paddler in wetsuit on fiberglass sup

Best Fiberglass Stand Up Paddle Boards Compared

Looking for the Best Fiberglass Paddleboards?

What is a Fiberglass Stand-Up Paddleboard?
A fiberglass SUP is a type of paddleboard that features an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core.

Originally popular in surfboards, EPS foam was adopted for paddleboards because it’s both lightweight and strong. The foam core is covered with layers of fiberglass and coated in epoxy resin, resulting in a durable, resilient board.

For this reason, many paddlers simply call them fiberglass paddleboards.

The Benefits of the SUPs Built with Fiberglass

The biggest advantage of fiberglass SUPs is their rigid, solid feel compared to inflatable boards. While there are excellent iSUPs available, they can’t match the firmness of a fiberglass board, and that rigidity directly translates to better performance.

If you prioritize sharp turns and precise maneuvering, like when surfing, a fiberglass board gives you the confidence and control you need underfoot. Often called “glass,” these boards deliver a smooth, fast, and responsive ride.

Fiberglass SUPs were actually the first type of paddleboards, modeled after traditional surfboards, while inflatables are a more recent development.

The extra stiffness also adds buoyancy, making fiberglass boards a great option for heavier paddlers who want stability without sacrificing performance.


top, bottom, and side view of the Adventure All Rounder MX


Features:

  • Versatile all-around design
  • Lengths: 9'8", 10'6", 11'6"
  • Weight: 22.7 lbs., 25 lbs, 28 lbs 
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Nose plug for mounting a GoPro

Adventure Paddleboarding All Rounder, MX – Style Meets Performance
There’s a certain charm in a clean, simple paddleboard design, and the Adventure Paddleboarding All Rounder, MX delivers both style and performance on the water.

With its wide midsection, balanced shape, and low rocker, this board offers exceptional stability, keeping riders confident and the board steady throughout the paddle.

Designed for versatility, the All Rounder, MX is crafted from Molded Epoxy (MX). It features a medium-density EPS core wrapped in five layers of fiberglass, three on the deck and two on the bottom, bonded with epoxy resin reinforced with carbon strands. This construction creates a firm, stable, and user-friendly SUP.

Its generous size-to-volume ratio and intuitive shape make it suitable for paddlers of all levels. The recessed carry handle ensures easy transport, while the deck traction covers two-thirds of the surface, including a rear foot kick and soft arch bar for extra grip.

For anyone seeking a stylish, high-quality fiberglass paddleboard that’s enjoyable for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike, the Adventure Paddleboarding All Rounder, MX stands out as an excellent choice.

Pros of this Board

  • Concave bottom provides smooth glide in flat water 
  • Great for cruising on lakes and flat water but also has the chops to handle thigh high surf 
  • 3 different color options to choose from

Cons of this option

  • Not the easiest board to transport
top, bottom, and side view of the kraken sup by boardworks


Features:

  • Beginner friendly
  • EPS foam core construction
  • Available in three sizes 9’ 9”, 10’ 3” & 11’
  • Width: 36"
  • All-Around foam paddle board

The BoardWorks Kraken is a visually striking fiberglass paddleboard engineered for top-notch performance. It glides effortlessly across calm waters like lakes and bays but is also tough enough to handle choppier conditions, including ocean surf.

Built around a durable EPS foam core, the Kraken is reinforced with layers of fiberglass, bamboo veneers, vibrant graphics, and finished with premium paint and polish for both strength and style.

Comfortable paddling is guaranteed thanks to its wide, stable platform and cushioned honeycomb deck pad, which make balance and movement easy for extended sessions on the water.

A standout feature is the cleverly integrated LiftSUP handle, which functions as a discreet carry option and simplifies transport and secure storage.

The board’s fin configuration is highly adaptable, supporting single, tri-fin, or quad-fin setups. You can paddle with just the center fin or add side fins for enhanced surfing control. The center fin installs without tools, so you can get on the water quickly.

Even though Outdoor Gear Lab named the Kraken “Best of the Best for Most People” in 2018, it remains a versatile, high-quality fiberglass paddleboard perfect for anyone looking to navigate a variety of water conditions.

Pros of this Board

  • Anyone can use this paddleboard
  • The sharp nose of the board is designed for rough water and maneuverability while riding waves
  • Width of 36 inches

Cons of this option

  • At 47 lbs it is a heavy paddleboard
top, bottom, and side view of the isle glider rigid paddleboard with paddle included


Features:

At Paddleboard Surf, we’re huge fans of ISLE paddleboards, and it’s easy to see why. Their boards consistently lead our recommendations and sales thanks to a winning combination of quality, smart design, and affordability. The Glider, in particular, shines with its sleek, classic look paired with practical, performance-focused features.

