Paddleboarding has been one of the most beloved water sports since the early 2000s. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this sport lets everyone have a lot of fun. But if you’re new to this world, you may be overwhelmed by the number of paddleboard brands available on the market. I remember my first time looking for my own paddleboard, and it was pretty challenging. Luckily, you don’t have to go through that. Today, our team is going to show you the top brands that produce amazing paddleboards. You may be familiar with some of them, and maybe you’ll also find your new favorite brands here. In addition to that, we’ve also picked our favorite paddleboard from each brand. So, keep scrolling!
Table of contents
- NRS
- BEYOND MARINA
- DAMA OUTDOORS
- Tower Paddle Boards
- Red Paddle Co
- FunWater
- Goosehill
- GILI Sports
- NIXY Sports
- Thurso Surf
- Bluefin SUP
- iROCKER
- ISLE Surf and SUP
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Paddleboard Brands
- Are all SUPs made in China?
- How many years will a paddle board last?
- Should you wash your paddleboard?
NRS
13
Kicking off this list is NRS. While there are plenty of cheap paddleboards on the market, not all of them are of high quality. That said, NRS is here to offer more premium options that focus on quality. Its paddleboards are stiff, stable, and extremely durable. They’re a nice investment for serious paddleboarders.
Best Choice
What we have here is NRS Quiver, the most expensive paddleboard on this list. This paddleboard is made of heavy-duty PVC, making it an exceptionally durable option. Apart from that, there’s also a high-quality backpack that comes along with it. In addition to the backpack, there are five handles, removable fins, and other accessories. Weighing 28 lbs, it isn’t the most lightweight option. However, we still think it’s pretty lightweight.
Pros
- The build quality of this paddleboard is second to none.
- It’s backed by a three-year warranty.
- It’s easy to change the fins.
Cons
- Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a paddle.
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BEYOND MARINA
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Best Newcomer. BEYOND MARINA is a brand that focuses on spoiling nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Though it was established recently in 2018, it has been steadily gaining attention from paddleboarders. Its inflatable paddleboards are affordable and stylish, with tons of colors to choose from. And considering their quality and performance, we’re sure this brand will go far.
Best Choice
There’s a lot to love about the BEYOND MARINA All-Around Paddleboard. First of all, at just 16 lbs, it’s extremely lightweight. In addition, we were happy when we found out that the traction pad is soft and big. And with our paddleboard shoes, we never had to worry about slipping. Furthermore, the paddleboard was so steady that we never fell into the water during testing. This is also a versatile choice, as it can be used for yoga and other sports.
Pros
- With military-grade PVC material, the durability of this paddleboard is amazing
- It comes with a UV-resistant coating.
- It’s one of the more affordable options on the market.
Cons
- The quality of the pump isn’t impressive.
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DAMA OUTDOORS
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DAMA OUTDOORS may not be the most popular paddleboard brand on the market, but it sure doesn’t disappoint. Most of its paddleboards are made in Japan and are exceptionally good. This brand offers a wide variety of paddleboards for all skill levels. Best of all, its products are mostly more affordable than other big brands.
Best Choice
No matter who you are, you won’t be disappointed by DAMA Nature. One of the highlights of this paddleboard is its PVC material, which is both durable and lightweight. Plus, it can withstand UV rays and corrosion. In addition to its durability, it also comes complete with all the accessories you need.
Pros
- This paddleboard is backed by a one-year warranty.
- The included carrying bag is waterproof.
- We were able to keep our balance since the EVA deck was grippy.
Cons
- It took us over 10 minutes to inflate the paddleboard.
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Tower Paddle Boards
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Founded in 2010, Tower Paddle Boards is another brand worth your attention. It didn’t take long for this brand to establish its name in the SUP world. One of the most unique things about this company is the fact that it’s a direct-to-consumer brand. This means no wholesalers whatsoever, which leads to paddleboards at lower prices.
Best Choice
Considering its hefty price tag, we had high expectations for the Tower Xplorer. Thankfully, all of them were met. 32-inch wide and 8-inch thick, this is one rigid and robust paddleboard. We were shocked when we knew that it has a maximum weight capacity of 700 lbs. Made for touring, this paddleboard is not fast and designed to go the distance.
Pros
- It comes with a high-quality pressure pump.
- The durability of this paddleboard is hard to beat.
- It’s backed by a defect warranty.
Cons
- This paddleboard is super expensive.
Buy on:
Red Paddle Co
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Best Premium. Red Paddle Co is another amazing brand to consider, especially if you don’t mind spending more. As one of the leading brands, some of their paddleboards may cost more. However, the quality and durability of those paddleboards are second to none. Plus, they feature plenty of advanced technologies that enhance performance.
