The Best Stand Up Paddle Boards for the Ocean
Here are our favorite paddle boards that are worth taking out on the wide open ocean waters.
If you are just getting started with paddle boarding, then you might want to consider buying an inexpensive paddle board.
If you are going out on to the open water, you're going to want a better quality paddleboard, one that can take the abuse of the waves, and still get you home.
The Benefits of Ocean Paddle Boards
Basically the main differing factor of a stand up paddle board is the quality of the board. You don't want to take a Costco special you picked up for $200 out on the ocean.
Now, you don't have to break the bank to get an ocean capable paddle board, you just want to stay away from the cheap stuff that is designed to last only one season at best.
Below is a list of boards that meet our quality standard for an ocean going paddleboard.
#1. ISLE Glider SUP
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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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The Fanatic Fly Air is a great all-around paddleboard that can handle ocean waters and small waves.
Fanatic is one of the top quality SUP manufactures, and the Fly Air gives you all the quality that Fanatic is know for, but at a value price point.
The Fly Air is crafted in a long board design that provides a good mix of glide, stability, and all water conditions versatility. The front deck net allows you to attach, or strap down accessories to take with you for longer ocean tours.
Fanatic's premium double layer lite technology ensures that this board while lightweight, is built out of tough materials that can stand up to ocean use. The triple layer board rails are significantly stiffer than most other inflatables.
These technologies allow Fanatics to produce a board that is stiffer, yet also lighter, than less well built boards, which is one of the reasons why it makes our list for ocean going SUP recommendations.
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Now, the Thurso Surf Waterwalker pushes the edge of our "cheap" criteria. But, it's our #1 pick because of the entire value of the package.
And it's no surprise that our best All Around Board is an inflatable, right? It just makes sense.
With an inflatable you have so many more options because it's so easy to transport an inflatable. For this reason it makes sense that our top pick is the newly redesigned Waterwalker.
The Thurso Waterwalker is designed in the classic touring shape which makes it good for all around paddling activities and most water conditions, while also allowing the comfort for longer paddle tours.
The Waterwalker breaks the iSUP mold and actually looks cool. It look more like a rigid paddle board or even a surfboard with it faux wood print. And added benefit to this package is that it comes with a repair kit, should you need it.
It comes with a great EVA foam padding making for solid comfort and traction. This pad is also great for yoga sessions. And if yoga is your thing, you’ll really like this board because Thurso Surf thought of all the details down to creating Velcro straps on the side rails of the paddle board to hold your paddle, so it doesn’t float away.
The Waterwalker is fully optioned with 3 grab handles, front, center, and rear. Carbon enhanced side walls for unusual stability for an inflatable. A 6 point bungee front and 4 point bungee in the rear for carrying all manner of equipment. As well as 4 D-rings which would allow you to securely attach a cooler if you wanted.
And a storage backpack comes with easy-e rollers. If you're looking for one of the best values on the market, check out the Waterwalker.
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The Nautical by iRocker is their entry level paddleboard, which allows you to get on the water quickly, easily, and affordably.
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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The ROC inflatable stand up paddleboard with free premium accessories and backpack, is the #1 selling of all SUPs listed on Amazon for a reason. The quality, value, and total package make this SUP a favorite of tons and tons of families. And there are over 4,000 positive Amazon reviews as a result.
ROC is a U.S. based company that has managed to use quality materials and manufacturing techniques to build this board, yet also keep the price very affordable. It's constructed with super high quality military grade lightweight Quad-Core PVC materials.
The generous and wide, non-slip deck makes it easy to use as an all-around SUP for the whole family. Included in the package are a center fin, backpack, adjustable paddle, leash, hand air pump, and a water proof bag, everything you need to get on the water, all in one box.
With the depth of the board at 6" thick, they are supportive of full size adults. The inflate to become very rigid and are as stable as you can expect from an inflatable.
