Best Surf Paddle Board (#1 is a Solid Surf SUP Board)

BEST SURF PADDLE BOARD COMPARISON:

SURF STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD REVIEWS

SURFTECH BARK PRANA ALEKA TUFLITE

BEST FOR: Surfing small and medium predictable waves.

PROS: – Lightweight – Stable – Easily maneuvrable – Glides nicely on the water – Easy to carry and load on your car – Reasonably priced – Eco-friendly construction – Gorgeous aesthetics

CONS: – Fragile front end – Easy to scratch

Surftech Bark + prAna Aleka Tuflite is designed to perform well cruising on flat water and also surfing small and medium predictable waves.

The high-quality bamboo veneer, EPS foam, fiberglass, and epoxy resin are all used to reduce weight and making it durable.

The narrower shape of this board makes paddling more comfortable for paddlers with small shoulders.

For SUP surfers, you have a pointed nose for easy maneuvering and a tail that is shaped to help you catch waves and perform pivot turns.

Surftech Bark + prAna Aleka Tuflite glides nicely and is pretty stable with a comfortable deck pad.

For easy carrying and car loading, this board is lightweight and has an ergonomic and comfy ledge-style handle.

And as a bonus, this surf SUP board is environmentally conscious by using bio-based resin and 20% algae biomass-based foam.

Things I didn’t like about this stand up paddle surf board is that its front end is fragile, which means, you should be careful to not hit another hard surface and it does not come with an included paddle.

Another complaint about this board is that it’s easier to scratch the paint on the side can chip easily, so get yourself a SUP paddle guard (especially if you have a paddle with a sharp blade) and be attentive to how you place it on gravel or concrete.

SEA EAGLE LONGBOARD 11

BEST FOR: Paddlers weighing up to 200 pounds surfing moderately-sized waves

PROS: – Very versatile – Maneuvrable – Stable – Durable – Easy to inflate – 3 years warranty – 180 days risk-free trial

CONS: – One user on the internet said that the removable center started to gets harder to slide in and out after use. – The same user said that the comfy kayak seat becomes ridgy with time. – The included hand pump is not the best available on the market.

Sea Eagle LongBoard 11 is an inflatable stand up surf paddle board that can handle moderate surf.

Its rigidity and durability come from the 6″ thickness and the drop stitch PVC construction that let it be fully inflated to 15 psi.

It is wide enough to be very stable and not too heavy, weighing only 28.6 lbs.

This board has a 4″ rocker at the nose and a 2″ rocker at the tail to improve how the board enter the wave and for performance surfing.

There is also a slight continuous rocker throughout the board and a kicktail that helps with surfing maneuvers.

The deck pad has a textured EVA foam that offers excellent traction and is comfortable on your feet and hands.

At the center of the deck pad, which means the back half of the board, have four D-rings that let you attach a kayak seat

At the front half of the board, you have a bungee cord mounted on four D-rings to secure your valuables inside a dry bag, your flip flops, or your water bottle when you are just exploring the area around you.

Under this storage area, you have a paddle pocket that lets you secure the paddle to not lose it when you are not in use during SUP fishing for example.

For carrying, you have a grab handle at the center and another two ones, one at the nose and another one at the tail to pull your surf SUP out of the water.

With the supplied pump, the Sea Eagle LongBoard 11 takes only around 6 minutes to be fully inflated.

One user on the internet shared that with time and use, the removable center fin gets harder to slide in and out and the kayak seat that was comfy at the beginning becomes ridgy. I dont know if this is real or just his feeling, but applying vaseline or something similar can solve at least the fins problem.

This highly versatile SUP is backed with a 3-year warranty against materials and manufacturer defects, and a180 day risk-free trial period to send it back in case you changed your mind.

I recommend you the Sea Eagle LongBoard 11 because it’s very versatile on the water and you will be impressed with its performance and how convenient it is for storage or transport. When it’s deflated and is inside its backpack, you will not need any car roof rack and it will not take half of your garage for storage.

With Sea Eagle LongBoard 11, you will have a great view of the horizon while surfing moderate-sized waves.

BOARDWORKS KRAKEN

BEST FOR: Fairly large SUP surfers with limited experience in light and moderate waves.

