The Ultimate Paddleboard Guide: The 9 Best Picks for Every Need

Looking for the best paddleboard to buy? Here are the best inflatable and hard paddleboards you can buy in 2024. 

This post is a collaborative effort between myself and expert paddleboarders. We share what the best boards are and why and tell you about the boards we have been using for years. 

There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to paddleboards, but I’ve narrowed it down to 9 of the best! Keep reading to see if you agree. 

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Table of Contents

• About My Review Process
• The Best Paddleboard Is a Personal Choice
• Best Paddleboard According to a Kayak Guide and SUP Instructor
• Best Paddleboard According to an iSUP Facebook Community Owner
• Best Paddleboard According to the Owner of Girl Paddlers
• Best Paddleboards for Those with Mobility Needs
• Best Paddleboards for Tight Budgets
• Paddleboard Buying Guide
• Happy Paddling

About My Review Process

You might be wondering how I know so much about paddleboards. Have I tried them all? How can I rank the best?

Well, I haven’t used all these boards myself, but I know paddleboard experts who have used various paddleboards. I reached out to them and asked them which paddleboards they think are best and why. 

My experts: Jessica McNeil (not me 🙂), May Collings, Sonya Schweitzer, and Ella Ran.

I also researched Facebook groups, scoured expert interviews, and read product reviews, and I looked back on the research my husband and I did when we were looking to make our own purchases. I included the information that I have learned over the years about the best boards and the most important factors for various paddleboarders.

Please note that all reviews, other than highly scientific ones, are subjective. 

The Best Paddleboard Is a Personal Choice

Hi! I’m Ella Ran, co-owner of Outsiders USA and owner/teacher at the Yoga Shed. 

My passion for paddleboarding started years ago, mainly by dragging my friends, family, and dogs to go on adventures on the water. 

The first stand up paddleboard I owned was an inflatable. I remember hauling my toddler, the 12’ inflatable board (eek! So big), paddle, life jackets, water, and bag down to the launch. Just getting into the water was a workout! I eventually switched to a hard board, and rarely have I brought out the inflatable since. 

Maybe There’s Not Just One

Countless people have asked me over the years which board I recommend and why. It depends on many factors including access to storage, weight, physical capabilities, comfortability on the water, and more. 

Inflatable Paddleboards

An inflatable is easy to store and transport. You can quickly and easily load it into the trunk of your car or store it in your garage. They are a good choice for anyone paddling with lots of gear or taking dogs/kids along with them. 

Pumping up the board manually takes just 10 min and is a good warm-up! There are electric pumps in the $50-$100 range, but they almost always crap out after about a year. 

Don’t leave your inflatable in the sun while fully inflated, and take care to not overfill. A double-walled inflatable is a must and will be less likely to pop (I do have friends who’ve had them pop!). 

Hard Paddleboards

Hard boards are the best way to go, and with sleek wall mounts and inexpensive roof racks like the ones we carry, you won’t complain about storage or loading the boards on and off the car. 

You may have to repair your hard board for dings occasionally, but overall they cut through, chop better, and offer more stability and comfort – especially for longer paddles. 

Evolve Paddleboards

If you need specific brands, Outsiders USA carries the following boards in their shop and uses them for tour group rentals. 

Specifications for Evolve Movement Simple Inflatable SUP*

Dimensions:	10′6″ L × 33″ W × 6″ D
Weight Capacity:	240 LBS
Ready to buy:	Click here!

Potential Cons:

• Having to pump up a board is a con for us [Jessica Meinhofer and hubby Robert]. It’s an extra step, but it’s a non-issue for many.
• Inflatables can pop if left out in the sun.

Specifications for Evolve Good Buddy Paddleboard*

Dimensions:	10′4″ L × 30″ W × 4.5″ D
Weight Capacity:	205 LBS
Ready to buy:	Click here!

Potential Cons [Jessica Meinhofer):

• It’s short and narrow with a low weight capacity, so it’s best for smaller people.
• The narrower board can mean less stability.
• It’s a bit expensive, but not the most expensive. 

Specifications for Evolve Movement Paddleboard*

Dimensions:	10′6″ L × 32″ W**
Weight Capacity:	230 LBS
Ready to buy:	Click here or here!

Potential Cons [Jessica Meinhofer]:

• It’s short and narrow with a low weight capacity, so it’s best for smaller people.
• The narrower board can mean less stability.
• Price might be an issue for some.

Best Paddleboard According to a Kayak Guide and SUP Instructor

Hi, my name is Jessica McNeil, and I’m a kayak guide and SUP instructor from coastal Maine, now residing and guiding in Florida’s Space Coast and doing most of my paddling on the Indian River Lagoon. 

