When I bought my first paddleboard back in 2014, I had no idea what I was doing. I shelled out a good chunk of money for a heavy hard board because it looked nice… but it turned out to be a less-than-ideal choice. It wasn’t very durable (hello, rocks), it was incredibly slippery when wet (not great when you’re trying to do downward dog), and I ended up repairing it more than once.
That board now lives its best life as a bench.
And honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. That first board, flawed as it was, got me out on the water. I fell in love with paddleboarding, and I started learning what really mattered to me in a board.
So if you’re new and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, here’s my advice: do a little research, but don’t overthink it. Your first board probably won’t be your last. You’ll learn what you like over time.
Understanding Paddleboard Basics
SUP stands for Stand Up Paddleboard. It’s part sport, part self-care, and all adventure.
Choosing the right board makes a huge difference. The right one feels supportive, stable, and enjoyable from the first paddle. The wrong one? Wobbly, hard to maneuver, or just frustrating. And if your first paddle feels like a struggle, you might not stick with it. Let’s fix that.
Construction and Materials: Inflatable Paddleboard vs. Hard Paddleboards
One of the first choices you’ll make is between a hard and an inflatable paddleboard, and each one has its perks depending on your lifestyle and how you plan to paddle.
Hard boards offer excellent glide and responsiveness. They’re fast to set up (no pumping required) and easier to climb back onto if you fall off, especially in deep water. They tend to sit lower and closer to the water and are a great option if you are focused on speed and performance.
What are they made of?
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Most are made with an EPS foam core wrapped in fiberglass or epoxy—light and durable for everyday paddling.
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Plastic boards are heavy, I don’t recommend them.
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Carbon fiber is ultra-light and stiff, ideal for racing.
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Wood or bamboo adds style and a good balance of strength and weight.
Inflatable boards, (when inflated properly) are incredibly durable and forgiving. They’re easier to store, transport, and tend to be kinder on your joints, especially if you have sensitive knees or ankles. And if you fall? Let’s just say it’s much more pleasant landing on an inflatable than a hard shell.
If you live in a small space, have limited storage, or don’t have a roof rack, an inflatable board can make your life so much easier. You can store it in a closet and toss it in the trunk instead of needing a garage or trailer.
What are they made of?
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Single-layer PVC is lightweight and cheap but less rigid and more prone to damage. I do not recommend this construction.
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Dual-layer PVC adds strength and stiffness but also extra weight.
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Premium options use fusion or cross-woven drop-stitch construction for better rigidity without the bulk.
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Red Paddle Co, for example, uses MSL technology to fuse layers without glue, resulting in a lighter, stiffer board.
Thickness of an inflatable paddleboard used to be another important factor, with thicker paddleboards being stronger and stiffer but with the new technology, this is not always the case anymore. Focus on the construction over the thickness.
Pro tip: Check the board’s weight before you buy, especially online. A board that’s too heavy to carry comfortably might stay in the garage. Additional features like extra handles, bungee cords, and mounts can also add to the overall weight.
👉 Want more on this?
Inflatable vs Hard Paddleboards
How to Inflate Your Paddleboard
Watch: How to Load a Paddleboard on a Roof Rack
Types of Paddleboards (and How to Pick One)
All-Around Paddleboards
Great for beginners, casual paddling, and versatility. Stable and easy to maneuver.
💛 My favorite: Glide Retro — I use this one when I’m paddling with my kids or want a reliable go-to.
🎒 For remote lake hikes, I pack the Red Paddle Co Compact—it’s lightweight and easy to carry.
Touring Paddleboards
Longer boards made for covering more distance efficiently.
🌲 My choice: Red Paddle Co Voyager, perfect for longer adventures, especially touring down the river.
Yoga/Fitness Paddleboards
Wide and grippy with a soft surface for poses, stretches, or just relaxing on the water.
🧘 My go-tos: Glide Lotus Hard Paddleboard (they also have an inflatable version) and the inflatable Red Paddle Co Activ
👉🏼 Check out this vlog specifically about choosing the right paddleboard for paddleboard yoga!
Racing Boards
Sleek and narrow, designed for speed. Not beginner-friendly, but incredible if you love a fast, responsive ride. Racing boards are typically less than 26″ wide. There are typically 3 racing classes that are based on length, which include 12′ 6″, 14″, and unlimited (longer than 14″).
💨 I paddle the SIC Maui RS 14’ when I’m racing.
Fishing Boards
Wider with room for coolers, mounts, and gear. Ultra-stable for casting and reeling.
🎣 Top picks: Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler (it’s a TANK!) and Glide SUP Angler
Tandem & Group Boards
Designed for two or more paddlers, plus maybe a pup. Great for families or social paddling.
👨👩👧👦 We love the Red Paddle Co Tandem, Dragon, and XL Ride.
Paddleboard Features: Small Details, Big Impact
Once you know the type of board you want, it’s worth checking out a few features that can really impact your experience:
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Deck Pad: Grippy EVA foam or diamond-groove pads help with traction. Full-length pads are perfect for yoga.
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Handles: Extra handles at the nose or tail make boards easier to carry.
