Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Editor
With many different manufacturers offering Stand up Paddle boards (SUPS) across the US it can be hard to pick which is the best. From Multi-million dollar companies to smaller family-run businesses everyone wants to get a cut of the fastest growing sport in the world.
We are fed up with seeing cheap Chinese-made SUPs selling on Amazon, from companies that also sell totally unrelated plastic products. If you are thinking of buying a paddleboard, buy from a dedicated paddleboard brand that has spent years testing designs. Some of these good brands are still available on Amazon, but most will be on dedicated outdoor websites like REI.com.
Here are the top paddleboard companies in the world with the largest brands and reputations. This list is in no particular order.
Note: We have highlighted the top models for each brand and the price. As of 2022, these prices are constantly changing.
Contents
BIC Sports Company
Bic is a company that is based in Clichy, France. They are not typically known for making paddleboards and this is a relatively new venture for the company. Best known for its ballpoint pens which are used in pretty much every country around the world, and have been since 1950 are certainly a reliable manufacturer. With over 17,000 Employees across the globe in over 160 different countries, there’s no reason not to trust this manufacturer!
BIC Sport was founded in 1979 starting out with products such as windsurfing gear, surfboards went on sale in 1994 and their first stand-up paddleboard went on sale in 2010 and they’ve been making waves on the paddleboard scene ever since. With boards ranging from anywhere between $500 and $2000 BIC now produces paddle boards for all types of SUPers; whether you use your board for Yoga or you’re a professional racer, BIC has got you covered.
Only one board has less than a 4-star rating on the Amazon marketplace which proves just how much time the BIC team must have put into designing a durable yet aesthetically pleasing SUP.
Bic Sport Paddleboards
BIC Sports DURA-TEC original Stand Up Paddleboard– Coming in 5 different colors this board is also available in 5 different sizes (the larger the board the more expensive). The prices range from $500-$750 which is a good price for a reliable SUP! The BIC DURA-TEC also boasts some impressive features such as the polyethylene construction which brings strength and reliability to the board.
BIC Sports ACE-TEC performance SUP– This board has been built for experienced paddleboarders and is considerably more expensive than the DURA-TEC for a reason. Costing between $875-$1,150 and two of the models available are even compatible as windsurfs if you want to get more use out of your SUP! Impressive features such as BIC SUP’s exclusive ACE-TEC construction which helps to deliver durability and lightweight performance. Also, the compact 9’2 compact board is perfect for anyone under 150lbs if you are looking for a board which will suit your body type!
BIC Sports Air inflatable SUP- The first inflatable SUP on our list comes at $600-$1000 depending on which model you choose, there are different models for each type of paddleboarding; SUP Yoga, windsurfing, River and more. There is also an all-round version should you want to use your board for different types of activities. Carrying handles make transporting this board easier to transport also.
Best Bic Inflatable Paddle Board
- Portable, Durable, Lightweight, and Rigid thanks to a full 6" thick drop stitch construction and 15psi inflation
- 10'0 for paddlers > 175lbs,10'6 for >200lbs are great 'All Around' performers-11'0 for paddlers >220lbs,12'6" for >240lbs are top touring performers
- Deck Rigging and Carry Handles included
Isle Surf and SUP Company
Surf, Paddle, and Explore are the 3 words that Isle uses to describe themselves, what started in 2 college kids parents’ storage unit in 2004 is now one of the biggest board companies around; offering both Surf and paddleboards to people across the globe. They also own a retail unit in San Diego which is accompanied by their 15,000-foot distribution center.
They offer a wide range of different paddleboards and are able to ship across the globe. Prices range anywhere from $600-1200 and come in many different colors, shapes and sizes and have all been made for different types of SUPers. There are some beautiful boards on offer with fantastic designs that would make a great gift for anyone who likes to get on the water and tire themselves out!
Isle Surf also tries and persuades people to paddleboard socially as if you buy the 2 board combination you’ll get a $400 discount (than if you were to buy them both separately).