I work for a couple of different local companies, but my favorite gig is partnering with a Brevard County SUP company called A Paddle in Paradise. We do a lot of different types of tours, but my favorites, by a long shot, are the bioluminescent tours in the summertime!

Boté Paddleboards

I have a lot of experience with different equipment, and I’m happy to share my thoughts on what I think is one of the best paddleboards for beginner adventurers. My vote is for Boté inflatable paddleboards, and this is what we primarily use at A Paddle in Paradise. 

One thing I really love about Boté boards is that they are a Florida-based company. I value supporting local small businesses. 

For beginner paddleboarders eager to explore the waterways confidently, Boté offers a range of inflatables tailored to the needs of both experienced and novice adventurers. 

I am a fan of them all, but the Boté Breeze is an affordable and lighter option for the beginner. We have lots of first-time paddlers who come and tour with us, and they usually leave with a newfound love for the SUP’s versatility.

Stability

As a beginner, the most important thing to look for, in my opinion, is stability. Boté inflatable paddleboards are engineered with stability and durability in mind, and their wide and thick design provides unmatched stability on the water, allowing beginners to find their balance with ease.

Light-weight and Comfortable

These boards are extremely light and easy to inflate and lug around. I find inflatables so cool because the right ones are made so strong that they easily rival a hard board. They can be carted around by anyone, even with a small car; no racks are required. 

Another bonus is that they also come with integrated latch points that you can use for lots of things. At A Paddle in Paradise, we use them to hook down some super comfy chairs. These give you the option of sitting and paddling like a kayak or standing and paddling traditionally. 

Sitting and paddling is especially important if:

• the wind picks up
• you want to paddle longer distances
• you start feeling a little tired

All in all, Boté might not be the cheapest option, but you get what you pay for, and they are built to last.

Potential Cons

This section is based on what I [Jessica Meinhofer] read in the 12% of customer reviews with 3 stars or less on Amazon. 

Customer Service

The biggest complaints I have found while searching through reviews have to do with customer service. When a problem arises, either with shipping, returning, or product issues—and let’s face it, every company and every product has some issues—the company appears to be difficult to work with. 

Price

Bote paddleboards are not the cheapest inflatables out there. However, the vast majority of people who purchase them enjoy them (happy with the quality and aesthetics), and they are cheaper than a comparable hard board. When compared to other inflatables, they are still on the higher end of the spectrum. 

Maneuverability

Because the Boté Breeze is so lightweight, it can be hard to control, especially during a windy paddle. It can act a bit more like a pool float than a watercraft. 

Specifications for Bote Breeze iSUP*

Dimensions:	10′8″ L × 33″ W × 6″ D
Weight Capacity:	315 LBS
Ready to buy:	Click here!

Best Paddleboard According to an iSUP Facebook Community Owner

iRocker Blackfin Model X Paddleboard

Hi! I’m May Collings, the creator of the iSUP Owner’s Club Facebook Community. My paddle style leans towards casual touring, fishing, and SUP yoga. 

Each activity demands a unique blend of stability, durability, and versatility from my board. That’s where the iRocker Blackfin Model X, a favorite among inflatable paddleboards, shines as my top recommendation. 

Features

From lazy summer floats in Maine to exploring secret fishing holes in Florida, my Model X is my vessel for adventure. 

It features:

• multiple action mounts
• stem-to-stern D-rings
• optional fishing rod holders

I love the full-length deck pad that offers comfort and a grippy surface, which is super helpful for maintaining poses during SUP yoga or battling a catch during a fishing trip! This adaptability makes it ideal for paddlers like myself who need a board that can excel in multiple realms of their outdoor adventures. 

Why Inflatable?

Inflatable paddleboards are also convenient to transport and can be stored in a tight space without compromising on performance or longevity. 

I can easily transport my inflatable board in the trunk of a car and store it in my camper. It only takes a few minutes to inflate with a manual or electric pump, and I’m on the water. 

By choosing an inflatable paddleboard like the Blackfin Model X, you’re not just acquiring a paddleboard; you’re joining a community of passionate paddlers and gaining access to a wealth of resources. 

The iSUP Owners Club offers a supportive space for paddlers of all levels. This active Facebook Community features tutorials, beginner’s tips, local meet-ups, and inspiring stories from fellow adventurers.

Potential Cons

This section is based on what I [Jessica Meinhofer] read in SUP subreddits, product review articles, and Facebook groups. 

Dimensions

A large board like the Blackfin Model X can be difficult to handle for smaller paddlers. In general, it would be easier for a smaller person to have a smaller board, especially when carrying it and maneuvering out of the water.

I’m less than 5 feet tall, and I have also found that the wider and thicker the board, the harder it is for me to move it around on land. 

Only Works with iRocker Fins

iRocker has a custom fin box, which means that if you need to change your fin, you can only buy from iRocker. Users with this complaint claim that the company does not have a good fin selection.

