We set up buoys and steered around natural obstacles to determine scores, noting how close you could get at various speeds and still have time to avoid a collision. On flat water, it's a fantastic option for beginners or entirely new paddlers and is excellent for hauling dogs, kids, or cargo. over double the weight of other boards in the group. With such a surface area its no wonder that its extremely stable. This is by far the most stable board we have tested to date, doing an excellent job in rougher or choppy water. The Versa suffered some fairly noticeable scrapes and scuffs but no major damage from transport or collision. The healthy thickness and width of the board give it great stability. Our next set of tests rated and ranked how much work it is to get these boards to the water a prerequisite to most paddling trips. While we think the weightings are spot-on for an average paddler, you will want to pay particular attention to how each board performs in the metrics that you care most about, such as if you value stability or ease of transport above all else. It is hard to get this board to rock even when throwing your weight around on waves. In particular, the Sun Dolphin Seaquest distinguished itself by being particularly sluggish. The Surftech Catalyst and the Boardworks Raven tied for the top score in our glide performance metric, offering fantastic amounts of speed and tons of glider per paddle stroke. Boardworks cite three weight bearing capacities based on the riders ability. The Endurance XL can keep up with those four once it gets up to speed, but it takes a long time and a lot of effort to get this board up to cruising speed compared to the other boards, dropping it down a few points. The Catalyst and the Raven both weigh between 20 and 30 lbs. A group of boards all tied for the next spot, with the Kraken, Isle Versa, Malibu Classic, and the Raven all being just a bit above average when it comes to maneuverability. Which soft cooler is the best? The Catalyst is a much shorter board than the other three, which means it can't quite compare in terms of outright speed. This core is durable and environmentally friendly since it is recyclable. and are about the same amount of effort to carry around. This board is also exceptionally heavy, making it a bit difficult to carry or load on a car a task that usually requires a second set of hands due to its bulk. It has a standard bungee area in the fore section ready to take some of your gear. Its a relative newcomer to the industry, just celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The Pau Hana Malibu Classic also feels like it fights you a bit if you are leaning into a turn to try and make it turn a little tighter, preferring to remain flat on the water. This board is decently durable but will show scuffs and scrapes with normal use. All in all, we recommend this board to anyone looking for a SUP that performs well in most conditions but who can't afford the top-dollar models. The feature packed Hyper Nut 5-in-1 offers you 5 sports with one board. These boards have fairly typical hull designs and get up to speed quickly with a decent glide per paddle stroke, but a longer touring board will slowly start to overtake them on longer paddles. When it comes to choosing a stand-up paddle board, you have two broad types to choose from: inflatable and solid. Durability accounts for the remaining 10 percent of the score. While it sustained some minor wear and tear during our rigorous and sometimes abusive testing process, these were all essentially cosmetic injuries. Where comfort and grip are concerned this paddle board features a decent-sized traction pad. Whether you're racing or just want to move faster and more efficiently, this is the best choice that we've tested in an inflatable board. Stumped by SUPs? Based in Bend, Oregon these paddleboarding lovers develop and test their own designs out on the cold waters of their local shores and the warmer climes of Mexico and the Kohala coast, Hawaii. Got feedback? However, while this board's larger size might be manageable in the water, it's considerably more difficult on land. There is a soft handle built into the traction pad which is well-placed; its near the boards center of gravity, making it reasonably easy to maneuver. We have over five years of experience in hands-on testing and reviewing paddleboards head-to-head, paddling lakes, rivers, and streams in a wide variety of conditions to rigorously compare performance. It costs quite a bit more than the Seaquest 10 but offers much better all-around performance, and still saves you a bit of cash over the other hgih-end options. This plastic-coated board held up well to our testing. The Pau Hana Endurance XL and followed the top performers by just a small margin. The Versa is 10 5 long by 32 wide by 4.5 high. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. The Malibue board glides fairly well on smooth water but struggles to make headway against waves. This makes it ideal if you are keen to practice SUP yoga or SUP fishing. It has a rather large turning radius, and you usually need to back-paddle and complete a three-point turn when trying to turn around this SUP in narrower areas. We dragged the Sun Dolphin across dirt and sand, even taking them down rivers where they almost continually scraped on branches and other snags. The board also has an ultra-durable polyethylene external shell that is ding proof. The SUP Windsurfing range offers a great choice for sharing windsurfing and paddle boarding with friends and family. