man on surfing sup board on a wave

The Best Surfing SUP Boards Compared

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Looking for the Best Paddleboards for Surfing?

Surfing with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) offers a unique blend of exhilaration and fitness, appealing to both novices and seasoned surfers.

Selecting the right SUP is crucial for optimizing performance and enjoyment on the waves.

In this article, we explore top-rated surfing SUPs, highlighting their features, advantages, and potential drawbacks to assist you in making an informed choice.

Whether you're embarking on your paddleboard surfing journey or seeking to upgrade your equipment, our comprehensive guide aims to enhance your experience on the water.

The Benefits of the Surfing SUPs

Whether you are a complete beginner that is interested in paddleboard surfing, or you have tried paddleboard surfing during a vacation and want to immerse yourself in the fun sport this article can help you.

This article features five of the best paddleboards that we hope will meet your paddleboard requirements.

We will go over the specifications and features of five paddleboards that would be ideal for SUP surfing.

However, if you don't find that any of the five meet your needs there are a wide range of boards sold on the market and a bit of research may help you find the right SUP for you.

top, bottom, and side view of the tom carroll outer reef mx sup


Features:

  • Durable MX Construction: Built with Molded Epoxy for strength and longevity.
  • Double Concave Hull: Enhances water flow and stability.
  • Relaxed Rocker Design: Facilitates smooth paddling and wave entry.
  • 2+1 Fin Setup: Offers maneuverability and control.
  • Beveled Rails: Improves trim sensitivity on waves.

The Tom Carroll Paddle Surf Outer Reef MX Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) is a versatile and high-performance board designed for both flat-water cruising and surf adventures. Drawing inspiration from Tom Carroll's advanced hydrodynamic designs, this board offers a user-friendly experience without compromising on performance.

Constructed with durable Molded Epoxy (MX), the Outer Reef MX features a medium-density EPS core and multiple fiberglass layers, ensuring structural integrity and longevity.

Its deep double concave displacement hull and spiral vee tail enhance water flow and maneuverability, providing stability in choppy conditions and responsiveness on waves.

 The relaxed rocker design facilitates smooth paddling and easy wave entry, while the beveled rails improve trim sensitivity.

Equipped with a 2+1 fin setup—FCS II GL side bites and a custom 9" TCPS single fin—the board balances control and agility. Available in four sizes (10'0" to 11'6"), it caters to a range of rider weights and skill levels, from beginners to advanced paddlers.

Whether you're exploring calm waters or catching waves, the Outer Reef MX delivers a connected feel to the ocean, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and adaptable SUP.

Pros of this Board

  • Stable Ride: High-volume design ensures excellent stability, ideal for beginners and choppy waters.
  • Versatile Performance: Adaptable for both flat-water cruising and wave riding.
  • Durable Build: Robust Molded Epoxy (MX) construction enhances longevity.

Cons of this option

  • Size Consideration: Larger dimensions may be challenging for transport and storage.
top, bottom, and side view of the adventure paddleboarding sixty forty mx


Features:

  • 10'0" length, 33" width, 4¾" thickness
  • Molded Epoxy (MX) durable construction
  • Soft deck traction with arch bar and tail kick
  • Comfortable cavity handle for easy transport
  • Nose plugs for gear storage or GoPro mount

The Adventure Paddleboarding Sixty Forty MX SUP is a versatile board crafted for those who enjoy both surfing and flatwater paddling. Its design emphasizes a 60% surf and 40% flatwater balance, making it ideal for riders who seek adaptability across various water conditions.

Measuring 10'0" in length, 33" in width, and 4¾" in thickness, the board offers a substantial 190L volume, providing stability and buoyancy for paddlers up to approximately 90kg. Its molded epoxy construction ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight feel, thanks to a high-pressure molding process that fuses multiple fiberglass layers with a medium-density EPS core.

The board's shape includes a subtle displacement hull to minimize slapping in choppy waters, a single concave through the center for sustained speed, and a double concave vee out the tail to enhance maneuverability. A pulled-in tail and curved rail line further improve turning performance in surf scenarios.

Additional features include a comfortable cavity handle for easy transport, soft deck traction with an integrated arch bar and tail kick, and nose plugs for gear storage or GoPro mounting.

Whether you're carving waves or enjoying a peaceful paddle, the Sixty Forty MX SUP offers a balanced and enjoyable experience, making it a valuable addition to any paddleboarder's collection.

Pros of this Board

  • Versatile Design: Balances 60% surf and 40% flatwater performance, making it suitable for various conditions.
  • Stable Build: Generous width and full rails provide exceptional stability, accommodating riders up to approximately 90kg.
  • Durable Construction: Molded Epoxy (MX) build ensures structural integrity and longevity through high-pressure molding of multiple fiberglass layers.