Best Choice
This brand has a lot of amazing inflatable paddleboards, but the most popular one is arguably the Red Paddle Co Ride. This reliable paddleboard is stiff but lightweight at the same time. We had an easy time traveling with it. It’s also incredibly stable, making it a nice option for beginners.
Pros
- The handles allow you to carry this paddleboard easily.
- We love the durability of the included backpack.
- It’s a simple but durable paddleboard that suits beginners.
Cons
- It’s one of the most expensive beginner paddleboards.
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FunWater
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Another great addition to our list is FunWater. This brand has a vast collection of paddleboards for a variety of different activities. Whether you’re looking for a paddleboard for yoga, touring, or fishing, FunWater has it all. In addition to that, we also love this brand as its paddleboards are all eye-catching.
Best Choice
The FunWater Dolphin Inflatable Paddleboard is probably the best from the brand. With a double-wall PVC, this paddleboard is a beast. Though 35% more lightweight than its competitors, this paddleboard doesn’t sacrifice its durability. And thanks to the reinforced handles, we were able to take it from our SUP car rack and carry it as if it were a toy!
Pros
- The EVA non-slip pad offers amazing traction.
- It comes complete with the must-have accessories.
- It’s available at an affordable price tag.
Cons
- Not the best option for expert paddleboarders.
Buy on:
Goosehill
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Best Budget. Though a relatively new brand, Goosehill has been gaining lots of attention. One of the reasons behind its skyrocketing popularity is its low purchase price. Goosehill’s paddleboards are some of the most affordable ones without sacrificing performance. In addition to that, they also come with plenty of accessories. This makes it a nice brand for beginners.
Best Choice
Our team was lucky enough to try one of Goosehill’s paddleboards, and it was Goosehill Sailor. Most of us were only casual paddleboarders, and we found it easy to use it. And thanks to the non-slip surface, we were able to stand up stably without falling into the water over and over again.
Pros
- Though lightweight, this paddleboard is durable.
- It’s available in multiple color options.
- It’s backed by a three-year warranty.
Cons
- The quality of the accessories isn’t the best.
Buy on:
GILI Sports
6
Producing first-rate paddleboards, paddles, and SUP accessories, GILI Sports is one of the most prominent paddleboard brands out there. This inclusive brand is inspired by the Gili Islands between Bali and Lombok in Indonesia. It has a wide variety of options for paddleboarders of different budgets. From paddleboards for rivers to yoga, you can always rely on this brand.
Best Choice
GILI has a lot of amazing paddleboards, but our favorite is the GILI Adventure. This is a touring paddleboard with a narrower body and a more pointed nose. While it’s not made for beginners, seasoned paddleboarders will definitely find this a good buy. And if the 11-foot paddleboard isn’t big enough, you can get the 12-foot variant!
Pros
- It’s a breeze to inflate this paddleboard.
- The included bag is of high quality.
- The traction pad is both soft and comfortable.
Cons
- Unfortunately, it isn’t beginner-friendly.
Buy on:
NIXY Sports
5
Based in California, NIXY Sports has been making inflatable paddleboards for quite a while now. What’s unique about this brand is that each of its paddleboards is named after popular paddling locations. In addition, the paddling accessories from NIXY are known to be better than its competitors.
Best Choice
The NIXY Venice G4 is one of our favorite paddleboards from the brand. At just 21 lbs, this is a lightweight paddleboard. I was able to carry it around by myself easily. Also, its wide body, tail, and nose make it an extremely stable option, which is great for paddleboarding with an extra passenger. Plus, the deck pad is non-slip.
This paddleboard is certainly a nice addition for paddleboard collectors. It’s lightweight, stable, and inflating it is easy with the included electric pump.”
WOW Travel
Pros
- It’s available in multiple color options.
- This paddleboard comes complete with a carrying bag leash, pump, and paddle.
- It offers amazing durability.
Cons
- The price tag can be intimidating for some people.
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Thurso Surf
4
Thurso Surf is a Canadian brand that was founded in 2016. Though it hasn’t been around for that long, you shouldn’t underestimate this brand. It sure doesn’t waste time making a name for itself. In just a few years, paddleboarders have favored it because of its durable and valuable paddleboards. And with complimentary accessories, we’re not surprised that many prefer this brand over the rest. Learn more about this brand by checking its official website!
Best Choice
One of Thurso Surf’s most beloved paddleboards is the Waterwalker 126. Extremely rigid and comfortable, we were also impressed by it during testing. Albeit a bit heavy, it’s one of those that can last for multiple seasons. Aside from great maneuverability, its wide body also offers amazing stability.
Pros
- This paddle board is one of the most durable options on the market.
- It’s a great choice for beginners who want stability.
- The included accessories are of high quality.
Cons
- It’s on the heavier side.