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Read review: Surftech/prAna Catalyst Tuflite VT. However, this SUP from Surftech simply feels exceptionally light on the water and has tons of acceleration, letting you get up to maximum speed without a ton of effort. These boards have a pro performance and feel without compromising stability or volume. Its our all-time explorers and adventurers favourite. The Catalyst has tons of glide, making paddling feel effortless compared to many of the other boards in the group. You can avoid obstacles easily enough on these boards if you see them early enough, and most don't take a ton of room to complete a U-turn, with the exception of the Raven. The Red Paddle Co Voyager bucks that trend and provides excellent glide performance and quality. The Endurance XL is just a bit harder to get to and from the water than the average SUP in our minds. With high volume in a compact size, the Take Off is the Foilers board of choice for anything wing, foil surf, foil downwind and more. Our award-winning Race Paddle Boards are made for all kinds of SUP racers from weekend worriers to World champions like Fiona Wylde, Connor Baxter and Michael Booth. However, we did find that water sometimes made it inside the Seaquest 10 something backed up by other user reviews. The Catalyst is an exceptionally easy to paddle and speedy board. By far, the best glide performance of an inflatable SUP came from Red Paddle Co. These are our best selling and the most versatile Stand Up Paddle Boards suiting everyone in the family made for all-round activities. A centre handle insert is moulded for extra comfort and sunken to prevent interference while in use. The top stand up paddle boards on the market, ready for testing. Isle is a true American specialist in SUPs, based in San Diego, California.The solid Cruiser measures 10 5 long by 32 wide and 4.5 high. Whether you are a big family wanting to spend quality time paddling on the water or a solo paddler who wants to explore nature, to wave riders ripping up waves in SUP surfing top those that want to get high on a foil board; we have a composite paddle board for everyone to have the best time out there. However, we digress. At only 27 lbs the Sugar Skull is a great compromise of stability and agility, its shape making for a steady base but one that can also cut a few moves when propelled along. It is easy to adjust the paddle to your desired size with the help of the adjustable screw available.The product comes equipped with an automated vent plug that promotes the free flow of air and, at the same time, prevents water and other debris from entering the board. Our team has logged dozens of hours on these boards, taking them out in every type of conditions possible everything from early morning paddles with completely still waters to conditions that were windy and wavy enough that we were repeatedly cautioned not to head out on the water, all to help you find the perfect stand up paddle board. Over the course of this article youll see some of the finest performing SUPs you can buy today. With the Bote Breeze paddle board, you can do anything, and it is ideal for both beginners and intermediates. On the board itself it has a substantial bungee area to secure your belongings. The package is rounded off with a straightforward user manual. We actually think it's one of the more stable options even with cargo on flat water. It comes in three two-tone colors: blue and gray, aqua and gray, and yellow and gray. This pair of SUPs both sport pop-out handles, which can make it a little easier to maneuver a board into a truck or on roof racks. All in all, we would suggest sizing up this board or going for another option if you plan on hauling a bunch of weight. A Travelink SUP Carry System makes it easy to transport your stand-up paddle board over long distances. The Rover, unsurprisingly given its extra length and thickness, weighs a couple of extra pounds. Unfortunately the Kraken did some crackin' during testing. Claiming the top spot in our maneuverability metric, the Surftech Catalyst's exceptional agility made it stand apart from the rest of the group. On board we have nose and tail bungee anchors giving ample stowage space. This board also tends to show scuffs and scrapes much more prominently than other boards, so you want to treat it delicately. On the water it is comfortable for hours at a time and you feel sure-footed on its large honeycomb traction pad. The Surftech Catalyst merits the highest score that we have seen so far, so it wasn't hard to award this model the crown of best overall SUP. These solid SUPs are made from epoxy, fiberglass or wood and are sometimes referred to as traditional boards. The Sun Dolphin can feel more like a whale. The board is designed for stability and is easy to use. Our review and testing process for stand up paddle boards is led by Marissa Fox. The Raven is a longer touring board and is exceptionally fast especially on flat water. We based our scores on the measured weight of each paddle board, then looked at how comfortable the handle(s) are on each board. If you're looking for other gear or accessories to complete your kit, our paddling reviews will help outfit you for your next day on the water. Despite its heft, this board is quite fun on the water and paddles great even when fully loaded for camping, fishing, or a marathon tour, and we would recommend this board to