All in all if your nervous about trying out a board and are a beginner on a budget, this package is a great place to start. Click the Purchase button below to find out why this board has so many raving reviews on Amazon.
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This Drift inflatable paddleboard is a great little package for beginners. It's got everything you need, and nothing you don't.
Included in this package is a removable fin, repair kit, 3-piece aluminum paddle, paddle board pump, and a convenient backpack carrying bag.
The boards has slight rocker at the front, which means the board is angles upwards at the nose which breaks through small waves by keeping the nose up, making it a little easier to maneuver.
Like just about all iSUPs on the market it is built with military-grade PVC with drop-stitch fibers which create a solid, confidence inspiring platform with a tough outer skin. You don't have to baby this board.
The difference with this package compared to most, is that they are able to do the same quality, at a price point that is about $200 less, and this is why we think it's a good buy.
This is beginner friendly paddle board that is manufactured by Bote Boards, and Bote makes some of the best paddle boards around, they are just way more expensive, so they created this entry level brand.
This inflatable SUP is a great value!
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This paddle board is one of the best boards, period. It really is a great board. We're confident that you will love it as much as we do. Plenty of people love it on Amazon also. If you look on Amazon you'll see a ton of 5-star reviews.
This iSUP is a great all-around paddle board that has been designed to fit every passengers' needs. From beginners to experts, the board will please everyone. The Pioneer is highly rigid for an inflatable and durable. You will not have any problems balancing while you're paddling in it.
Users praise the non-slip grip that makes sure you stay balanced even on a wet board. The paddle board is 10'6", which is a good size that fits more people. The Pioneer also comes with a comprehensive accessory package. So you just need to purchase the board and then everything else that you need comes included.
The Pioneer Paddle Board is the best overall value paddle board for your money that we have found. We think this model is worth every cent.
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The CBC Hydra Foam 10'6" SUP is the first rigid SUP on our list and is an excellent value. Rigid SUPs tends to be more expensive than iSUPs. The reason for this is that the materials used to build the SUP, like the foam core and the epoxy laminate, and the soft spongy outer layer, tend to cost more.
Fortunately, CBC was able to find a way to combat that with this great paddle board.
This CBC model is made out of high-density EPS foam and comes equipped with a 100% waterproof core and a deck skin with full 'wood grain' graphic. It slides smoothly across the water. A camera mount and surf leash are included.
Since this CBC model is a solid paddle board it can hold more than 300 pounds - which is more than a majority of iSUPs can hold. If you are a larger person or are interested in tandem SUP, then this could be the best affordable paddle board for your needs.
The CBC Hydra Foam 10'6" Paddle Board doesn't cost too much and comes with a comprehensive accessories package. This rigid is a great value!
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If you have a tight budget, then the PathFinder Inflatable SUP is a great iSUP for you. It costs just $339. You will not be able to find a good paddle board at a better price anywhere. Used or new!
This SUP is 5" thick to provide solid rigidity and durability. You also won't have a problem with balance with this board. It is made out of a PVC material to allow the paddle board to hold a maximum of 240 pounds and ensure it lasts a very long time.
This Pathfinder model, like most iSUPs, comes with a comprehensive accessory package. That is insane! Many paddlers end up spending more than $339 on just accessories. So this paddle board is an incredible deal for everyone.
If an inexpensive SUP that works well is something you need and want, then the PathFinder Inflatable SUP is a great option for you to consider.
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Swimline Bali's Solstice is an amazing iSUP that is available at a great price. This outstanding paddle board is an good value. If you are searching for an affordable and fast paddle board, then this is a great model for you to try.
The iSUP's unique and quality high-pressure valve system makes it lightweight and sleek. This board is also very durable and rigid, and ideal for large people and for rough waters, especially when it comes to inexpensive paddle boards.
The Solstice comes equipped with an excellent pump, gauge, and a carry bag. When you purchase this board, you will need to buy a SUP paddle Fortunately, the board will still cost less than $600, even if you purchase one of the top SUP paddles.