PROS: – Stable – Maneuvrable – Easy to keep on track even on windy days – Moves through the water effortlessly – LiftSUP handle makes carrying or loading on top of something easier – Above-average turning radius

CONS: – The width of 34” that gives stability could be a con for smaller paddlers – No paddle included – No leash included – Does not come with the tie-down cord

This is stable and easy to balance on solid SUP, making it really good for beginners.

Boardworks Kraken surfs great in smaller to medium ocean waves and catches even the smallest surf waves making it the best surf paddle board for beginners.

Being 34” wide across its widest point, this board has a stable and sturdy ride.

Made with the old-school way of surrounding the high-quality EPS foam core with a combination of fiberglass and epoxy outer shell, Boardworks Kraken is durable and lightweight.

Speaking of performance, this SUP board has a narrow nose and tail coupled with thinned-out rails makes the board able to cut through the waves and have an above average turning radius that lets you have fairly tight maneuvers.

Unlike the first SUP on this list Surftech Bark prAna Aleka Tuflite, a user on the internet stated that he smacked his board rails so hard with his paddle and knocked it off rocks and no dings or blemishes appeared.

While most users on the internet shared positive experiences about the board durability, two users complained about the Boardworks Kraken, the first one shared that just after the third use, the board had cracked down the right side rail, and the second user found two flaws, the first one on the front bottom, a 3/8″ divot over a 10″ span can easily be seen and the second one is a 6″ horizontal crease in the edge right where a latching strap falls on his roof rack.

I don’t know if these flaws come from improper handling and use or due to low-quality control. What you should learn from these two experiences is to carefully inspect the board when you get it out of its box.

A cool feature that I have never seen on another SUP is the LiftSUP carry handle that really helps to carry and loading the board on the car roof rack and let you lock it against theft.

The heat embossed EVA deck pad is cushioned enough to be comfortable on your feet and tracks well to help with stability, all that while reducing water retention.

Things I don’t like about the Boardworks Kraken is that it comes without the paddle and leash. Yes, this is a good opportunity for advanced paddlers that use only top-notch accessories but at the same time, you are required to spend more money before starting paddling.

It’s seriously so fun to surf with the Boardworks Kraken, and this is why I recommend it to fairly large SUP surfers under 230 lbs of all skill levels.

NRS WHIP 7.8

BEST FOR: paddlers up to 150 lbs surfing whitewater

PROS: – Maneuver quickly – Stable side-to-side – Can take hits without any lasting damage – Two sets of fins for different water types – The pressure gauge on the pump lets you know the air pressure while inflating – Easy to get back on if you swim or fall off from it – The great rocker profile ensures the board stays afloat

CONS: – Low weight capacity – No paddle included – No tie-downs included – Bottom graphics scratch off with time

NRS Whip is an inflatable SUP that will take your SUP river surf to the next level.

It’s made for more adventurous paddlers on moving water.

Having a more pronounced rocker ensures that the Whip stays afloat and prevents purling on steep waves.

Made with a heavy-duty PVC drop-stitch construction, able to inflate to 20 psi, and having double sidewalls that increase durability, this board provides super rigid performance that rivals sold boards.

Being shorter, wider, and rounder, this SUP board is responsive for SUP surfing.

For stability, side-to-side, the NRS Whip is more stable than most other SUPs due to its 34” width, but front-to-back stability requires you to be familiar with it because is shorter and has an aggressive rockered nose.

This board has a safety pressure relief valve against over-inflation, so your ride is always the best it can be, especially that the board color is black.

This inflatable SUP comes with sets of 2 low-profile fins for whitewater and 2 all-water fins in order to let add the right amount of traction for you.

Having two small fins instead of a larger one makes the NRS Whip more able to turn and surf on the waves.

The downsides that I found for this inflatable surf SUP are that the bottom graphics scratch off with time, comes with no leash or integrated tie-downs.

For beginners that are more likely to fall often from this surf iSUP, you have three webbing handles in the center deck to help you get back.

This inflatable SUP board whips around in the waves so easily making it so fun to surf.

This iSUP package includes a hand pump with a pressure gauge, two sets of fins, a Leafield valve adapter, a carry bag, and a repair kit.