Top Isle Surf SUP models
- iSUP FOR ALL YOUR ADVENTURES: All types of water and conditions. Great for yoga, pets, fishing, and touring. All of your cargo will fit on this board. A 6-point front expandable bungee system paired...
- ULTRA DURABLE DESIGN: Constructed with Military-Grade PVC that is 6" thick when fully inflated. Forget about dings or blown seams thanks to our AIRTECH FUSION LITE manufacturing process that’s...
- INCLUDES iSUP ACCESSORY BUNDLE: All inflatable stand up paddle boards come with a complete package that includes: Adjustable Carbon Shaft / Nylon Blade Paddle, Carry Backpack, High-Pressure Pump, Coil...
Isle Airtech inflatable explorer– There are 11’ and 10’ models of this board available; the 10’ will cost customers $595 whereas the 11’ board will cost $695. Both of these SUPs received a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Amazon so customers were clearly happy with their purchase. Another very durable board as it is constructed using military-grade 6” deep PVC. Another positive is that this board comes with an iSUP accessory bundle.
Isle classic Soft top SUP package– Another great SUP which will cost you around $550; coming with an adjustable paddle, center carrying handle, and a non-slip deck we’d say this is one of the ideal paddleboards for people who are new to the scene. Although if you’ve never paddled before we would recommend that you rent a board from a local store and see if you enjoy the activity before forking out over 500 bucks!
Isle Versa Epoxy 10’5 SUP– This is the most expensive of the Isle paddleboards that we’ve listed so far. Again this will come with an accessory bundle (Nylon blade, adjustable paddle, fin, and an adjustable paddle) which could save you money later down the line. The Isle Versa Epoxy will set customers back around $1300 which is about the average price for a high-quality board, especially considering you get a free accessory kit as well.
iRocker Company
iRocker is an experienced SUP company who have been working around watersports for years. They specialize in inflatable SUPs which are much easier to transport than normal boards. iRocker is trying to persuade people to be more adventurous with their paddleboards and claims that paddleboarding is “one of the best ways to connect with your soul in a way that cannot be accomplished elsewhere” and we can’t disagree with them!
The iRocker team has also come up with a way to turn your SUP into a kayak; if you chose to buy an iRocker board they will come pre-installed with the fittings that make this possible. You can buy the special SUP seat and a kayak paddle on their website for $125 which will allow you to comfortably sit down on your paddleboard. This adds extra functionality to all of their boards which can only be a positive.
- 4 straps and clips, 2 on each side, used to keep the kayak seat secure to your paddle board.
- Highest quality material used in order to provide the most back support.
- Designed for maximum comfort and durability.
iRocker 10’x6” inflatable SUP– A high-quality and durable SUP that will only cost you under $1000 is an amazing deal! Gained a 4 and a half star rating on Amazon and 96% of over 100 customers left this paddleboard a 4 or 5-star rating. This board will come with an adjustable paddle, and a high-capacity hand pump to help you inflate your paddleboard. A back carrying pack is also included which makes this the perfect SUP for transportation as it can be simply deflated and put in your bag.
iRocker 10’6” long 33” wide SUP package– This is very similar to the other iRocker (above) although there are some major differences. First off this board is 3” wider, but that extra width combined with some other features brings this price up to around $800. So what else will you get for the extra cash? Your Paddle will be made of fiberglass which is half the weight of the aluminum paddle you would receive with the other package, and it can float! You also get a backpack for carrying your SUP and a 2-year warranty with this board.
iRocker Inflatable 11-foot long x 6-inch thick- The last iRocker Paddleboard on our list comes in at around $600 so is in the middle of the price bracket when it comes to this SUP manufacturer. Don’t forget that you can buy the iRocker kayak kit, it will be compatible with many of their boards and is a great way to change up the usual activities! There is even the option to buy this board with the Kayak kit which will cost $670 (everything included). Receiving a four and a half star rating this board was clearly loved by users; it comes with an Aluminum adjustable paddle as well as a lightweight hand pump and backpack. So this is another great option for anyone who’s always on the go/has trouble transporting their SUP.
