The Greatest Standup Paddleboards of 2023

Standup paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports of the past decade. There’s a good chance you’re familiar with standup paddleboarding, but if you aren’t, here’s what you need to know.

Standup paddleboarding, or SUPing, is the act of standing (or sitting or kneeling) on a solid epoxy or inflatable plastic board tapered at both ends and using a paddle to move through the water. Whether you’re floating on a mellow river or lake, navigating Class 2 rapids, or exploring coastlines, a SUP offers freedom and exposure you don’t get in a boat or kayak.

Some paddlers use their boards for multiday adventures, while others race, fish, surf ocean waves, do yoga, run whitewater, hike to glacial tarns, or hang out with friends and family at the local reservoir.

Paddleboards are similar in shape to a long ocean surfboard but also have fins that are removable or fixed on the bottom, which help the board track well in the water while being steered.

Inflatables, which we focus on here, are a great option because when they’re deflated, they can more easily fit in a closet, trunk, or truck bed. You can even take them on airplanes. Inflatable designs have benefits on the water, too, like durability against rocks or other debris.

Below you’ll find our list of the best inflatable standup paddleboards of 2023. We’ve grouped them into categories to help you find the paddleboard that’s right for you. Be sure to check out the buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart at the end of this article if you need more help choosing.

The Best Standup Paddleboards of 2023

Standup Paddleboards Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

On top of extensive research, we enjoyed putting these SUPs to the test. Among our testers, Editor Mary Murphy is an avid standup paddleboarder for day trips and overnighters. Contributor Morgan Tilton also SUPs and has a self-supported first SUP descent down the 100-mile wild whitewater of the Escalante River, in Utah.

We took these SUPs on meandering river outings, through turbulent whitewater, and on calm waterways through canyons. We hiked our SUPs to high-altitude mountain lakes, paddled on wide-open reservoirs, and loaded them up for multiday trips.

For this guide, we looked at the overall construction, durability, and features of each standup paddleboard across a range of prices and applications. Our metrics for each board included quality, construction, and value. We put a huge focus on inflatable standup paddleboards and all-around models. They are a great option for all experience levels, have a variety of uses (flatwater and whitewater), and don’t require special racks or extra storage.

We tested all of the boards on this list — with and without gear bags strapped down — to get a feel for how the boards handle at different weights.

In addition, we considered the newest, highest-rated, most popular, and bestselling models on the market today.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Standup Paddleboard

Types of Standup Paddleboards

A variety of standup paddleboard designs exist that are tailored to specific activities and user goals. Boards can also have hybrid designs that work well for a variety of applications.

All-Around

These popular boards work for many types and experience levels of paddlers from whitewater to flatwater. But the designs do not excel at a specific type of paddling such as racing or whitewater.

The majority of the SUPs in our guide are all-around boards, given the designs are often suitable for beginners, families, groups, individuals, and laid-back paddling in addition to more aggressive missions. All-around SUPs can be solid or inflatable, and we focus on inflatable designs in this guide.

Whitewater

SUPs for whitewater are typically inflatable, which increases the durability while running against rocks, trees, or other debris. While they’re lengthier than a river surfboard, they’re generally shorter than the longest SUPs that are speed- or race-oriented on flatwater.

Touring (Flatwater)

Touring boards are made to be stable and move fast in water for paddling over long distances. The shape, or hull, is pointier to displace the water. Touring SUPs can be solid or inflatable.

Fishing

For greater stability, fishing-oriented SUPs are often wider, which makes them a tad slower than narrower boards. These boards also usually have plenty of attachment points for angler accessories. Fishing SUPs can be solid or inflatable.

Race

The length of the SUP is longer, and the width is narrower. The longer design helps the board track straighter. The three primary race categories are 12′ 6″, 14′, and everything that’s longer than that. The shape, or hull, can be pointier to displace the water (called a displacement hull), which is good for flatwater races and long distances. Or, a planing hull sits more on top of the water, which is useful for choppy or ocean water.

Surf

If you frequent the ocean and want to surf waves, you can do so on a SUP. These designs are usually shorter in length and narrower for maneuverability.

Solid vs. Inflatable SUPs

Solid Designs

Performance-wise, solid SUPs travel stronger through water and with more stability compared to a lighter, air-filled inflatable. A rigid board is typically made of EPS foam that’s reinforced with fiberglass and epoxy. The blend is durable and fairly light.

