Just about any time you head out to a body of water these days, you’ll find somebody on a paddleboard. Paddleboarding is a great time because it’s got a lower level of difficulty compared to other standing-up-on-water activities but you still get to feel that zen-fulness that floating above the H20 provides. If you’re looking to get one of the best paddle boards in all the land, you don’t need to look any further than this list right here. All of these options are sure to get you cruising in no time – as long as your balance us up to the test!

Our Top Choices for the Best Paddle Boards
	The Best of the Best BIC ACe-Tec Comes in 3 sizes Awesome on waves and glass Thinner than most to maintain speed
	The Inflatable Winner Thurso Surf More solid than most inflatables Comes with tons of accessories Plenty of grippiness on topside panel
	The All-Around Winner iRocker Cruiser Great for the casual SUP-er and families Great stability for inflatable board Option for kayaking attachments

What to Consider

So what makes for the best paddle boards available? There are a few things to think about when you go to grab your own board so let us name off a few things that you should be pondering as you go to make your purchase:

• Hull Type: There are two main types of hulls for paddleboards. The first is the planing hull. A planing hull is, well, a plane on the bottom. The bottom of the board is nice and flat once the arc of the rails of the board make their way from top to bottom. This should remind you of a surfboard. This shape makes them maneuverable and they glide of the water easily. These are best for easy paddling, surfing, and SUP yoga. The other type is the displacement hull. A displacement hull has angles on the bottom that meet in the middle to form an edge that runs the length of the board. This makes the board slice through water for higher hydrodynamic efficiency and a fast ride. This makes a displacement board good for fitness and racing applications.
• Solid vs. Inflatable: Simply put, you can either have a hard board to carry around or a blow-up board to tuck away nicely in transit. Of course, this transportation friendliness comes with a couple drawbacks. If you’ve got a solid board, you’re going to get better performance and an easier time balancing just because the board will be more stable. You also won’t need to blow up your board whenever you want to ride. However, if you get an inflatable board, you don’t have to worry about finding a storage space. Inflatable boards are also better for travelers, hikers, and SUP yoga enthusiasts. So, you must know thyself and understand which type of board is the best paddle boards option for your needs.
• Size and Shape: This is where logistics come into play. When you got to buy a board, you should be on the lookout for the weight that is listed with it. Certain sizes and shapes of boards fit with certain sizes and shapes of people so you’re going to want a board that fits your very own profile. Most models come in different sizes so it shouldn’t be too hard to find a board that fits you. It’s just a detail that shouldn’t be overlooked!

Best Paddle Boards

BIC ACe-Tec

The BIC Ace-Tec is the first board we are going to take about simply because of its versatility and stability. It’s made in three different sizes (9’2, 10’6, 11’6) so that just about any kind of rider can get in on the fun. But, despite the varying sizes, this board brings every ounce of performance that could be asked for. Those who use it say that the board works just as well at taking on waves and choppiness as it does speeding along on glassy, flat waters.

Float Over to Amazon

It has two fins (with an option for a third) for if you want even more maneuverability – but things can also be reduced down to just one fin if the water is looking glassy and you want some speed. The thickness – or, lackthereof – is really what makes this board noticeable. It’s thinner than most but still displaces enough water to be super stable. In fact, many people say that carrying the board is enough to show how stable the board is. They say they can just feel it right in their hands. Through the BIC Ace-Tec’s combination of stability, speed, and usefulness, we’re definitely going to call it a one of the best paddle boards out there and an all-around contender for anyone paddleboarder.

Thurso Surf

Thurso comes in with their Surf model looking like a brand new take on the paddle boarding lifestyle. The look of their board is classic and really makes you want to head out to the nearest body of water and enjoy yourself. But, beyond, just the design on the board, the design of the board is outstanding. The Thurso Surf has a sweet cross bungee out in front so you can bring a few accessories along for the ride (snacks, anyone) and the grip itself is plenty enough to keep your feet planted well. Beneath the grip, you’ll find a high quality inflatable board with a medium range price tag.

Surf one with Amazon

Something we like to point to when we take about inflatable boards is how your feet like to make dips in the board and mess with your balance while you’re riding around (air reacting to different pressure points and all). But this inflatable handles the waves just fine. It’s not going to be as stable as a solid board just by nature but, if you’re going the inflatable route, this one is as good as any for handling some mildly rough seas. And you will find it shines on glassy days just like how you would want it. The best paddle boards for you may be an inflatable and this one may the best inflatable in our book.

iRocker Cruiser

The last board on our list (which has no particular order, mind you) is the iRocker Cruiser. This inflatable board is great for the casual paddle boarder that just wants to have a great time on the water. It’s got some good length and width to it so it will stay extra stable, even being competitive with solid boards through the wavy bits.

Rock with Amazon

This is the perfect board for bringing along kids and dogs, doing SUP yoga, cruising through the harbor, or floating down the river. What’s extra cool about this board is that it comes with an optionable Kayak Bundle which supplies you with a seat to connect to your board and a paddle blade. This way, you get a SUP and a kayak all in one package! In terms of utility, this board is absolutely a fan favorite because it will do just about everything you want it to – and more. The possibilities are truly endless.

Wrap Up

If there ever was an activity for everyone, it’s stand up paddle boarding. If you don’t want to surf for whatever reason (we highly recommend it, though), SUP is the next best thing. It can be as intense or relaxing as you want it to be. It can be as fun or competitive as you’d like. And just about anyone can enjoy it. The best paddle boards are of all different shapes, sizes, and preferences just like the people who ride them. But the best paddle boards are whichever ones you are standing on top of and loving.