Are you in the market for a SUP paddleboard?
Stand-up paddleboards typically fall into two categories: solid (rigid) boards and inflatable models.
No matter which type you choose, paddleboarding promises a fun and engaging experience. While it’s not a brand-new activity, stand-up paddleboarding has steadily grown in popularity, drawing more enthusiasts each year.
To help you find the perfect board, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite SUPs, featuring a variety of styles to match different needs and tastes.
The Benefits of SUP Paddle Boards
The biggest advantage of a solid, non-inflatable SUP over an iSUP is performance. With a rigid board, energy from your legs transfers almost instantly to the board, giving you more control and responsiveness. Inflatable boards, on the other hand, have a bit of “give,” which can result in some energy loss, especially when making sharp turns.
It’s no coincidence that traditional surfboards are never inflatable, they simply don’t offer the same level of maneuverability as a firm, solid surface.
If you’re after a performance-focused paddleboard or just enjoy the classic feel of a non-inflatable SUP, keep reading. We’ve put together a list of our top picks, and we think you’ll find some boards you’ll love.

Features:
If you want a SUP that seamlessly transitions from calm flatwater to playful surf, the Sixty Forty MX is a standout choice.
This board combines a shorter, wider design with ample volume, giving you the glide and stability of a larger board on flatwater while still offering the agility and responsiveness of a smaller board in the waves.
Its subtly displaced hull reduces water slapping and helps the board slice through the water with ease.
Built with durable molded epoxy, the Sixty Forty MX also features a soft deck and tail kick, ensuring long hours of comfortable paddling.
Suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced paddlers alike, this versatile SUP can handle surf up to 4 feet, making it a reliable companion for a variety of conditions.
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Features:
The ISLE Cruiser Soft Top is a versatile SUP that suits a wide range of paddlers, from beginners to more experienced riders. Its epoxy core provides strength, while the soft top layer offers a firm yet grippy surface, even with wet feet.
This board is designed to handle everything from gentle lake paddling and small ocean waves to quiet fishing coves. It’s even a solid choice for SUP yoga, allowing you to test your balance on the water.
Equipped with a 4-point bungee system at the front, it’s perfect for most uses. For gear-heavy activities like fishing, a larger 6-point bungee might be ideal, but for everyday paddling, the included 4-point setup works well.
Transporting the Soft Top is simple thanks to a centrally mounted carry handle. Unlike most handles, this one pops up for use and folds flush when not needed.
The board features a single center fin, and with a width of 31 inches and a weight of 27 pounds, its durable construction can easily withstand bumps and scrapes. A carbon adjustable paddle is included, completing this all-in-one package.
Overall, the ISLE Cruiser Soft Top is one of the best all-around paddleboards available, offering durability, versatility, and great value for the money.
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Features:
Tom Carroll Paddle Surf (TCPS) is known for crafting visually stunning and high-performing SUPs, and the Outer Reef MX is no exception.
All Tom Carroll boards are designed to be more “water friendly.”
But what does that mean?
The Outer Reef MX features double concave contours that guide water to spiral as it moves along the board. This allows it to glide smoothly instead of just pushing water forward like traditional SUPs, resulting in a faster and more fluid ride.
These design elements enhance flatwater paddling speed, make turning effortless, and improve responsiveness when riding waves.
Lightweight and agile, the Outer Reef MX excels on flat water and handles waves with ease. Its quick maneuverability and stability make it a versatile choice for paddlers who want a board that performs in any condition.
If you’re looking for a SUP that’s stable yet glides effortlessly, the Outer Reef MX is a top contender.
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Features:
Classic.
The ISLE Glider stands out with its sleek, timeless design, perfect for those who appreciate a clean, classic look.
This all-around paddleboard is ideal for beginners while still offering plenty of fun and performance for more experienced paddlers and wave riders.
Built for stability, firmness, and maneuverability, the Glider combines a precision EPS foam core with layers of fiberglass resin, paulownia wood veneer for added stiffness, and a final resin layer to lock it all together.
Practical features make life on the water easier: a spacious bungee area at the nose and a convenient carry handle that pops up when you need it and folds flush when you don’t, something we love at PaddleboardSurf.com.
The board’s soft brushed traction pad in the middle provides comfort where you’ll spend most of your time, while the diamond-grooved pad at the rear ensures extra grip for athletic moves and wave riding.
Everything you need to hit the water is included: a leash, adjustable carbon paddle, and a center fin that installs or removes easily without any special tools.
Lightweight yet firm enough for performance in more challenging conditions, the ISLE Glider combines functionality with style, making it one of the most attractive and capable SUPs around.
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The Generator is an impressive paddleboard that stands out thanks to its top-quality materials, thoughtful design, and expert construction. It performs exceptionally well in small to medium surf, offering a great balance of stability and maneuverability.
With its flatter rocker profile, the Generator excels in flat or slightly choppy water. Measuring 32” wide and 4.4” deep, this board prioritizes stability over raw speed, making it an excellent choice for a smooth, controlled ride.
Built with natural wood fibers and reinforced with carbon tail patches, the board is strong yet retains a comfortable amount of flex.
The Generator also features a standard 4-point bungee system, along with a wider nose and slimmer tail that allows it to glide easily through the water. Overall, it’s one of the most versatile and well-crafted boards available.
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Features:
The Surftech Promenade features a displacement hull and plenty of volume, making it a solid, stable ride.
One minor drawback is its weight, at 34 lbs, it’s not the lightest board, but that heaviness adds durability. This board is built tough and can handle plenty of wear and tear without issue.
Ideal for touring or long-distance paddling, the Promenade was designed to withstand the rigors of rental use. If you’re looking for a family-friendly board that can handle friends and neighbors hopping on without worry, this is a perfect choice.
Measuring 11½ feet long, 32 inches wide, and a robust 7.3 inches thick, it’s one of the sturdiest boards around. The package also includes a single center fin and a convenient 2-piece paddle.
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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. Durable and affordable, this hard paddleboard is built to take a beating and keep performing.
Its toughness comes from an EPS foam core wrapped in ABS plastic, with Kevlar reinforcement along the rails for added rigidity.
Stable and fast on the water, the Malibu Classic can even handle a dog riding at the front with ease. Its “Classic” longboard surf shape makes it a smooth, enjoyable cruiser, perfect for beginners and families alike.
This SUP includes an adjustable aluminum paddle and a versatile accessory attachment system, making it easy to add cup holders, paddle clips, and bungee tie-downs. It also has a built-in hole for securing a cable lock.
For a board that does it all, ideal for beginners, first-timers, and casual SUP enthusiasts, the Pau Hana Malibu Classic is a standout choice.
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Final Thoughts
SUP paddleboards are a lot of fun. They come in a wide variety of styles, so you'll need to find what will work best for your needs.
Whether you're a beginner or expert, just looking to have fun or looking for SUP that can give you a good workout, there is something for everyone in this sport.
The boards we listed are some of our personal favorites. We tend to prefer non inflatable paddleboards because we like the added performance.

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.