Buy on:
Bluefin SUP
3
Best Collections. Bluefin SUP is a UK brand that’s loved globally. One of the biggest reasons why it’s so popular is its wide collection of paddleboards. From beginner-friendly to advanced and kids-friendly paddleboards, the options are endless. Not to mention, Bluefin’s paddleboards are also protected by a five-year warranty against defects, which is much longer than the one provided by other brands.
Best Choice
The Bluefin Cruise Paddleboard is easily our favorite. First of all, it comes complete with the accessories everyone needs. When we checked the accessories, we were impressed by the quality. Also this mid-range paddleboard is also stiff and thick. We’re sure it can withstand scratches and punctures. Plus, beginners don’t have to be scared as it’s super stable on the water.
Pros
- It’s one of the thicker and more durable models on the market.
- The quality of the included bag is amazing.
- Despite its quality, its price tag is still reasonable.
Cons
- It’s a bit too heavy for some people.
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iROCKER
2
Best Value for Money. Another household name in the paddleboard world is none other than iROCKER. This brand was first founded in 2013 and has since taken the SUP world by storm. It’s known for producing high-quality and feature-rich paddleboards at reasonable prices. In addition to that, most of its paddleboards are backed by a one-to-three-year warranty. Learn more about the warranty here!
Best Choice
While iROCKER has a lot of amazing paddleboards, our favorite is the iROCKER Nautical. As a casual paddleboarder, I really appreciate its lightweight design and wide body. It allowed me and my other team members to cruise without falling into the water embarrassingly. Also, this paddleboard is so big that you can attach a seat to it, converting it into a kayak.
Pros
- Thanks to its hybrid design, it’s a standout among its competitors.
- With a wide body, this paddleboard is beginner-friendly.
- All of the fins are removable.
Cons
- Fully inflating the paddleboard may take a while.
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ISLE Surf and SUP
1
Best Overall. Since 2004, ISLE Surf and SUP have been making top-notch stand-up paddleboards. This makes it one of the oldest brands that specialize in stand-up paddleboards. It has an excellent reputation among paddleboarding enthusiasts and a huge collection of high-quality paddleboards. Promising always to offer value-driven paddleboards, we’re huge fans of its inflatable and hard paddleboards. In addition to that, it also produces surfboards. Take a better look at its collections by watching its YouTube videos!
Best Choice
Among all of its products, one of the standouts is the ISLE Explorer. We had the chance to the Explorer a while ago, and we were truly impressed. With two grab handles, we were able to transport the paddleboard easily. Not to mention, it comes with a bonus carrying bag. Aside from its amazing durability, we were also impressed by its maneuverability. We weren’t a pro, but we were able to maneuver the paddleboard quite easily.
Pros
- It’s a nice option for both beginners and more experienced paddleboarders.
- This paddleboard comes complete with all the must-have accessories.
- The grooved EVA pad provides plenty of traction.
Cons
- Not the best option for handling big waves.
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
Among all of the brands above, our favorite is the ISLE Surf and SUP. This brand has a wide range of reasonably-priced and feature-packed paddleboards. Not to mention, all of them look good, too. However, some of the rest also deserve the spotlight, which is why we’ve categorized them according to the criteria below.
- Best Value for Money: iROCKER
- Best Collections: Bluefin SUP
- Best Budget: Goosehill
- Best Premium: Red Paddle Co
- Best Newcomer: BEYOND MARINA
How To Choose The Best Paddleboard Brands
Not all brands are the same. Thus, there are a few things you should always keep in mind, which include:
Reputation
Aside from the 13 brands listed above, many brands are still on the market. However, not all of them are the same. Some brands may not offer the high-quality paddleboards they promise. So, always do a background check for the brand you’re interested in and make sure they’ve been producing nothing but top-notch paddleboards.
Customer Reviews
One of the easiest ways to check a brand’s reputation is by looking for customer reviews. You can do so by visiting their websites and looking at the review section. Or, if you’re buying from e-commerce like Amazon, make sure to buy from the brand’s official Amazon store.
Price Range
Last but not least, you should know how much you’re willing to spend. Not all brands offer ridiculously priced paddleboards. You’ll know which brands suit you better by having a certain budget. However, you should also be aware of extreme discounts. Always be wary of suspiciously low prices.
Are all SUPs made in China?
Nope! Not all SUPs are made in China. Some brands, like DAMA OUTDOORS, make their paddleboards in Japan, while the rest produce them in the US, like ISLE.
How many years will a paddle board last?
Generally, paddleboards will last for around three years. But if you don’t use them that much, they may last longer.
Should you wash your paddleboard?
Of course! It’s important to always wash your paddleboard after using it, as salt water can damage the material of the paddleboard.
