13 Best Paddleboards for Surfing

Well, the world is changing. Paddleboards are not just used to float across still water anymore! There are so many variations of water sports that SUPs offer that we’ve got an assortment to choose from. For example, SUP yoga, fishing, kayaking, and our all-time fav, surfing! But the trouble is that not all paddleboards are suited to surfing. As a matter of fact, when we used a SUP that was not cut out for surfing, we simply couldn’t surf with it – no matter how hard we tried! On the other hand, to be considered the best paddleboard for surfing, experts require a board to match certain criteria to a tee. Of course, the more the criteria are met, the better the performance will be!

Now, being professional surfers for years, we’ve got some acumen when it comes to choosing surfer boards. Having analyzed and tried hundreds of boards, we decided to put together the best top-of-the-line options for you. Therefore, coming to the rescue with this ultimate guide, we’re going to put an end to your problem. All you’ve got to do is read through the roundup and select the paddle board that seems like the ideal match for you. So, let’s get started!

Boardworks All-Water Stand-Up Paddleboard

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Best Quality. We experienced an action-packed thrill with the Boardworks All-Water! With the wide stance, we cruised the shore brimming with chutzpah like never before! A product of a cohesive mix of fiberglass, nylon, and foam, the paddle board proved super sturdy and stable on the rocky waves. Besides that, as far as our experience goes, it’s an all-rounder option and fits the bill for all sorts of surfing activities. However, you must factor in the weight capacity that varies with the rider’s skill.

Moving on, the SUP is a user-friendly machine offering convenience at each step. For example, the crossing bungee on the front gave us a secure place to stow out heavy-duty gear while we freely rode on. What’s more, we found the look quite pleasing to the eye. It gives off stunning graphics when cruising in the middle of the ocean or surfing the high tide! So, it’s a sure thing that you’re going to cherish your moments with this board!

Red Paddle Inflatable SUP Paddle Board

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A special edition of the Red Paddle SUP, the modernistic Red Paddle 2023 Paddleboard, was introduced on the tenth anniversary of the brand. Exceptionally popular, the board gained acceptance among pro paddlers in no time, including us. First of all, the minimalist and compact design bowled us over. On the other hand, the incredible versatility left us stunned as well. So, good for a range of exciting activities, the board features an optimum amount of curves for a perfect glide. Plus, the thickness is more than enough for a stable and firm ride on fast waters.

Still more, it’s a great option for all skill levels, from newbies to ultra-pro surfers! Other than that, we appreciate the value that comes with the product. It’s an iconic package bringing with it all the necessary paraphernalia that you need for a full-scale surfing adventure. So, needless to say, it’s a top recommendation from us!

SereneLife Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

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A perfect match for surfing adventure, we found the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up a stellar option for surfers of all competence levels! The board offers awesome stability with the extra-wide design that works as a balancing mechanism for the rash surfer. Further, coming with triple-bottom built-in fins, the board features amazing maneuverability and high-level surf control. Also, we got a sturdy aluminum paddle with the package, which allowed us to effectively steer the SUP on sort of jumpy sea waves.

That’s not all. The compact and packable construction makes the product absolutely travel-friendly. All we had to do was pack the thing, load it in the car, and we were ready to go. Long story short, the moment we hit the beach, we pumped it up with the complimentary high-power pump, and we were ready to go! So, no doubt, it makes a worthy option!

ISLE Versa Rigid Stand-Up Paddle Board

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What’s an epic surf with an all-purpose tag? It’s the classic ISLE Versa SUP board! Regardless of skill level, this board provided us with the ideal balance on challenging waves that usually throw you off in the blink of an eye! A versatile option, it’s allowed us to participate in a range of activities, including yoga sessions, fishing excursions, and flatwater paddling. Additionally, its fashionable style and eye-catching tones will make you stand out from the crowd. Apart from the looks, the board is pretty durable thanks to its innovative thermal-molded technology. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and made from sustainable epoxy!

Furthermore, we loved the compact and lightweight design: easy to carry and travel with. Also, the board comes with a complete kit. So, you get everything from an adjustable paddle to a safety leash to have the most exciting surfing day of your life. Finally, backed with a one-year warranty, it’s definitely a big yes from us!

FBSPORT Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

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Best Speed. A highly stable option, the upgraded FBSPORT Inflatable Stand Up is great for surfing fun with the family. It has an incredible weight capacity of 350 pounds that can support a kid and an adult at the same time. Also, we got an advanced electric pump with the kit, which inflated the SUP within a couple of minutes only. So, it saved a lot of our time and energy, of course. Moving on, it’s a highly firm and balanced board due to the generous width plus the ultra-grippy EVA pad that supplied us with a striking balance and kept us comfortable on high-tide waters!