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Storage and Mounts: Some paddleboards include mounts for GoPros, fishing rod holders, phone holders, or cup holders. If you think you will be paddling long distances or fishing, make sure there is sufficient storage areas, some paddleboards include bungees at the front and back, others may not have any at all.
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Hybrid Features: Some all-around boards come with a kayak seat and convertible paddle.
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Aftermarket Options: Many features(like extra bungees) can be added later, just make sure the paddleboard has the setup to support them.
Paddleboard Size & Weight Capacity
Width = Stability
Wider boards (32″–36″) give you more surface area to balance on. Great for beginners, yoga, or paddling with kids.
Length = Tracking and Fit
Longer boards (11’–14’) glide better and track straighter. Shorter boards (9’–10’6”) are easier to turn.
If you’re between two lengths, shorter boards are easier to carry and turn quickly in the water, while longer boards feel track straighter, but may be harder to turn.
Pro tip: If you’re taller, a longer board can actually help you feel more stable.
Taller paddlers have a higher center of gravity, so more length helps balance things out.
Weight Capacity = Ride Quality
Most boards list a max weight capacity. You can paddle near that limit, but it will change how the board performs.
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Closer to the max capacity = more drag and less balance
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The board won’t sink, but it may feel tippy
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Consider board volume (in liters):
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Look for 1.5x your body weight in volume as a starting point
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Add more volume for dogs, kids, or gear
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When in doubt, size up. A little extra float is usually more forgiving for new paddlers.
Fins Matter More Than You Think
Fins help your board track straight and stay stable, but some are easier to manage than others.
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Removable center fin = easier travel and upgrade options
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Avoid glued-on or custom fins = hard to replace
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Best fin setups:
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Standard US Fin Box – widely available and universal
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FCS II Toolless – snaps in and out, no tools required
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Some paddleboards come with a three fin set up, typically with two smaller fins and one larger center fin. Don’t stress about this, you will not notice a difference between the two set ups as a beginner. The two extra fins help with quicker turns, and are more common on paddleboards that are used in ocean paddling.
Essential Gear for Paddleboarding
You’ll want a few key things:
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Paddle (adjustable or fixed length)
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Ankle leash
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PFD (life jacket or inflatable belt)
Need help choosing one? Click here -
Dry bag
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Sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water
📦 Some boards come as kits with pumps, leashes, and paddles, others don’t. Be sure to check what’s included so you know what else to buy..
🎥 Watch: Paddleboarding Gear Must-Haves
Brand Matters (A Lot)
Don’t fall for the cheapest board with the prettiest print.
Before you click “buy,” ask:
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Does the brand have good reviews and customer support?
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Is there a warranty (2-5+ years)?
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Can you replace parts like fins, pumps, or valves?
🛶 I’ve had great experiences with Glide SUP, Red Paddle Co, SIC Maui, and Aquaglide.
What to Expect with Paddleboard Prices
Under $500: Budget Boards
You’ll find these on Amazon and in big box stores. They may look similar to high-quality boards, but they tend to cut corners.
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Flimsy materials, poor tracking, and low PSI rating
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Short or no warranty
I do not recommend these boards.
If this is your price range, I recommend renting or borrowing until you’re ready to invest.Having crappy equipment can ruin the experience.
I’ve met so many people who think they don’t like paddleboarding, when in reality they just had garbage gear. Please set yourself up for success. You deserve to love it.
$600–$1,000: Mid-Range Sweet Spot
This is where most quality inflatables and beginner-friendly hard boards live.
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Solid construction and materials
- Decent paddles, deck pads, and storage
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Backed by reputable brands and warranties
If you’re planning to paddle more than once or twice, this is where you’ll start to feel the difference.
$1,000–$2,000+: Premium Boards
These are top-tier boards built for long-term use or specific goals.
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Lightweight and high-performance
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Built to last, with brand support and long warranties
- Often board-only, accessories sold separately
If you’re ready to make paddleboarding part of your lifestyle, these boards are worth every penny.
Try Before You Buy (If You Can)
Still unsure? Try to test a few boards before committing.
Check with local shops, events, or friends who paddle. Even a 10-minute cruise on different boards can give you clarity on size, width, and feel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Choosing based on looks or price only
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Overlooking board dimensions or weight capacity
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Forgetting about storage or how you’ll transport it
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Buying from unreliable brands or skipping the warranty fine print
Quick Recap: How to Choose the Right Paddleboard
✅ Know what kind of paddling you want to do
✅ Choose the right type of board for your goals
✅ Consider construction: inflatable vs. hard board
✅ Check deck pad, storage, handles, and mounts
✅ Match board size to your body
✅ Pay attention to what gear is included
✅ Buy from a brand you trust and test it if you can
Still Deciding? Let’s Make It Easy
Ready to get out there? Start here:
👉 My Paddleboard Equipment Recommendations
Want to paddle with confidence?
🏄🏼 Try my Intro to Paddleboarding Online Course, perfect for beginners
🧘🏼 Explore Online Paddleboard Yoga, flow at your pace, from anywhere
You’ve got this. Now, get out on the water! 🌊