Looking for a lightweight paddle board?
There are two main types of stand-up paddle boards: hard boards (also called rigid boards) and inflatable SUPs, with some models being lighter than others.
While choosing the lightest SUP isn't always the best for performance, there are times when the weight of the board becomes the most important factor in your decision.
The Benefits of Lightweight Paddle Boards
Transport is generally the number one reason why someone wants a lighter board. Inflatable SUPs now come with full backpacks and there is a niche within SUP of people that like to hike to remote mountain lakes and rivers to paddle for adventure.
In this case a lighter weight board is a prime concern when deciding which SUP to purchase. You may also want a lighter SUP for children or petite women, because it will be easier to carry from where you are storing the board, to where the water you'll be paddling on is located.
We will list our top recommendations for lightweight boards and most of them will be inflatable SUPs, but we'll also recommend a couple rigid SUPs that are surprisingly lightweight as well.
#1. ATOLL SUP

Features:
The Atoll paddleboard company hails from southern California. The have taken a simple and direct approach to paddleboards. Atoll focuses on building the strongest and lightest iSUP around, with this board weighing only 19 pounds.
Why is the Atoll Army Green SUP good for beginners? Because it's an inflatable, and there that means it's forgiving. If you bump into a dock, a boat, another paddler, or even a swimmer, they will not be hurt.
It's a reasonably priced complete package - you don't need to spend an arm and a leg on your first paddleboard.
This Atoll SUP can handle a variety of conditions from flat water, to touring, to rivers and small waves.
And this SUP is tough. A beginner won't have to worry about damaging it. You can even drive an SUV over it.
The Atoll iSUP Package comes with everything you need to quickly get on the water. The pump is a dual-action pump which means it inflates when you pull the handle up, and when you push down, cutting your inflating time in half.
A coil leash, removable center fin, and carrying and storage backpack are included. The backpack is built with heavy duty nylon and big enough to hold everything your need, including the pump.
So if you are an adventurous paddler, that like to hike to hard-to-get-to lakes and have a SUP to explore on, then this package is for you.
This iSUP package comes with fiberglass paddle, but if you want to reduce weight even more you can opt for the 100% carbon fiber paddle for an additional cost.
Here at PaddleboardSurf we really like it when we see a strong warranty. That means the manufacturer is confident in their product. Atoll stands behind their iSUP with a 2 Year Manufacturer's Warranty.
And it's not surprising. Atoll boards are built so tough that they can drive an SUV over their fully inflated board, with no damage!
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Features:
The Nautical by iRocker is their entry level paddleboard, which allows you to get on the water quickly, easily, and affordably, which is great for beginners. The Nautical is also one of the lightest SUP currently on our list.
When you're just getting started with the sport of SUP, there's no need to break the bank with an expensive board. That's one of the reasons why the Nautical is a great choice for a beginner, quality ride, without the expensive price tag.
But don't worry, the Nautical is still constructed in the same manner as all of iRocker's high quality products and comes with a 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty on all workmanship and materials.
For one low price you get iRocker's quality inflatable that is built very tough and won't dent or get damaged from normal use. The Nautical has nice control, great design, awesome price, lightweight and is easily transportable.
The difference between the Nautical line and the more upscale lines from iRocker is that doesn't have carbon fiber in the paddle shaft (carbon fiber is expensive), the pump that is included has a single chamber instead of a dual chamber, and the backpack doesn't have wheels.
This is all reasonable because iRocker wanted to make a quality, yet affordable SUP. To learn more about the differences in the iRocker brands, check out this interesting infographic they made on their brand comparison page.
Overall this is a really solid "entry level" package for a SUP. With the Nautical you'll get a fun board that everyone can use, has room enough to attach a cooler, and is even dog friendly!
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Features:
The ROC SUP Co. has really delivered with this package. Weighing in at just 17.5 pounds, this inflatable SUP is one of the lightest boards on the market.
Despite its featherlight build, it’s surprisingly durable. ROC’s motto, “Rugged, quality, affordable, FUN”, is reflected perfectly in this board. It’s not just a SUP; it’s a complete package that includes everything you need to hit the water right away.
This ROC SUP is also one of the top-selling boards available. In fact, it ranks as the #2 best-selling paddleboard on Amazon, competing against thousands of other SUPs.
The board itself is designed for stability and performance. With a width of 33 inches, a depth of 6 inches, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds, it combines strength and lightness thanks to premium, military-grade materials and reinforced stitching.
