Best Paddle Boards for Women 2024: For all Shapes and Sizes

Women are the glue that holds families and friends alike together. So don’t they deserve paddle boards that are more catered to them?

In this guide, we go through the best paddle boards for women we account for a wide range of shapes, sizes, and skill levels. 

We also go through the MOST important criteria on what to look for, what to look out for as well as how to choose a board based on YOUR preferences.

Lets get into the review. 

Best Paddle Boards For Women

Below is a list I have curated talking to many different female paddlers. They give me recommendations on what they like and the boards they have paddled. I go through their criteria of needs and wants and have finally after 20 hours of research compiled a list of what we believe to be the best SUPs for women. 

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1. Nixy Venice (Top Women’s Pick)

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 34” X 6”
• Materials: Dual Fusion woven drop stitch with carbon side rails
• Weight: 23 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 350 Lbs

Total Ratings 8.8/10 (Average of Below Numbers)

Why is it a Good Womens Pick? 

The Nixy Venice is a solid pick for women because it ticks all of the boxes. It’s lightweight at 23 lbs, its maximum capacity allows for extra passengers or gear to be brought on board. Its 34” width makes it a perfect recreational/ yoga board that will leave most beginners sure-footed for the first few goes on this boafrd. 

In my experience 34” width boards will feel a lot more stable than the average 32” all-around paddle board. The 23 lbs weight also makes the board more than manageable to carry to the shoreline which is often a very overlooked criterion. 

Nixy also makes some of the highest quality paddle boards in my experience. In fact, I have a 3-year-old Nixy Newport that is still going strong after many hours logged onto it!

On-Water Performance

The Nixy Venice is one of the more stability-focused SUPs on the list. Its 34” width coupled with its expansive deck pad makes it a great platform to have extra passengers. It’s also a great pick for those who want to practice SUP yoga without worrying about tripping on things like deck bungees. 

Being a wider and average length board the Venice won’t be the quickest on the list but when compared to other SUPs of its dimensions its tracking and speed are respectable. I personally love Nixy’s fin system and it’s a big reason why the board tracks well despite the wider handicap. 

All 3 fins are fully removable so you can change fin setups to tweak the handling of the board. Paddling in tighter areas? Remove the side fins to make the board more maneuverable. Paddling in more open water? Add a touring fin and side fins to make the board track straighter. 

Board Features and Design

The Venice offers a wide array of accessories to make it a great “Jill of all Trades” board. As mentioned above, the wide expansive deck pad allows you to host a wide range of activities and paddlers onto the board. The Venice has a few add-on capabilities that make it a great SUP for a variety of different purposes. 

The 5 action mounts allow you to screw in things such as cup holders, fishing rod holders, speakers, or even holders for your cell phone or action cams (It’s nice to have a designated place to hold your cell phone!). You can also attach two kayak seats onto the board thanks to the 2 free D rings. This allows you to paddle the SUP in tandem while being comfortably seated.

You can see our Nixy Venice Review here.

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2. iRocker All Around 10 Ultra (Lightweight- Compact Pick)

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10’ X 32” X 6”
• Materials: Dual Fusion cross threaded drop stitch
• Weight: 19.8 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 260 Lbs

Total Score: 8.7 (Average of Below Scores)

• On-Water Performance – 8.1
  • Stability 7.5
  • Tracking  8
  • Speed 8.5
  • Maneuverability 8.5
• SUP Construction – 9
• Board Features  – 8.6
  • Deck Pad 9
  • D Rings 8.5
  • Deck Bungees 8.5
  • Action Mounts: 7.5
  • Handles 9
• Accessories – 8.6
  • Backpack 9.5
  • Paddle 7.5
  • Pump 9
  • Fins 8.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 9

Why is it a Good Womens Pick? 

The iRocker All Around 10 Ultra is a great pick because of its portability. The All Around 10 Ultra board folds in half lengthwise which allows the board to be transported in a smaller bag. This in turn makes the board less cumbersome to carry and takes up less space. Ideal for those van/ camping trips!

The All Around 10 Ultra is also one of the lightest boards on the list. This feature makes it that much easier to carry to the shoreline. 

On Top of that, the handle is off-center. This may not sound like much at first but oftentimes shorter/ smaller gals may have a hard time getting their arm around the middle of the board to carry it. With the off-center handle, you don’t have to hug as much of the board which makes it less awkward to carry. 

On-Water Performance

I have found a few female paddlers from my paddling excursions who have sported this board. Of the ones I’ve asked they have said that while the board may be a bit tippy at first you get used to it fairly quickly. Some of the most positive things that they’ve told me are that the All Around 10 Ultra has quick acceleration in the water as well as decent speed for a 10’ paddle board.

