Are you looking for a SUP board for the whole family, or would you like to buy your first SUP? Then all-round paddle boards are the right choice. The boards are very stable and therefore make it easier for beginners to get started with stand-up paddling.
What characterizes an all round paddle board?
We answer these and other questions in our buying guide. The Checklist gives you an overview of everything you need to consider when buying an all-round paddle board. In our recommendations, we compare the 7 best models 2024. With this knowledge, choosing the right SUP is child’s play.
Contents:
- Top picks: The best all round paddle boards 2024 reviewed.
- Checklist: These features are important.
- Bestsellers: The most popular all round paddle boards at a glance.
- Guide: All you need to know about all round paddle boards.
- FAQFrequently asked questions and answers about all round paddle boards.
The best all round paddle boards 2024 reviewed
1. the best high-quality all round paddle board
The board measures 329 x 86 x 15 cm and weighs just under 10 kilograms. The paddle supplied is particularly light at 775 grams, and the set also includes three removable fins, a backpack trolley for transportation, a pump, leash and a repair kit.
- Optics
- Simple structure
- Stable position in the water
- High-quality workmanship
- Durable
- Price
Why we like it: The Cala Chac SUP board impresses with its excellent workmanship, which makes the board particularly robust and durable. The brand is known for its high quality and manufacturing standards. The wood-look design is also very well chosen and gives the board a special charm.
Recommended for: The SUP has a load capacity of 140 kilograms and is particularly suitable for yoga, Pilates and stretching on the water.
2. the best all round paddle board set
This SUP is available in different colors such as blue, red, green, purple, orange or pink. It measures 327 x 15 x 77 cm and weighs 17.6 kilograms. It comes with a pump, leash, paddle, rucksack, kayak seat, waterproof smartphone case, Smart Lock fins and repair kit.
- Customer service
- Stability
- Good workmanship
- Quality of the paddle
Why we like it: The Bluefin Cruise SUP Board is a high-quality and popular model. It offers excellent value for money and comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. A tree is planted for every purchase.
Recommended for: The board is ideal for beginners and intermediates who value a very good price-performance ratio. Its tilt-resistant design makes it suitable for beginners, while its robust construction also makes it interesting for advanced users. The included kayak seat allows a comfortable sitting position and adds another possible use to the board.
3. the best unisex all round paddle board
The board measures 325 x 84 cm and weighs around 8 kilograms. It comes as a complete set with fin, paddle, pump, leash and bag, all of which are very well made.
- Stability
- Suitable for beginners
- Lots of accessories
- Price
Why we like it: The board helps beginners to learn the right paddling technique and offers stability and safety. The drop stitch construction with welded rails makes it particularly stiff and stable. Equipment can be stored in the included luggage net.
Recommended for: With its maximum load capacity of 120 kg, the SUP from Starboard is ideal for male and female paddlers and is perfect for beginners.
4. the best cheap all round paddle board
The Hydro- Force Oceana measures 305 x 84 x 15 cm and weighs 16 kilograms. It is made of PVC and is manufactured using the drop stitch process. The sides are double reinforced to protect it from damage. The surface has a non-slip EVA pad for a stable stand.
- Price
- Suitable for beginners
- Stable in the water
- Weight
- Pump air pressure indicator
- Bag quickly defective
Why we like it: The advantage of an inflatable SUP board is that it is easy to store and transport when deflated. The Bestway Hydro Force comes with a practical bag for easy transportation.
Recommended for: The board is ideal for beginners who want to try it out first. It can be used in areas such as lakes, rivers with low currents and coastal waters. If durability and quality are important to you, it is better to choose a different board.
5. the best all round paddle board with seat function
The Aqua Marina Fusion measures 315 x 79 x 15 cm and weighs 8.2 kilograms. The core of the board consists of polyester threads that are woven together using the drop stitch method. The rails are made of double PVC and the surface is made of Tarpaulin.
- Price-performance ratio
- Tilt stable
- Extensive range of accessories
- Paddle not high quality
Why we like it: Despite its low price, the Aquamarina Vapor offers a wide range of accessories. This also includes the comfortable kayak seat, which can be easily attached to the board. It supports the lower back and adds another riding style to the SUP. It is easy to maneuver and has enough stability to try your first SUP attempts.