Cons of this option

  • Single Fin Setup: Comes standard with a 10" single fin; may require additional fin purchases for enhanced performance customization.


Features:

  • EPX-V Construction: Durable fiberglass and bamboo veneer build.
  • Versatile Fin Setup: Configurable for single, tri, or quad fins.
  • LiftSUP Handle: Integrated handle for easy carrying.
  • Honeycomb Deck Pad: Provides comfortable, non-slip footing.

The Boardworks Kraken is a standout all-around stand-up paddleboard (SUP) that seamlessly blends performance, durability, and style. Available in lengths of 9'9", 10'3", and 11'0", it caters to a wide range of paddlers, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.

Constructed with EPX-V technology, the Kraken features an EPS core laminated with fiberglass and bamboo veneers, resulting in a lightweight yet robust board. Its 32-inch width and 4.75-inch thickness provide excellent stability, while the slightly rockered nose ensures smooth navigation through various water conditions.

The board's versatile fin configuration allows for single, tri-fin, or quad-fin setups, adapting to your preferred paddling style. An integrated LiftSUP handle facilitates easy transport, and the expansive honeycomb deck pad offers comfort for extended sessions on the water.

Whether you're exploring calm lakes, tackling ocean waves, or embarking on leisurely paddles, the Boardworks Kraken delivers a reliable and enjoyable experience. Its combination of stability, maneuverability, and sleek design makes it a valuable addition to any paddler's collection.

For those seeking a dependable and stylish SUP that performs well across various conditions, the Boardworks Kraken is a compelling choice.


Pros of this Board

  • Stable Ride: Its wide design offers excellent stability, ideal for beginners and carrying extra gear.
  • Versatile Performance: Performs well across various water conditions, from flat lakes to ocean waves.
  • Durable Build: Constructed with quality materials, ensuring longevity and resilience.

Cons of this option

  • Limited Accessories: Does not include a paddle or leash, requiring additional purchases.
naish nalu sup


Features:

  • Ultra-thin rails: Enhance edge control and responsiveness.
  • Versatile fin setup: Tri-fin and quad box options.
  • Lightweight construction: Approximately 8.8 kg for easy handling.
  • Textured deck pad: ¾ coverage with kick pad and leash point.

The Naish Nalu 10'0" LE is a high-performance, longboard-style stand-up paddleboard (SUP) designed for riders seeking optimal responsiveness, direct feel, and enhanced nose-riding ability. Its refined foiling allows for maximum drive with minimal effort.

This board features ultra-thin rails—the thinnest observed on a SUP—providing exceptional edge control and responsiveness. The ¾ textured deck pad includes a kick pad and a single leash point, ensuring secure footing during maneuvers. The Nalu 10'0" LE comes equipped with a tri-fin setup and additional quad fin boxes, offering versatile fin configurations to suit various wave conditions.

With a volume of 130 liters and a weight of 8.8 kg, this board is lightweight yet stable, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers aiming to elevate their surfing experience. Its design caters to those who appreciate a board that performs exceptionally in a range of wave sizes, from knee-high to overhead.

Whether you're looking to carve aggressive turns or enjoy smooth nose rides, the Naish Nalu 10'0" LE delivers a dynamic and engaging ride. Its blend of performance and versatility makes it a compelling choice for surfers aiming to push their boundaries.

Pros of this Board

  • Responsive Handling: Ultra-thin rails enhance maneuverability and edge control.
  • Fin Versatility: Compatible with tri-fin and quad setups for varied wave conditions.
  • Lightweight Stability: At 8.8 kg and 130 liters, it offers a balance of agility and stability.

Cons of this option

  • Not Beginner-Friendly: Its performance-oriented design may challenge novice paddlers.
naish surfing sup


Features:

  • 4+1 Fin Setup
  • Lightweight EPS Core
  • Bamboo-Reinforced Deck
  • Grooved EVA Traction Pad
  • Integrated Ledge Handle

The Naish Hokua GTW Custom is a surf SUP crafted for riders who demand precision and adaptability on the waves. Tailored for intermediate to advanced surfers, this board excels in delivering smooth carving and responsive performance across various surf conditions.

Constructed with a CNC-cut EPS core and an S-glass bamboo sandwich deck, the Hokua GTW balances lightweight agility with robust durability. Double bamboo reinforcement in the stance area enhances strength where it's needed most, ensuring resilience during intense sessions.

The 4+1 fin configuration, featuring FCS2 side fins and a US center fin box, offers versatility to adapt between quad, thruster, or single fin setups, catering to diverse surfing styles and conditions. This design promotes smooth carving and responsiveness, making it ideal for riders seeking dynamic performance on the waves.