Product Recalls

The company has had issues with product recalls, but they have replaced boards for their customers. It seems these issues were a few years back, so hopefully, this is no longer an issue, but keep in mind no company is spared these kinds of problems. 

Specifications for iRocker Blackfin Model X*

Dimensions:	10′6″ L × 35″ W × 6″ D
Weight Capacity:	450 LBS
Ready to buy:	Click here!

Best Paddleboard According to the Owner of Girl Paddlers

My [Sonya Schweitzer from Girl Padders] journey from kayaking to paddleboarding began with extensive research. I had long been interested in stand-up paddleboarding, but I was hesitant to take the plunge and invest in the equipment. 

As someone who loves fishing and paddling just for the joy of being on the water, switching to an inflatable paddleboard felt like the smart choice for me. It allows me to change positions on long paddles and takes up less storage space than my kayak.

GILI Meno Paddleboard

I chose the 10’6” GILI Meno because it’s lightweight, durable, and has options for all my fishing gear with its built-in Scotty mounts. GILI has great reviews, a solid brand reputation, and they have gorgeous boards! The beautiful turtle artwork on the bottom of my paddleboard makes me smile every time I hit the water! 

Nothing is ever perfect

Despite the excellent quality of my Meno, inflatable paddleboards can have issues. I experienced this firsthand when my board had a manufacturing defect, but GILI replaced it without hesitation. 

Not long after, during a voluntary recall, they stepped up again to replace my new board to ensure I didn’t have further problems. This level of customer service has not only impressed me but also solidified my trust in GILI. 

Conservation is Important

Plus, for every GILI Meno that is sold, GILI contributes to ocean and marine life conservation. 

Potential Cons

This section is based on what I [Jessica Meinhofer] read in various reviews. 

Slow

Wide width means a slow and stable board. Depending on your needs, this might be a non-issue. Most beginner paddlers are more interested in stability and not so much in speed.

Dimensions

A wider board like the Meno can be difficult to use for smaller paddlers. In general, it would be easier for a smaller person to have a narrower board, especially when carrying it and maneuvering out of the water.

I’m less than 5 feet tall, and I have found that the wider and thicker the board, the harder it is for me to move it around on land. 

Recall

There was a previous recall, but the company was able to replace the paddleboards. Will this affect your board? It’s possible that it was a one-time thing, but really, this can happen with any brand out there. 

Specifications for GILI Meno*

Dimensions:	10′6″ L × 35″ W × 6″ D
Weight Capacity:	458 LBS
Ready to buy:	Click here!

Best Paddleboards for Those with Mobility Needs

Paddling is for everyone, even those with specific mobility needs. Look for paddleboards with high capacity to allow the person who needs help to be on the board with one or more others and whatever gear they need for their mobility needs. High-capability boards can handle wheelchairs, sitting chairs, bean bags, and other supports.

When you need to bring extra gear to paddle safely, bigger tends to be better. Bigger not only gives everyone plenty of space and a high carry capacity, but it also provides more stability. 

Red 17’0″ Ride XL MSL

If you absolutely need a brand, the Red 17’0″ Ride XL MSL Inflatable Paddle Board is a great option. It has a huge capacity, with the ability to hold 8 people and all kinds of gear. It’s 60” wide! The recommendation for this board comes from an interview with Danny Godridge, owner of SUP Active Yorkshire.

Potential Cons

This section is based on what I [Jessica Meinhofer] noticed while reviewing product specs and subreddits. 

Price Tag

The Red XL is really expensive, more than $3,000. Most people aren’t going to spend that much, even if it has a great reputation. I haven’t done a price comparison of a lower-budget board with added outriggers, chairs, and extra items to make it usable by those with mobility needs, but I wouldn’t think that it would be in the $3,000 range. 

Too Big?

I don’t know that the average person needs a board this heavy and that can hold 8 people, but then again, this board is not for the average person. It’s for folks who might need extra devices or people to get out on the water, all of which can add weight. 

Aesthetics

The board doesn’t have many graphics or other features that make it super interesting or appealing to look at. There’s nothing wrong with the look, but there are many other paddleboards on the market with gorgeous artwork. 

Specifications for Red 17’0″ Ride XL MSL Inflatable Paddle Board

Dimensions:	17’ L × 60″ W × 8″ D
Weight Capacity:	around 1350 lbs (8 people)
Ready to buy:	Click here to buy!

15’0″ Voyager MSL

If the Red 17’0” seems a bit much, they also make the 15’0″ Voyager MSL Inflatable tandem Paddle Board, which can carry 3 riders and is 34” wide – large enough for multiple paddlers and gear. The recommendation for this board comes from an interview with Danny Godridge, owner of SUP Active Yorkshire.

Potential Cons

This section is based on what I [Jessica Meinhofer] noticed after reviewing product specs and subreddits. 

