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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.

Features:
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.
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Features:
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.
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Features:
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.
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#4. Naish Nalu 10'0"

Features:
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.
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#5. Naish Hokua GTW

Features:
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.
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#6. Naish Mad Dog

Features:
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.
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Features:
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.
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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.

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.