In my experience with the All Around 11 Ultra, I found that the board felt more maneuverable in the water compared to its older brother the classic All Around 11. The All Around 10 Ultra will be even more maneuverable thanks to its shorter length. Making it one of the better boards to do quick and efficient sweep strokes on. 

Board Features and Design

Perhaps the most noteworthy of the All Around 10 Ultra is the fact that it folds in half lengthwise. This is starting to become a trend with inflatable SUPs and I won’t be surprised if every company follows this path in the future. 

The bag is also very well designed and thought out as it takes up almost half the amount of room lengthwise while still being big enough to fit everything inside, even with an imperfect fold. 

Another noteworthy feature that Irocker has included in this package is an electric SUP Pump. Often times manufacturers will have deals where they include an eclectic pump but they are not permanent. 

In the case of all of the iRocker Ultra board lineup, they are included in the package regardless of the time of year or sale. In my mind more ISUP companies need to follow this as electric SUP pumps are game changers. 

You can see our Irocker All Around 10 Ultra Review here.

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3. Red Paddle Compact 11’ (Lightweight Premium Touring Pick)

Specifications

• Dimensions: 11’ X 32” X 4.7”
• Materials: MSL Fusion Technology
• Weight: 20 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 242 Lbs

Why is it a Good Womens Pick? 

The Red Paddle Compact is for those female paddlers who want to take their paddle boarding to the next level. All the while having a compact package that’s easy to carry around. Red Paddle is notorious for making some of the best inflatable paddle boards on the market. They design almost the entire board in-house and have more control over the manufacturing process compared to most other SUP companies. 

The Red Paddle Compact 11’ is a solid touring/all-around hybrid board that encompasses the best of both worlds. Its 11’ length is a good touring size for women while its 32” width makes it stable enough for even beginners to paddle along. 

On-Water Performance

The Compact will be one of the quicker and better tracking boards on the list thanks to its dimensions and its more hydrodynamic frame. The 4.7 thickness also gets you closer to the water which adds some extra stability while you are paddling. Red Paddle boards are an in between of inflatable and hard boards in terms of how they sit in the water. This helps close the distance between you and the water making it easier to stand on. 

The acceleration of the 11’ Compact is also note worthy. There are few 11’ ISUPs that are as light weight as the Compact which means you can paddle further without tiring as much compared to a board thats 5 or even 10 lbs heavier. 

Board Features and Design

Besides being one of the lightest and most compact 11’ boards on the market Red Paddle takes special care on the design and manufacturing of their paddle boards. As a result these boards can take a PSI of anywhere from 16-22 PSI thanks to their MSL fusion technology. 

This MSL fusion process also makes the board remarkable stiff which in turn gives you less drag and a smoother glide per each paddle stroke. 

The Red Paddle Compact 11’ also comes with one of the better made travel bags and manual pumps as well as a compact 5 piece paddle. While I’m not a big fan of manual pumps this one is one of the better ones as its a dual chamber pump that pumps air in a smooth fashion thanks to its in-house design. 

The paddle weighs 1.87 lbs which is one of the lighter weight paddles to come with an ISUP package. In my mind this paddle would be the better pick compared to the one that comes with the All Around 10 Ultra board. 

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4. Gili Komodo SUP (Pup Pick) 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 33” X 6”
• Materials: Triple Layer Fusion Construction
• Weight: 21 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 340 Lbs

Total Score: 8.1 (Average of Below Numbers)

• On-Water Performance – 8.5
  • Stability 8.5
  • Tracking 8.5
  • Speed 7.5
  • Maneuverability 8.5
• SUP Construction – 8
• Board Features – 8
  • Deck Pad 9
  • D Rings 8
  • Deck Bungees 8
  • Action Mounts: 7.5
  • Handles 7.5
• Accessories – 8
  • Backpack 8
  • Paddle 7.5
  • Pump 7
  • Fins 8.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is it a Good Womens Pick? 

The Gili Komodo SUP, like the Nixy Venice, has a deckpad that covers almost all of the board. Which makes it a great candidate to do yoga as well as bring along some SUP Pups, kids or even tandem paddle. 

The Komodo’s 33” frame makes it a quicker more hydrodynamic option compared to many other yoga SUPs. While there may be a slight decrease in stability compared to a wide board it makes for better recreational day paddling. 

On-Water Performance

The Gili Komodo is a fairly stable paddle board which is marketed for people who want to do yoga or paddle with passengers. While the board is about an inch shorter compared to other wide yoga SUPs, it features a wider tail which allows the board to keep planted while moving around. 

The Komodo won’t be the fastest or best tracking board on this list bit it does an admiral job based on how its designed. 

The board has a thinner nose compared to previous years models which allows the board to glide through the water with more ease. The Komodo also comes with a snap on racing fin and two 5” snap on side fins which help the board keep a straighter course while paddling. 

