BEST REI SUP BOARDS
- BEST AFFORDABLE: Bote Breeze Aero 10’8″
- BEST FOR FLATWATER: Pau Hana Malibu Classic
- BEST VERSATILE: TAHE Beach SUP-Yak
- BEST ADVANCED PADDLERS: Red Paddle Co Sport
- BEST FOR SHORT AND CASUAL TOURS: TAHE Beach Shoreline
COMPARISON OF MY BEST REI SUP BOARDS
| PRODUCT | PRICE RANGE | USE | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT | CAPACITY | COMES WITH | REVIEW | SHOP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST AFFORDABLE Bote Breeze Aero 10’8″ |
Medium | All-around | 10’8″x33″x6″ | 20 lbs | 250 lbs |
– Backpack – Paddle – Pump – Fin – Repair Kit |
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BEST FOR FLATWATER Pau Hana Malibu Classic |
High | All-around | 10’6″x34″x4″ | 31 lbs | 249 lbs | – Paddle – Fin – No leash |
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BEST VERSATILE TAHE Beach SUP-Yak |
Medium | All-around | 10’6″x34″x6″ | 23 lbs | 300 lbs | – Backpack – Pump – Hybrid Paddle – Seat – Fins – Footrest – Leash – Repair Kit |
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BEST ADVANCED PADDLERS Red Paddle Co Sport |
Very high | All-around / Touring | 11’3’’x32’’x4.7’’ | 22 lbs | 242 lbs | – Backpack – Pump – Paddle – Fin – Leash – RSS battens – Phone dry bag – Service kit |
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BEST FOR SHORT AND CASUAL TOURS TAHE Beach Shoreline |
Medium | All-around | 10’6″x33″x4.75″ | 23 lbs | 200 lbs | – Backpack – Paddle – Pump – Leash – Fin – Repair kit |
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REVIEWS OF MY BEST REI SUP BOARDS
Bote Breeze Aero
BEST AFFORDABLE
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Very light – Very solid and stable – Glide smoothly – Fairly easy to turn – Affordably priced – Nice features for the price – Beautiful design options – Includes a solid bag | – Kit paddle is a bit on the heavier side – Reaching that last few PSI using the kit pump can be a little difficult for smaller paddlers |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Beginners looking to have fun on flat water
- People looking for decent touring SUP to explore lakes
- Paddlers seeking a SUP to accommodate a reasonable amount of weight
- Beginners looking for a very stable SUP
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water
- Ocean
- Small wave SUP surfing
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Medium
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 10’8″x33″x6″
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Comes with: Backpack, Paddle, Pump, Fin, Repair Kit
TODAY’S PRICE
Bote Breeze Aero 10’8″ Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
The Bote Breeze Aero 10’8″ has a smooth through the water and a solid cruising pace that help you paddle efficiently and with low effort.
- STABILITY
This board is fairly well stable with its with of 33”.
- TRACKING
The BOTE Breeze Aero tracks fairly well.
Compared to its longer sibling Breeze Aero 11’6, our short-board tracks a little less.
- MANEUVERABILITY
Due to the board length being on the short side and how lightweight it is, you can easily turn the Bote Breeze Aero 10’8″ using simple techniques.
For advanced turning techniques like the step back, they are fairly easy to do with zero obstructions on the grippy diamond print deck pad.
- PORTABILITY
Carrying the board on your back is comfortable due to how nice the backpack straps and rear back pad is and how lightweight the board is.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating this board with the kit pump can be a little difficult for smaller paddlers, especially those last few PSI.
- ACCESSORIES
The Bote Breeze Aero 10’8″ paddleboard comes with everything needed to start having fun on the water.
The included hand pump use just a single chamber, which makes it less powerful compared to the ones with two chambers.
The paddle you get is a basic one that is a bit on the heavier side but it is quite durable.
The backpack is solid with its straps and rear back pad that are comfortable. Things that I didn’t like about this bag are its non-padded handles, having just one single main pocket, and not coming with wheels to facilitate transport.
Pau Hana Malibu Classic
BEST FOR FLATWATER
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Decent glide – Very stable on flat water – Fairly nimble – Fairly maneuverable in calm water – Easy to transport and carry – Quite durable for a solid paddleboard | – It is on the heavier side – Struggles in windy and wavy conditions – No built-in storage bungee cords |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Beginner or intermediate paddlers seeking an all-around SUP for flat water
- People starting out looking for a complete package toget fun on the water
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water bodies
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: High
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 10’6″x34″x4″
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Weight capacity: 249 lbs
- Comes with: Paddle, Fin, No leash
TODAY’S PRICE
Pau Hana Malibu Classic Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
The Pau Hana Malibu Classic glides very impressively given its rounded nose and how short it is.