For warranty, you have a 3-year retail warranty and a 1-year commercial.

I recommend NRS Whip for paddlers that are ok with not having the same performance of solid SUPs but closer, with the benefits of inflatables like easy transport and storage

PAU HANA MALIBU CLASSIC

BEST FOR: first-time SUP surfers looking for an affordable all-around solid SUP.

PROS: – Durable construction – Easy accessory attachment system – Comfortable EVA deck pad – Very stable on lakes – High weight capacity

CONS: – One user complained that there is a screw on the paddle that cut my husband’s hand pretty bad

Pau Hana Malibu Classic is a very durable solid SUP at an affordable price.

Its shape makes it ideal for first-time paddlers looking to SUP surf.

Its made with an EPS foam core wrapped with ABS plastic and Kevlar reinforcement rails for extra rigidity.

Weighing 31 lbs, this board is not super heavy, it’s like carrying a two years toddler but its size can be bulky for some, but a carry strap can solve this.

The center handle will not interfere with you because it sunk into the board.

The deck pad is also made with EVA foam in order to be comfortable for your feet and have good traction.

Unlike the NRS Whip, this board comes with an adjustable aluminum paddle, but one user complained that when she adjust the paddle, a screw sticks out and cut her husband’s hand pretty badly. I think this is only in the product she got because it’s a big problem that the manufacturers are not used to let it slip.

With REI, you can return it for a replacement or refund within one year of purchase.

The SeaMount system on the Pau Hana Malibu Classic provides attachment points for cup holders, paddle clips, and easy-to-thread bungee tie-downs

I recommend you the Pau Hana Malibu Classic if you are a beginner SUP surfer looking for an affordable all-around solid SUP.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURF STAND UP PADDLE BOARD

INFLATABLE SURF SUP OR A SOLID ONE?

Each type has its own pros and cons, so check them to know what is best for you.

INFLATABLE SURF SUP

PROS:

• An inflatable is less painful when you fall on it or it hit you in the face.
• Beginners spent more time on their knees, so a softer surface is much more appreciated.
• Can be transported in the back seat of your car or even on your back on a motorcycle.
• They bounce back if they hit a rock instead of getting dinged.
• Storing is easy even for people living in small apartments.
• Inflatables are often cheaper.

CONS:

• Needs to be dry before storage to prevent mold, especially for long period.
• Needs to be inflated/deflated before/after use (electric pumps make this less of an issue).
• Much less performance compared to a solid surf SUP.

SOLID SURF SUP

If you are going to only be surfing with your SUP, then a solid surf SUP is the way to go.

PROS:

• Sitting lower in the water gives them a better center of gravity.
• Rails shape on solid surf SUPs is more sculpted and amenable to surfing maneuvers.
• Solid surf SUPs are more performant and stable than inflatables.
• No inflating and deflating is needed.

CONS:

• Traveling is inconvenient and can be expensive.
• Require having or buying a car roof rack and straps or a SUP trailer if you are on a bicycle.
• Solid SUPs tend to be more expensive than inflatable ones.
• Storing it takes more space.

MATERIAL

• INFLATABLE

Inflatable SUPs are usually made with a military-grade PVC because it’s lightweight enough and durable, and cheaper at the same time.

They use a technology called drop-stitch, which uses thin threads to hold two layers of PVC in order to get a rigid flat shape when inflated.

• SOLID

Solid SUP boards haves cores that are wrapped with fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, or wood skins.

The core of solid surf SUPs is commonly made using:

• EPS foam: If it’s of a high density it makes the board durable by heavier and vice versa.
• Hollow core: Boards with this core material are lightweight and fast but expensive.
• Polyurethane foam: Boards with this material are the heaviest on the market but the least expensive, this is why they are commonly found in beginners SUPs.

LENGTH

A smaller surf SUP board is more responsive and maneuverable on waves, but it should not be too small because you will struggle to catch waves.

Same thing with thinking that you will learn how to use a too-small surf SUP because you have some experience. Not true, you are more likely to learn faster with a small surf SUP that lets you catch the waves in the first place.

