A cross between surfing and kayaking, standup paddleboarding (SUP) appeals to die-hard athletes and kids who just want an excuse to get wet. It’s easier than it looks and can be a tranquil pastime or an all-out sweat-fest. We tested a smattering of new boards and broke down distinguishing features that may help you find the perfect fit.
Construction
We tested widely varied boards and construction types from inflatables to molded plastic-like polyethylene, to traditional boards with wood and foam cores layered with fiberglass, epoxy, and other laminates. Each construction type has its own advantages and disadvantages: molded polyethelyne is relatively heavy, but nearly indestructible and inexpensive whereas foam and epoxy boards are lightweight, but can be more delicate and costly. Each construction method has trade-offs related to price, durability, weight, transportability, on-the-water performance, and environmental impact, so consider your own priorities before asking a shop for advice or settling on a specific board.
Deck
Stability is key for most new SUPers, and deck width majorly influences how stable a board feels. Wide boards—we tested one that was 36 inches—are most stable, while more moderate boards in the 30-inch range are less so, and narrow boards (around 25 inches across) can be downright tippy but fast. Moderate-width boards might require more practice—though they’re still pretty easy to master—and they’re more versatile overall. Some race boards and crossover kayak-styles have carved out decks to lower a paddler’s center of gravity without compromising stability and speed. Also look for deck-mounted D-rings, compression gear straps, and handles that can make tying-off, touring, and handling the board on land easier.
Length
Have a need for speed? Then length will be one of your big considerations when it comes to standup paddleboards. Extremes range from below 9 feet for maneuverable river boards to upwards of 16 feet for ocean-going touring or racing boards. It’s hard to surf boards over 11 feet in length, and longer boards are more difficult to store and transport, so the length of many all-arounders and introductory boards hovers around 11 feet. How you’ll use the board—for racing, flatwater, running rivers, or surfing—will be the most important determining factor for this important board characteristic.
Tracking
Several factors affect a board’s tracking—how well it moves in a straight line. In general, longer boards and boards with hard rails tend to track better than short boards with soft rails because the more a board is in contact with the water, the less it’ll move laterally. Fins are also a major factor in tracking (and maneuverability) of a board with single, large fins enhancing tracking. Secondary, or shorter fins prevent sideways slipping in surf.
Hull
Hull contours regulate stability and glide. Having evolved from traditional surf boards, the earliest SUPs had planing hulls with slightly upturned ends, called “rocker,” which are shaped to enhance performance in surf, but which aren’t fast or maneuverable in flatwater. Displacement hulls are faster and more maneuverable—slicing through the water and tracking well—but also less stable. Most recreational boards compromise somewhere in between with half-planing half-displacement hull combos that optimize maneuverability and performance in different conditions.
C4 Waterman iSUP Sub Vector 9-3
Surf’s up! Built-in (and unbreakable) fins plus gentle rocker make C4 Waterman’s newest inflatable perfect for riding surf anywhere you might go to find it. Relatively short and 30 inches wide, this board is maneuverable in whitewater rivers and pumps stiff enough to ride without feeling sluggish. Heavy-duty PVC, sealed to prevent air leaks, is stabile and rigid. ($1,100; c4waterman.com)
Ocean Kayak Nalu 12.5
Stand or sit? You’ll be asking yourself all day long because, either way, this kayak/SUP hybrid is a blast. What the 49-pound board compromises in off-the-water awkwardness, it more than makes up for with versatility, indestructibility, and on-the-water performance. Great tracking with the displacement hull’s integrated fins, stable enough to inspire confidence, and below-deck storage sufficient for a full day’s worth of gear made this crossover board a favorite. ($749; oceankayak.com)
Tahoe SUP Bliss 12’6
Beauty inspires serenity and, in this board’s case, fast paddling. This bamboo-constructed foam-core board is lightweight and—with long lines and a narrow platform—slices through the water. Hard rails add stability and, along with the 10-inch center fin, contribute to spot-on tracking. While its epoxy and resin exterior is delicate, the paddling you’ll do from its deck—whether for touring, racing, fitness, or just fun—doesn’t have to be. ($1,699; tahoesup.com)
BIC Sport 10’4” ACS SUP
This family-friendly board is a combination of surf and kayak
technology—a lightweight foam core wrapped in a layer of tough-as-nails polyethylene. The result is a 33-pound board that is durable enough to let the kids drag around, light enough for an individual to carry alone, and, thanks to a single 10-inch fin, tracks like an arrow. Rounded rails add core-boosting instability that we appreciated (and it didn’t get us wet), and its flotation is suited for riders up to 180 pounds. ($799; bicsup.com)
Hobie 10’8 ATR-I
Small enough to carry on a plane (including the pump, paddle, and repair kit—all part of the package) this inflatable is a great travel companion. It’s well-suited for flatwater, and the triple-fin configuration translated to good tracking on flatwater. The larger center fin is removable, which makes for more fun and less aggressive lines surfing small waves. Testers loved this board’s rigidity—which makes it feel relatively efficient despite its construction—and the deck’s built-in features including the grippy footpad and bungee gear-keeper. ($1,099; hobie.com)
