Updated September 2, 2024
A lot of people think of stand-up paddleboarding as a more serene version of board sports like surfing or paddling sports like whitewater kayaking. Remembering that the earliest SUP boards descended from surfboards, it’s no wonder many have taken them back to their roots on the surf.
On a stand-up paddleboard, you are already standing, so you don’t have to worry about jumping to your feet to take advantage of the wave. It does take skills and techniques you need to develop, though, and certain SUP boards are better suited to the task.
In order to help in your selection of the board most suitable for you to tackle the waves, a shortlist of the best SUP boards has been selected to introduce you to the variety out there on the market today. There is a comparison table with descriptions and key specifications, along with photos and videos, followed by a basic buying guide, all to help you decide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other related information, please check out these popular reviews:
SUP Yoga SUP Roof Racks Fishing SUPs SUP Life Vests Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles Stand Up Paddleboards
Best Stand Up Paddle Board for Surfing
- Boardworks Kraken All-Water Stand Up Paddleboard
- Thurso Surf Waterwalker All-Around Inflatable SUP
- BIC Sport Tough-Tec Performer SUP
- Isle Cruiser Rigid Soft Top Stand Up Paddleboard
- CBC Hydra Stand Up Paddleboard
- Three Brothers Rico 9′ Stand Up Paddleboard
- SereneLife 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard
Stand Up Paddle Board for Surfing Comparison Table
| Picture | SUP | Type | Capacity | Length | Width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Boardworks Kraken All-Water Stand Up Paddleboard | Solid | 230 lbs | 10'3" | 34" | $$$ |
  | Thurso Surf Waterwalker All-Around Inflatable SUP | Inflatable | 330 lbs | 11' | 32" | $$ |
  | BIC Sport Tough-Tec Performer SUP | Solid | 240 lbs | 11'6" | 31.5" | $$ |
  | Isle Cruiser Rigid Soft Top Stand Up Paddleboard | Solid | 235 lbs | 10'" | 32" | $$ |
  | CBC Hydra Stand Up Paddleboard | Solid | 300 lbs | 10'6" | 32" | $$ |
  | Three Brothers Rico 9' Stand Up Paddleboard | Solid | 240 lbs | 9' | 31" | $$$ |
  | SereneLife 10' Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard | Inflatable | 275 pounds | 10' | 30" | $ |
| Picture | SUP | Type | Capacity | Length | Width | Price |
Boardworks Kraken All-Water Stand Up Paddleboard
The EPS foam core has a hand-laminated epoxy resin and fiberglass exterior with an inner layer of kiln-dried bamboo veneer for a distinctive look.
That surface combined with the heavy foam deck pad provides excellent traction.
It comes with a toolless 5-fin box that can be set up to match the conditions and includes an 8-inch center fin.
At 34 inches in width, there is enough stability even for low-experience paddlers.
It is one of the more expensive boards around and you’ll have to purchase your own paddle and other accessories separately but many SUP surfers love it.
- Type: solid body
- EPS foam core with a fiberglass, bamboo, and epoxy laminate
- Tool-less fin box with an 8-inch center fin that can be set in a 5-fin configuration
- Front bungee webbing with 3 tie-downs for storage
- Heavy foam deck pad
- LiftSUP center handle for easy portage and locking
- Paddle not included
- Weight Capacity: 230 pounds
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’3” x 34” x 6”
- Also comes in 11’ and 9’9” models
- Price: $$$
Thurso Surf Waterwalker All-Around Inflatable SUP
It is rigid and performs like a solid body, whether surfing or in a variety of conditions.
The ribbed EVA traction pad provides a good grip, and a no-tool 3-fin box set-up can be configured for surfing or other styles.
Accessories include a roller backpack carry bag for easy portage, an adjustable carbon shaft paddle with a nylon blade, a coiled double-swivel ankle leash, and a hand pump. 10’ and 10’6″ models are also available.
This SUP board has an eye-catching look and the solid reputation of Thurso Surf behind it.
- Type: inflatable
- Durable dual-layer PVC construction with triple/quad PVC reinforcement on the deck/sides
- Quick-lock, no-tool, 3-fin set-up
- Front and rear bungee webbing and 4 D-rings for storage
- Front, rear, and center grab handles
- Large EVA traction pad
- Velcro paddle holder loops
- Accessories: floating paddle with a carbon shaft and nylon blade, roller backpack, 10’, coiled double-swivel ankle leash, and manual air pump
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’ x 32” x 6”
- Also comes in 10′ and 10’6” models
- Price: $$
BIC Sport Tough-Tec Performer SUP
The proprietary construction design includes a foam core with a durable polyethylene shell, high traction, and a comfortable embossed EVA deck pad.
The fin box has an easy-to-mount-and-detach combination of a 10-inch center fin, great for holding a line and maneuverability, along with 2 side fins.
It also comes with several attachment points for baggage and an ergonomic recurved carry grip.
Great on flat water, as well, you’ll need to purchase your paddle, leash, and other accessories separately.
- Type: solid body
- BIC Sport’s proprietary Tough-Tec epoxy construction
- Fin box with 2 easy mounting side fins and a 10-inch center fin
- Premium embossed EVA deck pad
- Deck attachment points and bungee
- Ergonomic carry handle
- Comes in 3 color combinations
- No paddle or other accessories are included
- Weight Capacity: 240 pounds (11’6” model)
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’6” x 31.5” x 5”
- Also comes in 9’2″ and 10’6″ models
- Price: $$
Isle Cruiser Rigid Soft Top Stand Up Paddleboard
Exceptionally durable, it has an EPS molded foam core and dual wood stringers for rigidity, a slick smooth bottom, and a comfortable croc-skin pad for traction.
