How to Choose a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)
Stand up paddle boarding, or SUP, is a great way to get out on the water and get a great whole-body workout at the same time. If you’re new to SUP, you might be wondering how to choose the right board.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a stand up paddle board:
What style is right for you?
The hull, or body, of the board comes in two styles.
- Planing hulls are flat and wide, with a rounded nose. Planing hulls are easy to maneuver on the water. Because they offer increased stability, this style is a great choice for SUP yoga, casual paddling, and whitewater activities.
- Displacement hulls have a pointed nose that creates more efficiency in the water. They are slightly less agile on the water than planing hulls, but because of their speed, they may require less effort to paddle. This style is a good choice for racing and fitness paddling.
What is your storage capacity?
The question of solid vs. inflatable SUPs largely comes down to your storage space: do you have room to store a board in the off-season? If not, inflatable may be the way to go. They take just minutes to inflate once you get to the water, and pack down into a backpack for easy transport.
See our favorite inflatable boards.
What volume and weight capacity do you need?
Getting the right board for your size and weight is crucial, because you need to be well-supported on the water to improve stability. Check the weight capacity for boards you are considering, and don’t forget to include the weight of any gear you’ll be bringing on your stand up paddle boarding adventures!
Best Stand Up Paddle Boards for Beginners
Sōlr 10'6 - All-Around SUP with Paddle & Leash
This versatile, all-around paddle board is designed with the family in mind and is wide and stable for smooth water paddling. The paddle is included with this set, so you’ll have everything you need to jump in the water and go!
Shop the Sōlr 10'6 - All-Around SUP with Paddle & Leash
SHUBU Lūnr 10'4 - Inflatable Paddle Board
Shop the SHUBU Lūnr 10'4 - Inflatable Paddle board
SHUBU Kanaloa 10'4 - Inflatable Paddle Board
The SHUBU Kanaloa is our brand-new high-end board designed with high quality DFL Construction. It benefits from the performance, durability, stability and rigidity without the added weight and ecological impact. This SUP has 10 anchor points with bungee cords and deck tie-downs to hold gear. It’s the perfect board for paddling adventures!
Shop the SHUBU Kanaloa 10'4 - Inflatable Paddle Board
Nomad - 11'6 Fishing Paddle Board
This stable and buoyant fishing paddle board is equipped with loads of anchor points, rod holders and tie down options, allowing you to haul plenty of gear, coolers and bait.