10 Best Stand Up Paddleboards (Review) In 2020

There’s a lot to cover with each SUP, but this model does its best to minimize the standard issues that you see on a lot of veteran brands. First and foremost, sun exposure is one of the leading issues with SUPs getting severely damaged or totaled. SereneLife included a UV-resistant coating, which not only prevents sun damage but provides extra durability to the entire board. The overall grit of this board is a great reason for beginners to invest in it, but the riding style isn’t aimed toward beginners at all. You’ll notice a rough time getting situated because this board’s abilities heavily rely on PSI.

There’s nothing wrong with that, it doesn’t make the board less viable, but it is better suited for experienced users instead of being treated as an introductory model. SereneLife made this board extremely lightweight in almost all aspects while retaining an excellent size, and included an oar that defeats most of the problems with standard SUPs. It’s built to actually contest the waters instead of bending with them, so you can row without fear of snapping a paddle. This also makes a great gift for swimmers in your life.

Roc may be one of the best-selling SUPs of all time, but it comes with its fair share of issues. We have to give credit where credit is due, and for Roc, they did a fantastic job with the UV-resistant coating on the exterior to protect your SUP against sun damage. The last thing that’s going to happen to this board is foam overheating issues (which can make your board unusable). Between flotation balance and an excellent grip, it’s a reliable board, albeit for a few issues.

You get a few D-rings to provide an anchor for your leash, but they’re extremely small and fragile when you compare them to basic D-rings. Inflation can also be an issue because you need immense pressure in order to get enough air in. If you can figure that out after one or two uses and get a rhythm going, you can forego the wait time and get in the water faster. Roc includes a one-year manufacturer warranty with your purchase, as well as the best waterproof backpack you’ll ever use. It has enough room for everything included in this kit and feels comfortable as can be on your back (more backpack companies should take this concept into consideration). Be sure to combine this with a cool surfing wetsuits from our list.

Stuck somewhere between amateur and professional? iRocker’s solution is designed to stick right in the middle of that price range, but feature plenty of the benefits that you’d expect to see in expensive boards. First of all, there’s a 400 lb weight capacity, which accounts for just about all pressure that you could stress on this board. No matter where your experience level lies, this board will fit the bill. There are a few grievances (as with anything), first and foremost being the fiberglass paddle. Fiberglass can be fairly tough and rigid, but when fully extended, this one feels like it’s not really holding up against the pressure of the water.

There’s a few removable fins, offering a great deal of versatility, but also proving difficult to attach and reattach. One of our personal favorite additions to iRocker Cruiser board is the small cargo storage area, which comes in handy for stashing an emergency repair kit, among other things. With this kit, you get everything you need to head straight to the water: a carrying backpack case, air pump, and your paddle. iRocker offers the quickest way to hop onto a durable, quality board and just get right into it. If you love water sports, check out our guide to the best kneeboards.

Come rain or shine, the Peak Expedition Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is completely up to the task of delivering maximum fun and efficiency. No matter your overall skill level, this water accessory has the ability to provide a seamless experience. For that reason, the pack itself is filled with an extensive array of add-ons. In addition to the inflatable board, there is a paddle, coil leash, a top-notch pump, a detachable fin as well as a waterproof phone case. All this comes safely and stylishly packaged in a handy carry backpack. Thanks to its puncture-resistant exterior, this floatation device offers a superior experience altogether. It is nearly impossible for it to get damaged in and out of the water, so users can rest assured that they are completely safe.

Despite the fact that it is made with some heavy grade materials, the final product is a light and stiff board that can stand the test of time. Finally, thanks to the fact that it measures a mere 6 inches in thickness, this makes it more stable and safe for all users.

The king of the hill is Tower Paddleboards and their innovative design. There’s a lot of ground to cover, so we’ll start with what you get in the kit. You’re going to receive a bottom fin, adjustable oar, pump, PSI gauge and a few other add-ons. The pump works excellently, but based on its capacity, it can take far longer to inflate your board than you’d like to wait. That being said, unlike cheap knock-offs you’ve found online, the board is meant to last for ages, thanks to the military grade construction.

You’re given plenty of deck space and depth, providing you with ample space to gain your footing. On the note of footing, it’s going to be difficult to lose yours, thanks to the durable no-slip grip on the base of your board. We’re ecstatic about the placement and durability of the attached carry handles, but the oar left something to be desired. It isn’t terrible, but it’s a lightweight fiberglass construction, and being adjustable allows you to feel its weak points during use. The bungee system and overall design is spot-on, so long as you feel comfortable mixing and matching an individual oar in the future. Make sure you also check our guide to the best swimming goggles.

Different stand-up paddleboards exist for different purposes, as we’ll get into in our buying guide below, but Atoll managed to hit a very specific mark that fits most of those molds. You get a hand pump, additional fin, and a sturdy carrying case for this inflatable SUP, which are all quite nice and of good quality. The first persistent issue is in the oar, which is arguably the other half of a stand-up paddleboard purchase. It’s frail considering that this is an all-use board, and can’t match the physical strength of all riders.

