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?

Paddleboarding on a stand-up board (SUP) combines the thrill of surfing with an energizing workout, appealing to newcomers and experienced riders alike.

Picking the right SUP is crucial for maximizing both your performance and enjoyment on the waves.

In this guide, we explore some of the top SUPs for surfing, highlighting their main features, advantages, and potential drawbacks to help you choose wisely.

Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into SUP surfing or an experienced paddler seeking an upgrade, this comprehensive overview aims to enhance every moment you spend on the water.

The Benefits of the Surfing SUPs

If you’re completely new to paddleboard surfing, or you’ve tried it once on vacation and are ready to take it more seriously, this guide is made for you.

We’ve selected five standout paddleboards that we consider top picks for SUP surfing. For each one, we’ll highlight the essential specifications and key features, making it easy to compare and find the right fit.

Of course, there are countless paddleboards out there. If none of these five feel like the perfect match, spending a little extra time researching will help you find a SUP that perfectly suits your preferences and riding style.

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 designed for paddlers seeking a versatile board that excels on everything from serene flat water to dynamic wave conditions. Drawing on Tom Carroll’s pioneering hydrodynamic designs, it offers a seamless blend of accessibility and high performance.

Built with robust Molded Epoxy (MX) construction, the Outer Reef MX features a medium-density EPS core reinforced with multiple fiberglass layers for durability and long-lasting strength. Its deep double concave hull and spiral vee tail enhance water flow, providing stability in choppy conditions while remaining highly responsive on the waves.

A relaxed rocker profile allows for smooth paddling and easy wave entry, while beveled rails improve control and precision during turns. The 2+1 fin setup, which includes FCS II GL side fins and a custom 9" TCPS center fin, delivers an optimal mix of speed, maneuverability, and hold.

Available in four sizes ranging from 10'0" to 11'6", the Outer Reef MX suits paddlers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned SUP surfers.

Whether you’re cruising calm waters or riding surfable waves, the Outer Reef MX offers reliability, versatility, and a performance edge that keeps you in tune with the ocean.

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 designed for paddlers who want a board that excels on both surf and flatwater. With a thoughtfully balanced 60% surf / 40% flatwater design, it adapts effortlessly to different conditions, making it an ideal choice for riders seeking versatility.

Measuring 10'0" long, 33" wide, and 4¾" thick, the Sixty Forty MX offers 190 liters of volume, providing excellent buoyancy and stability for paddlers up to around 90 kg. Despite its sturdy construction, it stays lightweight and durable thanks to molded epoxy technology. Multiple layers of fiberglass are fused around a medium-density EPS core under high pressure, giving the board strength without unnecessary weight.

The board’s shape is engineered for performance: a gentle displacement hull smooths out choppy waters, a single concave center keeps speed consistent, and a double concave vee tail enhances maneuverability. Its pulled-in tail and curved rails make sharp turns in the surf feel effortless.

Additional practical touches include a cavity carry handle for easy transport, a soft deck pad with arch bar and tail kick for control, and nose plugs for securing gear or even a GoPro.

Whether you’re carving waves or enjoying a relaxed flatwater paddle, the Sixty Forty MX SUP delivers a balanced, fun ride that earns a spot in any paddler’s lineup.

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 versatile stand-up paddleboard (SUP) that blends performance, durability, and style. Available in three lengths—9'9", 10'3", and 11'0", it’s well-suited for beginners taking their first strokes as well as seasoned paddlers seeking a dependable board.

Constructed with EPX-V technology, the Kraken features an EPS foam core wrapped in fiberglass and bamboo veneers, resulting in a lightweight yet sturdy board. Measuring 32 inches wide and 4.75 inches thick, it provides excellent stability, while the gently rockered nose ensures smooth navigation through flat water, choppy conditions, or surf.

A highlight of the Kraken is its adaptable fin system, accommodating single, tri-fin, or quad-fin configurations to match your paddling style. Additional thoughtful features include a LiftSUP carry handle for convenience and a large honeycomb deck pad for comfort and grip during extended sessions.

From calm lakes to ocean swells, the Boardworks Kraken performs with ease across varied conditions. Its combination of stability, maneuverability, and sleek design makes it a favorite for both casual paddlers and dedicated SUP enthusiasts.