Recommended for: The board is perfect for beginners who want to paddle relaxed on lakes, rivers or in the sea. It can bear loads of up to 140 kilograms.
6. the best stable all round paddle board
The board is supplied as a set with paddle, rucksack, fin, air pump and repair kit. It measures 335 x 78 x 15 cm and weighs 9 kilograms.
- Processing quality
- Robustness
- Load capacity
- No leash included
Why we like it: Skinfox is known for its very high quality workmanship. All components are very robust and have a long life expectancy. The transport bag supplied has castors that make transportation easy and effortless.
Recommended for: The board can carry up to 175 kilograms. It is an agile and sporty SUP for advanced riders and can be used for SUP tours, cruising on the lake or surfing on the sea.
7. the best value for money all round paddle board
The Croch board measures 320 x 76 x 15 cm and weighs just under 13 kilograms. All the important accessories are already included, as the SUP comes with a leash, paddle, pump, waterproof cell phone bag and transport backpack.
- Price
- Suitable for beginners
- Tilt stable
- Inflation takes some time
Why we like it: The main feature of the Croch SUP board is its particularly low price. This makes it suitable for all paddlers who don’t want to dig too deep into their wallets when buying. Nevertheless, it offers very good handling characteristics and is tilt-stable, which is particularly beneficial for beginners.
Recommended for: The SUP is suitable for beginners and is also suitable for sitting on or for yoga. It can carry a load of up to 130 kilograms and can therefore also be ridden with a child or pet.
Even more interesting recommendations and guides:
- Inflatable SUP boards
- All round paddle boards
- Hardboard SUP
- Race SUP Boards
- Surf SUP Boards
- SUP board with dog
- Touring SUP Boards
- Yoga SUP Boards
- WindSUP Boards
- SUP Board comparison
All round paddle board Checklist: These features are important
- Shape: All round paddle boards are of medium length and relatively wide. The length is between 9 and 11 feet (approx. 335 cm) and the boards are 80 to 86 cm wide. This makes all round paddle boards very stable and ideal for beginners. However, the boards are not the best choice for long tours and SUP races. The board should be at least 15 cm thick to avoid bending when riding.
- iSUP vs. hard SUP: If you opt for an all-round paddle board, you have the choice between inflatable iSUPs and hard SUP boards. iSUPs are ideal for transportation and storage, while the hard version has the best riding characteristics.
- Fins: You can’t do without fins on a SUP board, they provide stability and ensure that the board rides more straight ahead. The fins supplied with all round paddle boards are usually more than sufficient.
- Surface: The surface of the all round paddle board must be equipped with a non-slip surface or pad. This ensures a firm footing without slipping when moving.
- Volume and load capacity: The load capacity of a SUP should not be exceeded, otherwise it will no longer be as maneuverable and can no longer be ridden as fast. In addition, the board should have enough volume for the load, with a residual volume of 150 to 200 liters. The formula for calculating the residual volume is as follows: Volume of the board – board weight – body weight = residual volume
- Accessories: In addition to the SUP board, you will also need other accessories. Paddles and an air pump are essential. A leash prevents the board from floating away if you fall into the water. A SUP backpack is ideal for transporting the iSUP and accessories. It is also useful if a repair kit is included so that small holes can be repaired. Often kayak seats are also included in sets that can be attached to D-rings.
- Price: All round paddle boards cost between $250 and $700. SUP sets are often cheaper and include a board, fins, air pump and often also a transport backpack.
Also interesting: The most popular SUP boards 2024.
Bestsellers: The most popular all round paddle boards on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy an all round paddle board:
How to make the right decision
Shape:
All round paddle boards differ from other boards in the following three characteristics: length, width and thickness. Thanks to their round shape, all-rounders are ideal for beginners.
Length:
With a length of 9-11 feet (274-335 cm), these all-rounders are medium-length SUP boards. They are stable and yet easy to turn, which makes it easier for beginners to paddle on the board. For SUP races and long tours, however, a racing or touring board is required, as these glide better straight through the water.