For acceleration, it accelerates fairly fast.
- STABILITY
This board is very stable on flat water, which makes it a fantastic option for beginners or novices.
- MANEUVERABILITY
The Pau Hana Malibu Classic will not respond well in things like making tighter turns or last-minute dodging obstacles but it remains fairly nimble.
- PORTABILITY
Due to its weight of 31 lbs, which is on the heavier side, this board is a bit easier o carry only for short distances.
Because it is solid, transporting it on the top of your car or inside is not something that is easy, compared to inflatable paddleboards.
- ACCESSORIES
The Pau Hana Malibu Classic comes with just a paddle and a detachable fin, so you have to buy the leash separately.
TAHE Beach SUP-Yak
BEST VERSATILE
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Feels stable – Pretty easy to balance – Tracks/glides nicely – Paddles well – Lightweight – Offers standing comfort with just enough grip – Affordable price -The kit paddle can also deflate the board | – Nothing to my knowledge |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- A family or adult looking for a paddle board that can be enjoyed by childrens or adults
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water
- Calm ocean
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Medium
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 10’6″x34″x6″
- Weight: 23 lbs
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Comes with: Backpack, Pump, Hybrid Paddle, Seat, Fins, Footrest, Leash, Repair Kit
TODAY’S PRICE
TAHE Beach SUP-Yak Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
The TAHE Beach SUP-Yak glides nicely.
- STABILITY
With its 34 inches of width, the board feels stable.
- TRACKING
The board tracks well with the help of its 9-inch deep water fin.
- PORTABILITY
To get in the water, you have a neoprene rear-carrying handle that lets you easily pull the board into the water.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating the TAHE Beach SUP-Yak up to its recommended pressure of 12 PSI takes around 110 strokes (the last 40 strokes are tougher).
- ACCESSORIES
The TAHE Beach SUP-Yak comes with everything you need to get on the water.
The paddle you get is adjustable to be used by a wide range of paddlers.
The kit hand pump is a single chamber dual-action that comes with a built-in pressure gauge to monitor the board’s air pressure.
The backpack you get is generous and can easily fit everything inside with room for extra gear.
Red Paddle Co Sport
BEST ADVANCED PADDLERS
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Very durable and stable -Lightweight – Great performance for advanced paddlers – Grippy and comfortable deck pad – Very beginner-friendly – Excellent tracking – Plenty of stability – Good maneuverability | – Very expensive – Comes with no paddle |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Paddlers looking for a very stable and easy to handle SUP board
- Advanced paddlers seeking an exceptional performance paddle board
- Large people who often share the SUP experince with kids or a pet with them
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Flat water
- Calm ocean
- River running, if you are experienced
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Very high
- Use: All-around / Touring
- Dimensions: 11’3’’x32’’x4.7’’
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Weight capacity: 242 lbs
- Comes with: Backpack, Pump, Paddle, Fin, Leash, RSS battens, Phone dry bag, Service kit
TODAY’S PRICE
Red Paddle Co Sport Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
The Red Paddle Co Sport can build speed faster with its speed tail that puts a tight edge on the tail and its drawn-out nose that reduces drag.
It is even capable to keep up with longer touring/racing SUPs without a speed tail.
- STABILITY
This board is not just stable, it can remain stable even for large solo paddlers with kids, a pet, or a light adult with the help of its very durable construction, reinforced taped rails, and RSS baton system.
Compared to other traditional SUPs with a thickness of 6’’, it is more stable due to it lower center of gravity.
- TRACKING
The Red Paddle Co Sport paddleboard can maintain a largely straight line in the water even fr beginners, and this is possible due to its length of 11’3’’.
- MANEUVERABILITY
This board has better maneuverability compared to similarly-shaped touring paddleboards and its thinner 4.7’’ thickness helped a lot in that.
Its solid maneuverability makes dodging obstacles and others around easy.
- PORTABILITY
Because it is lightweight, this paddleboard is easy to carry even for younger and shorter paddlers.
The backpack you get has highly adjustable straps that make wearing the backpack comfortable for tall as short people.
You also have wheels on the backpack for easy transport.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating this board takes less than five minutes without even breaking a sweat using its premium kit paddle.