The Glider is designed for everyone, from beginners taking their first strokes to seasoned paddlers and wave riders looking for fun on the water.

Every detail of this board is built with precision. It offers a stable yet responsive ride, starting with a high-quality EPS foam core wrapped in fiberglass resin, reinforced with a paulownia wood veneer for stiffness, and finished with an additional fiberglass layer for strength and durability.

Functionality is a standout feature. The Glider comes with ample bungee storage at the front and a clever pop-up carry handle that remains flush when not in use, preserving the board’s streamlined profile.

Comfort and grip are carefully considered as well. A soft brushed traction pad covers the main paddling area, while the rear features a diamond-grooved pad for added stability during dynamic maneuvers, like catching waves.

Everything you need for a perfect day on the water is included: an adjustable carbon paddle, a leash, and a center fin that installs or removes effortlessly without tools.

For paddlers seeking a lightweight, durable board that performs well in a variety of conditions while turning heads with its stylish design, the ISLE Glider is a standout choice.

Pros of this Board

  • Anyone can use this paddleboard
  • One of ISLE's most popular long standing SUP's because of premium construction and beautiful aesthetics, 
  • Weight is only 25 lbs.

Cons of this option

  • The Glider is a premium board.  Worth the price, but not cheap.
california board company hydra foam sup package with paddle, leash, and fin


Features:

  • Beginner friendly
  • EPS foam core construction
  • Incredible price
  • Length: 10'6"
  • All-Around foam paddle board

The CBC Hydra Foam 10'6" SUP delivers exceptional value, making it a great pick for beginners or families eager to enjoy paddleboarding together. While rigid boards typically carry a higher price due to materials, CBC has created a durable, high-quality board at an accessible cost.

Weighing only 25 pounds, the Hydra Foam is crafted from high-density EPS foam with a fully waterproof core, allowing it to glide smoothly across the water for an effortless paddling experience. It also comes ready for extra fun with a built-in camera mount and surf leash included.

Its sturdy construction offers impressive buoyancy and stability, supporting over 300 pounds, far more than most inflatable boards can handle. This makes it ideal for larger paddlers or tandem adventures, providing a dependable and affordable option for a variety of users.

The CBC Hydra Foam 10'6" is supplied with a full set of accessories, making it a complete, ready-to-go package for both new and seasoned paddlers. For anyone seeking a reliable, stable, and budget-friendly rigid SUP, this model is an outstanding choice.

Pros of this Board

  • Anyone can use this paddleboard
  • Comes complete with adjustable SUP paddle, surf leash with neoprene padded ankle strap, and 1 fin
  • Width of 32 inches

Cons of this option

  • Vinyl liner somewhat easy to scratch
bic sport slide foam sup
cut out of bic sport slide foam sup


Features:

  • A serious foam core SUP
  • Soft fin included
  • Everything you need is included: board, fin, adjustable paddle, and leash
  • Smooth rounded tail for easier turning
  • Adjustable paddle included

The BIC Sport Slide stands apart from typical foam SUPs. While many foam boards are aimed at beginners or rental programs and often come at a lower price, the Slide takes a step up, offering a premium experience.

Despite its foam construction, this board is designed for both flatwater touring and small-to-medium wave surfing, making it ideal for paddlers who want more than a basic ride.

Comfort and traction are highlights of the Slide. Its full-length soft EVA foam deck keeps your feet secure and cushioned no matter where you stand, ensuring a confident ride.

Foam construction also brings the advantage of light weight. At just 25 pounds and roughly 5 inches thick, the BIC Sport Slide is easy to carry and transport, making it accessible to nearly anyone.

The board’s design strikes a great balance between buoyancy and weight, which contributes to its popularity among families. Its stable platform gives paddlers of all ages the confidence to enjoy time on the water.

While cheaper foam boards exist for those prioritizing cost alone, the BIC Sport Slide is a smart choice for anyone looking for a versatile, lightweight, and high-quality foam SUP.

Pros of this Board

  • Lightweight 
  • Good for just about all conditions from flatwater to surfing small to medium sized ocean waves
  • Stable and easy to control

Cons of this option

  • Due to much higher quality, this is not a cheap board like most foam SUPs.  This board is for more advanced paddlers.
isle soft top sup


Features:

  • Beginner friendly
  • Complete package includes: carbon adjustable paddle, center fin, & leash
  • Extended and lowered standing surface
  • Weight: 28.5 lbs.
  • Composite Soft Technology with textured padding

The Isle Cruiser has remained a top-selling soft-top paddleboard for years, and it’s easy to understand why.

Its enduring popularity comes from a mix of quality construction, smart design, affordability, and a fully equipped package that suits paddlers of all kinds.