Board Features and Design

One of the good things about the Komodo is that it offers the most storage room on board compared to other SUPs on this list. Making it a pretty underrated camping/ multi day SUP. 

Both the front and rear bungee areas encompass a large amount of space which means you can fit numerous dry bags, coolers and any other bulky things you can think of. 

One of the other things that stands out about this package is the Gili backpack. While its design is relatively simple I do like how they clearly label places to put you gear. Often times you are tempted to just toss the fins into the main section but when its labeled it makes you pause and place the fins in an easier place that avoids them getting lost. 

You can see our Gili Komodo 10’6″ Review here.

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5. Blackfin Ultra CX (Fun Pick) 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 31.5” X 6”
• Materials: Dual Fusion cross threaded drop stitch with carbon rails
• Weight: 19.8 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 320 Lbs

Total Score: 8.8 (Averages of Below Scores)

• On-Water Performance – 8.6
  • Stability 8
  • Tracking 8.5
  • Speed 9
  • Maneuverability 9
• SUP Construction – 9
• Board Features  – 8.6
  • Deck Pad 9
  • D Rings 8.5
  • Deck Bungees 8.5
  • Action Mounts: 7.5
  • Handles 9.5
• Accessories – 8.6
  • Backpack 9.5
  • Paddle 7.5
  • Pump 9
  • Fins 8.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 9

Why is it a Good Womens Pick? 

The Blackfin Ultra CX , like the All Around 10 is a lightweight compact model that comes in a specialized bag. It weighs the same weight as the All Around 10 Ultra but is 6” longer and includes carbon side rails which helps keep the board stiff. This lightweight design makes this board one of the better picks for transportation.

It’s not all about transportation though. The Blackfin Ultra CX is a super fun board to paddle around. Infact I did an on-water test with one and it was one of the most responsive boards I’ve tested. 

This is thanks to the boards extremely hydrodynamic profile and pointed nose. This is a great intermediate board to paddle if you have some SUP experience already. As I noted in our video, beginners can also paddle this board but your learning curve may be a bit more difficult. Especially if you are taller/ heavier. 

On-Water Performance

One of the things that made an impression on me was the fact that the Blackfin CX Ultra had great responsiveness in the water. But as you paddled harder I found the board tracked better and was able to maintain a good speed for a 10’6” paddle board. 

The boards glide was greatly helped by its lighter weight. I was able to keep a good speed despite the exterior elements of paddling against current and wind.

Now onto one of the most important aspects of on-water performance which is stability. I’m a 6’1” paddler and I found the board to be slightly tippy in the beginning standing up. But as you got the feel of the board it got better. 

I have a good amount of experience on inflatable SUPs so I’ve learned to adapt to different boards but for a beginner it may take a few more falls and testing the limits before truly mastering the board. If you don’t mind this then by all means it can be purchased by SUP newbies. 

Features and Design

Like the All Around 10 Ultra The Blackfin Ultra CX comes with an electric pump, carbon shaft with nylon blade paddle, a compact carry bag and a pouch that houses the electric pump and fins. 

I do like how this package is compartmentalized with pouches, loops for paddles and front pockets for extra gear you may want to bring. In my experience the more compartmentalized the package the less likely you are to loose things!

While the Blackfin Ultra CX has many commonalities to the All Around 10 in terms of features there’s a couple of things that differ. 

The first thing you may have noticed is the shape of the board. The CX Ultra has a more slender nose and tail which allows it to gain a bit more speed and track better as a result. The fins are also closer together which may also be the reason why the board tracks as well as it does when paddling full tilt.

You can see our Blackfin Ultra CX Review here.

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6. Nixy Newport G4 ( Small/ Medium Sized Paddler Pick) 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 33” X 6”
• Materials:  Dual Fusion woven drop stitch with carbon side rails
• Weight: 21 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 300 Lbs

Total Score: 8.8 /10 (Average of Below Numbers)

• On-Water Performance: 8.5
  • Stability: 8
  • Tracking: 8.5
  • Speed: 8
  • Maneuverability: 9
• SUP Construction: 9
• Board Features: 8.5
  • Deck Pad: 8.5
  • D Ring Placements: 8
  • Deck Bungee Placement: 8
  • Action Mounts 9
  • Handles: 8.5
• Accessories: 9
  • Backpack: 9
  • Paddle: 9
  • Pump: 9
  • Fins:9.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down: 9

Why is it a Good Womens Pick? 

The Nixy Newport is a fantastic All Around pick for women who want an all around board that has above average on-water performance. The board is plenty stable enough for me whos a bit of a taller lad at 6’1” so it can accommodate a good amount of the female paddlers. 

