Types of Stand-Up Paddle Boards (SUPs)

Explore the Different Types of SUPs and Find the Perfect Board for Your Paddleboarding Style

Paddle boarding is a versatile water sport, and there are several different types of stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) to suit various activities and paddling styles. Whether you're interested in recreational paddling, long-distance touring, or even raking your yoga session to the water, choosing the right type of paddle board is key to getting the most out of your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the main types of SUPs, detailing their unique features and best use cases.

1. All-Around SUPs

All-around SUPs are the most versatile option and are ideal for beginners, families and recreational paddlers. These boards are designed to perform well in various water conditions, from flat lakes to small ocean waves, making them the ideal choice for those just starting out, families sharing or paddlers who want one board that can handle multiple types of paddling environments.

• Design Features:
• Shape: All-around boards typically have a rounded nose and a wider, more stable shape, which makes balancing easier for new paddlers.
• Length and Width: These boards are usually between 10 and 12 feet long and 32 to 36 inches wide, providing a good balance between speed and stability.
• Deck Pad: Most all-around boards have a large EVA deck pad, offering comfort and grip whether you're standing, kneeling, or lying down on the board.
• Best for:
• Beginners looking to develop their paddleboarding skills.
• Recreational paddling on flat water, rivers, or calm ocean conditions.
• Families sharing one board between them.
• Light surf conditions, where a little maneuverability is needed.
• All-around SUPs are a fantastic entry point into the sport because of their stability and adaptability. If you’re unsure which board to choose, an all-around SUP is likely your best bet for general use.

2. Touring SUPs

Touring SUPs are designed for long-distance and multi-day paddling and are perfect for those who want to cover large areas of water in a single session. These boards are built for speed, efficiency, and tracking (the ability to maintain a straight course). Touring SUPs are typically narrower and longer than all-around boards with a displacement hull, which allows them to cut through the water more easily.

• Design Features:
• Shape: Touring boards have a more streamlined, pointed nose (referred to as a displacement hull) that slices through the water, improving speed and directional stability.
• Length and Width: They are longer than all-around boards, often measuring between 11 to 14 feet, with a narrower width (around 28 to 32 inches). This design increases speed but reduces stability.
• Storage Options: Many touring boards come with bungee cords on the deck or attachment points such as d-rings or SeaMounts to secure gear, making them ideal for day trips or multi-day trips.
• Best for:
• Advanced paddlers or those who want to venture into long-distance paddling.
• Exploring open waters, lakes, or coastal areas.
• Fitness paddling or those seeking a more efficient, endurance-based workout.
• Touring boards are designed to help you glide through the water with minimal effort, making them perfect for extended adventures or fitness enthusiasts. However, their narrower design requires better balance, so they may not be ideal for beginners.

3. Racing SUPs

Racing SUPs are built for speed and are the go-to choice for competitive and pro paddle boarders. These boards are long, narrow, and often have a sharply pointed nose, allowing them to slice through the water with minimal resistance. While they’re incredibly fast, racing boards offer a lot less stability than other types of SUPs, so they’re best suited for experienced paddlers who are comfortable maintaining balance on skinny boards.

• Design Features:
• Shape: Racing boards have a sleek, aerodynamic shape with a narrow width and a sharp, pointed nose. They feature a displacement hull for optimal water penetration.
• Length and Width: Typically between 12.6 and 14 feet long, with a width of around 26 to 30 inches. The narrow profile is key to achieving higher speeds but makes balancing more challenging.
• Lightweight Materials: Racing boards are usually made from lightweight, high-performance materials like carbon fiber, which enhances speed but also increases the price of the board.
• Best for:
• Competitive paddle board racing and training.
• Advanced paddlers looking to push their speed limits.
• Flat water or light choppy conditions, where speed and efficiency are paramount.
• Racing SUPs are not recommended for beginners due to their reduced stability, but if you're an experienced paddler looking to compete or simply want to maximize your speed, race SUPs are unmatched in performance.