Additional features like the ledge handle facilitate easy transport, while the grooved and embossed EVA pad ensures a secure grip during sessions. With sizes ranging from 8'6" to 9'6", the Hokua GTW accommodates various rider weights and preferences, ensuring a personalized fit for optimal performance.

For those looking to enhance their SUP surfing experience, the Naish Hokua GTW Custom stands out as a reliable and adaptable choice.

Pros of this Board

  • Versatile Fin Setup: Adaptable 4+1 fin configuration for various surfing styles and conditions.
  • Durable Build: Lightweight yet robust construction with reinforced stance area for enhanced strength.
  • Responsive Performance: Designed for smooth carving and agility, ideal for intermediate to advanced riders.

Cons of this option

  • Stability for Beginners: Performance-oriented design may present a steeper learning curve for novice paddlers.
naish mad dog sup


Features:

  • For aggressive paddlers that demand performance
  • Combo of speed + turning ability
  • Low volume rails
  • Retains power & grip needed to crank through turns in sizable waves
  • Thruster fin setup

The 2024 Naish Mad Dog is a high-performance surf SUP crafted for riders eager to push their limits in the waves. Its surfboard-inspired rocker facilitates powerful turns and impressive speed, making it ideal for aggressive maneuvers.

The board's 4+1 fin setup, featuring two FCS 4.75" front fins and two FCS 4.0" rear fins, offers versatility for various conditions, allowing configurations as a quad, thruster, or single-fin.

Constructed with a Sandwich Deck incorporating bamboo in the stance area, the Mad Dog provides a lightweight yet robust platform. The grooved and embossed EVA pad ensures a strong grip and durability, while the ledge handle offers easy transport to and from the water.

Available in sizes ranging from 7'6" to 9'5", it accommodates intermediate to expert surfers up to 240 lbs (109 kg).

Whether you're aiming to enhance your skills or tackle more challenging waves, the Naish Mad Dog offers the performance and versatility to elevate your surfing experience.

Pros of this Board

  • High-Performance Design: Engineered for aggressive maneuvers, offering powerful turns and impressive speed.
  • Versatile Fin Setup: Features a 4+1 fin configuration, allowing customization for various surf conditions.
  • Durable Construction: Built with a Sandwich Deck and bamboo reinforcement, providing a lightweight yet robust platform.

Cons of this option

  • Stability in Choppy Conditions: May be less stable for heavier riders in windy or choppy waters.
sol hudson sup


Features:

  • Lightweight at 19 lbs
  • 33" width for enhanced stability
  • Multi-Layer Fusion construction
  • 2+1 fin setup for better tracking
  • Includes paddle, pump, and backpack

The Stand on Liquid Hudson 10'6" Inflatable SUP is a lightweight and versatile paddleboard designed for paddlers seeking stability and performance. Measuring 10'6" in length, 33" in width, and 5" in thickness, it offers a balanced platform suitable for various water conditions.

Weighing just 19 lbs, the Hudson is easy to transport and maneuver, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Constructed with Multi-Layer Fusion (MLF) technology, the Hudson boasts enhanced rigidity and durability without the added weight of traditional double-layered boards. Its tapered nose and 2+1 fin system ensure efficient tracking and smooth gliding on the water.

The soft Croc-skin textured EVA foam deck pad provides comfort and grip during extended paddling sessions.

Each Hudson package includes essential accessories: a wheeled backpack for easy transport, an adjustable fiberglass paddle, a triple-action dual chamber pump, a fin, an ankle leash, a dry bag, and a repair kit. With a recommended inflation of 15 psi, the board delivers optimal performance and stability.

Whether you're exploring calm lakes or navigating gentle rivers, the Hudson 10'6" Inflatable SUP offers a reliable and enjoyable paddling experience. Its combination of lightweight design, sturdy construction, and comprehensive accessory package makes it a valuable addition to any paddleboard enthusiast's collection.

Pros of this Board

  • Lightweight: At just 19 lbs, it's easy to carry and transport.
  • Stable Design: 33" width and 5" thickness offer excellent stability for various skill levels.
  • Complete Package: Includes paddle, pump, backpack, leash, dry bag, and repair kit—everything needed to get started.

Cons of this option

  • Lower Weight Capacity: Best suited for paddlers under 200 lbs or those carrying minimal gear.

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that choosing a paddleboard is hard.  This is especially true for new paddlers that are just starting in the sport.


With the wide range of boards available on the market, it's best to concentrate on your specific needs and choose a board for your skill level, weight, and riding style.

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