For those seeking a reliable, stylish, and adaptable SUP, the Boardworks Kraken is a top contender to consider for your quiver.

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 precision, responsiveness, and exceptional nose-riding ability. Its carefully refined foiling design maximizes drive while minimizing effort, making it perfect for paddlers aiming to take their skills to the next level.

Featuring some of the thinnest rails available on a SUP, the Nalu 10'0" LE offers excellent edge control and nimble responsiveness. The ¾-length textured deck pad includes a kick pad and single leash point, ensuring secure footing during sharp turns and maneuvers. It comes standard with a tri-fin setup and also includes quad fin boxes for adaptable configurations in different wave conditions.

With 130 liters of volume and a lightweight 8.8 kg build, this board strikes a perfect balance between stability and agility. It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced paddlers who want a SUP capable of performing on everything from knee-high swells to overhead waves.

Whether you’re executing tight turns or enjoying long, smooth nose rides, the Naish Nalu 10'0" LE delivers a dynamic, responsive, and exhilarating experience. Its combination of refined design, versatility, and high performance makes it a standout choice for paddlers ready to elevate their wave riding.

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 high-performance surf SUP designed for riders who value precision and versatility on the waves. Geared toward intermediate and advanced surfers, this board delivers smooth carving and responsive handling across a variety of surf conditions.

Built with a CNC-cut EPS core and an S-glass bamboo sandwich deck, the Hokua GTW combines lightweight agility with durable strength. Double bamboo reinforcement in the stance area adds extra support where it’s needed most, ensuring the board can withstand demanding sessions.

Its 4+1 fin setup, featuring FCS2 side fins and a US center fin box, allows for multiple configurations, quad, thruster, or single fin, adapting to different surfing styles and wave conditions. This versatile design enhances responsiveness and smooth carving, perfect for riders looking for dynamic performance.

Practical touches include a ledge handle for easy carrying and a grooved, embossed EVA deck pad for secure footing during maneuvers. Available in sizes from 8'6" to 9'6", the Hokua GTW caters to a range of rider weights and preferences, offering a tailored fit for optimal control.

For paddlers aiming to elevate their SUP surfing, the Naish Hokua GTW Custom delivers reliability, adaptability, and performance that makes it a standout choice on the water.

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 designed for riders eager to push their limits on the waves. Its surfboard-inspired rocker allows for sharp, powerful turns and exceptional speed, making it ideal for aggressive maneuvers.

Featuring a 4+1 fin setup, two 4.75" FCS front fins and two 4.0" FCS rear fins—the Mad Dog can be configured as a quad, thruster, or single fin, offering adaptability across a variety of wave conditions.

Built with a Sandwich Deck incorporating bamboo in the stance area, the board is both lightweight and durable. The grooved, embossed EVA deck pad provides superior grip and comfort, while the ledge handle makes transport to and from the water effortless.

Available in lengths from 7'6" to 9'5", the Mad Dog accommodates intermediate to expert surfers up to 240 lbs (109 kg).

Whether your goal is refining your technique or tackling more challenging surf, the Naish Mad Dog delivers the speed, responsiveness, and versatility needed to elevate your SUP 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 versatile, lightweight board built for paddlers seeking a balance of stability and performance. Measuring 10'6" long, 33" wide, and 5" thick, it offers a stable platform suitable for a variety of water conditions.

Weighing just 19 lbs, the Hudson is easy to carry and maneuver, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Constructed using Multi-Layer Fusion (MLF) technology, this SUP provides added rigidity and durability without the extra weight found in traditional double-layer boards. Its tapered nose and 2+1 fin setup ensure smooth gliding and excellent tracking on the water.

The soft Croc-skin textured EVA deck pad offers comfort and secure footing, even on longer paddling sessions.

The Hudson package comes fully equipped with everything you need: 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 consistent performance and stability in various conditions.

Whether you’re exploring calm lakes, gentle rivers, or coastal waters, the Hudson 10'6" Inflatable SUP provides a reliable, enjoyable paddling experience. Its lightweight design, durable construction, and comprehensive accessory set make it a versatile addition to any paddleboarder’s gear 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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