Best Standup Paddle Boards 2019

After personally paddling, weighing, and thoroughly testing 150+ boards, our expert staff has selected the best stand up paddle board 2019 models. These are designated by the "A" grade and organized by categories (inflatable, all-around, touring, etc). The Supconnect team traveled across 3 states and spent 8 months individually assessing each one of the inflatable SUP boards below, counting a total of 23 metrics per board and consistently applying them across all products. The end result: simply the most comprehensive, consumer-friendly, value-added review platform in the standup paddle world. Click through each one of the reviews and find a consistent, in-depth assessment of each product listed.

Quick Answer:

The Best SUP Boards 2019

• Surftech Alta
• Body Glove Navigator
• Red Paddle Co Voyager
• Body Glove Oasis
• Surftech Aleka
• Surftech Generator
• SIC Maui Okeanos
• Surftech Promenade
• SIC Maui RS

 A Comparison

The Best Paddle Boards 2019

Picture	Board	Weight	Price	Use	Skill	Build	Width
	Surftech Alta	30.5 lbs	$999	All Around	Beginner	Inflatable	32 in.
	Body Glove Navigator	22.12 lbs	$999	All Around	Beginner	Inflatable	33 in.
	Red Paddle Co Voyager	25.3 lbs	$1,599	Touring	Intermediate	Inflatable	30 in.
	Body Glove Oasis	24 lbs	$999	Yoga/Fitness	Beginner	Inflatable	34 in.
	Surftech Aleka	22.11 lbs	$1,469	All Around	Beginner	Non-Inflatable	30 in.
	Surftech Generator	25.14 lbs	$1,349	All Around	Beginner	Non-Inflatable	32.5 in.
	SIC Maui Okeanos	31 lbs	$1,499	Touring	Intermediate	Non-Inflatable	29 in.
	Surftech Promenade	34.7 lbs	$999	Touring	Beginner	Non-Inflatable	31.5 in.
	SIC Maui RS	23.4 lbs	$2,499	Race	Advanced	Non-Inflatable	23 in.

Best Paddle Boards 101

3 Things to Consider to Find the Best SUP

1. USE

The beauty of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is that there are so many ways and situations where you can participate. Here at Supconnect we break down the different uses of a paddle board into 7 categories: All Around, Touring, Yoga, Fishing, Race, Surf and River. Each category has their own specific purpose and thus, a different shape/design is necessary for each. There are boards that fit into multiple SUP disciplines and can be used in a variety of ways. A brief breakdown of each category is as follows:

• All Around: For multiple purposes but primarily for recreation
• Touring: For cruising paddles beyond the shoreline and for expedition paddling
• Yoga: For optimal stability as a floating yoga mat
• Fishing: For stability to cast the line, with plenty of accessories
• Race: For speed, coming with lightweight build
• Surf: For maneuverability and wave handling
• River: For rapids, river eddies and river wave riding

2. BUILD

The best SUPs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From inflatables to non-inflatables to 14’ race boards to 36” wide yoga boards, the best paddle boards come in a wide variety. What makes one board fall into the "best" category are a few factors:

• Quality. Quality is a massive factor leading into what gives a SUP a "best" rating. If a board is in a lower price point but uses higher quality materials in its construction the board is going to stand out compared to other boards of the same price point using basic or lower grade materials.
• Looks. The board, to put it simply, is beautiful. Whether it's a simple mix of colors laid out beautifully or a highly detailed mix of graphics, the board needs to look good.
• Add on's. Add on's are key. They, in a way, are 'upgrades' to a board and make the SUP stand out from others that are basic. Add on's could easily be a deciding factor between choosing one board over another which is why boards with add on's will almost always get a few extra points in our book.

3. ADD-ON'S

Add-on’s are accessories for a paddle board that add to your experience on/off the water. The quality of the bag/backpack and the air pump tend to be directly related to the board’s price points. Aside from your paddle, bags and pumps are the most important add-on’s to your board and can drastically improve your overall experience with the board, such as helping you more easily carry the board and/or pump it up more quickly. Other popular add on’s include bungee cords, a minimalist way to haul things; Connexsup, which allows for all sorts of attachments, even fishing rods; and FCS II/Connect, for easy fin instal. Other add on’s could be upgraded handles like the Liftsup & EZgrab and paddle holders for when you aren’t using your paddle. The best paddle boards almost always will have one if not all of these add-ons included.

Best Paddle Board Reviews

SURFTECH ALTA 

If you’re looking for an inflatable paddle board that is under $1,000 and is geared towards the women’s market then the Alta from Surftech is a solid contender. At $999 the Alta inflatable is offered in two unique set of graphics that have matching paddles and leashes and partner with prAna for matching apparel. The board is 32 in wide and utilizes BLOOM foam, giving it an eco-friendly twist. The board is best suited for recreational paddling that paddlers of all skill levels will enjoy.

See our full review HERE.

