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Sep 22, 2023

Best Stand

Our fitness advice is expert-vetted. Our top picks are based on our editors’ independent research, analysis, and hands-on testing. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics

Our fitness advice is expert-vetted. Our top picks are based on our editors’ independent research, analysis, and hands-on testing. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Your next outdoor adventure just got a whole lot better with these stand-up paddle boards.

Warmer weather is finally upon us, and while you can paddle at any time of year, there's nothing like it during the spring and summer. The sun is shining, the longer days offer more prime paddle time, and the water is refreshing rather than freezing.

Whether you're a paddle board beginner looking to get your feet wet, a veteran SUPer or somewhere in between, I likely have a good matchup for you on this list. This best paddle board review roundup is a selection of my favorite picks from the SUPs I've tested, including rigid boards and inflatables. Some are built for speed, some are best for balance and others offer a great value -- it all depends on your skill set and what you're looking to use your board for.

Scroll on for the best paddle board picks, from best lightweight paddle board to best yoga SUP.

A great paddle board should have these three qualities: stability, maneuverability and durability. On top of that, most people also look for a good bang for their buck. The Breeze Aero from BOTE checks a ton of boxes for what your average paddler wants in a new, quality SUP. Not to mention, it's one good-looking board.

Retrospec is a popular paddle board brand you might have seen advertised on your Instagram or Facebook feeds. The Weekender model is its entry-level board, and I was really impressed with how nice the board is for the price. Hands down, this is one of the best paddle boards you can get for your money.

The Connelly Voyager SUP was my first paddle board and what a great board it is. I began taking it out to the beautiful (but chilly) Lake Tahoe to learn how to paddle board. Thanks to the stability and quality of the Connelly Voyager, balance wasn't an issue when winds picked up, and I was hard-pressed not to fall into the 57-degree water.

My first impression of the Pioneer 2.0 is that it's equally as speedy as it is easy to balance on. After being used to my own board for so long, it took me a few minutes to find my footing and get comfortable on a few models during my testing process. But I immediately clicked with ISLE's Pioneer 2.0 paddle board like I'd been riding it for years. It offers a fun, sturdy ride for all skill levels and is especially great for beginners.

The iRocker brand is fairly popular among riders and for good reason; it offers a range of different models and quality boards at affordable price points. I tested the 10' All Around Ultra SUP and found it to be a great travel-friendly, lightweight board to take with you on a pre or post-paddle adventure.

The adventure paddler who likes to travel long distances will love the sleek and functional design of the Infinity E-Ticket Touring paddle board. As Infinity says itself, this SUP has the performance aspects of a race board, but the generous widths and style of a touring board.

The ultimate functional paddle board award goes to the Bote Rackham Aero 11', and it's also the best paddle board for fishing. It's one of the most decked-out paddle boards I have ever seen and it's compatible with add-on fishing accessories to upgrade your set-up.

Yogis who want to take their craft to the water may be interested in a paddle board specifically designed for yoga. As peaceful as yoga can be, there's something about the water that makes it even more centering. The secret to a nice yoga paddle board is a wide and long base to balance on. My personal favorite is the Dhyana paddle board from Aqua marina.

From the mile-high state comes the High Society ZG inflatable paddle board. It offers a nice balance of stability and speed, and boy did I love how zippy this board was. I could gain speed and keep it with little effort, often trailing ahead of my paddle partner, who was taking the BOTE Breeze for a spin.

CNET health and wellness editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. Each paddle board was tested individually on the same body of water to determine speed, tracking and balance performance. Tests were completed when wind conditions were below 10. SUP was inflated to its suggested PSI, typically between 10 to 15.

There are two kinds of paddle boards you can buy, inflatable or rigid, aka solid. One isn't better than the other -- it will primarily depend on your current circumstances and what you're looking to get out of your board.

Solid paddle boards tend to be better for the ocean because they're more durable and can likely withstand the hit from jagged rocks and coral reefs. They're also more stable when you hit choppy waters, boat wakes and waves. However, they're usually heavier, harder to transport and harder to store.

Inflatable paddle boards allow you to easily store it in small spaces like apartments, studios or the trunk of your car. They are also easier to get to the water, especially if you don't own a truck or vehicle with roof racks.

You can buy specific types of paddle boards you can buy that are ergonomically designed for certain activities. There are different lengths, widths and styles to maximize functionality.

You can find a wide price range with paddle boards, so you can enjoy the sport at almost any budget. Inflatable boards tend to be more affordable than hard-top ones, while performance and racing boards are among the most expensive you can buy. For a good paddle board, prices start around $300 and go all the way up to $2,000 or more.

Once upon a time, I lived in a one-bedroom, 750-square foot apartment and bought a 10-foot paddleboard. Did I have a detached garage? No. Did I have an abnormally large storage closet? No, I didn't have that either. Not understanding the sheer size of a paddleboard, I didn't take storage into account. So, I had to buy wall mounts to hold my paddle board above my bed, almost like a make-shift headboard. Before I knew it, my place felt like a beach house in the middle of Reno, Nevada.

Moral of the story is, make sure you have the storage space for a solid SUP before you buy if that's the kind you're leaning toward.

That depends on what you want to use it for. Shorter boards are slower, but easier to maneuver and carry around. Longer paddle boards tend to be faster, but weigh more than shorter boards. Boards under 10' long are best for kids or people who want to surf.

The wider your paddle board, the more stable it's going to be. If balance and stability is your main concern, keep an eye out for an SUP that's 33 inches wide or larger. Though, wide paddle boards are slower than long, narrow paddle boards.

If properly stored and taken care of, your inflatable paddle board can last up to 5 to 10 years. Most inflatable boards also come with a repair kit if you experience a puncture.

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