Tower Paddle Boards Company
Tower Paddle Boards is a company that made it through the ABC show Shark Tank (if you want to watch it then go to iTunes and search for Shark tank season 3 episode 9). Mark Cuban invested $150,000 for 30% of the business all the way back in 2012 and the company has since become a trusted SUP manufacturer for customers around the world.
With prices ranging from $500 to $1000 and boards in all different shapes, colors and sizes it shouldn’t be difficult to find a Tower paddleboard that will suit your needs!
Tower Paddleboards are based in Southern California when their CEO Stephan Aarstol saw a gap in the SUP market he jumped right in there to bring customers an easy way to improve their fitness and peace of mind. Value is one of the tower’s main factors, they aim to bring users an affordable yet reliable SUP that can be used on any body of water with ease. Selling inflatable boards also makes it easier for customers to pick the board that’s right for them.
Top Tower Paddle Board Models
- Package comes with a high-pressure pump and 3-pc adjustable paddle
- PRODUCT SPECS: Weight capacity of up to 700 lbs, 10-11 PSI, 14' length x 32" width x 8" thick
- PORTABLE: Rolls up like a sleeping bag. Easier to store, easier to transport.
TowerPaddle 10’4” iSUP Adventurer 2– The first Tower board we will go over is an inflatable paddle and would normally cost you $1,275 on the Amazon marketplace but is currently on sale for $800 which is a great price for a high-quality board. You will receive a 3-piece fiberglass paddle and hand pump with this SUP. Although the outer shell is made of military-grade PVC material you also get a 2-year warranty which could ease your nerves.
TowerPaddle Adventurer 9’10”– For $100 less you can get the original model of the adventurer; coming in at $700 this board has received unbelievably high ratings with a 4.6 out of 5 average from over 500 users on Amazon. This board is also made of military-grade PVC, you’ll get a 3-piece fiberglass paddle and hand pump. So the only major difference between this and the adventurer 2 is the fact that this SUP is slightly smaller, oh and $100 cheaper.
TowerPaddle Xplorer 14’ iSup– If you’re a more experienced Paddleboarder and you’re looking to improve your technique and get a board that will let you paddle to your heart’s content then this could be the right SUP for you! Costings users $1000 this board isn’t cheap and has been specifically designed to improve speed. Ideal for Racing and/or touring as well as your everyday paddles. Extremely durable and comes with a hand pump and adjustable paddle this board can be used by anyone no matter their body type.
Jimmy Styles Company
[update 2022 – Jimmy Styles has now stopped producing any more paddleboards, but you can still find stocks available]
This company offers many different sups for people of all ages and sizes. They produce their own boards and the prices can range anywhere from $400-$1200. Some of the boards that are available under the Jimmy Styles name have an amazing design that would complement any paddler! All of their boards are extremely durable and come at a competitive price.
Top Jimmy Styles Paddleboard Models
Jimmy Styks i32 iSup– This is a great board for anyone who’s just coming onto the paddleboard scene. It will set you back $450 but all the needed accessories are included (Fin, Leash, Paddle, Carry case, etc) which could save you on any extra costs in the future! Because this is an inflatable paddle board you can easily deflate it and place it in a bag instead of trying to haul a massive board by yourself.
Jimmy Styks Big Bro SUP– Another great board brought to you by Styks comes in 2 different colors, red or wood. Costing between $700 and $850 this board is ideal for more experienced paddlers that are looking to improve their skills. Coming with a JS adjustable paddle, 10’coil leash, Fin hardware a spare vent cap, and much more there are many reasons to give this SUP a second look!
