Finding the right SUP race board is often not that easy. Beginners in particular are often confused by the wide range of products on offer. With this BeyondSurfing guide, we want to make it easier for you to find the right Race SUP.
Avoid buying mistakes:
Race SUP boards have many different factors. We present the most popular SUP race boards 2024 in our recommendations. In our Checklist, we show you at a glance everything you need to consider when buying.
Contents:
- Top picks: The best SUP race boards 2024 reviewed.
- Checklist: These features are important.
- Bestsellers: Overview of the most popular SUP race boards.
- Guide: All information about SUP Race Boards.
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about SUP Race Boards.
The best SUP race boards 2024 reviewed
These SUP race boards have proven themselves in terms of speed and stability:
1. the best inflatable SUP race board
The board measures 427 x 71 x 15 cm and weighs just under 18 kilograms. It is supplied with paddle, fin, leash, pump and transport backpack.
- Good directional stability
- Processing
- Speed
- Difficult to transport due to weight and size
- Does not tolerate lying in the sun
- Price
Why we like it: The Bluefin Sprint impresses with a very good price-performance ratio and comes with an extensive accessory package. The board has a luggage net at the front and rear, allowing you to take your equipment and food with you. The deck is particularly non-slip and offers the opportunity to make fast, sharp turns.
Recommended for: The SUP is suitable for advanced riders and ideal for shallow and open waters.
2. the best stable SUP race board
The board is 381 cm long, 69 cm wide and 15 cm thick. It weighs just over 10 kilograms and the surface is coated with EVA, which provides grip.
- Clean processing
- Stable while driving
- Tilts when stationary
- Not for beginners
Why we like it: Thanks to its dimensions, the Aquamarina Race has good buoyancy. The reinforced material is very resistant, so that the board can withstand even minor impacts with rocks. The fin is removable and the neoprene handles ensure easy transportation
Recommended for: The board is suitable for advanced riders and a maximum weight of 150 kilograms.
3. the best SUP race board for advanced riders
- in 3 verschiedenen Sets erhältlich
- Länge: 384cm Breite: 76.20 cm Höhe: 15 cm Volumen: 315 l Gewicht: 12.28 kg
- Das RUNGA TOA RACE AIR 12.6 stellt das optimale Board für ambitionierte...
- Eigenschaften eines Race-Boards mit einer verbesserten Kippstabilität um auch für...
- Weight
- Speed
- Stability
- Price
Why we like it: The board has very good riding characteristics and can reach high speeds. With a weight of around 12 kg, it is comparatively light and can be easily transported even when inflated.
Recommended for:The board offers very good gliding properties and is therefore well suited for ambitious paddlers and advanced paddlers. However, beginners can also have fun with it thanks to its good tipping stability.
4. the best SUP race board set
This SUP has dimensions of 380 x 71 x 15 cm with a weight of 10 kilograms and a volume of 285 liters. It comes with a paddle, carrying backpack, air pump, leash and a holder for an action cam.
- Accessories
- Stability
- Longevity
- Not suitable for beginners
Why we like it: The board from Jbay comes as a complete set. All components have a high-quality finish and are therefore particularly durable. The dropstitch construction makes the SUP particularly stable and lightweight.
Recommended for: The board is suitable for sporty riders who are looking for a slim, fast model. It can bear loads of up to 170 kilograms.
5. the best lightweight SUP race board
The board measures 381 x 76 x 15 cm and weighs 13 kilograms. The set consists of a fin, leash, air pump, repair kit and transport backpack. Carrying handles ensure easy transportation to the water.
- Fair price
- Good speed possible
- Stable
- Without paddle
- Poorly manufactured accessories
Why we like it: The racing board from Bestway has a particularly large, non-slip surface. As it is comparatively wide, it is also suitable for ambitious beginners. Despite its robust and high-quality construction, the board is very light.
Recommended for: The board is particularly suitable for fast, medium-length tours. It has a load capacity of up to 120 kilograms.
6. the best value SUP race board
The board weighs around 9 kilograms and measures 381 x 74 x 12 cm. It is supplied with an aluminum paddle, air pump with pressure gauge, fin and transport backpack.
- Weight
- Speed
- Price
- Not as thick as competitor products, therefore slightly less stable
Why we like it: The surface of the board is non-slip and offers a good grip. Luggage can be stored on elastic straps at the front. Good speeds can be achieved thanks to the low weight and special shape.
Recommended for: The SUP can be used by paddlers weighing up to 150 kilograms and is suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers.
7. the best high quality SUP race board
Measuring 381 x 71 x 15 cm, the board weighs around 10 kilograms and has a volume of 295 liters. It comes with a rucksack, air pump, fin, leash and repair kit.
- Driving characteristics
- Processing
- Price
- Without paddle
Why we like it: The board from Mistral combines a high-quality construction with very good riding characteristics. The necessary accessories are included for maximum bathing fun. Thanks to its low weight and the backpack supplied, the board is easy to transport.
Recommended for:The board is suitable for advanced paddlers. It can support loads of up to 120 kilograms, but the best performance can be achieved with a maximum body weight of 85 kilograms.
