Best Stand Up Paddle Boards 2021

After personally paddling, weighing, and thoroughly testing dozens of boards, our expert staff has selected the best stand up paddle board 2021 models. These are designated by the "A" grade and organized by categories (inflatable, all-around, touring, etc). In its 5th 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 stand up 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 2021

• Surftech Beachcraft
• NSP O² Pioneer FS
• Tahe SUP-Yak
• Hala Gear Carbon Hoss
• Body Glove Performer 11
• Surftech Monarch
• Surftech Jetsetter
• Body Glove Tandem

 

 

 A Comparison

The Best Paddle Boards 2021

 

Picture	Board	Weight	Price	Use	Skill	Build	Width
	Surftech Beachcraft	23.15 lbs	$970	All Around	Beginner	Inflatable	33 inches
	Surftech Monarch	25.8 lbs	$960	All Around	Beginner	Inflatable	32 inches
	Hala Gear Carbon Hoss	22.5 lbs	$1,399	All Around / River	Beginner	Inflatable	33 inches
	Body Glove Performer 11	24.15 lbs	$999	All Around	Beginner	Inflatable	34 inches
	Tahe SUP-YAK	19.6 lbs	$529	All Around / Kayak Hybrid	Beginner	Inflatable	34 inches
	Surftech Jetsetter	24.9 lbs	$999 - $1,049	All Around	Beginner	Non-Inflatable	31 inches
	Body Glove Tandem	38.2 lbs	$1,499	Touring / Kayak Hybrid	Beginner	Inflatable	34 inches
	NSP O² Pioneer FS	28.13 lbs	$1,220	Fishing / Touring	Beginner	Inflatable	35.5 inches

 

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 BEACHCRAFT

The Surftech Beachcraft has a really nice graphic design to it with a blue/grey color combo and accents of orange which is what you’ll first notice when looking at the board. It features handles on both the nose, center of the deck and tail of the board which give a few different options when it comes to carrying it. The Beachcraft comes with two built-in rubber side bite fins and a removable center fin that helps the board track better in the water. One highlight and point worth mentioning here for this package is the carry case that is included. The material and quality here feel premium and the bag even has wheels included which give you the option to use it more as a suitcase instead of a backpack which is great for traveling. A paddle is also included here making this package ready to go. The paddle here though is not premium and is a bit heavier than what we would typically like so it can make your paddle stroke drag just a bit. On the water, the Beachcraft felt very stable which was expected with the width being at 33”. The board had a fairly nice glide to it and was easy to turn. This board is a great option for all around paddling and is a good option for a full package that’s less than $1k..

See our full review HERE.

Price: $960	Build: Inflatable	Weight: 23.15 lbs
Use: All Around	Skill: Beginner	Sizes: 10'8"

 

  

 

SURFTECH MONARCH

The Surftech Monarch inflatable package is another product from the Surftech and Pura Vida Collaboration. Just like it’s composite board counterpart, the Jetsetter, the Monarch is graphically on another level compared to many other boards on the market. The board is marketed primarily towards female paddlers with its main colors being pink with pops of teal. The board features three different handles, on the nose, tail and center of the board that give some versatility on how you’re able to carry the board. It also includes a bungee on the nose and a D ring for added attachments. Just by looking at the design you can tell a lot of thought went into it. The board felt easy to carry and it was extra comfortable to do so thanks to the padded handle on the center of the deck. On the water I felt the board had a decent stability and the glide felt smooth, not too fast but not too slow. The matching paddle (sold separately) was really nice and lightweight. This board is perfect for all around paddling and for the paddler that wants to look good while doing so.

See our full review HERE.

 

Price: $960	Build: Inflatable	Weight: 25.8 lbs
Use: All Around	Skill: Beginner	Sizes: 10'2"

  

 