That’s not all! The board is made from high-quality PVC, which gives the product unbelievable durability and toughness. This durable design is something that further contributed to our positive opinion of this option. So, the bottom line is, yes, we loved surfing the FBSPORT paddleboard!

Feel free to browse through the best paddleboards for heavy persons if weight capacity is your priority!

Bluefin Cruise SUP Package

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A highly integrated surfer board, the Bluefin Cruise SUP is composed of next-generation technology for unlimited fun with the waves! Let’s touch on the make first! The SUP is constructed from premium-quality nylon – plus the FR’s carbon rail, denier surface, and advanced drop-stitch body all go to make this option worth the money. Moreover, we rate the board stiffer than most of its counterparts owing to the carbon fiber woven into its inner layers. With the stiffness comes the natural balance that can neutralize the anger of waves as soon as the board hits the water. Another upside is the complimentary carbon paddle that’s ergonomically designed for the best steering, and it’s also 70% lighter than standard paddles. Besides, we liked the kayak conversion feature that easily transformed our SUP into a kayak within seconds! So, without a doubt, it makes the best paddleboard for surfing!

Feel free to cruise through this detailed review by Steph and The Spaniels!

FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

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The FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable Stand Up is an evergreen option and one of our personal favorites. Well, there are a range of reasons why this one is so close to our hearts. So, first of all, the ergonomic design won us over. A great option for all skill levels, this SUP facilitated everybody, from juniors to pros in our group, to have the best possible surf. Furthermore, made from top-grade PVC, the board will be up for many years of service without wear and tear. It will also withstand the usual bangs against the seabed that occur with foolhardy surfing.

Apart from that, you will love the super-efficient inflation pump that allows you to fill the SUP with air within a couple of minutes. Plus, the strategic handle further speeds up inflation. As if that were not enough, the board is fitted with elastic strings – where we safely stored the gear while riding the waves!

Check out the brief review by Top Gear Lab on YouTube!

Runwave Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

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This paddle board changes the game for all! A tough surfer board, the Runwave Inflatable Stand Up is made from premium PVC and is both durable and lightweight. At the same time, we loved the dynamic design that let us ride the waves with swag. Plus, it took just 5 minutes to inflate and deflate. So, was an efficient option as well. Moreover, for beginners, the non-slip top deck is a blessing because it gives them a superhuman grip. We felt assured and prepared to take on even the largest waves as we adhered to our board as if we were hitching a sea creature.

Speaking of assurance, the wide shape ensures unfaltering balance, which is pretty appealing to surfers trying their luck on the high tide. What’s more, a chic backpack, safety leash, high-pressure pump, fins, a paddle, an instruction booklet, etc. – are all included in the accessory kit! So, no doubt, it’s a terrific package!

ISLE Explorer Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

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Our all-weather friend for water adventure, the ISLE Explorer Inflatable, makes an awesome surfer board! This board is capable of not just surfing but pretty much everything – be it yoga, fishing, casual touring, or paddling. Further, thanks to its six-point front expandable bungee system and four-point rear bungee, the SUP gave us plenty of space to store and access our gear. In addition to that, the board is manufactured with military-grade PVC and uses the Airtech fusion lite manufacturing process, which makes it incredibly strong as well as lightweight. Fully equipped with everything we needed for a crazy surf ride, the kit includes a carry backpack, a high-pressure pump and an adjustable carbon shaft/nylon blade paddle, and more. Another plus was the grooved EVA traction pad – it offered us optimal comfort and traction for the surf!

P.S. If you’re interested, do check out our guide to the best paddleboards for lakes.

Valwix Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

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Best Weight Capacity. A jack of all trades, the Valwix Inflatable Stand-Up is ultimately the master of surfing! We used this option several times this year, and it did wonders each time. Constructed from top-quality, military-grade PVC and drop-stitch core, the Valwix has a remarkable weight capacity of up to 350 pounds, plus it can absorb the casual bumps from water rocks while surfing without showing any damage. Furthermore, the board has a pretty thoughtful shape. Being extra-wide and large, it offered us ultimate stability on rowdy waters that love flipping your board!

On top of that, the balance was further reinforced by the anti-slip deck pad that provided us with a firm base to stand and surf like a pro! Finally, the board comes fully equipped with all the necessary accessories that you need for a hassle-free experience. So, the kit includes a dry bag, a leash, a repair kit, and a pedal. What’s the bottom line? It’s a perfect deal; go for it!

You can also check out the brand’s official website for many more awesome options!

FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light Paddle Board

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Best Value for Money. One of the best paddleboards for surfing, the FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light gives a whole new energy to the sport! Let’s start with the incredibly light build. So, being a modern and compact design, this board is comparatively 35% lighter than its counterparts. Plus, we were able to carry it from the car to the shore with ease – like walking in the park! Aside from that, we loved the highly balanced platform of 10’6″ in length and 33″ in width – a fit for surfers of all skill levels.

Not only that, but the board is ultra-tough. It is designed to survive the knocks and scrapes that come with daring water adventures, thanks to the additional PVC coating on the rails! Further, the three retractable fins provided us with unrivaled control, so we could steer as we deemed fit. On top of everything, it’s a cost-effective package that includes all the essential gear, from a high-pressure pump to the adjustable paddle!

Lucear Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

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A perfect option for heavy surfers, the Lucear Inflatable Stand-Up amazed us with its incredible strength and toughness! Possessing a weight capacity of 300 pounds, this board simply stands out from the crowd. Moving on, made from heavy-duty EVA material, the board was a game for surfers of all competence levels like us. It delivered a seamless experience with an ultra-light and sleek design. Plus, the soft and comfy platform provided us with a safe and stable footing to take on the high tide with style!

That’s not all. The board comes with a full surfing that facilitates a full-scale experience on the shore. So, the kit basically includes a high-capacity pump for quick inflation, high-value repair accessories, and a multi-use storage bag to stuff your gear in while riding. What’s more, the SUP is an all-rounder and works like a personal robot that can turn into anything like a kayak, yoga seat, fishing platform, etc!

Also, if you’re specifically into fishing, do see our best fishing paddleboard guide.

Peakpath Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

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Best Overall. Bringing top-level quality and performance to the table, the Peakpath Inflatable Stand-Up is our all-time favorite choice for hardcore surfing! The board is a heavy-duty construction of polypropylene that guarantees sturdiness and power that you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. The board is also pretty lightweight, so traveling with it was no issue whatsoever. In fact, it offers better portability compared to its counterparts thanks to the extremely ergonomic makeup. Furthermore, it may sound too good to be true, but this light board can actually support 330 pounds of load as if it were nothing!

The reason we chose it as our number one choice was the SUP’s extremely thoughtful design. Offering us a seamless experience through and through, the SUP proved the best fit for surfing!

WOW Travel

Moving on, there are multiple useful accessories that come tagged with this equipment, including a premium paddle, ankle safety leash, a two-way pump, a pump adapter, etc. Furthermore, we loved the performance! To expand on that, the SUP features sufficient width and a non-slip deck that supplied us with total stability. Plus, outfitted with a triple bottom fin panel, the board has amazing steerability for rough waters! So, our final word – from the investment point of view – this option is definitely going to be worth your hard-earned money!

Our Verdict!

We chose the Peakpath Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board as our Best Overall option. Given its incredibly dynamic and user-friendly features, it deserves the top spot, isn’t it? Apart from that, however, we’ve selected several other best options based on specific features. So, here they are!

• Best value for money: FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light Paddle Board
• Best quality: Boardworks All-Water Stand-Up Paddleboard
• Best weight capacity: Valwix Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
• Best speed: FBSPORT Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

How to Choose the Best Paddleboard for Surfing

We kept a range of important features in mind when choosing the best surfer paddleboards. Since it’s a sizeable investment for most water sports enthusiasts, getting all the features right becomes imperative. So, down to the point, take a look below at the features that we considered in order to make the best choices!

Size

When it comes to paddleboards, size becomes extremely important. For example, short paddleboards will be a nuisance for beginners in surfing. On the contrary, longboards provide better stability and reassure young surfers. Plus, longboards catch more waves. So, do look at the size before picking up a SUP.

Value for Money

Many surfer boards on the market show extortionate prices. They usually claim to provide high quality in return for the extra money. It’s true that premium branded options come with additional features and charge more, but you can still get pretty much the same quality board at relatively lower prices if you comb through the market – as we did!

PS. All our options are high-value yet cost-effective!

Strength

Finally, take a look at the weight capacity the SUP boasts. This is pretty important because if you get a board that can’t support your weight, then getting it exchanged or refunded is a pain in the neck usually. So, getting the load capacity right the first time means the difference between a seamless purchase and a regretful return.

Can a paddle board be used for surfing?

Of course! In fact, you will experience better stability with paddleboards for surfing as compared to traditional boards because they are extra stable and provide a firm base for beginners!

Why do surfers have to paddle?

To find the sweet spot where you get the perfect surge, the surfer needs to paddle continuously. The better you paddle, the more waves you’ll find!

What kind of surfboard should I use?

Experts recommend using longboards (as opposed to short boards) for surfing because they are able to catch most waves and are easy to handle in risky waters!