picture of a sup packed with gear for an expedition

The Best Stand Up Paddle Boards For Long Distances

Looking for the Best Long Distance Paddleboards?

If you want to take longer more adverturous paddles or tours, you'll want a SUP that is designed for these type of trips.

Sure you can make do with just about any paddleboard, but there are SUPs that are specifically built to make it easier and more comfortable to paddle extended distances.


The Benefits of the SUPs Built for Longer Distance Trips

The main benefit of SUPs built for longer trips is the design.  They are usually a bit pointyer (is that a real word?) so that they cut and glide through the water easier.  When you go for longer trips, whether it's for hours or days, the easier the SUP cuts through the water, the more enjoyable your trip will be.

These longer distance SUPs can usually hold more gear.  They often have larger bungee systems to strap down more gear, and some can even hold enough gear for camping overnight!

You can go as big as you want when you are going for longer distance paddles.  Some consider a longer trip just a few hours, some consider a longer trip a week of camping and touring down a river.  Here we listed a few of the SUPs we like best for a longer distance adventure

bluefin sup sprint complete package


Features:

  • Beginner friendly
  • Inflatable SUP, complete package
  • Flex Reduction System for extra stability
  • Width: 30"
  • 18 D-rings positioned throughout the board for ample space to secure gear

The Bluefin SUP Sprint Carbon is an inflatable performance SUP designed for long distance trips.

It has a patented Flex Reduction System.  The simple explanation of the FRS is that carbon fiber is woven into specific areas on the board and particularly the board rails, to produce stiffness while keeping the SUP light weight.

Combine that with the Sprint Carbon's Independent Inflation Loop Air Duo, which basically means two separate air chambers inside the board which produce even more stiffness than a traditional iSUP.

Combining the FRS and Dual Air Loops makes the Sprint Carbon a very stiff iSUP.  The stiffness and stability is great for because it means you'll be expending less energy and for longer distances or multi-day trips, this can be a huge benefit.

The added sturdiness & stability makes this board more appealing for general paddlers looking for a gateway into touring and longer distances.

The Sprint Carbon also comes with a large front and rear bungee system to easily handle enough gear for an overnight camping trip.  There are also 18 D-rings so you can attach just about anything you need for a longer trip.

Bluefin SUP is one of the best inflatable SUP makers in the business.  We give most of their boards high marks, and the Sprint Carbon is at the top of our list for long distance SUPs for a reason.  We also love Bluefin SUP's 5 year manufacturer warranty.  You can go wrong with the Sprint Carbon if you need a board for longer distances.

Pros of this Board

  • Anyone can use this paddleboard
  • Has a weight capacity of 325 lbs, enough for a paddler and lots of gear
  • A great long distance board that costs less than $1,000

Cons of this option

  • Can be a real job to inflate, you might want to purchase an electric pump
blackfin model v in white with full accessories


Features:

  • Type: Inflatable
  • Length: 12’6″
  • Width: 32″
  • Weight: 30 Pounds

The BLACKFIN MODEL V lets you cruise around the waterfront or fish on a quiet lake. The design of the paddleboard is multi-functional so that you can enjoy all kinds of experiences.

Built for stability as well as speed, you can glide through the water without drag for fun and high-intensity workouts.

The paddleboard comes with a wheel compatible backpack for transport and storage. It also has a twin hand pump that leads to fast inflation and faster use. The frame of the paddleboard is a blend of carbon and fiberglass.

This fully inflated paddleboard is easy to control and steer through the water.

Eight multi-use action mounts let you set up multiple fishing poles. Twenty D-Ring attachments let you secure fishing gear or a small cooler you choose to travel with. The deck of the paddleboard is a larger design with plenty of rear storage for all kinds of cargo.

The larger paddleboard deck lets you fish, speed around bodies of water, or even do yoga. The deck comes with a soft pad that prevents feet fatigue and helps you grip the board even in rougher waters.

A triple layer of PVC helps make the board twenty-percent lighter than other models while remaining durable.

Pros of this Board

  • Paddleboard comes with a wheel compatible backpack for transport and storage
  • Multi-use action mounts
  • A triple layer of PVC for added toughness

Cons of this option

  • Weight
top, bottom, and side view of the thurso surf expedition complete package


Features:

  • Type: Inflatable
  • Length: 11'6”
  • Width: 30″
  • Weight: 28 Pounds
  • Weight Capacity: 330 Pounds

The THURSO SURF Expedition Touring SUP is a paddleboard for adventure and water navigation. Built for touring, the board can withstand heartier waters. The board can withstand a PSI up to twenty, which is two to five PSI more than regular paddleboards.

