Maybe you’ve tried SUP a few times with friends or while on vacation, or maybe you are looking for a brand new adventure on the water. Either way, one of the first things you’ll need to do is get a paddleboard! Choosing your first SUP can be daunting. This SUP buying guide breaks the process down into four easy steps.
Table of Contents
SUP Buying Guide: What to Avoid
Before we get into picking a board, let’s talk about what to avoid.
First is avoid the ultra-cheap junk you find on Amazon, AliExpress, Walmart, etc. Not only are these the absolute worst possible constructions to begin with, but they are basically a gamble whether they will work at all out of the box. You’ll also receive zero customer support from these “companies” and any included accessories will be of equally awful quality.
There are ways to get a starter SUP on a reasonable budget, but seeking out the cheapest option will set yourself up for disappointment or failure. These ultra-cheap iSUPs also make learning how to paddleboard far more difficult. They are frequently under-sized (sold by advertising unreasonably high weight limits) and so soft when inflated that they lose significant stability. That’s a recipe for a bad time on the water!
The same under-size problem also happens frequently on cheap soft-top “hard” boards available at big-box retailers for cheap. These low-volume boards are simply beginner surfboards sold with a paddle and don’t have the volume for most adults to paddle on flat water comfortably.
If you are shopping used, avoid the lowest quality brands (see above), avoid buying boards that look like that have obvious damage/degradation, and avoid boards that have been stored unprotected.
Step 1: What Type of SUP (Hard vs Inflatable)?
SUP BUYING GUIDE TIP: For the majority of users a decent-quality inflatable paddleboard is the better option to start with compared to a hard board.
iSUPs are more forgiving when it comes to durability, volume/capacity, repair work, transportation/storage, and cost. Hard boards are for more paddler-weight sensitive, especially for paddlers over 180 pounds or wanting to bring friends, lots of equipment, larger dogs, etc.
For a beginner paddler there is no real performance gain found in a hard board vs an inflatable. For more detail see our other article comparing the two constructions.
Step 2: What Style and Size Board?
SUP BUYING GUIDE TIP: Most beginner paddlers will benefit most from a standard all-around style SUP with a medium size.
Paddleboards come in all different shapes and sizes from relatively tiny surf and foil SUPs to large racing or multi-person boards. Beginner paddlers will have the most success and versatility from a typical all-around shape and size.
These boards have a relatively broad nose, a relatively straight mid section, and a medium-size tail. They are between 10-12′ long and 30-32″ wide and 4-6″ thick. Avoid specialty shapes as a beginner (like surf or race SUPs) and make sure the board is the right size for you.
General sizing advice starting points for all-around style SUPs assuming either a hard board or a midrange (or better) quality inflatable:
| Paddler Height | Board Width | Board Length |
| < 5’4″ | 29″ – 30″ | 10’0″ – 10’6″ |
| 5’4″ – 5’7″ | 30″ – 31″ | 10’6″ – 11’0″ |
| 5’8″ – 5’11” | 32″ – 33″ | 10’6″ – 11’0″ |
| 6’0″ + | 32″ – 34″ | 11’0″ – 12’0″ |
This is just a starting point, and assumes an average paddler weight for these heights and typical board thicknesses. You can adjust here based on what you want in your board and for your size. If you want a board that is more nimble and sporty, but less stable, then drop down in one size category. If you want more stability, then size up in one or both size categories. If you plan on paddling more for distance and fitness, then consider a board that is a little longer and a little narrower.
If you are a more petite paddler, you may want to size down for easier handling on and off the water, and larger paddlers, or paddling with lots of gear, will want to size up for more capacity.
Manufacturer weight capacities for hard boards should not be ignored. These boards are far more sensitive to weight difference than inflatables because of the way they are shaped. Manufacturer weight capacities for inflatables are much harder to decipher. Some brands use a calculation that is reliable, some use a calculation that’s not. Some make them up entirely. No iSUP brand publishes information on the actual rigidity of their boards. This is the most difficult part – particularly for heavier paddlers – as a board may be the right size (or even larger), but if it’s not built well it will bend and flex to the point of become unstable and difficult to paddle.
SUP BUYING GUIDE TIP: Avoid going too large! Oversize boards are difficult to paddle straight, especially for smaller paddlers.