Another solid material option is to invest in a carbon fiber board if you want an even lighter-weight, stiffer build. Carbon fiber is pricier. Designs can also incorporate wood, which is aesthetically attractive. Those options include bamboo, which is strong, light, and less expensive than carbon fiber. Other types of wood include cedar, paulownia, and beetle-kill pine.

Generally, rigid boards have a broader range of shapes and sizes compared to inflatables. If you do go with a solid board, be sure you have the proper transportation setup, like a vehicle rack, as well as a place to store the full-length board year-round.

Inflatable Designs

Inflatable SUPs usually are made of plastic with reinforcements, such as along the rail and beneath where the paddler stands. They are pumped up with air for use, similar to pumping up your bike tires before a ride. The materials of the deck pad are soft underfoot.

Inflatable designs are super popular because they’re easier to store and transport than a solid board. But they do require energy and time to inflate every single time you use the board. Typically, it takes us about 10 minutes to pump up a board — it’s a great warmup before a paddle. It can raise your heart rate and make your biceps burn depending on the PSI needs of the day!

They are also generally less performance-oriented than rigid boards in regard to speed and stability.

Inflatable SUPs are a great choice if you will be in low water depths or near rocks or sharp sticks or logs because they can absorb and handle abrasion and impact better than a solid board.

Shape or Hull

The hull is the shape of the board. There are generally two types of shapes for SUPs, which are in simple terms rounder and pointier.

Wide and Blunt (Planing Hull)

This SUP design is flatter and rides toward the surface of the water. The wider, rounder nose (and tail) and overall shape are stable and easier to turn. Planing hulls are used for all-around SUPs. These shapes are generally good for whitewater, surfing (the shape is similar to a surfboard), and practicing yoga on a SUP.

Narrow and Pointed (Displacement Hull)

A displacement hull is narrower, and the nose is pointier so the board efficiently, smoothly cuts through the water, and tracks well. The tail is often flat instead of round. Flatwater or touring and race-specific boards typically have a displacement hull. This design is a good choice for competitions, events, and speed-oriented workouts or covering long distances.

Length and Width

With boards, the length and width correlate to overall volume and weight capacity. Overall size influences how nimble a board is in waves or whitewater (relative to the paddler size and cargo weight) as well as the board’s stability.

If ocean surfing is your focus, go shorter. For an all-around board, choose a moderate length. If your priority is long-distance tours, opt for a long board.

Otherwise, if you weigh 140 pounds (and want the board to be extra speedy or maneuverable), you have the option of choosing a shorter length — and therefore less volume — board. If you weigh at or over 180-200 pounds — or if you want to paddle with a dog, child, or partner — consider a longer length and wider board.

Also, consider if you want to travel super lightweight such as on short day trips. Or, if you need plenty of storage for cargo, such as dry bags and a cooler.

In general, here are the guidelines of a short, moderate, and longboard:

Short length (less than 10 feet)

Medium length (10 to 12 feet)

Long length (greater than 12 feet)

Widths range from nearly 25 inches to 35 inches or more. Adding width increase the volume, which improves stability, as well as capacity for hauling gear. Narrower boards have less drag, move faster, and can more easily pivot.

Generally, we recommend a slightly larger board to new paddlers to offer more stability.

The most common size boards are 10′ 6″ or 11′. But there are plenty of lengths, shapes, and sizes beyond that range.

If you’re shopping for a family, you can save buckets by purchasing one longer, wider board instead of two (or four). For instance, two 140-pound adults can comfortably fit on an 11′ board (the fit and weight limit will vary by brand). Like kayaks, there are even tandem-specific models out there (ranging from 12 to 15 feet in length).

Weight and Weight Capacity

Inflatable SUPs generally weigh less than solid boards. All of the inflatables in our guide weigh under 31 pounds. The heavier boards include the 31-pound NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP Board and the 30-pound BOTE HD Inflatable Paddleboard. The lightest board is the 12.9-pound Kokopelli Chasm Lite, followed by the 18-pound Badfish Flyweight.

The weight capacity is how much a SUP can safely carry including paddlers, pets, catch, or cargo.

When you trim a SUP’s grams, typically the board has a lower capacity for weight overall, however, there’s not a direct correlation so pay attention to those numbers. For instance, the NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP model has a 275-pound capacity. The BOTE HD Inflatable Paddleboard weighs a tad less, has a greater overall volume, and can carry 315 pounds.

