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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.
Shopping for a paddleboard though is not so easy, with a wide variety of shapes, materials, and sizes, it can be challenging to even browse options, much less make a decision on what is best for you!
Want more? Read the first article in this series about paddleboarding disciplines, and our article covering different paddleboard styles here.
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:
- 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 with more than just their own weight on the board.
- Inflatable paddleboards are a must for anyone with a small car or limited space - and technology has improved incredibly on these versatile, durable, easy to store boards. With current inflatables, you should be able to get a variety of shapes and sizes, designed for all levels and styles of paddleboarding.
Paddleboards For Beginners
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Lifetime Horizon Stand Up Paddleboard At under $400, this hard plastic paddelboard is the least expensive on our list, but will still get you around the lake. If you're looking for something durable and easy, and you're not too worried about speed and sport, this is a solid choice! |
If you'd like a nicer paddleboard for your money, we suggest shopping in the off-season and taking advantage of amazing discounts. You can still come in at the under $400 mark, but get much more value out of it, like this $1000 Imagine board on sale for just $358. |
Inflatable paddleboards are ideal for young learners - they're affordable, easy to transport and, quite durable.
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Jimmy Styks Mutt Inflatable SUP At just 22 pounds and 10 feet this board is small enough to work for littler paddlers, and has a weight limit of 260 pounds, since we know kids all like to hop on together! |
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!
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Our picks:
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Affordable Inflatable - Bic Cross Air/Fit 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 Shape - Surftech x Prana Alta Ko We love the prana collaboration print on this sweet inflatable. With ample deck pad space and tie downs for your gear, plus a wide and stable shape designed for yoga, this is the perfect board for flat water paddling and yoga fun. |
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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 praciticing some yoga while you're out there.
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This super stable SUP is great for yoga and also for situations where a little more balance is key - such as paddleboarding with kids! It has a full length deck pad so you can move about wherever you like, and a stiff "cocomat" epoxy construction made with coconut husks for added stiffness and stability. |
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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 If you're not ready for the full-on touring board, look at hybrids like this Surftech Chameleon - featuring a displacement nose and a floational hull, this board is designed to offer the best of both styles of paddleboard, great for touring! |
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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.
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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. |
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