Paddleboarding has become a trendy water sport over the last few years. And with good reason – it’s a great way to get some exercise and have fun simultaneously. But before you can start paddle boarding, you need to know about the different types of boards available.

In order to find the best one for you, it’s important to understand the different types and their benefits and drawbacks.

SUP Types By Construction

There are three types of paddle boards by construction- inflatable and solid. Each one has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at each one in more detail.

INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARDS

First, there are inflatable paddle boards. These are made of durable PVC material and can be inflated to your desired firmness. They’re great for beginners because they’re easy to transport and store, and they provide a lot of stability in the water. However, they can be a bit slow and difficult to maneuver.

SOLID PADDLE BOARDS

Then there are solid paddle boards. These are made of fiberglass or epoxy resin, which makes them perform a little bit better on water but are vulnerable to dings and scratches.

They’re also more expensive than inflatable boards. But they offer great speed, maneuverability, and good tracking in open water. The main downside is that they can be tricky to transport and store.

Related Reading:

Inflatable VS Solid Paddle Board | What Are The Differences?

SUP Types By Use

There are a few different types of paddle boards, which can be used for different purposes. Here is a look at the main types of paddle boards and their uses.

TOURING PADDLE BOARDS

Touring SUPs are designed for longer paddling trips on flat water. They are often longer and narrower than other types of paddle boards, which makes them more efficient for touring.

They also have a variety of storage options, so you can bring everything you need for a day or even a week-long trip.

FISHING PADDLE BOARDS

Fishing paddle boards are designed to give anglers a stable platform from which to fish. They often have extra accessories like rod holders and storage for the tackle.

Some even have a designated place in the rear end for a trolling motor.

RACING PADDLE BOARDS

Racing paddle boards are designed for speed and efficiency. They are often longer and the narrowest type of paddle boards, which makes them more hydrodynamic. They often don't come with a storage option.

YOGA PADDLE BOARDS

Yoga paddle boards are designed for maximum stability on the water surface, such as the ocean, lakes, and swimming pools. It is a board made up of double layers of PVC sheets. SUP yoga is a form of yoga on the paddle board.

FITNESS PADDLE BOARDS

Fitness paddle boards are designed for workouts on the water. They often have a wider shape, which makes them more stable.

The well-taught ones, like the ones sold on Outdoor Master, have the center grab handle moved to the side in order to not bother your moves and a soft deck pad that covers the entirety of the board top surface.

Some of them have a small storage option, so you can bring your workout gear with you.

SURF PADDLE BOARDS

Surf paddle boards are designed for waves. They are often shorter and have a wider shape, which makes them maneuverable and stable on the waves. They also have a variety of fins, which helps you maneuver in the waves.

ALL-AROUND PADDLE BOARDS

All-around paddle boards are designed for a variety of uses. They are often shorter than touring SUPs and longer than surf SUPs (usually 10’6 or longer) and often have a little wide shape, which makes them maneuverable and stable.

They also have a variety of storage options, so you can bring everything you need for recreational paddling.

KIDS' PADDLE BOARDS

Kids' paddle boards are designed for, you guessed it, kids! They are smaller and lighter than full-size boards and have a softer top for increased safety.

They have a wide deck and rounded nose, which makes them stable and easy to maneuver.

SUP Types By Water Bodies

There are a few different types of paddle boards, which can be generally categorized by the type of water they're used in. Here's a breakdown of the main types:

FLAT-WATER PADDLE BOARDS

By flat water, I mean any lake, river, bays, marinas, or any other water body while flat. These are the most popular types of paddle boards and the ones you'll see people using the most. They're great for beginners and those just getting started with paddle boarding.

OCEAN PADDLE BOARDS

If you want to paddle board in the ocean, you'll need a board that's specifically designed for those conditions.

These boards are often longer, narrower, have more rockers, and typically have a pointed nose, which makes them efficient and performing when it comes to paddling against chop.

They also have extra features like tie-downs and bungee cords to help you secure your gear.

Related Reading:

Ocean vs. Lake vs. River Paddleboarding

SUP Types By Price

UNDER $300

Cheap paddle boards are great for those on a budget or for those who are just getting started with the sport and don't want to invest a lot of money. Usually, these SUP boards are the popular ones on Amazon.

Do I recommend them? Absolutely not. Getting one of those with a manufacturer defect is not a surprise. Also, they are not safe on the water compared to paddle boards from known brands.

$300 TO $500

I consider paddle boards in this price range as affordable ones. You can find some good deals if you know where to look. The quality is usually decent.

These types of paddle boards are a great option for those who want to get into the sport without breaking the bank. Just don't expect them to last forever.

Outdoor Master offers reliable paddle boards in this price range, which is why I recommend them.

$500 TO $700

When you start looking at paddle boards over $500, you're starting to get into the higher-end price range. These are the types of paddle boards that are made with better materials and craftsmanship and often come with superior features.

Brands that are known to have multiple SUP boards in this price range include Thurso Surf, Glide, ISLE, BOTE, Nixy, Gili, and Atoll.

ABOVE $700

Paddle boards above $700 are the premium boards on the market. They're made with the best materials, have the best features, and often come with a longer warranty.

These types of paddle boards are for those who want the best of the best and don't mind spending the money to get it.

Brands that are known to specialize in premium SUP boards include Pau Hana, NRS, and Red Paddle Co.

FAQ

WHAT TYPE OF PADDLE BOARD IS MOST STABLE?

The most stable paddle board is the one that is the widest and has a wide and flat hull. That being said, fitness paddle boards are typically the most stable, followed by fishing and then all-around paddle boards.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A BEGINNER'S PADDLE BOARD?

If you're a beginner, we recommend choosing an all-around paddle board. These boards are versatile and can be used in a variety of conditions.

ARE INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARDS WORTH IT?

If you're looking for a paddle board that's easy to transport and store, then an inflatable paddle board is definitely worth it. They're also great for beginners since they're more durable than solid paddle boards.

Now that you know the different types of paddle boards, it's time to choose the right one for you. Whether you're looking for a board for racing, surfing, or just cruising around, we've got you covered. 

Outdoor Master is your one-stop shop for all things paddle boarding. From boards to paddles to accessories, we've got everything you need to get out on the water and enjoy yourself.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHEAP AND EXPENSIVE PADDLE BOARD?

The biggest difference between a cheap and expensive paddle board is the quality of materials used. Cheap paddle boards are often made with lower-quality materials, which means they're not as durable and can be more prone to leaking and manufacturer defects.

Expensive paddle boards are made with higher-quality materials, which means they're more durable and less likely to have defects. They also often come with better warranties.

DO INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARDS PUNCTURE EASILY?

No, inflatable paddle boards are made with durable materials that are designed to withstand a variety of conditions. However, if you do puncture your board, most brands offer patch kits that can be used to repair the board.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE PADDLE BOARD FOR ME?

The right size paddle board for you depends on a few factors, including your height, weight, and paddling style.

For recreational paddling, if you're a beginner on the light or the short side, we recommend choosing a board that's 10'6" long and 31" to 32" wide. This will give you plenty of space to move around and stay stable on the board. If you're taller or heavier, you may want to choose a board that's 11'6" and 32" to 31" wide.

For fishing and fitness, get something that is longer and wider for added stability.

That's all for this article! If you’re just getting started, or even if you’ve been paddling for a while, it can be helpful to join a group of like-minded people. That’s why we created this SUP-dedicated Facebook group. This group is a great place to ask questions, get advice, and share your experiences with other paddle boarders.

Thank you for your time.

See y'all.