Jimmy Styks Puffer iSup- Another inflatable board brought to you by Styks that has had 5-star ratings from ALL of its users. This is a rather large paddleboard that can be used by anybody (as long as they are under the weight limit of 270lbs). The drop-stitch fabric was used to provide rigidity and reliability to the paddleboard. Tie-downs can be found on the front of the Board, these are a great place to store a water bottle or any other items. All of the needed accessories come with this SUP, an Adjustable paddle, leash, repair kit a board bag and much more will cost you $600 on the Amazon marketplace (yes the board is included in the price).
Badfish SUP Company
Badfish is a team of watersports enthusiasts who have worked together to try and create the perfect paddleboard. Originating from Salida, Colorado. After owners and former kayak guides, Zack and Mike got bored of sitting down while on the water they decided to switch it up a bit. After years of brainstorming, testing and improvements they believe that they’ve created revolutionary paddleboards that are ideal for moving water.
Top Badfish SUP Models
Boardworks Badfisher MCIT 11ft Inflatable SUP Fishing board– This is a truly amazing board and is great for anyone who likes stability whilst they’re paddling. Ideal for fishing this board will cost around $1600 and comes in many different colors. The Badfisher SUP Kit includes a high-pressure hand pump, color-matched repair kit, Removable center Fin, XL roller Back-Pack, SUP paddle, and much more. Because this SUP is inflatable it can be easily deflated and put into the backpack which comes with the accessory kit. Not only will this make it easier and more comfortable to carry; but it also means that you can take your board to spots that you couldn’t reach before.
Badfish 9’0 MVP(mountain valley paddleboard)- Trying to keep balance on running water whilst on a SUP can be difficult enough because of all the obstacles you have to dodge throughout the process. Badfish has designed this board specifically for use on rivers/moving water. This is a great choice for anyone looking to take their SUP adventure to the next level and would usually cost around $1200. If you try to use a board that was designed for flat water on a river you may find yourself floating downstream faster than the board itself. If you live inland and river paddling is the only way you can enjoy the world’s fastest-growing sport then the MVP is a great option!
Hole Shot iSup- Another inflatable board brought to you by bad fish, at 32” wide and 11’ long you’ll certainly have enough space to relax and take in nature as you use this board. The average price of this SUP is around $1300 and with the ability to travel on flat water as well as on rivers/any other moving water this is a pretty good all-in-one board. You could even use this as a Surfboard if you wanted to! This is the only board you will need for any future adventures and experienced Paddlers are guaranteed to love using it! If this is your first board we’d recommend either renting a board beforehand or going for a cheaper model as it may be a rather expensive starting point. Especially if you don’t plan to use it more than once a week!
YOLO Board Company
With a massive team of paddleboard enthusiasts working constantly to improve the design, features, and ease of use with their boards YOLO is taking massive steps toward creating the perfect SUP. Offering exclusive events meet-ups and much more the YOLO team is really trying to bring the paddleboarding community together.
What they like to call the YOLO Tribe has been growing for years and has members all over the world. Every now and then members of the ‘tribe’ will meet up and go on a paddleboarding trip, making new friends and re-connecting with nature at the same time.
With some amazing artwork on some of their boards, especially the 10’th anniversary original YOLO which in our opinion has one of the best designs on the market! Prices on their boards range from anywhere between 500 and 1900 dollars. Although most of the boards over $1500 have been specifically made for either racing/touring and are usually sold to experienced paddlers.
Top Yolo Boards
YOLO iSup mins 11’+adventure kit– The first board we will go over has a beautiful design that would look good under and paddlers feet. YOLO has also included an adventure kit which includes a 3-piece adjustable Paddle, Hand pump, a Fin, and a backpack to carry your iSup once it’s been deflated. The board isn’t too expensive at $895, and the fact you get a free adventure kit will probably save you money in the future.
YOLO iSup 12’+adventure kit- This is pretty much identical to the 11’ model, using high-quality marine grade to ensure durability and coming with an adventure kit also. But there is one major difference, this SUP costs $100 more than its slightly smaller counterpart. Deciding whether or not it’s worth the extra money is up to you, but we’d say that both models are good Paddleboards that come with needed accessories at a competitive price.