The Badfish SUP Flyweight can tote up to 230 pounds, and the iROCKER All-Around 10′ Ultra Paddleboard can carry 260 pounds. The lowest weight capacities among our choice SUPs are the NRS Thrive Inflatable SUP Board and the NRS STAR Phase Inflatable SUP Board that can each carry 180 pounds.

On the highest end of weight capacity, the Portager can carry 350 pounds. The upgraded Portager XL even carries up to 650 pounds.

Deck Pad

The deck pad covers the top of the SUP where the paddler will sit or stand. Coverage varies per board, and some boards have wider, longer patches of pad than others. The material blend is unique to each brand but often includes plastic.

The materials offer traction and grip, and they generally feel soft and cushioned. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get burnt from friction! If you plan to paddle whitewater or uneven water, don’t be ashamed to wear knee pads, especially on a long trip.

One of our favorite deck pads is on the Boardworks SHUBU Solr. The deck pad is covered in a layer dubbed “Honey Fomb,” which looks like honeycomb and feels like a therapeutic, thick yoga mat. A whopping three-quarters of the board is topped off with this cushion, which makes standing, sitting, kneeling, or practicing Warrior II Pose that much more comfortable.

All-around or whitewater boards typically have a deck pad that covers the majority of the board’s surface and at least covers the center to the tail, given the paddler will be making more dynamic paddling strokes and moving around to shift weight on the board. For instance, the Hala Gear Hala Rado is nearly entirely covered in an EVA cushioned deck pad, which is even topped off with a 1.5-inch raised stomp pad in the back, similar to the upturned tail you see on a skateboard deck.

In comparison, the EVA deck pad on the iROCKER All-Around 10′ Ultra Paddleboard is split in the middle with two strips where the paddler is likely to stand, which helps trim down weight. The deck pad is also strategically placed on the Paddle North Portager Paddleboard, marking where a paddler can stay centered on the board.

Rails

The SUP rail is the edge around the board. The rail materials can vary and the shape can be rounder or more angled.

Rails are good to pay attention to because they can often be the first place on a board that can get dinged or begin to deteriorate through use. It’s good to know how to repair a rail and to have your repair kit on a trip.

Handles

Many SUPs are designed with a well-cushioned, ergonomic carry handle in the center of the SUP, so you can carry it under your arm. There can also be carry handles at the nose and tail. Some carry handles are more comfortable than others, and not all are cushioned.

Tie-Down Points and Bungee Straps

Various tie-down points exist on SUPs. Many designs feature bungee cord nets fixed to the front or back of the board (or both).

For overnight paddle trips and whitewater trips, our favorite feature is stainless steel D-rings — they’re easy to clip or thread tie-downs into, reliable, and super sturdy.

Other rings include soft rings, which are not as quick to thread, and plastic rings, which are not as durable as stainless steel.

Certain SUP designs feature specific attachment points for brand accessories tailored to certain sports like fishing and touring. The BOTE HD Aero Paddleboard is compatible with removable rack receivers for the brand’s tackle rac or bucket rac accessories for anglers.

Fins

Fins beneath the board near the tail help a board track well (read: stay straight) in the water and help increase stability. Sizes and shapes vary. The longer the fin, the more influence it will have on tracking and stability. In contrast, shorter fins are great for shallower water like low-volume rivers, certain beaches, or areas with lots of vegetation like seagrass. Often folks refer to fin size in regard to the length of the fin or how much it protrudes into the water.

Lots of paddle brands offer removable and interchangeable fins for various types of water. Certain boards have a mix of both fixed and removable fins, like the ISLE’s Pioneer 2.0 SUP, which has two fixed side fins and a removable larger center fin.

A removable fin attaches to a board via a fin box or plate, which is where the end of the fin slides or snaps into place. Note: not all fins are compatible with all types of fix boxes.

A variety of fin configurations exist:

Single fin: One single, usually longer fin that is placed in the center

3-fin: Three fins that are equal in length and size and spaced evenly apart

2-fin: Two fins that are equal in length and size and space evenly apart

2 plus 1: One single larger fin in the center and two smaller fins on either side

If you know you want to take your board out on both flatwater and whitewater (or the ocean), invest in a brand that has a surf fin in its lineup.

Some brands also offer spare fins with a purchase.

Paddles

The majority of SUPs include a paddle with purchase but not all. Generally, an inflatable SUP includes a multi-piece or three-piece paddle that breaks down and fits well in the travel bag. The length is adjustable.