Features include a single 9-inch removable fin for effective tracking, bungee storage, and a center pop-up carry handle.
It also comes with an adjustable floating paddle and is currently available in two attractive color combinations.
- Type: solid body
- Molded EPS foam core with dual wood stringers, high-density slick bottom, soft-top, non-slip deck
- Croc-skin padding for traction
- Removable 9-inch nylon center fin
- Front bungee webbing
- Center pop-up carry handle
- Choice of blue/cream or mint
- Accessories: 8-foot coil leash, floating, adjustable, carbon hybrid paddle with nylon blade
- Weight Capacity: 235 pounds
- Weight: 28.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’5″ x 32” x 4.5”
- Price: $$
View More From Isle Surf and SUP
CBC Hydra Stand Up Paddleboard
The waterproof EPS core has 3 multi-layered laminated wood stringers for strength, a heat-laminated IXPE foam top deck for good traction, and a slick HDPE bottom.
Features include front bungee storage and a camera mount, along with an offset center grab handle.
The package includes an adjustable aluminum paddle, a 10-foot leash, and an instant padded roof rack for mounting on your car.
- Type: solid body
- Hi-density waterproof EPS foam core
- Heat-laminated IXPE foam top deck and HDPE slick bottom
- 3 multi-layered laminated wood stringers for durability and strength
- Fin box with 9-inch fiberglass/nylon fin
- Front bungee webbing for storage
- Offset center grab handle
- Camera mount on the nose
- Accessories: surf leash with neoprene padded ankle strap, instant padded roof rack with straps and clamp buckles, and adjustable floating aluminum paddle
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 32” x 5”
- Price: $$
Three Brothers Rico 9′ Stand Up Paddleboard
It has a fin box with quad fins plus one long center fin that you can configure for different conditions, but it is a strong performer in the surf with a pulled-in nose.
It comes with a GoPro mount so you can get some footage of the action, and an EVA deck pad for traction.
This board is not for beginners and is pricy, and you’ll need to purchase a paddle, leash, and other accessories separately.
- Type: solid body
- Foam core with a 1-inch Diamond Kevlar weave vacuum-bagged over the board forming an exoskeleton
- Carbon fiber-wrapped rails to protect from paddle strikes
- Fin box with quad fin set-up plus 1
- EVA deck pad
- GoPro accessory mount
- Paddle and other accessories not included
- Weight Capacity: 240 pounds
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Dimensions: 9’ x 31” x 4”
- Price: $$$
View More From Three Brothers Boards
SereneLife 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard
With dual-layer PVC construction, it has a rigid structure like a solid-body model with the lightweight and portability of an inflatable.
It has a tri-fin box for maneuverability and handling and lots of storage options in the form of 9 D-rings and front bungee webbing.
The package includes a quality aluminum paddle, backpack storage bag, leash, pump, and repair kit.
Beginners and experienced paddlers can enjoy the versatility of this SUP that comes in a variety of attractive color combinations, all at a very friendly low price.
- Dual-layer, durable, military-grade PVC construction
- Fin box with a removable center fin and 2 side fins
- Large traction pad
- Front bungee webbing for storage
- 9 D-ring mounting points
- Center carry handle
- Comes in marine blue, black and gray, aqua, or olive green
- Accessories: coiled ankle leash, upgraded aluminum paddle, backpack storage bag, manual air pump, and patch repair accessory kit
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
- Weight: 19.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’ x 30” x 6”
- Low-priced
- Price: $
Paddle Boards for Surfing Buying Guide
Length
For most stand-up paddleboarders a relatively long board 10-12 feet long and 30-32 inches in width provides enough stability and maneuverability to tackle small to medium-sized waves. In addition, that size offers versatility for flat water use.
Shorter boards from 8 to 10 feet long will be the choice of more advanced paddlers looking to tackle larger more difficult waves for serious carving.
Materials
Traditionally the rule of thumb was that for surfing with a SUP you should look for a solid-body board rather than an inflatable. That is because they sit lower in the water with a better center of gravity. However, today many inflatables offer similar performance, especially when used on smaller waves. With either type, durability is important.
Many of the best solid-body models use high-density EPS in the core and a solid shell that can be of hard plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber with epoxy for durability to withstand the pounding it can take. Numerous processes are used including thermal molding and lamination.
The most durable inflatable boards use layers of high-quality often times military-grade PVC with reinforced areas to withstand bumps, scrapes and wear.
Features and Accessories
There are several that are necessary or enhance usage greatly.
- A surf leash will keep you from losing your board in case you wipe out or otherwise fall off.
- A non-slip surface or textured pad can give you a good foot grip.
- Grab handles will give you something to grip it with as you transport it to and from the entry point.
- An adjustable floating paddle can be handy. Check out this article for more information: SUP Paddles
Fins
Fins help with stability and maneuverability. SUP boards come with a range of fin configurations, usually with 1 to 5 fins. A single longfin is the classic style from the early days of surfing and is used today for speed and tracking but not for a lot of fancy carving and maneuvering. On many models, there is a fin box with two small to medium-sized side fins that add maneuverability on small to medium-sized waves. A third longer center fin can often be added making a “thruster” formation to add a little tracking and stability along with the other two fins. A more recent development is the 5-fin set-up with quad smaller side fins and a possible longer center fin, as in the Boardworks Kraken model reviewed at the top. This is a maneuverable combination that some larger-bodied surfers prefer.
If you’re just getting started in SUP surfing, check out this article: Catching Your First Wave
For other related information, please check out these popular reviews:
SUP Yoga SUP Roof Racks Fishing SUPs SUP Life Vests Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles Stand Up Paddleboards
Feedback and Comments
I hope you found this post on the best paddle boards for surfing interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Leave a Reply