Price Tag

The Red Voyager is still expensive, more than $2,000. Most people aren’t going to spend that much, even if it comes with a reputation for a quality board. 

Too Big?

I don’t know that the average person needs a board that holds three people, but then again, this board is not for the average person. It’s for folks who might need extra devices or help getting out on the water. 

Aesthetics

The Red Voyager paddleboard isn’t super interesting or appealing to look at. There’s nothing wrong with the look, but there are other boards on the market with beautiful images and designs. 

Specifications for Red 15’0″ Voyager MSL Inflatable tandem Paddle Board

Dimensions:	15’ L × 34″ W × 8″ D
Weight Capacity:	around 512 lbs (3 people)
Ready to buy:	Click here to buy!

Tips for Less Expensive Mobility-Friendly Paddleboards

If the price tags of the Red paddleboards freaked you out, I’ve got great news for you. You can buy a more budget-friendly board that’s wide and big enough for your needs. The biggest things you need to focus on are stability, a large section of the board covered in padding for grip, and weight capacity.

Then buy accessories: 

• paddleboard seat
• inflatable outrigger
• stabilizer float package

Best Paddleboards for Tight Budgets

For those of you with a tight budget, there are plenty of inexpensive paddleboards out there. Focus on boards around 10’4” or 10’6” long and 30” or more wide. The wider the paddleboard, the more stable it is. 

Always read reviews. Yes, sometimes you can buy an inexpensive paddleboard and it lasts for years, and other times it lasts a lot less. But because they are so inexpensive, it can be easier to replace them. 

After starting with less expensive paddleboards, maybe you can up the budget a little bit more and get something a little nicer. 

When looking at budget boards, make sure to see what’s included. Sometimes the price is great, but you still need to buy paddles, leashes, and pumps. 

Funwater TIKI 10’6” Inflatable Paddleboard

The Funwater TIKI 10’6” Inflatable Paddleboard is a great bargain and includes a lot of gear like an adjustable paddle, pump, coil leash, waterproof bag, and 3 removable fins. It came recommended in Facebook groups and has great reviews.

I actually ran into a family using these boards at King’s Landing this past weekend and asked them what they thought of them. They said (with huge smiles) that they loved them. The family had two boards, each with an adult and a child.

Potential Cons

This section is based on what I [Jessica Meinhofer] saw in Amazon 3-star and below reviews (14% of the 5,000 reviews). 

Fins

The fins are very difficult or impossible to attach. Some fins simply break. Some reviewers noted that the fins that are shown are not the fins that they received.

You Get What You Pay For

This is a very inexpensive board, so if you expect a high-quality board, you will be disappointed. If you are just getting started and want to try something to get on the water, it might not be an issue. It will most likely get you from point A to point B. 

Pump Issues

Reviewers repeatedly complained about the pump not registering PSI. I’m not sure how valid this complaint is. Our pump (not from this board) doesn’t show the PSI until we get to 10 PSI, so I’m not sure if this pump has similar issues or if it’s a legit complaint, but I wanted to share it here. 

Specifications for Funwater TIKI 10’6″ Inflatable Paddle Board*

Dimensions:	10’6” L × 33″ W × 6″ D
Weight Capacity:	330 lbs
Ready to buy:	Click here to buy!

Tips for Buying Discounted Expensive Boards

If you are on a budget but prefer a board that is typically out of your budget:

• Wait for an amazing sale
• Buy used

Get on your preferred paddleboard’s email list so you know when they are having sales and special offers.

Buying used can be a great saving. Just do your research and walk away if anything feels off.

Paddleboard Buying Guide

Although there are specific boards and brands listed here, there are only a few things to consider when purchasing.

What’s Your Paddleboard Budget?

The type of board you buy and when you buy it will depend on your budget. Inflatable boards are typically cheaper. If you are looking for a high-end product at a great price, consider buying used or waiting for great sales.  

Why Are You Buying a Paddleboard?

Will you be doing yoga or fishing? Then you will probably want a bigger, wider board for stability and room to move as you need to on the water.

What Weight Capacity Do You Need?

Even if you are a smaller person, you need to look at the capacity of your board. If you get one with a smaller weight capacity and then decide to bring a cooler, fishing gear, your dog, or maybe even your kid, you might quickly reach that weight capacity.

A higher capacity usually means you can do more with your board.  

Happy Paddling

I hope you found this helpful and now feel ready to either buy your first board or purchase one that better fits your current needs. 

Need more information about getting started on your paddling life? Check out my blog post, Paddleboarding 101: 13 Things Every New Paddleboarder Needs to Know.

Not sure what gear you need to get started? Check out my blog post, Ready, Set, Paddle! Essential Gear to Jumpstart Your Paddleboarding Journey.