anyone using it for those purposes though it does come at a premium price. Our SUP Surf boards are available for all riding styles from shortboards, longboards to an innovative nut shaped boards. The remaining boards all scored below average in this metric, to the point where we wouldn't want to grab any of them for a paddling trip that covered more than a mile or two. Structurally this 404 is built on an EPS foam core which is encased in layers of fiberglass. A little over a decade and YOLO with their mantra of You Only Live Once have fast become a big name in the paddleboard arena. The round nose seems to slap its way through waves rather than slicing through them, which makes for a jarring ride. This hefty board has a listed maximum payload of over 400 pounds, making it a fantastic option for any big & tall paddlers or anyone who needs a stable way to transport a ton of gear on their SUP. From entry-level riders to elite racers, the All Star is the worlds most winning, versatile and user-friendly race paddle board design. In fact if you owned this as your first board it would grow with you as your riding skills and experience develop. Along the way, we rated and scored the glide performance of each board, looking at both their speed and acceleration and how maneuverable and stable each SUP is. The aim of the Wingboard Foil is to give you maximum performance in a small size while catering to your level, from beginner winger riders through to expert foilers going fast & getting high. Featuring a design first released in 2018, the Muse delighted us with its colorful design, build quality and handling. Pau Hana Classic paddle board has a 5mm deck pad that guarantees secure traction and has a soft grip for extra comfort as you paddle. Overall, inflatable boards are easier to move than rigid stand up paddle boards. The Pau Hana Malibu Classic did about average in the glide performance tests. Thanks to its surf-style planing hull, it is the perfect fun beach companion that makes riding along with the shoreline fun. Foiling is fun and we are serious about having fun. No ads. Stand on Liquid (SoL) is a second manufacturer that has built a great reputation during its nine-year history. We've tested and rated everything from critical essentials like SUP paddles and kayak paddles to key accessories like dry bags and PFDs. Caters for beginner foilers through to expert level. Most inflatables feel like barges, but not the Red Paddle Co board. It has more than enough width to make the board stable and easy for you to balance. The Wide Ride features a diverse range of paddle boards that are easy cruisers for the everyday paddler but are also great for wave riding. Its built using Boardworks proprietary EPX technology and the latest in CAD design. After that, we carried each board over land for a short distance and looked at the difficulty of loading each SUP on or in different styles of vehicles. Fortunately, they do make a longer length with more displacement if you are concerned about that. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We bought and tested SUP boards from Surftech, Boardworks, Isle, Pau Hana, and more to help you find the best. There is also a detachable centre fin, making it easy to transport and store. Primarily aimed at beginners due to its stability and all round shape, we also recommend it to intermediates because of its agility. It also helps you balance on your board by splitting the weight up so you dont become nose-heavy. This molded plastic board costs a fraction of what some of the fiberglass or other composite models do. Internally the Sugar Skull comprises a Bahne epoxy structure that gives the board a sturdy and resilient feel. Next, the Surftech Catalyst, the Boardworks Raven, and the Malibu Classic are all about average for a rigid SUP when it comes to moving them to and fro. We took this paddle board out in the windiest and waviest conditions we could find, and it easily handled just about everything we tossed its way. Its a reliable performer and is ideal for beginners and intermediates particularly those who want to indulge in a bit of SUP yoga or SUP fishing. Also, an FCS 2 Tool-free removable centre fin optimises tracking and surf performance. Designed for fishing or endurance paddling trips, this board not only has ample area to store things under its forward cargo net but also has 35 threaded mounting points and multiple through holes to secure things too. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. It's plenty wide for beginners and novice paddlers. This is the most versatile board we have ever made now you can enjoy your time on the water every single day! We know that kids love the water as much as we do so, we created kid-sized Paddle Boards just for them to have their best time on the water. It gets up to speed without too much effort and moves a decent amount of distance per paddle stroke but it would definitely be considerably more fatiguing to paddle for longer distances than a touring-specific SUP. ISLE comes up with the goods once more with their Versa model, a rigid epoxy board that is aimed at beginners and intermediates. Yup, thats right, they race what you race. In the market for a new kayak this season? It has an ergo-grip carry handle that allows you to transport it easily. Even though it is only 10' in length, its weight makes having additional help carrying or loading it appreciated. The SUPKids paddle board line is ready to get every grom on the water. Beyond the attractive graphics, the Muse is a very capable performer. The structure of the board is EPS (expanded polystyrene) which is what keeps the boards weight so low.As an entry level solid paddle board we were impressed by the features that come as standard. This board takes the endeavour to greater heights when it comes to durability. This board is aimed more at intermediates to advanced riders although a relative beginner would still have a great experience on it. It consists of an outer deck pad, a rugged polyethylene outer shell, and a moulded and watertight EPS foam core. This high performance surf paddle board is versatile, incredibly responsive and smooth to turn inspired by our legendary Starboard Surf Longboard model. Only stand up paddle boards specifically designed for racing will outperform these boards. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. If you are shopping for a new SUP on the tightest of budgets, then the Sun Dolphin Seaquest 10 would be our top recommendation. It can be quite hard to go fast on choppy water with touring boards, as their so-so stability can make it hard to focus on paddling when so much effort is required to stay upright. Privacy Policy. It's simply no comparison, as inflatable boards can be deflated and fit back into a large backpack, then tossed in the trunk or back of a car. However, the Catalyst is genuinely one of the best boards that you can get in terms of performance, and we highly recommend it for those who can afford the high price tag and are careful enough to keep it from getting too scratched and scuffed. The Raven glides well, but isn't the best at turning. Despite its bulk, the handle is relatively ergonomic, and it isn't too bad to carry for very short distances emphasis on the very short. The Sun Dolphin Seaquest should be your first choice if you are looking for a new SUP that won't shred your budget. Easily claiming the top spot of the entire group, the Sun Dolphin offers extreme stability. No sponsored content. If you and a friend or family member weigh less than this you could use this board to help introduce them to the sport. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. At least, not without adding a few scrapes or dents to the board. Other design features include an integral GoPro mount which we find really useful and long for the day when they become a standard fitting across all SUPs. To evaluate the performance of each board, we ran a time trial and a glide-per-stroke test for each board both on flat water and in rough conditions. >> You might want to also consider a bamboo paddleboard. All these make it highly durable and resistant to corrosion. This paddle board has a full nose and rounded pintail that helps you easily drop into waves and make your way down the lines. Its quite a thick board and this adds to its buoyancy and stability. The Kraken and the Isle Versa both did surprisingly well in our stability tests, considering they are quite a bit smaller than the top boards in this group of tests. There is ample room on the Endurance XL for all sorts of baggage. New slicing nose design. More stability, more performance, more waves. The Raven had a few scrapes, as well as some noticeable pressure dings from being strapped down, even with padding on the car's crossbars and between the straps and the board. We also combed through user reviews and forums, noting any commonalities that we found. Out on the water the Versa behaves as expected, cruising across lakes and gentle seas with ease. This is completely understandable, given the Pau Hana's heft. Bote Breeze Stand Up paddle board is redesigned to feature a centre grab handle that makes it easy and comfortable to transport your board. The Sprint is not just Starboards fastest flatwater race paddle board; its possibly the proven fastest board in the world. Solid boards are heavier than inflatables but this one is very portable, coming in at under 29 lbs. The SIC Maui TAO paddle board has a unique design that accommodates multiple fin configurations; however, the side fins are sold separately. This design was made possible thanks to the Vacuum Formed Technology used in its manufacture. It's shaped a bit like a whitewater kayak and offers edges that are easy for currents to grab. Unfortunately, all of this performance comes at a price, and the Catalyst is one of the more expensive boards that we have tested. It is a fantastic option for a beginner who doesn't want to invest a ton until they get a feel for the sport or for families who want a board that can handle plenty of abuse. It is straightforward to use and transport the board. Period. Starboard 2022 | All rights reserved. We will say we were pleasantly surprised that this board wasn't clunkier, but you probably aren't going to be winning any slalom races on the Pau Hana. Our composite stand up paddleboards (hard SUPs) are designed for all kinds of activities on the water. Its design stacks the cards against it a bit in this metric, with its shorter relative length and rounder nose, but did quite well despite that. Hard boards are also faster and more agile making them ideal for SUP surfing, SUP racing and traveling long distances. One slight concern we had with this board is its lower than average recommended weight capacity. As with all our favorite board manufacturers, 404 started off with a handful (or less!) The benefits of a solid paddle board are numerous and include being ready to go when you are. In addition, it is incredibly