YOLO Predator 14’– Yet again YOLO has done an amazing job of producing a beautifully designed and purpose-built SUP. The Predator is a high-end paddleboard coming in at $1,885 this is a board for experienced/professional riders who take Paddleboarding very seriously. We wouldn’t advise purchasing this board if you don’t plan to use it more than once or even twice a week as there are other much cheaper boards that would suit your needs. The ideal board for touring can improve your speed and balance instantly, the carbon/epoxy build combined with the specially designed hull makes reaching top speeds possible on the Predator.
Pathfinder
A company well known for its suitcases/luggage gear has now decided to venture into the world’s fastest-growing sport and has done a good job of it so far. Creating some amazing and affordable new paddleboards Pathfinder has made it much easier for newcomers to enjoy having their own board without breaking the bank!
Top Pathfinder Models
Pathfinder iSup 9’ 9”– has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon this SUP is a great value option costing users only $450, which may be the cheapest Paddleboard on our list so far. There are multiple layers of PVC to ensure durability, which could ease your nerves when it comes to damaging the product. An accessory kit will also come with your SUP that will include an Aluminum adjustable Paddle, hand pump, a detachable center fin, carry bag, and a valve wrench. The carrying bag is great for anyone who is always on the go and/or struggles to carry their Board.
Jilong Zray Pathfinder– The Jilong Zray is another great SUP brought to you by Pathfinder; with this board, you will receive an Aluminum Paddle, Inflation pump, carry bag, and detachable Fin for $664.87 on Amazon. This SUP also has the ability to be turned into a Kayak by adding a seat. This is the ideal opportunity to switch up your watersports so you don’t get bored of paddling!
Larid Standup Company
Larid Standup was started by a surfing enthusiast who discovered Paddleboarding and decided he had to venture into its world. Over the years he has done extensive research into the needs of each type of paddleboarder, and gone on to design a board that should have useful features, be comfortable for everyone no matter their size, and be an affordable option for everyday people. Larid Standup is now an extremely respected and well know SUP brand across the US and is used by professionals every day across the globe.
Laird Standup Products
Larid StandUp LXR carbon storm Paddleboard– Larid has done an amazing job of creating a paddleboard that can be used to gain incredible speeds, win tournaments and be comfortable at the same time! The Carbon/PVC construction makes this SUP ultra-lightweight yet still strong enough to take any knocks. The wider tail has been implanted to improve stability and increase the user control when turning the board, again this can contribute to overall speed and help to win professional tournaments should that be what you want out of your SUP.
We wouldn’t buy this unless we were either professional racers or paddleboard enthusiasts as it costs a whopping $2,796 on Amazon which is way out of most people’s price range when it comes to paddleboards.
Larid Standup PVC Y/O/R Surrator SUP– Another insane SUP brought to you by larid is again ideal for any serious Paddlers and would fit right into their collection. This board was designed by Larid Hamilton and Terry Chung who have both been in the industry for decades and know everything there is to know about paddleboards. Only intermediate and advanced paddlers should consider buying this $1,992.45 SUP otherwise in our opinion it would be a waste of money.
Made for racing and touring this SUP uses rail traction technology to enhance the speed and stability of this board. Again we would only recommend that experienced riders purchase this board; newcomers can get the same experience out of a board that costs much less!
- State of the art high performance surfing
- EPS-Composite construction with bamboo deck
- Fast and maneuverable
Keeper Sports
Keeper sports produce a wide range of boards with some unique designs there are many reasons to pick a Keeper sports board. Although only one of their boards is available in the Amazon marketplace so you will have to go to their official website to find out more.