The package comes fully equipped with a lightweight, collapsible aluminum paddle, a hand pump for easy inflation, a detachable fin, a comfortable safety leash, a waterproof accessory bag, and a sturdy, padded backpack to carry everything.
All of this makes it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a reliable, ready-to-go SUP. Its popularity speaks for itself, over 4,500 five-star reviews on Amazon show how much users love it.
If you want a lightweight, durable, and complete SUP package that’s fun and easy to use, the ROC iSUP is a top contender, you won’t be disappointed.
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Features:
Classic.
The Isle Cruiser has earned its reputation as the top-selling soft-top stand-up paddleboard, holding that title for over four years.
We included the Cruiser on this list to provide an option for those who prefer a rigid, hard paddleboard that’s still lightweight and easy to handle.
This package combines high-quality materials, user-friendly design, an affordable price point, and a complete ready-to-go setup, which explains its enduring popularity.
The Cruiser measures 32 inches wide and features Composite Soft Technology with textured padding. The lightweight hard foam core makes it easier to maneuver than a traditional epoxy board, while still offering excellent rigidity.
Thanks to its soft-top construction, the board is forgiving and can handle minor bumps. It’s even pet-friendly, so your canine companions can join in on the fun. Built around an epoxy core, the Cruiser provides the stability of a rigid board, while the soft, textured “croc skin” padding adds comfort and versatility for all-around performance.
Carrying the Cruiser is simple thanks to the thoughtfully designed center handle, which pops up when needed and sits flush when not in use. The front features a 6-point bungee system, giving you plenty of space to secure a dry bag or other gear for longer excursions.
The package comes complete with everything you need to get on the water, including an adjustable carbon paddle. Experienced paddlers will appreciate the lightweight carbon construction, which helps reduce fatigue during extended rides.
If you’re looking for a complete, versatile paddleboard package, especially for a beach or lake house where paddlers of all ages will take turns, the Isle Cruiser Soft Top is hard to beat. It’s stable, durable, and accessible, making it the perfect choice for families, beginners, and casual paddlers alike.
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Features:
The Boardworks Versa is constructed using their patented Bombshell Veneer Technology which is a super hard epoxy. The molded composite construction uses ultra durable Kevlar and PVC materials and finished with a beautiful bamboo veneer.
The Versa is designed to be an all-around paddleboard that any skill level can jump on and start having fun. But, don't think this SUP is just for beginners, the Honey Fomb heat embossed deck pad and Extra wide nose and tail allow for excellent performance in nearly all waters.
The carry handle is integrated into the board, which is a feature that we love here at Paddleboard Surf. You bring enough supplies so you can stay out all day on the Versa because of the four D-ring tie downs with bungee cordage for storing water bottles and other gear.
While the Boardworks Versa is a beautiful board, it has a smart SUP design. Its keeled nose cuts smoothly through chop while the flat sections under the tail and standing area helps with a fluid and stable ride.
If you're looking for an epoxy SUP for paddling for the whole family, and you want a beautiful design, then check out the Boardworks Versa.
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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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The Pau Hana Malibu Classic is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate paddlers looking for a hard paddleboard. It’s a durable, reliable board at an affordable price, designed to handle a bit of rough treatment.
Its toughness comes from an EPS foam core wrapped in ABS plastic, with Kevlar-reinforced rails for extra rigidity, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The Malibu Classic is both stable and swift on the water. Its design is versatile enough to even carry a dog on the front without issue, making it a fun choice for families. The “Classic” longboard surf shape provides smooth cruising, which is ideal for beginners and casual paddlers alike.
This SUP package includes an adjustable aluminum paddle and features an accessory attachment system, making it easy to add cup holders, paddle clips, and bungee tie-downs. There’s even a hole for a cable lock to keep your board secure.
If you’re looking for a board that performs well across the board—great for beginners, first-timers, and casual paddlers—the Pau Hana Malibu Classic is a dependable choice that won’t disappoint.
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Final Thoughts
Lightweight stand up paddleboards can tons of fun, especially if you are using them to hike to a hard to get to area like a mountain lake. They come in a wider variety of styles from inflatables to rigid SUPs, so you'll need to find what will work best for your needs.
The boards we listed are some of our personal favorites. We don't always prefer lightweight SUP's, here at Paddleboard Surf we tend to prioritize other performance aspects of the boards than just the weight, but when light weight is the main goal, the boards we listed are our top recommendations.

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.