A paddle has a handle at one end, connected to the shaft, and then a blade (which goes in the water) at the other end. Nicer paddles have more ergonomic handles.

Paddle shafts are usually made of aluminum, glass fiber, carbon, or Kevlar. Carbon is the most performance-oriented because it’s lightweight and strong, and the investment could be worth the long haul.

Leash

A leash is helpful if you fall off your board and don’t want it to float away, especially if it’s breezy or there happen to be wakes, or if you pushed the board away as you toppled over. A leash is also a tool used by flatwater racers, given they are moving faster. Many SUPs are made with a leash attachment point like a D-ring.

Some SUP packages include a coiled leash, which attaches to the board. The other side of the leash is padded and Velcros around the paddler’s ankle, such as the one made by BOTE ($44).

However, there is major contention nationwide regarding the safety of whether or not a leash should be used on a SUP (and on a river surfboard), especially in turbulent, quick-shifting, debris-laden water. The industry lacks universal standards regarding this piece of gear. Fatalities have occurred due to leashes getting lodged in underwater debris when a SUPer falls off in fast-moving river water.

To help increase a paddler’s ability to disconnect themselves from their setup multiple brands have designed quick-release leashes such as NRS ($64), Hala ($80), and Level Six ($50).

If you purchase a quick-release leash, be sure to practice and confidently know how to effectively and efficiently use it in the water.

And no, a leash doesn’t replace the buoyancy and safety of a PFD (personal flotation device). Be sure to follow the PFD, or life jacket, regulations where you plan to SUP.

Travel Bag

Travel bags are usually included in the package for an inflatable SUP, and they often have a backpack design with padded shoulder straps. Nicer travel bags even have durable wheels so they can be rolled. Typically, the bags have zippered pockets, too.

The bags are a great way to keep all of the accessories in one place including the fins, hand pump, and patch kit.

The most unique travel bag design we’ve seen is the one made by Red Paddle Co., which comes with the MSL 10′ 6″ Ride SUP. Great for minimal approach hikes, the SUP offers the option to fully isolate the shoulder harness from the rest of the roller backpack, leaving behind a simple system of straps that attach horizontally and vertically around the SUP.  For a streamlined paddle day, this arrangement is great.

Packages

Another top consideration to look at when purchasing a board is what comes with it.

This wasn’t always the case, but many boards are now sold with a paddle, fin, pump, and travel bag included in the package.

Buying the board and paddle together saves time, research, and often money. And at the very least, these combo packages ensure you’ll get an adjustable paddle that works with your board.

Transporting Your SUP

Inflatable SUPs can be deflated, rolled up, and easily stashed inside a truck bed or inside your rig.

If you plan to transport a SUP on the outside of your vehicle, be sure the board is completely locked down and secured. For instance, Thule makes a SUP roof rack and Viking Solutions make a truck bed rack.

SUPs that are sketchily or incorrectly fixed to vehicles can fly off and into the windshields of rigs behind them. Be sure your board is correctly affixed!

Budget

The SUPs featured in our gear guide range from $699 on the low end to $1,399 on the high end. Typically, SUPs cost around $1,000.

If the board you love is out of your price range, wait for a sale. You could rent or demo the board you like through your local retailer until you find the one you like.

Some outfitters will even sell off their demo fleet boards after a couple of seasons. These are all great options for setting yourself up for success. Wait, plan, invest.

In terms of quality, especially with an inflatable SUP, it will be well worth it in the long run.

Caring for Your SUP

There are a few common practices you should know once you invest in an inflatable SUP.

Never leave your board sitting out in the sun. This can degrade the strength of the material over time, delaminating the board. Not to mention, UV rays could cause the surface and colors of your board to fade.

Always inflate to the recommended PSI. You want to keep the max weight in mind if you have two riders, whether two adults or an adult and cargo (dog or kid). If you are a heavier rider and want more stability, feel free to inflate to the maximum recommended PSI when starting out.

Invest in some boat cleaner for your SUP. An inflatable boat cleaner is designed to remove any dirt, oxidation, and marks from a SUP or kayak (works on PVC or urethane materials). Alternatively, you can wipe down your board after use with a damp cloth. This is crucial if you are paddling frequently in saltwater. We always carry a soft microfiber towel in my trunk.

Inspect the valve and board before you go. Most SUPs nowadays include a repair and patch kit, but no one wants to have to deal with that on the water. Always inspect your board before you head out for the day.

FAQ