California Board Company Stand-up Paddleboard– This SUP is amazing value coming in at $509, the high-density EPS foam makes this board 100% waterproof right to its core. The board comes with the tri-fin system that will definitely improve your balance whilst paddling. An Adjustable paddle and Leash are also included with the board which could save you on any future purchases. This board is also the first we’ve seen that has a camera mount, so if you want to record your SUP adventure then this is possible with the Keeper Sports board. Users have clearly enjoyed their experience with this board as they’ve given it an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars and there are many of the boards left in stock! Anyone paddler from beginner to intermediate could get something out of this board so we’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys Paddling and wants to improve their experience.
- Board Dims 126" x 30.7" x 5.25" at 26 lbs.
- Material - High density EPS foam core with 3 laminated wood stringers; XPE deck skin; polyethylene slick bottom
- Center carrying handle and bungee straps built into deck plus traction pad for grip
Naish
Robby Naish began by making windsurfing boards, in Honolulu, Hawaii, back in 1979. These boards were custom builds for product-specific surfers from around the world. Their headquarters on the Island of Maui now produces a range of boards, including those for stand-up paddleboarding.
Naish continues to run the edge of traditional boarding with a professional R&D team and modern manufacturing techniques. The business aims to offer a product for all types of wet-board sports and for all levels of experience. The best seller in their SUP range is their Nalu 11’6” all-round inflatable.
Best Seller: Nalu Inflatable All-Round
Material: X-Weave Drop Stitch, PVC
Dimensions (HxWxD): 11’6” X 34” X 6“
Volume/Pressure: 314 L/ 21PSI
Weight: 22 Pounds (10 Kg)
Weight Capacity: 265 Pounds (120 Kg)
Suitable Activities: Touring, Long-Board Surfing
Accessories: Inflatable Bag, 10” Slide-On Fin, Dual-Flow Pump with Pressure Gauge. Paddle and Leash Not-Included.
Activities
This lightweight SUP is ideal for paddling through currents and over small waves. The style and size are suitable for both touring and long-board surfing, and there is even enough space to take cargo or your children for a ride.
Towards the front of the board are tie-down points for the bungee cargo straps — making this SUP a great day-tripper. The board also comes with a carry bag and dual-flow air pump, with a pressure gauge, to help you achieve the best stiffness in the board.
Comfort
Naish uses X-Weave for the deck and base of the Nalu, a material that can hand rough treatment and high pressures. X-Weave is a low-maintenance composite material that is thin, strong, resistant to bacteria, and easy to wipe clean. There are also double-layer rails that add stiffness to the sides of this SUP.
A double-density deck-pad makes longer journeys more comfortable for standing or sitting and offers a superior grip. Inflation pressures of 21 PSI give the SUP a rigidity, like those of a solid SUP, putting this in the high-end for performance.
Paddles and Fins
To get paddling on this SUP, you first need to choose a paddle and a leash for the board. Naish has a whole division for making these parts, from standard nylon paddles to the latest in carbon fiber.
Naish supplies a simple fin with this SUP, but they also make hydrofoils for a more advanced foil-surfing experience.
Connelly
Surpassing a half-century of boarding experience, Connelly has come on a long way from their first set of wooden skis. The company was one of the earliest ski makers to use fiber-glass in the 70s. The company continues the trend of using the best materials available to make the best watersport products.
Connelly makes an eclectic range of products, including apparel, composite boards, and SUPs. The best seller in Connelly’s SUP range is the Tahoe 10”6’, a versatile board for varying conditions and all levels of paddler.
Best Seller: Connelly Tahoe 10’6″
Material: Dual-Layered 6” PVC with Fusion Wrapped Rails
Dimensions (HxWxD): 10’6” X 32” X 6“
Volume/Pressure: 290 L/ 21PSI
Weight: 28.5 Pounds (12.9 Kg)
Weight Capacity: 260 Pounds (120 Kg)
Suitable Activities: Touring, Long-Board Surfing, Trekking
Accessories: Storage Bag, Repair Kit, 9” Fin, Hand Pump with Gauge, Carbon Paddle (3-Piece), Leash
Activities
The Tahoe is a multi-tasking SUP for boarders that want an all-rounded SUP that will cover hiking trips to remote lakes to paddling on the sea. Riders can take the Tahoe to their favorite location and roll it away into the provided carry bag when finished.