Even more interesting recommendations and guides:
- Inflatable paddle boards
- All-round SUP boards
- Hardboard SUP
- Race SUP Boards
- Surf SUP Boards
- SUP board with dog
- Touring SUP Boards
- Yoga SUP Boards
- WindSUP Boards
- SUP Board comparison
SUP Race Board Checklist: These features are important
- Length: Most SUP race boards have a length of 12’6” (381 cm), 14′ (approx. 427 cm) or 14’+ (over 427 cm). The saying “length runs” applies here. The longer the board, the faster it can be paddled and the better it runs in a straight line. Short boards may be slower, but they are easier to maneuver and are ideal for technical races.
- Width: The width of a race SUP board is particularly important for beginners, as it has a direct impact on the stability of the board. A stable stance is the basis for proper paddling, so beginners should choose a race board with a width of 24.5” (approx. 62 cm) to 26” (approx. 66 cm).
- Hull: There are two most common hull shapes for race SUP boards: the displacement and planing hull. They differ in their shape and driving characteristics:
- Displacement hull: Downward curved hull that gives the board stability thanks to its large surface area. SUP race boards with displacement hulls are smooth and fast at the same time. This shape is therefore best suited for flat water and long distance races.
- Planing hull: Here the underside is flat or V-shaped. The SUP race board is therefore high in the water and almost flies over the surface. The shape of the hull ensures that the SUP board is easy to maneuver. Boards with this hull are therefore ideal for technical races.
- Volume: The volume affects the maximum load capacity and stability of the Race SUP board. A board with the wrong volume for your body weight usually feels either too wobbly or unwieldy. When buying, you should pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually state which paddlers the SUP race board is suitable for.
- Hard vs. inflatable Race SUP: Or performance vs. comfort. When it comes to performance, hard SUP boards have the edge, but nothing beats the inflatable SUP when it comes to portability and convenience.
- Fins: Fins are a topic in themselves, in short, long fins give more stability and improve the tracking of the board. Short fins, on the other hand, are suitable for shallow water and make the board more maneuverable.
- Robustness: SUP races are really tough and it is unavoidable that the SUP boards come into contact with each other. Inflatable paddle boards usually don’t mind much, but with hard SUP boards you should pay attention to high-quality materials. Many boards are reinforced at the critical points (rails, nose, tail).
- Features: There are also different features that can be present on the SUP Race Board. These are: Handles, leash, deck pad, tail kick pad and brackets.
Also interesting: The most popular inflatable SUP boards 2024.
Bestsellers: The most popular SUP race boards on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy SUP Race Board:
How to make the right decision
There are several factors that influence the riding characteristics of SUP race boards. Here we show you what they are and what to look out for in race SUP boards.
Before buying, it helps to read reviews from other paddlers to get an impression of how the board feels on the water.
The right length?
Length is a decisive factor for SUP race boards. The longer the board, the more effective the waterline and the faster you can paddle.
In addition, the longer the board, the better the tracking and the better the board runs in a straight line. This also has a positive effect on speed.
Typical Race SUP lengths:
There are no real classes in SUP races, but the boards allowed are often differentiated according to their length. These lengths are the most common:
12’6” SUP Race Boards:
Best suited for surf and sprint races. They are somewhat slower than longer boards, but more maneuverable. Ideal for tight kick turns around obstacles.
14′ SUP Race Boards
The standard for many races. 4.27 m is a versatile length and a good choice for most disciplines
Unlimited (>14′)
Boards longer than 14 feet (4.27 m) are often designed for a specific area of use. They are very suitable for open ocean downwind racing as they have excellent gliding properties. These boards can also be steered with a rudder.
What width?
The right width plays a decisive role, especially for beginners, as it has a direct impact on the stability of the race SUP board. A stable stance is the basis for proper paddling and SUP racing.
How wide should my Race SUP be?
- 20” to 21” (50.8-53.3 cm): Very narrow boards are reserved for race pros.
- 23” (approx. 58.5 cm): A good middle ground, the right choice for most advanced paddlers.
- 24.5” to 28” (approx. 62-71 cm): The best size for paddle boards for beginners. Once you have learned the basics of SUP racing, you can gradually choose a thinner board.
What kind of hull?
There are two hull shapes that are most common for race SUPs:
1. displacement hull:
- Concave, outwardly curved shape
- For flat water and long distance races
- Stable
- Less maneuverable
- Fast and smooth
- Less strenuous paddling
The displacement hull has a concave, outwardly curved shape. Thanks to the large surface area, the board is very stable and plows through the water with ease.
Boards with displacement hulls can be paddled quickly and smoothly. However, these boards are somewhat less maneuverable than those with a planing hull.
Boards with this shape have a pointed nose, which has a positive effect on the waterline. This means that the race board can be paddled with less effort, which means that long distances can be covered more quickly.
Boards with displacement hulls are therefore best suited for flat water and long distance races.
2. planing hull:
- Flat or v-shaped underside
- Ideal for the sea and choppy water
- Very maneuverable
- Ideal for technical races
Here the underside of the race board is flat or v-shaped. As a result, the board lies high in the water and almost flies over the surface. Ideal for choppy water and at sea.