- ACCESSORIES
The Red Paddle Co Sport comes with more than needed to hit the water.
The kit paddle is adjustable to be used by adults and kids and can float if dropped in the water.
The backpack you get is protective, very durable, protects your board from overheating, and is comfortable for tall people as for short ones.
The hand pump you get has detachable hands and feet to be more compact and easier to store making it amongst the best paddle board hand pumps on the market.
TAHE Beach Shoreline
BEST FOR SHORT AND CASUAL TOURS
| WHAT I LIKE | WHAT I DON’T LIKE |
|---|---|
| – Lightweight – Easy to assemble – Feels balanced – Large deck pad – Quick and easy to deflate – Durable | – Feels sluggish – Difficult to inflate due to the hose not attaching securely – The kit paddle is heavy |
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
- Those new to the sport looking for something durable and easy to get on the water
- Paddlers looking for a shorter board that doesn’t sacrifice deck space
GREAT IN/FOR:
- Calm water
QUICK SPECS
- Price range: Medium
- Use: All-around
- Dimensions: 10’6″x33″x4.75″
- Weight: 23 lbs
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs
- Comes with: Backpack, Paddle, Pump, Leash, Fin, Repair kit
TODAY’S PRICE
TAHE Beach Shoreline Review
- GLIDE & SPEED
Due to the wider deck of this board that creates more drag, it feels sluggish in calm water.
When you stop paddling, it slows down more quickly than other boards.
- STABILITY
The TAHE Beach Shoreline stability and balance are surprising.
This gives beginners a confidence boost.
This board is stable enough that you can walk from nose to rear-end or even practice fitness moves on.
- TRACKING
With little effort, this board is able to keep a straight line while moving. It tracks well even for paddlers who are not experienced in paddling techniques.
- MANEUVERABILITY
The TAHE Beach Shoreline is easily maneuverable even for beginner paddlers.
Compared to other boards, it takes about 4 to 6 more strokes to turn front to back but it only requires 3 strokes to quickly spin around when paddling from back to front.
- PORTABILITY
Carrying the board deflated with everything inside the backpack may feel heavy for some because the total weight is 32 lbs.
Getting the paddle to the water or out of it is easy because it is lightweight and has multiple carry handles.
- EASE OF INFLATION
Inflating this board with the hand pump it comes with is disappointing because the pump did not attach very well to the inflation valve. This forces you to keep holding it in place while pumping.
Even with the best hand pump, I still recommend electric SUP pumps as the first upgrade to get.
- ACCESSORIES
The TAHE Beach Shoreline paddleboard comes with everything needed to start having fun on the water.
The backpack you get fits easily the deflated board and secures it using a strap with room to spare.
The kit paddle is adjustable to be used by people of different heights. Unfortunately, it is heavy.
As discussed above, the included hand pump quality is also disappointing because it needs to be held in place to inflate the board.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST REI SUP BOARD
WEIGHT CAPACITY
The weight capacity that the board can support is expressed in pounds. If you exceeded it, the performance of your board, maneuverability, for example, will decrease and you may drown.
Don’t forget to include the weight of your gear, pet, and anything you will bring with you onboard in your calculations.
VOLUME
The board volume is expressed in liters and the higher it is the more weight it can support.
INFLATABLE SUP OR SOLID
This depends largely on your needs, how you will transport your SUP, and your storage space.
Solid paddleboards are faster, smoother on the water, and require less effort to travel. They also feel more stable, compared to inflatable SUPs but they are buky in transport and storage.
Inflatable paddle boards are easy to store and transport in your vehicle because they get compact once deflated, can handle bumps up against rocks and logs better than solid SUPs, are softer and comfortable but they require time and effort to inflate when you arrive at your desired water destination.
FAQ
MY BEST SUP BOARDS ON REI.COM ARE…
– AFFORDABLE: Bote Breeze Aero 10’8″
– BEST FOR FLATWATER: Pau Hana Malibu Classic
– BEST VERSATILE: TAHE Beach SUP-Yak
– BEST ADVANCED PADDLERS: Red Paddle Co Sport
– BEST FOR SHORT AND CASUAL TOURS: TAHE Beach Shoreline
MY BEST AFFORDABLE SUP BOARD ON REI IS…
If you are looking for the best affordable paddle board on REI.com I will recommend you the Bote Breeze Aero 10’8″.
For just $669, you get a good-looking paddleboard that is very light, very solid, very stable, glides smoothly, and is fairly easy to turn.
Updated on March 12, 2022 by Ben