The soft-top design makes it forgiving and beginner-friendly, able to handle bumps, scrapes, and even a furry companion on board. Underneath, a rigid epoxy core ensures solid performance, while the textured croc-skin deck provides comfort and reliable grip for versatile use.

Moving the Cruiser is simple thanks to a cleverly designed center handle that pops up when needed and stays flush when not in use. A 6-point bungee system at the front offers plenty of space to secure gear like a dry bag for longer trips.

The board comes complete with everything needed for a day on the water, including an adjustable carbon paddle. The lightweight carbon shaft is easier on the arms, making longer outings less tiring and more enjoyable.

For families or anyone wanting a fully outfitted board for a beach or lake house, the Isle Cruiser Soft Top is hard to beat. Its durability, ease of use, and all-around versatility make it ideal for paddlers of any age or skill level.

Pros of this Board

  • Anyone can use this paddleboard
  • Easy to balance which conserves energy
  • Width of 32 inches

Cons of this option

  • If you're a more advanced and aggressive paddler, you probably want something else
wavestorm foam paddleboard


Features:

  • Fun is the main objective of this board
  • One of the easiest to use SUPs you'll find
  • Strong EPS (foam) core
  • Low cost SUP package
  • Adjustable paddle included

The Wavestorm 8ft SUP is built with a foam core, making it a perfect option for beginners thanks to its lightweight design and budget-friendly price.

Foam construction also adds an extra layer of safety, if the board bumps into someone, it’s far less likely to cause injury compared to a rigid epoxy board, giving new paddlers greater confidence on the water.

This ready-to-go SUP package comes complete with everything you need: a 9-inch removable and adjustable center fin, an adjustable paddle, and a leash, so you can start paddling right away.

The internal compression-foam deck pad ensures hours of comfort, providing cushioning for your feet while maintaining excellent traction throughout your paddle sessions.

With its combination of durability, affordability, and light weight, the Wavestorm 8ft SUP is ideal for a beach or lake house. Its forgiving foam design makes it easy to share with friends and family, providing a safe, fun, and practical option for everyone.

Pros of this Board

  • Lightweight 
  • Good for flatwater conditions on lakes, rivers, and open water
  • Stable and easy to control

Cons of this option

  • Know that this is more of a beginner board.
south bay board co beginner soft top


Features:

  • One of the easiest, user friendly SUPs on the market
  • Nose rocker to prevent unnecessary drag
  • Kayak seat compatible
  • 3 fin setup for better tracking and stability
  • Very stable

If you’re looking for a lightweight, stable paddleboard that makes getting on the water easy, the South Bay Board Co. Premium Beginner Soft Top is a standout option. Setup is quick and simple, just attach the fins, add water, and start paddling.

This board offers excellent stability, helping beginners feel confident whether facing choppy waves, passing boats, or windy conditions. Its thoughtful design and solid construction provide performance-driven features at a highly accessible price.

Soft-top construction is ideal for newcomers, not only does it make paddling more forgiving, but it also reduces the risk of scratches or bumps when transporting the board on a car or around other gear.

For anyone seeking a versatile, all-around paddleboard without the complications of inflatables or the high price of rigid boards over $1,000, this model is an excellent choice.

With its combination of durable materials, smart engineering, and exceptional value, the South Bay Board Co. Premium Beginner Soft Top is a top pick on Paddleboard Surf’s recommended boards list.

Pros of this Board

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • High-quality board for complete package

Cons of this option

  • More expensive than other foam boards, but better quality
california board co. sup set


Features:

  • High Density EPS foam
  • 100-Percent Waterproof Core
  • Surf leash
  • Adjustable SUP paddle

The California Board Company 9ft SUP set is an affordable, beginner-friendly choice, making it perfect for those just getting started. One notable perk is the included padded roof racks, which make transporting the board to your favorite paddling spots simple and hassle-free.

Lightweight and easy to carry, this SUP offers a major advantage over heavier hard epoxy boards. Keep in mind, lighter boards are generally less stable, while heavier boards provide more steadiness on the water.

With a weight limit of around 160 lbs, this board is ideal for beginners, children, or smaller adults. It’s designed for casual paddling and recreational fun rather than serious touring or surfing.

Perfect for calm lakes, bays, or playful water sessions, this SUP lets you enjoy paddling without breaking the bank. While not intended for advanced riders or challenging waves, it’s a practical and budget-friendly option for family fun and light recreational use.

Pros of this Board

  • Inexpensive, ready to go SUP package
  • Tri fin system for added stability

Cons of this option

  • Best on flat water conditions, not great in choppy waters

Final Thoughts

Fiberglass stand up boards are fun to ride, the were the first type of paddleboards to be produced. They are ideal for beginners, but more geared to experienced paddlers as they tend to be more expensive SUPs.


The highlighted boards are some of the best you can get, and it will enable you to get to a new level in stand up paddleboard fun.

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