In addition, boards with a planing hull are very maneuverable and therefore a good choice for technical races.
How much volume?
The volume affects the maximum load capacity and buoyancy of the SUP race board. It is important to choose a board with the right volume, because if the board has too much or too little volume, it will feel unwieldy or wobbly.
- Volume at the tail: Important for kick turns so that the board doesn’t sink in too deep.
- General volume: Helps to “pop” over waves without going too deep into the water.
Hard vs. inflatable race SUP board?
This is primarily about performance vs. convenience. The advantages and disadvantages of inflatable and hard SUP boards at a glance.
Inflatable race SUP boards:
- Easy transportation and storage
- Less susceptible to damage
- Ideal for traveling
- Poorer performance
- Must always be inflated
Inflatable paddle boards have been continuously improved in recent years. Nevertheless, their performance still does not come close to that of hard SUP boards, with inflatable boards being 20-25% slower than composite boards.
They are the clear winners in terms of portability. When deflated, the board can be rolled up and easily transported and stored.
This is also a huge advantage when traveling, allowing you to travel to remote regions with inflatable paddle boards. It should also be mentioned that these boards must be inflated before each use.
Hard (composite) SUP race boards:
- Best performance
- 20-25 % faster than inflatable SUP race boards
- Stiffer
- Cumbersome transportation and storage
- More susceptible to damage
When it comes to performance, hard SUP boards clearly have the edge. They have better gliding properties, are more responsive, stiffer and around 20-25% faster than inflatable SUP race boards.
On the other hand, more space is needed for storage and a hard SUP board is difficult to transport over longer distances without a car. Composite boards are also more susceptible to damage.
If you really value performance and want to be at the front in races, you should opt for a hard SUP race board.
Which Finns?
The paddle board fin(s) make it possible to paddle straight ahead with the SUP board. Without it, they would just go round in circles. They have an effect on the stability, tracking and gliding properties of a SUP board.
Which fin is chosen depends primarily on personal preference, the discipline and the conditions on the water.
Long fins:
Ragen deep into the water and give the board more stability and improve tracking. They are best suited for flat water racing and open ocean downwind.
Short fins:
Ragen are less deep in the water and are therefore best suited for (technical) races close to the shore. As the boat is often launched from land, the fins must not be too long so as not to touch the bottom. They give the board a loose feel and ensure that the tail can turn more freely.
Fins for water with algae:
If there is a lot of algae or other debris in the water, you should choose a fin that is tilted backwards. The angle ensures that algae or seaweed do not become entangled, but slide off the fin.
The fin box:
There are different fin boxes (US Box, FCS, Deep Tuttle, etc.). When buying, make sure that the fins are also compatible with the fin box on the SUP board.
What about robustness?
What many people don’t know is that SUP races really get down to business and it’s not uncommon for boards to rub or hit against each other.
This is not a problem with inflatable paddle boards, but it can cause damage to hard SUP boards. You should therefore make sure that the boards are made of a robust material.
What makes a robust SUP race board?
Ideally, the sensitive areas – including the rails, tail and nose – are extra reinforced. It should also be noted that although carbon is very stiff and light, it is more susceptible to damage than other materials
What features and accessories?
There are also many other features that are useful for SUP racing:
- Handles: One or more handles for transportation and as an aid when launching from land.
- Leash: Leash that connects the board and paddler. This prevents the SUP board from floating away after a fall.
- Deck Pad: Absolutely necessary, non-slip pad.
- Kick Pad: Very helpful for orienting yourself on the board and as support for kick turns.
- Mounts: Various mounts for action cams or GPS watches can be attached to the board.
Suitable accessories are available for a Race SUP:
- SUP pump
- SUP paddle
- SUP Leash
- SUP fins
- SUP seat
- SUP backpack
- SUP motor
- SUP bag
- SUP transport trolley
- SUP shoes
- Paddle board life jacket
- SUP dry suit
Which board for which SUP race discipline?
- Sprint and cross: Here you start from the beach and circle one or more buoys. For beginners, a 12’6” (318 cm) board with a width between 24.5” (approx. 62 cm) and 28” (approx. 71 cm) is suitable for the necessary stability. Best with short fins.
- Technical races: This technically demanding discipline also starts from the beach and involves sailing around several buoys/obstacles. A 12’6” (381 cm) board is well suited for short distances and in swell. If you have good technique and attach great importance to speed, choose a SUP race board with a length of 14′ (approx. 428 cm).
- Long distance race: Both 12’6″ (381 cm) and 14″ (approx. 428 cm) SUP race boards are used in this long-distance race.
How does a SUP race work?
SUP races are a lot of fun, if you want to know what it looks like, watch this video:
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about SUP race boards
What is a race SUP board?
Which is the best race SUP board?
How expensive are good SUP race boards?
What is the best length for a race SUP?
How fast can a Race SUP go?
Can I also buy a used SUP race board?
Which well-known SUP race board manufacturers are there?
Where can I buy a race SUP board?
What alternatives are there to SUP race boards?
Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on SUP race 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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