Made with heavy-duty materials, the board is heavier than regular boards, which helps the board track easily in all kinds of water. The board is extremely stable even in choppy water and comes ready to carry extra supplies. You can put a full pack on the board and strap it down using D-Rings and rear bungee attachments.

The board comes with large weight capacity; the three hundred thirty pounds a capacity lets you travel with a much gear as your adventure requires and maneuver with your kids, pets, or significant adult companion onboard.

The board features detachable side fins that make it easy to steer and navigate the water. An extra-wide deckpad helps you maintain your footing. The board also comes with everything you need to travel and be safe on the water, such as the three-piece carbon paddle and ankle cord.

Pros of this Board

  • Made with heavy-duty materials
  • Large weight capacity
  • The board features detachable side fins that make it easy to steer and navigate the water

Cons of this option

  • Weight
bote traveller aero top and side view with accessories


Features:

  • Beginner friendly
  • Style: Classic
  • Type: Inflatable
  • Length: 12’6″
  • Weight Capacity: 275 lbs.

The Traveller Paddle Board is for speed and travel and efficient paddling over great distances. The board has a design that places the center of gravity in the center of the board. With a low center of gravity, the board can navigate all kinds of waterways, including open waters.

The wide design of the platform lets you travel with or without luggage as there are many tie-down points. The hull features a very pointed nose that allows the board to cut seamlessly through water for your enjoyment, fitness, or fishing.

The paddleboard lets you take your water journey anywhere you choose to travel. There are many different points around the paddleboard to attach fishing poles and have a drink handy. You can even race using the board because of the narrow design and V-Shaped hull.

The board comes with a handy stashpod, which lets you store your smaller items such as your keys. It also holds a bottle opener, so you can enjoy a bottled drink while you paddle and open it quickly.

A convenient carrying system called Travelink SUP carrying system helps you travel easily over distances while keeping your hands free. The Travelink is ergonomic and makes carrying your board easy. The wheel track lets you roll the board using oversized tires, ensuring you will have multiple ways to travel with your board without causing strain.

Pros of this Board

  • The board comes with a handy stashpod, which lets you store your smaller items
  • Easy to balance which conserves energy
  • A convenient carrying system called Travelink SUP

Cons of this option

  • Takes some effort to inflate.  May want to consider an electric pump
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.  It's great for beginners because of the lower cost and lighter weight.

The foam construction is also nice for beginners because if you lose control of your board, and it happens to bump into someone, it won't hurt the way a hard epoxy board would.

This SUP package includes a 9 inch removable and adjustable center fin, an adjustable paddle, and a leash; everything you need, out-of-the-box to start having fun on the water paddleboarding.

The internal compression-foam deck pad means you can paddle for hours and your feet will remain comfortable.  And this type of deck pad also lowers the strain in your feet because it offers plenty of grip and easy traction.

Because it's low priced, with a durable foam construction, this is an ideal SUP to keep at a beach or lake house where you won't be concerned about loaning it out to friends and guests.

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 are looking for lightweight and stable, look no further! All that you need to do to get started is just to put the fins on and add water.

The South Bay Board Co. Premium Beginner Soft Top provides great stability and inspires confidence on the water, enough to handle waves from boats on a busy holiday weekend or a strong wind.

The South Bay Board Co. Premium Soft Top's are a hard-to-beat value due to the smart design, premium construction quality, and performance focused features.

While soft top SUP's are great for beginners learning to paddle, they also are forgiving when transporting on a car or boat due to the softness of the material, not damage your boat or car.

If you want a great "all rounder" but don't want an inflatable SUP and don't want to shell out over $1,000 for a rigid, then this will be a great fit for you.

The best materials and the best manufacturing make the South Bay Board Co. Premium Beginner Soft Top a tremendous value as well as on of PaddlboardSurf's top SUP recommendations.

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 a great, value priced board for a beginner.  This is also one of the very few boards you'll find, either SUP or surfboard, that comes with instant padded roof racks, making transporting your board to the water a breeze!

The advantage of this board is it's light and easy to carry and lift. Hard epoxy boards are heavy and hard to lift. But there is a trade off, light boards are less stable while hard boards are more stable.

This SUP is better for beginners, children, and smaller adults.  The weight limit of this SUP is about 160 lbs.

This paddleboard is best used as a toy to have fun on the water with, without having to spend too much.  Great for playing around at the lake or a quite bay, but not something that more serious paddlers will want to buy for longer tours or surfing bigger waves.

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

SUPs that are made for long distance tours are fun to ride and easy to use for all skill levels.  They are ideal for beginners, but more often the more experienced paddlers seek out SUPs with these specifications.


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