Therefore we recommend the Solstice iSUP for anyone who is searching for the perfect low budget paddle board to try.
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The 10'6 Xterra Inflatable SUP is a genuine all-around iSUP. For first-time buyers, it offers incredible value. This model is great for both veterans and beginners - due to its industry-leading design with a focus on durability and balance.
The Xterra Inflatable SUP is made out of military-grade drop-stitch materials. It is comfortable and rigid. This board will also not dent or ding over time due to its unique construction. This paddle board is built to last!
A comprehensive accessories package comes with this iSUP, including one of the finest SUP pumps that we have tested to date. When you purchase this Xterra model, you won't need to purchase any accessories. It only takes five minutes for the board to inflate, which is really fast for an iSUP.
Overall we were very impressed with the outstanding value offered by the Xterra Inflatable SUP. Especially at such a reasonable price. A 30-day warranty also comes with it. We highly recommend this SUP.
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Considering that this Raystreak paddle board is a hard model and costs less than $400 USD it is definitely a decent SUP. If you are looking for a very affordable hard SUP, this is a good option to consider.
This Raystreak is just 8' in length. That ensures that your ride is comfortable and makes it easy for beginner paddlers to maneuver. Its high-density foam is very durable and was made to be hard to ding. If you are searching for an inexpensive SUP that can't be hurt too much by the kids, then this is a great model to consider.
Overall, we recommend this Raystreak model for certain situations. However, most users will prefer a different model on our list.
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The Adventurer would normally be a lot higher on our list. This iSUP is among the best paddle board models that are currently available. And I don't just mean among inexpensive paddle boards that cost less than $700!
Typically, this paddle board retails for about $1,175. However, it is often on sale for much cheaper. If you are able to buy this board at a discounted price, definitely go for it. It is the best value on an iSUP that you can ever hope to find. You can normally expect to pay much more.
The Adventurer 9'10" Inflatable SUP has a lot to offer. Inflating and deflating this paddle board is very easy to do. It is lightweight, which also makes it very easy to travel with it. The iSUP is extremely rigid and highly durable when it is out on the water. That is exactly the type of iSUP you want to have.
There is a lot more to love about this Adventurer model from Tower Paddle Boards. It comes with both a two-year warranty and full accessories package. It really is a tremendous value.
If you are able to buy this outstanding paddle board for less than $700, go for it. It will definitely not disappoint you.
#14. Z Ray W2 SUP
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If you are searching for an inexpensive SuP that can be used to paddle around, windsurf, or surf, then this Z Ray W model is perfect. It is truly a multiple-purpose SUP paddle board.
It is highly durable and is equipped with a comprehensive accessories package. Overall, we were quite impressed with everything this board can do. However, there are models on our list that are much better if you are not interested in windsurfing or surfing.
However, if you are interested in a range of watersports, the Z Ray W2 is perfect and costs just $589, making it an amazing value.
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The 10' Inflatable Weekend SUP continues to be among the world's top-selling affordable paddle boards. We really love this model, and many other people do as well - as can be seen by its hundreds of positive online reviews.
This is iSUP is considered to be one of the world's most stable. That is why so many beginners praise it so highly. The Weekender is also great for veteran paddlers. The board is made with military-grade PVC, making incredibly durable and practically indestructible.
A comprehensive accessories package also comes with the Weekender 10' Inflatable SUP. After buying this incredible paddle board for just $599, you will not need to purchase anything else.
If you are not particularly athletic, but would still like to enjoy paddle boarding out on the water, then the Weekend Inflatable SUP is a great option. You won't fall into the water and it is a very inexpensive package, making it an outstanding value.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an paddleboard that offers the durability to take out on the open ocean and to handle waves, then all you need is the above list.
It will help you find the best affordable SUP that meets your needs at a great price.
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.