Surf SUPs comes in three lengths:

• SHORTER SURF SUPs (8’ to 10’): Ideal for smaller SUP surfers and advanced ones who want something that quickly turns and is maneuverable.
• LONGER SURF SUPs (10’ to 12’): This is a versatile length that works great for larger SUP surfers and beginners who wants more stability. Surf SUPs this length lets you also paddle flat water using the same board.

WIDTH

Surf SUP width plays a huge role in the board’s stability.

More width means more stability and high drag, but less responsiveness and low speed and vice versa.

It’s like anything else in water sports products, you gain something when you sacrifice something else.

• NARROWER (26″ – 30”): These are called performance surf SUPs and are ideal for experienced SUP surfers who look for more maneuverability.
• WIDER (30”-33”): These are surf SUPs for intermediate surfers.
• WIDEST (33” – 35″): Surf SUPs in this width range are ideal for taller or heavier surfers or beginners looking for added stability and more chances of catching waves.

THICKNESS

Most surf SUPs have a thickness between 3.5” and 4.5”.

Surf SUP thickness is measured at the thickest part of the board, usually located in its belly.

Surf SUP boards that have a flat deck from the nose to the tail are more stable and have more floatation ability.

Surf SUPs boards that are convex provide greater surf performance but less floatation.

VOLUME

In the SUP world, more board volume equals more weight capacity.

Surf SUP board volume is defined in liters and it is important because it will ensure your board will not sink when you are waiting for the wave.

Usually, less volume means less floatation and more maneuverability and more volume means easy balance but turning becomes harder.

Your height, weight, and experience level are the most important factors to consider when you are figuring out the appropriate SUP board volume for you.

This is the formula that will help you determine your approximate surf SUP volume:

• ADVANCED SURFING:

Approximate volume (L) = Bodyweight (kg) × (1.3 to 1.8*)

• EXPERT SURFING:

Approximate volume (L) = Bodyweight (kg) × (1.1 to 1.3*)

*use higher numbers of range if you are highly skilled and vice versa.

WEIGHT CAPACITY

Weight capacity is the total weight, including yours, that your surfing SUP can handle before losing a lot of its performance.

For paddleboard surfing, the board weight capacity should exceed your bodyweight but with no more than 60 lbs.

My advice for you is that if your total weight is close to the one on the board, it’s better for you to get another big SUP to get better performance.

HULL TYPE

SUP board hull is the shape of its underside, and it plays a huge role in the board performance.

The common hull shapes are planing and displacement.

For SUP surfing, you need a SUP board with a planing hull, which is flat and wide making it ride on top of the water.

SUP boards with a planing hull are also maneuverable and they keep balance in waves.

DECK PAD

Even though a larger deck pad is beneficial for beginners since they have a tendency of falling more while learning, surf SUPs manufacturers only cover half of the surf SUP in order to save on weight.

Since you are definitely getting your deck pad wet when you are SUP surfing than when you are SUP touring, you should have a textured and made with EVA foam deck pad to get a very good grip.

A great feature that some surf SUP deck pads have and you should look out for is the raised rear edge that keeps your back foot sliding off the board and also gives more leverage when you apply foot pressure in order to catch waves.

TAIL

• FULLER TAILS

Surf SUPs with more surface area in the tail offer better glide and speed but with less control and maneuverability.

So, if you are more likely to SUP surf in small waves, get a surf SUP with more surface area in the tail to help generate and maintain speed.

• PINCHED TAILS

Surfing paddle boards with less surface area in the tail offer better control and tighter turning.

So, if you are more likely to SUP surf in big waves, get something with less surface area in the tail to have more control.

RAILS

Rails or the outline of the board is whats gives it its ability to be stable and surfable.

SUP board rails are designed in many ways.

There are two types of rails, thicker rail, and thinner rail, and to determine the rail type of a surf SUP and what is designed for, look at the part a little bit ahead and behind the handle.

• Thicker/boxy rails are more stable, making them ideal for racing and touring.
• Thinner/tapered rails offer fast and better control on turns and rail-to-rail surfing.

The higher air volume in inflatable SUPs is what makes their rails thicker and limits their surfing ability.

ROCKER

SUP board rocker refers to how much it’s bent from nose to tail.

The more rocker your surf SUP the better he is at turning in the surf, and the less or flat rocker the more speed the will have.