One of the worst trends in entry-level SUPs today is creating massive boards that essentially become small docks. These 34″-38″ wide boards are shaped this way for two reasons: 1) brands are trying to make it as easy as possible to stand at the sacrifice of the ability to actually paddle the board and/or 2) brands are masking the lower quality of their constructions (less rigidity) by making them wider.
Very, very few paddlers actually need a board that is 34″ or wider.
If you are under 5’8″ you absolutely should not be on a board that is 34″ or wider.
Wider boards make it so much harder for shorter paddlers to effectively move their board on the water. In order to paddle straight, your paddle must remain vertical through the paddle stroke and as close to the center line of the board as possible. Wider boards force paddlers to tilt their paddles to the side as they paddle, which amplifies the turning effect of paddling on a single side of the board.
Additionally, a wider board is harder to paddle through the water, and it can be harder to get back on after you’ve fallen off.
Step 3: What Brand? Making the Purchase Decision
SUP BUYING GUIDE TIP: Purchase from actual SUP companies and avoid racing to the bottom on price.
Now we get into the hard part – actually choosing the brand and board. If you are shopping for a hard board it’s almost always better to shop locally as shipping a hard SUP can cost $500 or more! That’s a ton of cash just to get the board to you. This is another reason why most beginner paddlers benefit from an inflatable – you get far more choice and generally free delivery to your door.
Always consider the brand. Purchase from a SUP-specific company. These brands are dedicated to the sport, not just hopping on the bandwagon and trying to turn a quick buck. If the brand makes more than one other category of product, it’s probably not going to be a great option.
SUP BUYING GUIDE TIP: Hard boards rarely have a warranty that extends beyond its first use. Inflatables should have a minimum 2-year warranty.
Look at the warranty and customer service. Hard boards typically have either zero or a 1-year warranty, which may even become void once the board is used. This is because these products are easily damaged by the user, even just from stepping on them wrong! Inflatable boards should have a minimum of a 2-year warranty, but many companies will warranty them for 5-10 years, or more. While a longer warranty isn’t always guaranteed to mean a better product, it’s a good start.
Check the customer service – ask them a question, or even ask them to help you pick a board. See what their response is like. At a minimum they should be emailing you back within a week. Great companies will talk with you directly, at length, to find the right product – even if it’s not theirs.
SUP BUYING GUIDE TIP: Setting a budget of $400-500 will ensure you get a quality iSUP kit backed by a real SUP company.
Pricing is always a big factor when purchasing anything, and just like with every other item you get what you pay for. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great deals / high value options at different price points. For a budget sensitive buyer who is taking the time to learn about SUPs by reading this article or asking for help online I highly recommend starting with a $400-500 budget for a decent starter iSUP kit. These boards will have far better materials, quality, accessories, and support than sub $300 boards from big-box retailers.
Step 4: Final Accessories
SUP BUYING GUIDE TIP: Budget for a few key accessories. You need a PFD, so get a comfortable one!
You need a PFD/Life Jacket. Period. Full stop. In the US you are required by law to have one with you on the board when paddling on any public waterway. Some states require they be worn, even by adults. Over 80% of boating fatalities every year list “No PFD/PFD Not Worn” as the primary contributing factor in that death.
Don’t just get the cheap horseshoe-style PFD at Walmart and throw it on your board. Life Jackets are like seatbelts – by the time you know you need one it is too late to put it on. There are very comfortable Type III PFDs available that are designed specifically for paddling, and even belt-pack style inflatable PFDs that are indiscernible when worn. Choose one that fits you well, is USCG or CE certified, and don’t forget to wear it.
Life Jackets Worn, Nobody Mourns.
Leashes are a great tool for keeping your board nearby when paddling on open water. And when on open water they are considered safety equipment. However, leashes can become deadly entrapment hazards on flowing water (rivers, streams, estuaries, tidal races, etc.). Never wear a leg-leash in these environments. There are safer alternatives for more advanced paddlers, but they are not a magic bullet that will keep you save just by wearing one. You must specifically train and practice with them in order for them to be effective safety devices.
See our article about Leashes for more information.
SUP Buying Guide: What Questions Do You Have?
Still confused on where to start or what to look for? Head to our About page and send us your questions! We’d be happy to help.