That being said, the major strengths in this come down to the agility it grants you in the water. There’s a very quick inflation process and dual density fins that grant unbelievable stability during use. Atoll only has one structural issue with this, and that’s the valve. It’s held on with a questionably thin amount of sealant, leading a small minority of users to replace their valves after only about three to six months of use. Valves aren’t expensive to replace, and on all other fronts, Atoll hits home with many of the attributes we’re all looking for in a stand-up paddleboard. Put on your swimming trunks and enjoy your paddleboard.

The Pathfinder comes with all the aesthetics that you’d expect from a summertime SUP, and it’ll be with you for plenty of summers to come. The board itself comes with a ton of praise for the quality construction, made primarily from PVC. From the drop stitch interior to the balanced feel of the exterior, it’s excellent for the rock-bottom price. That’s not some introductory offer: they give you everything you need, but that’s also where you start running into problems. There’s an included D-ring to attach a board leash onto, but it’s about as basic as it gets.

They give you an air pump, backpack and everything you need in the kit, but some of those components are lacking. The air hose is extremely basic (as you might expect for the price), and should be switched out if you have the spare capital to get it done. When it comes time to deflate this SUP, be careful with how you proceed. It’s difficult to get the air to come out, but using a wrench on the valve is ill-advised. It’s lightweight, nearly 10 feet in total length, and lasts most users for 3-5 years before even needing a minor repair. Our guide to the best wakesurf boards offers more great products like this so check it out.

In our quest for the best, Gili paddleboard kept popping up everywhere we looked, and now we can see why. This kit sits at a median price range and comes with everything you need to get started. Where many kits include leashes and pumps as an afterthought, Gili’s work like a charm. You get 10 feet of leash clearance to account for any and all wipeouts, and the two-stage pump works like a dream to inflate this in an average of six minutes. The board is great and built for all-day, long-term use, but doesn’t come with UV protection.

The paddle doesn’t bend under pressure, but the adjustable range is fairly narrow, especially for a board that’s over ten feet in length. Gili made this lightweight as can be, coming in at just 19 lbs. That carry weight makes it simple to transport from A to B, but the carry handle is lacking, so grabbing your own sling would be the best option. Top notch traction, a two-year warranty from Gili, and a waterproof backpack to stash it in after the day is done: that’s all you need.

Fancy a long path around the island or along the shores? The Explorer is designed for leisure and fun above all else, which is why Isle made this with a high weight limit and fantastic board length (11’ or 12’ at checkout). Despite its massive size, it only weighs about 22 lbs when deflated, and takes about five minutes to pump back up with the inclusive pump that you get in your kit. Keep in mind that this is not a sport SUP; it’s lightweight because of the material used, which is a bit thinner than an average SUP, leading some users to end up with punctures when using it in rivers or other areas with a rocky shoreline.

Because of the length, it is slower to turn while in the water, which makes the aforementioned issue more prominent. This board takes a bit more mastery to get good with, but guarantees a leisurely day of sitting out on the ocean with you and another on the deck. Two layers of traction padding keep your feet grounded, no matter how slippery things get. Where most SUPs give weak paddles, Isle gives you a carbon shaft paddle that’s fully adjustable and works as well as any standalone paddle purchase you’ll make. If you love diving or snorkeling check out our guide to the best snorkels.

Xterra had an opportunity to make something phenomenal here, and while this SUP is still one of the best, there’s potential for it to be a #1 product with a few minor changes. First and foremost, you get an absurdly lightweight build here, weighing only 16.5 lbs thanks to the military-grade materials associated with construction. The main strength of this board is that it’s able to withstand far more stress than any SUP should ever go under, but it falls flat in one major area: inflating. It could be dense materials, but it’s difficult to inflate this and requires a lot of force.

With that in mind, the additional kit items are fifty-fifty on quality. The backpack is severely lacking, which is supposed to hold onto everything else in this kit. The pump is okay at best, but the fin is fairly low-grade. The good news is that Xterra includes a two-year warranty to protect you against defect and cover the cost of repairs, as well as a thirty-day money-back guarantee. Handling and traction on this go smoothly with an excellent turn radius, it just has its fair share of issues as well as benefits. You may also like to check our guide to the best snorkeling fins.

Last but not least on our list comes perhaps the most versatile SUP we’ve ever used. Not only can you use it for a multitude of purposes (racing, leisure, etc.), but it also converts to a kayak with a few pieces included in the kit. Strap on the seat and attach the other end of your paddle together, and in three minutes you’re cruising along in an inflatable kayak. Whether you’re standing or sitting, be wary of the lack of traction padding on top. It’s there, but it’s not as viable when the board is wet.

Bluefin Kayak Conversion board also takes a while to inflate, partially because it’s such a heavyweight item. This weighs a total of 33 lbs for a 10’8” model, and the 15’ model option weighs even more. Your kit comes with everything you need, from the pump to the storage bag and a couple of leashes. If you’re not sure what type of paddleboarding you want to try, this is the perfect place to start your journey.