Before start wondering what rocker to get, think of the type of conditions you will surf in.

If you are more likely to be in big waves, get something with lots of rocker especially in the tail because it will help your surf SUP turn fast and fit better into steeper sections of the waves.

If you are more likely to surf in small waves, get something with a flatter rocker line to compensate for the already slow-moving waves.

HANDLE

The handle is what helps you carry your surf SUP from and to the water.

For the center handle, get a SUP board with one that is flat to not interfere with you when you lay down or when you are standing.

FINS

Fins play a role in the stability and how the SUP board tracks.

Bigger fins are more stable but less maneuverable and vice versa.

SUP surfing board fins setups are three:

• SINGLE FIN: This is the original setup. It provides more speed because it has minimal drag.
• TWIN FIN: This setup provides more maneuverability in small to medium waves, but it can lose traction in tight turns in bigger waves.
• THRUSTER (2+1): The two side fins and a large one in the center are the common fins setup in surfing due to their balance.
• QUAD: Having two fins on each side of the surf SUP bottom is ideal for larger surfers or ones that are after more speed without any crazy turns

SURF SUP ACCESSORIES

• PADDLE

For SUP surfing, you should get yourself a paddle that is 6-7 inches taller than your height, with a tear-drop-shaped paddle blade.

The less weight the paddle has the less tired you will feel.

Adjustable or a fixed paddle? If you know your exact needed length, I recommend the fixed ones because they are more durable with fewer mechanisms.

• LEASH

The leash is what prevents your surf SUP board from getting lost and also may save your save by helping you stay afloat.

The best surf SUP leash is one with a dual swivel, a soft cuff, and a coiled cord for less drag.

• CAR ROOK RACK

In order for you to transport your lengthy investment safely, you should have car roof racks.

My recommend ones right now are Thule SUP Taxi, they have mounts that are lightweight with a simple attachment design that saves time and labor at home and the beach.

Thule company are in the business of transportation for nearly 80 years

FAQ

WHAT IS SUP SURFING?

SUP surfing is similar to traditional surfing, the difference is that you use a stand-up paddleboard and you propel yourself using a paddle instead of your hands.

With SUP surfing, you have a better sight the whole time and your neck are not craned in order to examine the ocean.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES A PADDLEBOARD FROM A SURFBOARD?

Paddleboard surfing allows you to catch big and even small waves, which means more surfing time compared to regular surfing.

WHAT SIZE BIGGINER SUP SURF BOARD?

Getting the right surf SUP board size is important because if the board is too small, you will struggle to catch waves

The right size for SUP surfboard for a beginner is 10’ to 12’ in length, 33” to 35″ in width, and a thickness between 3.5” and 4.5”.

IS A SOFT TOP SURF BOARD A PADDLE BOARD?

I don’t think so because the softness of the top layer does not make a surfboard a paddleboard.

CAN YOU SURF WITH A PADDLEBOARD?

Definitely, there is a category of paddleboard that is made only for surf.

WHAT IS THE BEST SURF PADDLE BOARD FOR 53 YEAR OLD FAT AMALE?

My best surf paddle board for 53 year old fat male that I recommend is Boardworks Kraken.

WILL MY SUP SURF?

If it’s a surf SUP, it will definitely do the job perfectly, especially if it’s well built solid SUP and you are an experienced surfer.

If it’s an all-around SUP, you need time to finally learn how to do it.

If it’s a touring or racing SUP, surfing will not be possible because it’s not built for it.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR SURF PADDLE BOARD BE?

If you are short or an experienced surfer, surf SUPs that are 8’ to 10’ in length will let you turn quickly.

If you are a larger surfer or a beginner, you should get something 10’ to 12’ in length to get an added stability.

IS A SURF LEASH AND SUP LEASH THE SAME?

Not the same, surf leashes are generally straight and SUP leashes are coiled and thicker because SUP are bigger than surfboards.

For leash length, surf leashes are between 6 to 10 feet, when SUP leashes are between 9 to 11 feet.

WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT SUP SURFING?

Your standing position allows you to have better sight, let you examine the ocean better, and your neck is not craned in order to do the same.

Updated on August 24, 2021 by Ben