The right length: The heavier or lighter a person is, the bigger/smaller the SUP board needs to be.
Width:
Most all round paddle boards have a width of 80-86 cm and are therefore very stable. Ideal for beginners who are still learning to keep their balance on the SUP. Even beginners can quickly learn stand-up paddling on an all-round paddle board.
Thickness:
The thicker the board, the more stable it is. This applies in particular to inflatable SUP boards. These must have a thickness of at least 15 cm, otherwise the board can bend underfoot.
Hard SUP boards don’t necessarily have to be 15 cm thick. However, thicker boards are also more stable, but also somewhat more strenuous to paddle and transport.
iSUP vs. hard SUP:
All round paddle boards are available in two different categories:
- Inflatable iSUP boards
- Hard SUP boards
iSUP Boards:
- Light
- Easy transportation and storage
- Durable
- Low risk of injury
- Ideal for families and children
- Must be inflated
- Poorer performance
Inflatable all round paddle boards are usually made of PVC, which makes the board durable and lightweight. iSUP boards can be rolled up when deflated and easily transported and stored.
There is a low risk of injury if you fall off the board, which is why iSUP boards are perfect for children and beginners. However, the soft material is susceptible to damage from sharp objects and objects in the water, so caution is advised here.
Before paddling off, the board must be inflated each time. Depending on what kind of air pump is used, this can be quite strenuous and take up to 10 minutes. In addition, inflatable SUP boards are less rigid than hard boards and therefore tend to perform less well on the water.
Hard SUP boards:
- Stiff
- Robust
- Durable
- Better performance
- Price
- More space required for storage and transportation
- Susceptible to dings
The core of these boards consists of polyurethane or polystyrene foam covered with fiberglass, epoxy or carbon. Some SUP manufacturers even build boards completely out of wood.
Hard all round paddle boards are stiff and therefore deliver the best performance on the water. The material is robust and durable, but susceptible to minor damage, also known as dings, if the board hits a stone or similar.
The biggest disadvantage is storage and transportation. As the SUP board retains its size, it takes up more space in the cellar and has to be transported on the roof of the car.
Finns:
Fins are usually included with all round paddle boards. They are very simple, but more than sufficient for most stand-up paddlers. The fins give the board stability and help when riding straight ahead. The fins on many boards can also be exchanged and it is definitely worth testing other fins.
Surface:
To prevent you from slipping while paddling, the surface of the SUP board must be covered with a non-slip material. Many models have a small luggage net where a drybag can be stowed. If you want to mount a SUP seat, you should also make sure that D-rings are already attached to the board, as these are not so easy to retrofit.
Accessories:
There are a number of accessories for SUP boards. Some of these must not be missing, while others are useful but not essential.
Important accessories:
- Paddle: Nothing works without a paddle. SUP paddles are long paddles that can be paddled standing up or on your knees. If you don’t have a paddle yet, you may be well advised to buy a SUP set.
- Air pump: If you have an inflatable SUP board, you will need an air pump to inflate it before you start. Depending on the air pump, inflation is more or less strenuous. The air pump is already included in an iSUP set.
Useful accessories:
- SUP leash: To prevent the board from simply floating away in the sea or on the river, there is the SUP leash. The plastic leash is attached to the board and the body with a Velcro fastener on the ankle or below the knee.
- Drybag: With a drybag, the most important small items such as cell phone, wallet, car keys and provisions can be transported safely and dry.
- SUP backpack: If you have an inflatable SUP board, it’s worth buying a SUP backpack. The SUP can be rolled up and put into a rucksack. The transport bag also has space for a paddle, air pump and other accessories.
Price:
A good all-round paddle board is available for around $250-700. You can often save money by buying a SUP set, but you should be careful not to buy a cheap board.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
What is an all round paddle board?
Which is the best all round paddle board?
What is the best length for an all round paddle board?
What is an all-round iSUP board?
Are all round paddle boards suitable for waves?
Which SUP brands are available for all round paddle boards?
How much does an all round paddle board cost?
What alternatives are there to all-round paddle boards?
Is there a Consumer Reports or Which? test on all round paddle boards?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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