HALA GEAR CARBON HOSS

The Carbon Hoss has a very simple yet playful graphic design. The grey accents on the rails and the blue/green graphics on the deck pad go together nicely in combination with the rolling backpack that’s included. These slight touches go a long way. Speaking of the backpack, it was one of the nicer bags we’ve seen and the ease of use with the wheels on the bag was the cherry on top. The board was also quite light for how rigid and durable it is and was pretty easy to carry from the car down to the water. A few other nice features worth mentioning were the added handles on the nose and tail of the board in addition the center handle on the deck. Now, here’s where this board really sets itself apart from other inflatable boards: the Carbon Stringer technology really does maximize glide performance as Hala promises. This patented technology really adds to the performance of the board and really is one of the most, if not the most, rigid inflatables we’ve seen and tried to-date which is why it’s a no-brainer that the Carbon Hoss from Hala Gear deserves the A-grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,399	Build: Inflatable	Weight: 22.5 lbs
Use: All Around / River	Skill: Beginner	Sizes: 11'

  

 

BODY GLOVE PERFORMER 11

Updated for 2021, the Performer 11 has received another nice makeover. It's not the most premium, but when it comes to value it's definitely among the top ones. The graphics have a really nice color coordination and the traction pad is comfortable on your feet. The shape is fairly good and the board feels incredibly stable and the pulled in nose does give a bit more glide. The fins are permanently attached to the board so keep that in mind since you'll have to be a bit more careful as to not damage the fins or the board. The board also features a carbon reinforced strip which definitely stiffens it up. This board also has a mount on the nose for a boat rope to be pulled behind a boat or other watercraft and comes with a gopro mount and a bungee on the nose. The deck of the board has an easy strap handle that can also be a strap for holding the paddle or even a water bottle. This comes with a 3-piece paddle, pump, ankle leash, backpack to store the board, a drybag for your phone or other small items like car keys and a repair kit making it a complete package. The only thing that seems slightly off about the board is the nose is slightly pulled in for my taste but other than that this board seems like an amazing inflatable touring paddle board at a good price point. Overall, I see there was a lot of thought that went into this design. This board is good for all around, touring and fishing but with the nose at a very pointed angle adding in extra gear on the nose or bringing your furry friend might prove to be a bit more difficult compared to other boards with wider nose designs. Carrying the board felt easy with the weight of the board being around the 25lb mark. Getting on to the board wasn’t as stable as I thought it would be so for beginner paddlers it might be a little bit more difficult. However, the board was really easy to turn and had a nice glide to it when paddling. Also worth noting, the packaging comes in a nice box with gorgeous imagery showing the product in action and the bag is simple yet comfortable to carry on your back. Overall, with the pricing being at $999 at normal retail prices this package does have a pretty good value but if you shop at Costco, the price there is dropped down to an unbeatable price at $399 making this package incredibly valuable. Excellent job to Body Glove on putting this together.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $999	Build: Inflatable	Weight: 24.15 lbs
Use: All Around	Skill: Beginner	Sizes: 11'

 

 

TAHE SUP-YAK

The Tahe SUP-Yak is Tahe’s take on the latest trend to hit the SUP market: a SUP/Kayak hybrid board. The SUP-Yak reviewed was their 10’6'' model and is a great board for someone looking for just that: a SUP/Kayak hybrid. The SUP-Yak package comes fully loaded for standup paddling (board, pump, fin, repair kit, carry bag, paddle and leash) so if you’re looking to make it a hybrid be sure to grab the kayak attachments that are sold separately OR make sure you get the package that includes the full kit. With the kayak accessory attachments you are set with a paddle that can be used for both SUP and kayaking, a seat and footrest attachments. The board itself has three separate handles: one on the nose, tail and center of the board making carrying versatile and rather easy. The board also features reinforced rails which give it just a bit of added stiffness and durability. At 34 in. wide, the board is nice and stable and something new that we haven’t yet seen is a Daisey Rail Attachment system that allows for versatility and customization for adding attachments onto the board. The board is also versatile in the sense that it can be used for all around paddling, SUP yoga or fitness, and possibly even fishing. The color and graphics on the board are simple and clean with a nice mix of blues and greens and the accent pop of orange. Carrying the board down to the water was nice and easy and once on the water, the board in both the sitting and standing position felt stable. Overall, the SUP-Yak is a really nice option for a paddler looking for something that can be used in many different ways, is affordable and durable. At the price range it’s at and what it provides this is definitely a great package, deserving of Supconnect’s A-Grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $529	Build: Inflatable	Weight: 19.6 lbs
Use: All Around / Kayak Hybrid	Skill: Beginner	Sizes: 10'6", 11'6"

 

 

