALEKA 

best standup paddle board 2019 surftech aleka 1

If you’re looking for a board that is designed for women that is a stable, all around board to paddle short to mid-range distances then the Surftech Aleka is something to consider. This standup paddle board (SUP) retails starting at $1,499 and is offered in two different sizes: 10’4” and 11’2”. The Aleka uses Surftech’s Tuflite V-tech construction which makes the board strong and durable. At 29 and 30 inches wide the board is pretty stable and easy to carry, weighing just over 22 lbs. The Aleka is a hybrid all around / touring shape so it can be used in a wide variety of conditions whether you’re looking to go for a quick paddle around the shoreline, catch a few waves, or go on a mid-range paddle the Aleka was designed to do it all.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,469 Build: Non-inflatable  Weight: 22.11 lbs 
Use: All Around  Skill: Beginner Sizes: 10'4", 11'2"

 

 

SURFTECH GENERATOR

best standup paddle board 2019 surftech generator 1

The Generator is a beginner, non-inflatable board, offered at a pretty affordable price but has a premium look. The board is very stable, lightweight and has some gorgeous looks, coming with an exceptionally beautiful play on color and graphics. The bamboo construction combined with either green or blue accent colors (depending on which size you get), make the board really stand out. The board 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.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,349 Build: Non-inflatable Weight: 25.14 lbs
Use: All Around  Skill: Beginner
Sizes:10'6", 11'6"

   

 

 

SIC MAUI OKEANOS

best standup paddle board 2019 sic maui okeanos 1

If you’re looking for a non-inflatable touring board that looks and feels good under your feet, check out the Okeanos from SIC Maui. Starting at $1,499, the Okeanos sits in the mid-tier price point and is a solid board for its price. The board is 29 in. wide and is best for intermediate-level paddlers looking for mid-range to long-distance paddling. The board is offered in four sizes (11’, 12’6” x 27”, 12’6” x 29”, 14’) and has two different color variations to choose from.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,499 Build: Non-Inflatable Weight: 31 lbs
Use: Touring Skill: Intermediate
Sizes: 11', 12'6", 14'

 

SURFTECH PROMENADE

best standup paddle board 2019 surftech promenade 1

The Surftech Promenade is almost a category of its own. This board has the durability of most rental boards in the marketplace, but is actually fairly lightweight for how much volume it packs. The bottomline is, if you’re looking for a price point board with incredible durability that can handle cruising, touring, going the distance, and maybe even racing, and is also incredibly stable, this is it. It’s a rental board that is proving to be more of a touring board, capable of going long distances. The Surftech Promenade is truly a beater that can go the distance.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $999 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 34.7 lbs 
Use: Touring  Skill: Beginner Sizes: 11'6"

 

SIC MAUI RS

best standup paddle board 2019 sic maui rs 1

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 $2,499, the RS sits in the high price point tier but is a premium choice that is worth every penny.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $2,499 Build: Non-Inflatable  Weight: 23.4 lbs 
Use: Race  Skill: Advanced
Sizes: 12'6", 14'

 

 

Photo Gallery

A Look at Imagery from our SUP Reviews

 

  • best standup paddle board 2019 body glove navigator 3
  • best standup paddle board 2019 body glove oasis 2
  • best standup paddle board 2019 red paddle co voyager 2
  • best standup paddle board 2019 sic maui okeanos 2
  • best standup paddle board 2019 sic maui rs 2
  • best standup paddle board 2019 surftech aleka 3
  • best standup paddle board 2019 surftech alta 2
  • best standup paddle board 2019 surftech generator 2
  • best standup paddle board 2019 surftech generator 3
  • best standup paddle board 2019 surftech promenade 2
  • best standup paddle board 2019 surftech promenade 3
  • best standup paddle board 2019 surftech aleka 2
 
 
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Last modified onFriday, 29 April 2022 16:44
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