BODY GLOVE NAVIGATOR

This board is hands down one of the best inflatable standup paddle board models for 2019. The construction is very strong with reinforced rails and stringer and feels stiff. This inflatable has the perfect amount of rocker so it glides incredibly well for an inflatable. The board is also very stable with the square tail helping add to that stability as you cruise along. The board features some really nice add on's as well with a comfortable handle that is nice when carrying the board but it also features as a paddle holder when you want to be hands free. The graphics are beautiful and have a really nice color coordination that is attractive to both guys and gals. The board also comes with a full setup, a paddle, leash and pump and a nice portable carry bag. The paddle blade also has nice graphics adding a nice touch to the overall package.

See our full review HERE.

RED PADDLE CO VOYAGER

The Voyager from Red Paddle Co is an inflatable touring board best suited for intermediate paddlers. At 25.3 lbs, the Voyager is lightweight and relatively easy to carry, despite its size. The Voyager is offered in three sizes (12’6”, 13’2”, 15’), giving paddlers a nice range to choose from. The board also utilizes Red Paddle Co’s MSL technology which makes the boards very rigid and durable, ideal for an inflatable SUP. Starting at $1,599, the Voyager does sit in the premium-tier market in terms of affordability but does offer free shipping and a 2-year warranty.

See our full review HERE.

BODY GLOVE OASIS

At $999 this inflatable is simply one of the most beautiful mid-price point inflatables that you can buy. The graphics are gorgeous and have a very thoughtful coordination of color scheme all throughout the board. The construction is just remarkable. In fact, it’s quite surprising that at this price point you can find a carbon stringer with reinforced rails, comfortable handles on the nose and center of the board. The board is fairly stable. It’s not the most stable on the market but is fairly stable and pretty average in terms of stability and it would make for an incredible gift for your wife, girlfriend, daughter, etc. who is looking for a board in the yoga space and wanting to have fun on a board that is at an affordable price point that looks good.

See our full review HERE.

SURFTECH ALEKA 

If you’re looking for a board that is designed for women that is a stable, all around board to paddle short to mid-range distances then the Surftech Aleka is something to consider. This standup paddle board (SUP) retails starting at $1,499 and is offered in two different sizes: 10’4” and 11’2”. The Aleka uses Surftech’s Tuflite V-tech construction which makes the board strong and durable. At 29 and 30 inches wide the board is pretty stable and easy to carry, weighing just over 22 lbs. The Aleka is a hybrid all around / touring shape so it can be used in a wide variety of conditions whether you’re looking to go for a quick paddle around the shoreline, catch a few waves, or go on a mid-range paddle the Aleka was designed to do it all.

See our full review HERE.

SURFTECH GENERATOR

The Generator is a beginner, non-inflatable board, offered at a pretty affordable price but has a premium look. The board is very stable, lightweight and has some gorgeous looks, coming with an exceptionally beautiful play on color and graphics. The bamboo construction combined with either green or blue accent colors (depending on which size you get), make the board really stand out. The board is best suited for short-range paddling around the beach and dock and is a great board that the entire family can enjoy. Its premium look and lightweight feel alone warrant Supconnect’s “A” grade.

See our full review HERE.

SIC MAUI OKEANOS

If you’re looking for a non-inflatable touring board that looks and feels good under your feet, check out the Okeanos from SIC Maui. Starting at $1,499, the Okeanos sits in the mid-tier price point and is a solid board for its price. The board is 29 in. wide and is best for intermediate-level paddlers looking for mid-range to long-distance paddling. The board is offered in four sizes (11’, 12’6” x 27”, 12’6” x 29”, 14’) and has two different color variations to choose from.

See our full review HERE.

SURFTECH PROMENADE

The Surftech Promenade is almost a category of its own. This board has the durability of most rental boards in the marketplace, but is actually fairly lightweight for how much volume it packs. The bottomline is, if you’re looking for a price point board with incredible durability that can handle cruising, touring, going the distance, and maybe even racing, and is also incredibly stable, this is it. It’s a rental board that is proving to be more of a touring board, capable of going long distances. The Surftech Promenade is truly a beater that can go the distance.

See our full review HERE.

SIC MAUI RS

If you’re on the market for a premium race paddle board look no further. The RS by SIC Maui is short for ‘Rocket Ship’ and the name suits the board perfectly. This race board is fast and lightweight and is offered in multiple length and width combos, for both adult and youth paddlers. The RS is best for intermediate and advanced racers looking for a board that excels on flatwater but can also handle some chop. Starting at $2,499, the RS sits in the high price point tier but is a premium choice that is worth every penny.

See our full review HERE.

Photo Gallery

A Look at Imagery from our SUP Reviews

More Resources

• Best Stand Up Paddle Boards 20188
• Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards 2018
• Best Non-Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards 2018
• Best Touring Stand Up Paddle Boards 2018
• Best All Around Stand Up Paddle Boards 2018

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