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Looking for the Best Hard paddle boards?
There are basically two types of stand up paddle boards, hard boards, also known as rigid boards, and inflatable SUPs.
Many paddlers prefer hard boards over inflatables, usually because of the increase performance of a hard board.
The Benefits of Hard Paddleboards
Stability is one of the big benefits of a hard SUP. There is always going to be a little bit of flex in an inflatable SUP, whereas with a hard SUP, there is zero flex. This is why hard boards are better for performance maneuvers like SUP surfing.
Yes, you can surf on an inflatable, but a hard board sends more power to the rails of the SUP for quicker, sharper turns. And there are other reasons why you might prefer a hard paddle board. The hard boards are smoother, faster, and glide a bit farther than an inflatable.
And some people just prefer the solid hard board because that is the original, traditional design of a stand up paddleboard.
Features:
Your gonna love the Adventure All Rounder MX from Surf Industries!
This versatile SUP will adapt to your paddling whether you're cruising in flatwater or riding small to medium sized waves.
The generous board outline and the relaxed rocker, let the rider generate smooth acceleration, with just a few easy strokes. The tail of the Adventure MX has been pulled in slightly and the bottom contour is designed for smooth flowing turns.
The textured deck traction, and the GoPro mount on the nose of the board, make this model very user friendly.
The structural integrity of this hard board comes through the high pressure molding of multiple components, which are a medium density EPS core, 5 layers of Fiberglass (3 x deck, 2 x bottom) and a special epoxy resin that’s mixed with carbon strands.
The Adventure Paddleboarding All Rounder MX is one of the best entry to intermediate level hard SUPs on the market today.
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Features:
Classic.
The look. The design. The ISLE Glider is a beauty of a board for those that prefer a clean and classic, timeless design.
The Glider is an all-around paddleboard that can handle beginners as well as providing a fun time for more advanced paddlers and wave riders.
This paddleboard is engineered for firmness, stability, while providing ample maneuverability by taking a precision EPS foam core, then layering on a fiberglass resin, paulownia wood veneer for extra stiffness, and a final fiberglass resin layer to lock it all together.
The Glider makes life easy with the ample bungee space on the nose of the board as well as a feature we love here at PaddleboardSurf.com, the carry handle that lifts up when you need it, then sinks down flush into place when you don't.
The middle of the board has a soft brushed traction pad, where you will spend most of your time. But the rear of the board has diamond grooved traction pad that is provides even more grip for more athletic moves when surfing waves.
Everything you need to get on the water is included, a leash, an adjustable carbon paddle, and a center fin that does not require a special tool to install or remove.
If you want something that is light, yet firm enough for a bit of performance on more challenging water conditions, all while being one of the best looking SUPs around, the ISLE Glider is for you.
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Features:
The BOTE Flood is the perfect hard paddleboard for a laid-back beach day. The surfboard style shape hits the sweet spot for riding a wave or a relaxing cruise down the beach.
The Flood floats and glides easily and is super durable due to the Gatorshell construction. The Gatorshell construction is an innovative material that designed to handle abuse. BOTE made an excellent video explaining the details of the Gatorshell construction method that you can watch here.
Designed for fun, the Flood is at home surfing small waves or loaded up with a cooler and all the gear you need for a day of flatwater cruising. There are also plenty of accessories BOTE offers to customize this SUP, like the TravelLink carry system and Wheel Rac, but you have to purchase these separately.
If you're looking for a super stable, easy to carry and even easier platform to paddle, the BOTE Flood is going to be the perfect fit for you.
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Features:
The Pau Hana Malibu Classic is a great beginner to intermediate hard paddle board. The Malibu Classic is a very durable board, at an affordable price, that can withstand taking a beating.
The durability comes from the EPS foam core of the board being wrapped in ABS plastic and vacuum formed with Kevlar reinforcement lining the rails for extra rigidity.
This Pau Hanna is a quality board that is both stable and fast through the water, that can even handle a dog on the front of the board with no problems, you'll love the Malibu Classic. The "Classic" longboard surf shape makes this a great cruiser that beginners and families will really enjoy.
This SUP comes with an adjustable aluminum paddle, an accessory attachment system that makes it really simple to add cup holders, paddle clips and easy-to-thread bungee tie-downs, and even has a hole to run a cable lock.
If you're looking for a board can do everything well, so it's great for beginners, first timers, and casual SUPers, then pick up the Pau Hana Malibu Classic today.
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Features:
The Phase Five Wahoo is a great board for the whole family, including bigger guys. The weight capacity if 200 lbs and 250 lbs for the 53" and 56" boards.
The Wahoo is wider towards the front, and the tail of the board, but the siderail tapers in the middle. This design makes the Wahoo extremely stable, but the slight tapper allows the board to be very smooth and flow through maneuvers efficiently.
Phase Five refers to this design as Peanut Rail Outline. The concept of the Peanut Rail Outline places the volume under your feet where pressure is actually exerted without rounding out the board so much that is loses speed or maneuverability.
This unique design also gives the Wahoo a bit more volume, that allows for riders of all sizes. The added width in the hips and tail of the board allow the board to be fast, and not bog down, which also helps maneuvers and transitions from heel side to toe side, for example.
The Wahoo starts out like most surfboards with an EPS core, but is then reinforced with carbon fiber and Tough Glass which strengthens the board, and makes it more durable. If you're looking for a great all around wakesurfer, you'll love the Wahoo.
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Final Thoughts
Hard paddleboards are tons of fun. They come in a wider variety and styles than inflatables so you are guaranteed to find one you like if you take the time to look and research what will work best for your needs.
The boards we listed are some of our personal favorites. We love hard boards SUPs and prefer them over inflatables, if we have a choice.
Bruce Paulson is the owner of PaddleboardSurf and an avid water sports enthusiast with a lifelong passion for all things aquatic. From stand-up paddleboarding and surfing to boating, kayaking, and canoeing, he thrives on the joy of being on the water. As an advocate for water conservation and environmental stewardship, Bruce shares his adventures and insights through his writing, inspiring others to embrace the beauty and excitement of life on the water.