About the board: If you’re looking for a standup paddle board that is TOUGH and great for cruising the NSP Cruiser is a great option. The Cruiser comes in a couple different size options and is just below $1,000 (depending on on the size you get it will range anywhere from $785 to $945). The board weighs just over 30lbs and is manageable to carry but can get difficult if carrying for longer distances. It’s a great choice for someone looking for a board that is good for beginners and can take a beating but is still good quality and a great board for the family. Read more HERE.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, non-inflatable, all-around paddle board to paddle short distances then the Universal by Surftech is worth a look. Due to its 32 inch width the board is very stable. The board weighs 28.13lbs and carrying the board is not difficult. Its shape makes the Universal 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-distance paddling, around the beach and dock. Offered in two sizes, a 10’6” or 11’6”, the board retails between $879-$910 and is in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

About the board: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 $1,349 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. Read more HERE.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a non-inflatable, rugged, affordable paddle board that is great for beginners then check out the Elements Cruise from NSP. The Elements Cruise is a board that can take quite the beating. It's a great board for those who want a board that is built to last. The board has an all around shape and is best for short distance paddling around the shoreline. Weighing 27.4lbs, the Elements Cruise is at an average weight and isn’t too difficult to carry around and the 32in. width allows the board to be nice and stable. One thing to keep in mind here is that this is a smaller board so if you’re a larger paddler you might want to get something a bit bigger.

About the board: The Rogue All In is a great all around board for racing, downwinders and perhaps even catch a few waves with. It’s not going to be your flatwater-specific board but is something that is highly versatile that you can take out in a variety of conditions and elements. The board has a bit more of a rocker than a regular 14’ board and can definitely handle the chop when it needs to. The bottom is a bit more rolled which should help you go through the bumps more easily. The board is incredibly lightweight and doesn’t sacrifice too much on durability. If you’re looking for an advanced racing board that you can throw in the surf sometimes and still use for touring, check out the All In. Read more HERE.

About the board: If you’re looking for a premium race-specific paddle board, check out the Jackpot from Rogue. This non-inflatable paddle board is best for the expert paddlers who can handle the instability that comes with the narrow width. Weighing in at just over 27lbs, the Jackpot is at an average weight for a similar board of it’s size and doesn’t offer much difficulty when carrying it. This board is a great option for someone looking for that flatwater raceboard that can also work in bumps and a bit rougher conditions if need be. Read more HERE.

About the board: If you’re looking for a flatwater race board, check out the Parlay from Rogue. The Parlay is a non-inflatable standup paddle board that excels in flatwater and is designed for the sprint racers. The board is best suited for highly advanced paddlers as it is very narrow, making it pretty unstable for the average paddler. The board comes in at an average weight of 25.7lbs but considering that it’s a 14’ board, it’s not too heavy and relatively easy to carry around. At $2,699, the Parlay is in the high-price point but comes with the best that the brand has to offer.Read more HERE.

About the board:The NSP Carolina is designed and inspired by the infamous Carolina Cup race held every April in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. That being said, the design takes into mind all the conditions that you would experience in the Carolina Cup (downwind, flatwater, surf) and morphs it all into one craft. The well of the board on the deck keeps your legs and feet from getting dragged or pulled back from the bumps that wash over the deck and in the well there are drains for the water that does get in the well. The board has plenty of mounting points that can be used for cameras, GPS or other devices. As expected, the board is quite unstable but very fast as it’s designed for speed. So, if you’re looking for a race board that does well in all conditions that goes fast, this is an awesome choice. Read more HERE.

About the board: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. Read more HERE.

About the board: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. Read more HERE.

About the board:If you’re on the market for an all around board that works for all skill levels and is in the mid-tier price point, check out the Catalyst from Surftech. The Catalyst is a non-inflatable board and uses Surftech’s Tuflite V-Tech construction making it nice and durable. The board is fairly lightweight for its size at 25.5 lbs and is easy to carry. Best suited for paddling short to mid-range distances, the Catalyst is a great all around board that can be used as something to learn on, something to go for a quick surf on and go for some adventures along the coast. Offered at $1,399 the Catalyst sits in the mid-price point market and is a quality choice at that price. Read more HERE.

Who is this for: The Cocomat Cruise is best suited for paddlers looking to get an beginner-friendly all around board with an eco-friendly angle. Offered in four different sizes (9’8”, 10’2”, 11’, 11’6”) the Cocomat Cruise is nice and stable, allowing for paddlers of all ages and skill levels the chance to have fun. The board utilizes NSP’s Cocomat construction which gives the board a good durability, but it also is an environment-friendly material. The board is also pretty lightweight, weighing just over 20lbs. As an all around board, the Cocomat Cruise is best suited for short distance paddling around the shore but can also be used for catching some waves. Starting at $1,325, the Cocomat Cruise sits in the mid-level price point.