2020 Women's Paddleboard Buyer's Guide

The growth of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) over the past few years has led to an explosion of products on the market, making it confusing for women to find the best paddleboard for them - but not to worry, we've talked to our ambassadors about what they've loved over the years, and have recommendations for the most loved paddleboards for all of the different styles of SUP - from family fun on the lake, to racing, surfing and more!   

From playing at the lake with the family, to yoga and fitness, to fishing, adventure touring, surfing and even white-water river running, stand up paddleboarding is a varied discipline that has something for almost every adventure lover, whether you're looking for adrenaline rushes or the natural beauty of exploring your local waters. 

Want more? Read the first article in this series about paddleboarding disciplines, and our article covering different paddleboard styles here. 

Sizing Your Paddleboard 

Paddleboards are sized primarily based on the rider weight... as well as the weight of all of the stuff you plan to carry.  You cannot be too small for a paddleboard, but a small rider may find a large board difficult to maneuver or paddle quickly.  If you are too heavy for the board, it will sit too low in the water, causing difficulty with balance and movement. 

Considerations:

- This guide is focused primarily on inflatable stand-up paddleboards (ISUP) as for most people, they're a great choice - easy to store, easy to transport, and loaded with great technology.  We've also heard from ambassadors that a good quality ISUP is the most durable they've used - even preferred by ambassadors who really put their boards through rough white-water SUP. 

- When purchasing a paddleboard, take into account what you plan to do with your paddleboard.  Most beginners will appreciate the stability of a larger board, as will those who enjoy yoga, fitness and fishing on a paddleboard.  Those looking to race, surf, or run rivers with their paddleboard will often prefer a shorter board. 

- Think about the weight of what you may carry on your paddleboard - from dogs to fishing gear to children, paddlers often travel wi th more than just their own weight on the board. 

Paddleboards For Beginners

Paddleboards for Beginners & Affordable Fun

If you're just looking to get out on the lake and have some fun occasionally without spending too much money, there are still quite a few options in the under $400 price range. 

One option is Polyethelene paddleboards (think rigid hollow plastic like an inexpensive kayak) are both affordable and durable, and perfect for someone who just wants to play around out on the water.  These boards tend to have a lower weight capacity and are a great option for kids and smaller riders. 

Another choice?  Check out the off-season sales - shopping online for a paddleboard in the fall through early spring can get you a killer discount - up to 70% off a good quality board.  Shopping around is always a good idea, but right now we're seeing some amazing deals at the-house.com.

Sapient Inflatable SUP We did a little hunting around to find a great deal that's perfect for a beginner on a budget. This board is designed to be stable for beginners and SUP yoga enthusiasts, and you can't beat the price - the off-season discount makes it under $400!	Performer 11' 2020 Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board (ISUP) with Bag, Paddle & Pump This redesigned paddleboard from our partners at Body Glove includes everything you'll need to get started.  A stable shape with fixed fins that track well in water, plus a large grippy deck mean this board will be one you'll love for a while

Paddleboards For Yoga & Workouts

Our picks:
Affordable Inflatable - Bic Cross Fit Paddleboard This all-around fitness-focused paddleboard has a large pad for all of your yoga positions and a stable, wide shape, while still retaining a rigid feel that some inflatables lack.  Inflatables are perfect for those of you who lack storage space or drive a smaller car, and the technology has improved over the years to give you a firm feel despite being filled with air!	Yoga-Focused Features: Hala Rival Asana Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard The full-length traction pad and wide, rockered shape make this an easy choice for yoga lovers.  Rigging straps are included to hold your keys, water bottle, and more, while the wide platform makes it versatile enough for your full yoga flow.
Bic Classic SUP For those who enjoy the rigidity and maneuverability of epoxy paddleboards, this classic wide shape and large deck pad would be ideal for playing at the lake and practicing some yoga while you're out there.	Starboard Yoga Harmony Zen Inflatable SUP Paddleboard This inflatable was truly built with a yogi in mind, from the wide shape and large volume - giving enough space to practice solo or even tandem, with a friend.  It also features D-Rings designed for SUP Yoga beginners to connect and dock their boards in a class setting.

Paddleboard for Fun and Fitness

Above all others, I recommend hard foam/fiberglass SUPs.  Inflatable paddle boards are intriguing because of their storage advantages and easy transport, but an avid paddle boarder will quickly tire of the time-consuming pumping, and these boards don't move through the water nearly as well. For a recreational paddleboarder, inflatables are a great solution to the enormous board issue!    - Ambassador Brianna Smith

Brianna Smith recommends a board with lots of space for your adventuring essentials.

Body Glove Raptor Plus 10'8 Combining the speed and efficiency of a touring shape with the convenience of an inflatable, this versatile and lightweight paddleboard is a go-anywhere choice, and can even be used on rivers or in light surf.	Naish Alana Fusion Inflatable SUP Paddleboard For a more intermediate paddleboarder looking for a great ISUP for touring and fun, this speedy and maneuverable paddleboard is designed to bridge the gap between a high-end race board and a beginner board.  With a stiffer feel and a soft deck pad, this board will get you where you want to go, fast!

 

Touring Paddleboards - Fast and Sleek 

Boardworks Chinook Touring Stand Up Paddleboard This board is designed with efficient gliding in mind, making it ideal for traveling longer distances.  With plenty of room to strap your gear to the deck, and a super comfortable deck pad, this is perfect for those looking for longer trips and camping via SUP.	Surftech Chameleon TEKefx Hybrid Touring Stand-Up Paddleboard With a race-focused shape, this touring paddleboard features a single fin, allowing for more maneuverability and a nose that'll glide quickly through the water.

For the Kids

Inflatable paddleboards are ideal for young learners - they're affordable, easy to transport and, quite durable.  

Solstice Fiji Inflatable SUP Paddleboard This compact 8' long paddleboard is affordable and small enough for kids and teens to maneuver.   Good up to 175 pounds, they won't outgrow it, either!	Radar Lil Buddy SUP If you're looking for a more traditional hard paddleboard for your kiddo or a smaller rider, check out this small 8' long board - perfect for an older kid through teen or even a small adult!
Crusader Multi-Person Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package	Family Fun If you prefer to all go out on the lake together, many brands are now carrying multi-person paddleboards - these boards can be a bit bulky and hard to maneuver, but that's part of the fun, right?  From floating your local river to paddling out for a picnic and a swim, you'll have fun with this jumbo-sized board for 2-6 people.

NRS Quiver Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard If you want to run rivers, this paddleboard is for you - designed specifically for the rigors of whitewater paddleboarding with double wall construction for added durability, a stable shape and added rocker for maneuverability.	Badfish River Shred Stand Up Paddleboard Designed for running rivers, this nimble rockered inflatable paddleboard is super fun and a favorite of our ambassadors who love paddleboarding in whitewater.