What’s a good price for a paddle board?
For novice paddlers who want a good-quality SUP experience, I would recommend budgeting around $1,000 and looking for paddleboards in the middle of the price range. At this pricing tier you will begin to experience better performance on the water and the construction will be a bit higher quality than low-level boards. The Board: Traditional paddleboards are longer and narrower than SUP boards, typically between 12 to 19 feet long, making them more hydrodynamic. These boards are designed for either prone (lying flat) or kneeling positions and require a high level of balance and core strength.For serious paddle boarders, an SUP electric pump is absolutely worth the investment. The time and energy saved make it a valuable accessory, especially for frequent paddlers, families, and travelers. However, if you paddle occasionally and don’t mind the workout, a manual pump might still serve you well.Why Is Paddle Board Thickness Important? An inflatable SUP needs to have a certain amount of thickness to ensure that it has enough rigidity and stability to support a rider’s weight on the water. However, if the board is too thick, then riders will have trouble feeling “connected” to the water.Falling into the water and not being efficiently prepared or trained can cause major issues for those taking part in SUP. Weather conditions can also make paddle boarding difficult and could hamper participants being able to return to the board fully.
What is a hybrid paddle board?
As you may have guessed, a SUP-kayak hybrid is a cross between a kayak and a paddle board. They are stable with a wide and open deck – like paddle boards – and you can paddle them from a standing position. Traditional paddleboarding, also known as prone paddleboarding, predates SUP by many decades. Unlike SUP, paddleboarding involves either kneeling or lying flat on a paddleboard, and the rider propels themselves by paddling with their hands instead of using a paddle.
What to look for when buying a paddle board?
To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness. If you’re new to paddling, look for a board 33” to 35” in width for more stability. If speed is a priority for you, look for a board 31” to 32” wide and 10 to 12 ½ feet long. Pro Advice: when shopping for your first paddle board, consider an All Around SUP around at least 10’6 long and 31” to 35” wide.The bottom line is that inflatable paddle boards are better to use in general because they’re lightweight, stable, durable, and can be used in a variety of settings. However, if you plan on surfing, racing, or optimizing your performance, hard epoxy boards are the right choice.Great examples of Surf SUP hard boards would be the Starboard 8’4 Hypernut or JP Australia 9’8 Fusion, while inflatable Surf SUP’s would be the Red Paddle 8’10 Whip and the Fanatic Stubby.Durability. The durability of your blow up paddle board is important, especially when it’s inflatable. Once a cheap paddle board starts to break down, it tends to be more than just a simple issue and more than likely isn’t worth the effort of fixing so you’ll end up going and buying a new one.The most popular SUP boards for general use are 10-11 feet in length and between 32 and 34 inches wide. If stability is a high priority for you, you’ll want to look for a board that is 33-34 inches wide. You can go wider, but you may end up with a board that is sluggish and less fun to paddle.
What type of paddle board is most stable?
An inflatable paddle board, inflated to its recommended pressure, will typically be more stable than a hard board of the same dimensions. With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.Durability: Surprisingly, inflatable paddle boards are more durable than solid paddle boards. Quality inflatables are made from military grade materials, so if you knock or drop your inflatable board, it won’t dent or scratch. This also makes inflatable boards perfect for white water paddling or paddling rocky rivers.Almost everything about an inflatable makes it more suitable than a hardboard for beginners. If you later get serious about surfing or racing, you might then consider a fiberglass or epoxy board for those activities, but an inflatable is what makes the most sense for your first board in most cases.
What makes a paddle board more expensive?
Larger paddle boards with more features and accessories are more expensive. Solid paddle boards typically range from $800-$1,200. Many people assume that the high cost of solid SUPs means they’re superior to inflatable paddle boards, but the truth is that inflatable SUPs are just much less expensive to produce. The Glide Wander is our top pick for Best Value Paddle Board in 2025 because it strikes the perfect balance of price, durability, and performance. For under $600, you’re getting woven dropstitch technology, trifusion rails, and a real warranty backed by paddlers who care.