At 32 inches across and over 10 feet long, this SUP is big enough to carry a passenger or two small children along for the ride. There are also anchor points to attach the bungee cord and to secure any luggage you may want to take with you.
Comfort
A soft sanded EVA pad covers the standing area of the deck for grip and comfort. Holding the SUP together is a dual-layered drop-stitch PVC deck and base for stiffness and toughness.
The fusion-wrapped rails around the sides of this SUP deliver a strong and rigid surface to the paddler. The rails also help to supply even more stiffness and impact resistance.
Paddles and Fins
For ease of control, more so for beginners, the SUP has two built-in side fins. These side fins will work to keep the board in a straight line in most situations. But the Tahoe also comes with a removable 9-inch center fin for even more control at slow speeds.
The Tahoe comes with a carbon paddle, ready to use. The carbon paddle is adjustable for more control and comfort. The paddle also collapses into three pieces, making it easier to transport and store. A hand-pump with a built-in pressure gauge comes with the package.
Boardworks
The company has grown from building humble surfboards, in the 90s, to creating some of the most respected SUPs and surfboards in the industry. The company uses a range of materials and manufacturing techniques to deliver the best SUPs possible.
Boardwalks are under the watchful eye of the premier watersport brand, Confluence Outdoor. One of the most important aspects of the company is to make products that they would want to ride. They make a range of SUPs, with the best seller in their range being the SUP Raven 12’6’.
Best Seller: Boardworks SUP Raven 12’6″
Material: EPX-V — An EPS core under a composite of Fiberglass and Epoxy
Dimensions (HxWxD): 12’6” X 29” X 6.69“
Volume/Pressure: 284 L/ 21PSI
Weight: 28.5 Pounds (12.9 Kg)
Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds (136 Kg)
Suitable Activities: Touring
Accessories: Storage Bag, Dolphin 9” Fin, Hand Pump with Gauge, 3-Piece Carbon Paddle, Coiled Leash
Activities
Manageable in both size and handling, the Raven is suitable for touring and easy to pack away for expeditions into the wild. This is a mid-sized board that will support up to 300 pounds under the control of an experienced rider or offer room for a passenger or two children.
The shape of the hull helps to balance the board. the shape also promotes hydro-foiling for better gliding, greater speeds, and improved handling. This SUP works well in both calm and open water conditions.
Comfort
This is a redesign of the popular board of the same name from 2018. The deck now has better traction with a Honey Foam pad, making it more comfortable for those longer trips. The board has a stringer-less EPS core.
For many boarders, stringers are a necessary inconvenience — they shape and strengthen the board but add a lot of weight. By laminating an EPS core with fiberglass, epoxy, and bamboo, they have created a beautiful board with less weight.
Paddles and Fins
The New Raven comes with a dolphin 9-inch fin for greater levels of control at lower speeds, and it is also flexible for safety. The single-action pump allows you to achieve the high pressure and volume of air you need to fill the SUP.
And the travel bag, with breathable mesh, has more than enough space to drain and store the kit when it’s time to go home. You also get Boardworks’ fiberglass 3-piece telescopic paddle to start you off.
Hala
As a newer entry to the world of making performance paddleboards, Hala is now a key innovator in SUP and inflatable technology. Over the last decade, Hala’s line of boards and accessories is now selling to a worldwide fanbase of adventurers and sports enthusiasts.
Hala makes a range of rafts, kayaks, and SUPs to suit all paddling conditions — from flat to whitewater. In the SUP category, Hala’s best seller is the Atcha 86, a compact but capable SUP for extreme paddling.