lightweight and weighs about 31 pounds, making it ideal for those looking for an easy-to-handle board. Its surprisingly light too, weighing a sprightly 27 lbs. She has also traveled the world working for various non-profits and marine conservation projects, such as satellite tagging whale sharks in the Philippines, monitoring Minke Whale behavior in Iceland, and promoting turtle conservation in the Caribbean. We have already reviewed our selection of the top inflatable paddle boards, now its time to look at the best solid paddle boards (SUPs). Despite being more interested in racing, 404 rapidly diversified into all aspects of the stand-up paddleboard arena. Its an all round board meaning that the fore is rounded, aiding stability, making it ideal for beginners and anyone who likes that bit of extra security. We gave each board a careful examination after all the other testing, noting any scratches, scrapes, scuffs, or other damage it had incurred during our rigorous testing process. Also, several excellent tie-down points provide the ideal place to lash down your cooler or additional gear. A board that doesn't glide well will feel slow and sluggish, leaving you struggling to keep up with friends. Based on award-winning designs, the SUPKids range offers scaled-down shapes for kids. When she isn't working as a land-use attorney in the Lake Tahoe are or traveling, she spends her free time on or under the water as much as possible, whether it's stand up paddleboarding, swimming, scuba diving, or snowboarding (frozen water counts, right?). Comprising 15 percent of the overall score for each board, our Maneuverability metric consisted of two tests: completing a full U-turn and paddling around obstacles, slalom-style. The 12 long foil box gives you the freedom to move the position of the foil so, you can adjust the lift to match your riding style. Marissa is a former competitive snowboarder, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, RYT yoga instructor, and AIDA freediver. (We didn't test racing SUPs as they are far less stable and are well outside the budget that most people can tolerate.). Luckily its extreme durability means you can throw it around a bit. To the general public, solid boards have an image of being uncomfortable or slippery to stand or kneel on. For the U-turn test, we paddled as fast as possible on one side and shifted our weight to tilt the board, comparing the amount of area it took to do a complete about-face without back-paddling when determining rankings. It consists of a moulded EPS foam core that is watertight and lightweight. The Generation is the best of 3 worlds; Surfing, Racing and Touring. It is supplied with an adjustable hybrid carbon/plastic buoyant paddle, a detachable center fin and user manual. It is supremely light on the water and receptive to both paddling and shifting your body weight to turn extremely quickly. It's easy to carry and durable enough to handle some minor abuses without issues. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Following the unshakeable performance of the Seaquest 10, the Pau Hana Endurance XL, the Boardworks Kraken, and the Isle Versa all tied for the next position in our stability series of tests. For those who love the wind as much as the water, we have a hybrid, 2-in-1 Stand up paddling and Windsurfing boards for you. Boards that glide well allow you to travel further and move faster while expending less effort, all leading to more fun. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Dont hesitate to carry your Bote Breeze paddle board, crafted for style and comfort. You don't have to worry about strapping down a hard board in a way that your tie-downs won't whistle and is tight enough to keep your SUP firmly attached to your car but isn't so tight that it damages the board or your car. We found the Kraken and the Versa to be the easiest to transport of the solid boards. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Its well-balanced and ideal for beginners or intermediates alike especially if you spend most of your time on flat water. In 404s case, these were a professional surfer and shaper, and world-renowned outrigger paddler. It's one of our all-time favorite boards, offering a perfect combination of speed, stability, and glide performance, all in a sleek and stylish package. Because we can't completely speak to the durability of these products after only evaluating a single unit for a few months, we use two different methods to judge them. A GoPro mount makes a welcome appearance too and this is definitely a board youll want to film your adventures from! We like the neat touches such as a LiftSUP pop-up handle that is well-placed for ease of carrying and using to secure when not attended but also folds away when youre riding. In addition, there is a through-hole that allows you to secure your board when not in use. As with all ISLE paddleboards you get a Ride it and Love it guarantee where you can return it subject to a restock fee if youre not completely satisfied. The lightest option for SUP Surf, SUP Foil and Wing Foil. Both Boardworks boards had pop-out handles, rather than recessed slots. Footstrap inserts are placed perfectly for the first Wing classes, helping to find the right foot positioning. Both of these stand up paddle boards did excellent in choppy water, handling small wakes and waves with ease. The Malibu Classic is next on our list when it comes to durability.
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