4. Inflatable SUPs

Inflatable SUPs (iSUPs) have become increasingly popular due to their portability, durability and ease of storage. When deflated, they can be rolled up and packed into a bag, making them perfect for people traveling or those with limited storage space. Despite being inflatable, modern iSUPs are made from durable, high-quality materials that allow them to be inflated to a high pressure allowing them to perform similarly to hard boards.

• Design Features:
• Construction: Reputable iSUPs are constructed with multiple layers of military-grade PVC or TPU, making them incredibly durable and resistant to punctures. When fully inflated to the correct PSI, they become rigid and sturdy, capable of supporting heavy weights.
• Portability: One of the key advantages of inflatable SUPs is their portability. They can be easily deflated, packed into a backpack, and taken on trips and planes, making them ideal for adventurers and travellers. When not in use they require little space to store and they don’t require the need for roof racks on a car to transport.
• Performance: While they don’t perform quite as well as hard boards in terms of speed and agility, modern iSUPs from reputable brands have closed the gap significantly, offering solid performance in various water conditions.
• Best for:
• Travellers and adventurers who need a lightweight, packable option.
• Paddlers with limited storage space or no roof racks for transportation.
• General recreational paddling, SUP yoga, and even light surf conditions.
• Inflatable SUPs are a versatile option that provides great performance without the hassle of transporting and storing a large, rigid board. They’re the ideal board for anyone who values convenience and durability.

5. Yoga SUPs

Yoga SUPs are designed specifically for practicing yoga on the water. These boards are wider and more stable than typical SUPs, offering a solid, comfortable platform for performing yoga poses. Many of these boards come with full-length EVA deck pads that provide extra grip and cushioning for kneeling, sitting, or lying down.

• Design Features:
• Shape: Yoga SUPs are often wider than all-around boards, providing maximum stability. Some are even shaped more like a yoga mat, with a large, flat deck space.
• Width: These boards tend to be around 32 to 36 inches wide, ensuring that you have plenty of room to move between yoga poses without tipping over.
• Soft Deck Pad: Yoga boards typically feature a soft, full-length deck pad for comfort. This padding allows for better traction and cushioning during yoga poses.
• Best for:
• Yogis who want to take their practice to the water.
• Beginners looking for extra stability.
• Calm water environments like lakes or bays, where you can focus on balance and relaxation.
• Yoga SUPs provide a unique way to practice yoga in nature, combining the benefits of paddleboarding with the mindfulness of yoga. Their stability and comfort make them a great choice for both yoga lovers and beginners who want a stable platform.

6. Surf SUPs

Surfing SUPs are designed for paddlers who want to ride waves. These boards are shorter, more maneuverable, and often have a rocker (curved nose) that helps them navigate the ups and downs of the surf. They tend to be unstable in flat conditions due to their shallow thickness but their real strength lies in their ability to catch and ride waves, making them a great option for those looking to SUP surf.

• Design Features:
• Shape: Surf SUPs are typically shorter and have more rocker than other types of boards. The curved nose helps the board stay above the water when riding waves.
• Length and Width: These boards are usually between 8 to 10 feet long and narrower than all-around boards, making them more maneuverable in the surf but less stable on the flat.
• Fin Setup: Many surf SUPs have a thruster (three-fin) or quad (four-fin) setup, which provides better control and stability when turning on waves.
• Best for:
• Advanced paddlers who want to ride waves and experience SUP surfing.
• Intermediate to advanced paddlers with experience in the surf.
• Ocean environments with moderate to large waves.
• Surf SUPs are a great choice for experienced paddlers who want to take their skills to the next level by catching waves. However, they’re not ideal for beginners due to their reduced stability and shorter length.

The Takeaway

Choosing the right type of stand-up paddle board depends on your experience level, the type of water you’ll be paddling on, and the activities you want to try. Whether you’re looking for a versatile all-around board, a fast racing SUP, or a specialized yoga or surf SUP there’s a paddle board out there that fits your needs. By understanding the differences between these boards, you can make an informed decision and get the most out of your paddleboarding experience.