Who is this for: If you’re looking for a stable, inflatable, all-around board to paddle short to mid-range distances and in the low price point of under $500 then the Thrive from Aqua Marina is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in drop stitch construction which is somewhat fragile and has its positives and negatives. With its 30 inches in width the board is stable, it has 1.75 lbs per foot, weight a total of 17.11 lbs which makes the board very lightweight but can also have an impact on the durability of the board with the construction not being as strong. Its shape makes the Thrive an all around board that can also be fun in the surf and is suited for intermediate paddlers. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short to mid-range distance paddling between 3 and 5 miles max. Retailing at $449, the board is among the most affordable ones you can find.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a board that will be very durable for you to have for yourself, your kids, friends and family that can be beaten up, thrown around and still last for a long time, this is the board for you. The Baja 100 is a perfect board for flat water paddling and touring and can withstand up to 230lbs. The board is made out of a plastic-like construction called RamXs polyethylene and is very stable and very durable however, the board has 4.7 lbs per foot and weighs 47 lbs total, making the board very heavy.  As it's typically the case with low price point boards, the Baja 100 is relatively heavier when compared to boards in higher price point tiers. You’re going to want to look at the mid-to high price-point range boards for lighter and faster boards. Retailing for $399.99, the Baja 100 is among the most affordable boards you can find.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, non-inflatable, all-around board to paddle short to mid-range distances then the BOTE Flood is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the innegra fiberglass co-mingle construction, which is very durable and has its ups and downs. The board has a 32 inch width on the widest point of its deck which makes the board very stable and easy to stand on. The Flood has 2.93 lbs per foot, weighing a total of 35.1 lbs which is moderately heavy. Its shape makes the Flood an all-around board that can also be suited for small days in the waves if you want to catch a couple. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for anyone to paddle short to mid-range distances of 3-5 miles. Retailing at $1,499, the board sits in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, non-inflatable, all-around paddle board to paddle short distances, then the Flow from SIC Maui is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Full Carbon Innegra (FCI) construction, which is very durable and has its ups and downs. Due to its 34 inch width the board is very stable. Its construction is moderately heavy, coming in at 2.68 lbs per foot, weighing 28.1 lbs total. Its shape makes the Flow an all-around board that can be used by everyone and is designed primarily for recreation. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short distances, around the beach or dock. Retailing at $1,349, this board is in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, non-inflatable, all-around board to paddle mid-range distances then the Boardworks Kraken is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the EPX-Veneer construction which is durable having both positives and negatives. Due to it’s 33 inches in width the board is very stable. Its construction is moderately heavy coming in at 3.32 lbs per foot weighing 34.08 lbs. Its shape makes the Kraken an all-around board that can be used by all skill levels and is primarily designed for recreational paddling and/or paddle surfing. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for mid-range distance paddling between 3 - 5 miles max. Retailing at $1,299 the board is in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, affordable, non-inflatable board to paddle short distances then the Boardworks Rukus is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the new Bombshell construction which is highly durable and has its ups and downs. Because of its 33 inch width the board is very stable but because of its construction the board is moderately heavy and somewhat difficult to carry. The board has 3.09 lbs per foot and weighs 32.4 lbs total. Its shape makes the Rukus an all-around board that can be used by anyone with any skill level. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short-distance paddling, around the beach and dock. Retailing at an affordable $999, the board fits into the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, durable, non-inflatable, all-around board to paddle short distances and is very affordable then the Rush 116 from Pelican is worth taking a look at. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the polyethylene skin with a foam core construction which is rugged and has its ups and downs. The board is 32 inches wide which in turn makes it very stable. Its construction is highly durable, coming in at 4.26 lbs per foot, weighing 49 lbs total, which is very heavy. Its shape makes the Rush an all-around board that can be used by everyone and is designed for recreation. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short distances, around the beach and dock. Retailing at $699, the board is very affordable, sitting in the low-end of the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for an affordable, very stable, non-inflatable paddle board to paddle short to mid-range distances then the Boardworks Super Natural is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the EPX construction which is fairly durable and has both ups and downs. Due to its 33 inch width, the Super Natural is a very stable board but its construction makes the board heavy and difficult to carry, coming in at 3.05 lbs per foot weighing 35.15 lbs total. Its shape makes the Super Natural a classic all-around board that can be used by everyone and is designed with the recreational paddler in mind. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short-range paddling at the beach and near the dock. Retailing at $699, the board is very affordable.