Best Seller: Hala Atcha 86
Material: Liquid PVC Coated Core Fibers, Drop-stitch
Dimensions (HxWxD): 8’6” X 34” X 6“
Volume/Pressure: 269 L/ 21PSI
Weight: 26 Pounds (11.8 Kg)
Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds (160 Kg)
Suitable Activities: River or Ocean Surfing, Whitewater, Yoga
Accessories: Rolling Backpack, Retractable 4.5” Stomp-Fin, 4 x Gummy Fins, Dual-Action Hand Pump, Repair Kit
Activities
The Atcha 86 is a shorter board, though 34-inches wide, making it faster to maneuver while giving the rider a good level of balance support. This size, the full-rocker, and the shallow tail make the Atcha a great whitewater or river surfing board for lighter riders.
There are plenty of places to steady yourself on the Atcha 86, with its strong fabric handles at each end and in the center of the board. A central six D-ring luggage area gives you plenty of storage space for heavy bags in the most stable area on the deck.
Comfort
There is space to take a small passenger, but the length of the board may limit this to children rather than another adult. A soft diamond groove 4mm EVA pad covers most of the deck, giving paddlers flexibility on where they stand to give them a better grip.
Towards the rear of the board, there is a stomp pad to give you control when surfing. For even more control, the shallow-tail triangular cut-out gives you extra surface area at the rear. The shallow-tail also gives the paddler the corresponding improvements in balance and steering.
Paddles and Fins
Four 4.5-inch soft fins on each side of the rear give the paddler better handling in shallow water, and the gummy fins are safer for whitewater riders. There is also a retractable 4-inch center stomp fin, so you can go from slow control to a fast pace with ease.
You get a high-pressure pump, a repair kit, and a strong nylon backpack to store away the SUP. You can pull the backpack with its wheels and strong handle, or you can use the hidden padded shoulder straps to carry the pack to your destination.
Stand on Liquid
This is a business created around a passion for paddling on lakes and rivers in the early morning. The business is a team of paddling enthusiasts that enjoy all paddling conditions, from flat-water to raging rivers.
The boards that come out of Stand on Liquid go through a development and testing process that best suits the team — so as not to second-guess the customer. One of the most popular SUPs in their line is their speedy Newport Air.
Best Seller: Stand on Liquid Newport Air 11’6″
Material: Multi-Layer Fusion Drop Stitch,500D 1000D PVC
Dimensions (HxWxD): 11’6” X 32” X 5“
Volume/Pressure: 314 L/ 20PSI
Weight: 24 Pounds (10.9 Kg)
Weight Capacity: 310 Pounds (140 Kg)
Suitable Activities: Touring, Fitness Training, Racing
Accessories: Backpack, 2L Dry Bag, 8” Fin, Triple-Action Pump with Gauge, 3-Piece Fiberglass Paddle, Patch Kit, Leash
Activities
The primary design consideration for Newport Air includes making a board that could react at speed. The designers wanted a greater level of control while reducing drag. At 32 inches wide and close to 12-foot long, this slender board cuts through the water with ease.
The Newport still offers the level of balance that beginners and intermediates need for them to get the most speed from the board. The long front end also gives paddlers more real estate to attach luggage or for a small passenger to sit.
Comfort
The front quarter of the board has 0.2 inches of soft EVA foam covering, with croc-skin texture for better grip. This grip extends across the width of the board, all the way to the rear. A single PVC construction with drop stitching makes the board feel rigid, even for heavier riders.
The Newport Air is suitable for beginners up to 260 pounds. But paddlers, with experience, can load the board with up to 310 pounds (including the passenger). The three-way pump means that you can have this SUP unpacked and inflated in a little over five minutes.
Paddles and Fins
This board is a simple single fin design, so you have less drag to build speed with. The 8-inch fin blade is a universal standard fit that is easy to swap with different fins. The Newport Air comes with a 3-piece travel paddle that will store away in the provided backpack with the rest of the kit.
You also get a 0.52-gallon dry-bag so you can take your phone and other items out on the open water. The kit comes with a long coil ankle leash and patch kit, so you have everything you need to fix and attach yourself to the board.