SURFTECH JETSETTER

The Surftech Jetsetter is the product of a collab between Surftech and Pura Vida. The board comes in two different sizes 10’4 and 11’4 with the colorways being slightly different between the two. The graphics here are phenomenal and absolutely gorgeous. With primarily pink colorways the board is targeted more towards the female paddler but men can easily love and appreciate the design here. While not included, the board also has a matching paddle and leash combo that, when put together, make the package one of the most gorgeous on the market. Carrying the board is made easy in part due to the weight of the board but also the handle that allows for a full grip. The shape of the board makes it more geared towards touring with the nose of the board being at more of a point than rounded and it also has a nice little rocker to it. On the water, the board paddled nice and smooth and even somewhat fast. The board also felt stable and was easy to turn. This board is perfect for anyone who is looking to glide with friends anywhere from around the dock to up to two miles or so. This board is a great option for smaller paddlers however larger paddlers might need to either size up to the 11’2 to get more stability and float from the board. Long story short, if you’re a smaller paddler that loves a great design, both graphically and in shape, with good quality and fair pricing, the Jetsetter is a great option.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $999 - $1,049	Build: Non-inflatable	Weight: 24.9 lbs
Use: All Around	Skill: Beginner	Sizes:10'4", 11'4"

   

 

 

BODY GLOVE TANDEM

The Body Glove Tandem is the second of their SUP/Kayak hybrid boards (the first one being the Porter), this one offering the option of holding two paddlers. The package comes with two kayak seats that are already strapped on to the board out of the box and two adjustable paddles that transform into SUP paddles when needed. When you want to switch to SUP, just remove the seats from the deck of the board and you’ll be good to go. The board comes in a plain black bag that can be carried around but does not double as a backpack. The box/packaging like other Body Glove products come in a beautiful box with gorgeous imagery that show the versatility of the board. The board includes a handle on both the nose and tail of the board making it nice and easy to carry when you have someone with you. The deck of the board also has two different handles giving you a second option for carrying if you prefer to carry the board underneath your arm. The handles on the deck of the board also double as holders for the paddles as well as water bottles. There’s a nice graphic design to the board as well with a sort of map-looking design on the nose which is a nice play on the exploratory nature that paddle boarding allows. The board comes with a GoPro mount and has bungee cords on the nose and on the tail there are a few D rings for added attachments if you wish. If you’re paddling solo, this board will be tough to carry alone to and from the water due to its size and weight. Once you have the board in the water, the board is very stable and is perfect for all around paddling, fishing and spending time on the water. Long distances probably aren’t the best for this board with 1-3 miles distance being best. Overall, the design, quality and feel make this a great package, deserving of Supconnect’s A Grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,499	Build: Inflatable	Weight: 38.2 lbs
Use: Touring / Kayak Hybrid	Skill: Beginner	Sizes: 15'

 

NSP O² PIONEER FS

Visually, this paddleboard has a beautiful design with a dark green/forest green coloring with a map on the nose of the board playing into the adventure that the board is meant for. You can tell that a lot of thought was put in here. The deckpad is a thermoformed EVA deckpad, very comfortable, that lays on the majority of the board making it again, great for whitewater paddling as well as touring/camping when you need to haul a good amount of gear. One great feature to note here is that the board has two paddle holders, one in the middle of the deckpad and one on the tail which is very useful when fishing. This board also comes with three mounts for attaching fishing gear, GSP, or a seat. There are three fins, you have two side bites and one larger center fin. And on the nose and the tail there are heavy duty tie-down belts for safety gear which adds a nice touch. When carrying this board it felt fairly easy to carry down to the water. On the water the board felt very stable, which is exactly what you need on the river, and had an easy glide that would be good for beginner to intermediate paddlers. The thought behind the design, the price point and durability combined all point to the Pioneer deserving Supconnect’s A-Grade.

See our full review HERE.

Price: $1,220	Build: Inflatable	Weight: 28.13 lbs
Use: Fishing / Touring	Skill: Beginner	Sizes: 11'

  

 

Photo Gallery

A Look at Imagery from our SUP Reviews

 

 

 

More Resources

• Best Stand Up Paddle Boards 2020
• Best Beginner Stand Up Paddle Boards 2020
• Best Non-Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards 2020
• Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards 2020
• Best All Around Stand Up Paddle Boards 2020

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