The Nixy Newport, like the Venice comes with fantastic graphics and has top tier accessories for a SUP of its price point. The reason why the Venice comes out on top is because it is a more stable board that has a higher carrying capacity. But the Newport is a faster board that tracks better thanks to its shape. More on this below. 

On-Water Performance

When I first received the Nixy Newport I was pleasantly surprised by its tracking and glide despite what would be pointed out as having a bit of a wider frame. What helps this is the fact that the board has a well designed 3 fin system and a pointed nose and tail. I’ve been able to keep up with friends who have narrower boards no problem after lots of testing with this board. 

The Newport will be stable for a good amount of women of different shapes and sizes. But it won’t be the most stable board on this list. If we were to rank the stability of the boards on here the Newport would be about middle of the row. This board also has a bit of a unique feel to it in that it has more play rocking from side to side due to the narrower shape of the board at the nose and tail. Which could take a little bit of getting used to. 

Board Features and Design

The Nixy Newport, like all Nixy boards has a fantastic array of accessories that are included including a dual chamber pump, a well thought out and spacious backpack as well as a carbon hybrid paddle which is in my opinion one of the best paddles to be provided in a SUP package. 

The board itself also has a lot of details that make your trip on the water that much better. For one the board has a built in layer of carbon on the side rails. This provides the board with protection as well as extra rigidity when helps the board glide and track better as well as provide more stability. 

You can see our Nixy Newport 10’6″ G4 Review here.

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7. Sea Gods Infinite Mantra (Design Pick)

Specifications

• Dimensions: 11’ X 34” X 6”
• Materials:  2022 PVC ULF technology and heat molded seams
• Weight: 24.5 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 350 Lbs

Why is this a Good Women’s Pick? 

If you are looking for a board where people stop you and ask “Where did you get this board? It’s beautiful!”. Then the Sea Gods Mantra will be the ideal pick for those who crave stability with amazing designs. 

This is also a great pick for mindful SUP Yogi’s who truly want an eye popping board with a decent sized traction pad. The fact that the board is 11’ by 34” makes it a super stable platform. Something to strongly consider if you are a bigger or taller gal. 

On-Water Performance

You definitely won’t win any SUP races with this board, something that even Sea Gods admits in their ratings. But in terms of pure stability this board is going to feel like a platform planted into the water. 

My experience with 11’ and 34” boards is that they are supremely stable and can handle most of what the elements throw at them. What also helps this SUP is the fact that it has a wider than average nose and tail.

The Infinite Mantra won’t be the fastest board on the list by any means because it is a bit heavier and its wider width will give it more drag.The maneuverability of the board will be decent thanks to this wider width and single dolphin fin. Especially compared to other 11’ boards on this that have a triple fin setup. 

Board Features and Design

One of the things that separates Sea gods boards is the fact that they take the time to carve different colored deck pad pieces and put them all together. This allows the color to stay true instead of having just the surface sprayed on like most ISUP manufacturers do. 

For those SUP yogi’s out there the board is actually a bigger size than a yoga mat. This makes the board a great stable platform to try some of those more challenging exercises like Astavakrasana. 

One of the most noteworthy things about this board is the fact that it does not feature a center carrying handle but instead uses side handles. This SUP is best carried by using a shoulder strap to help balance the weight on your shoulder. Which is more ideal for those petite gals out there. Unfortunately the shoulder strap is sold seperatly

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8. iRocker Cruise Ultra (Versatility Pick)

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 33” X 6”
• Materials: Dual Fusion cross threaded drop stitch
• Weight: 21 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 300 Lbs

Total Score 8.6/10 (Accumulation of Scores Below)

• On-Water Performance – 7.9
  • Stability 8.5
  • Tracking  7.5
  • Speed 7.5
  • Maneuverability 8
• SUP Construction – 9
• Board Features  – 8.5
  • Deck Pad 9
  • D Rings 8.5
  • Deck Bungees 8.5
  • Action Mounts: 7.5
  • Handles 9
• Accessories – 8.6
  • Backpack 9.5
  • Paddle 7.5
  • Pump 9
  • Fins 8.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 9

Why is this a Good Women’s Pick? 

The iRocker Cruiser is the most stable board in the Ultra lineup due to its slightly wider dimensions along with its wider tail. Mind you, it’s not the most stable paddle board on this list but it has a ton of functionality that can turn it into a truly versatile paddle board. 

Just like the Blackfin CX Ultra, and the All Around 10 Ultra, this SUP comes in a compact package which includes a bag almost half the length of an average SUP bag, as well as an electric pump, 5 piece paddle, fins and a leash. 

On-Water Performance

If there was one comparable out there it would be the Nixy Newport SUP because it has the exact same dimensions. 

Both of these SUPs run similar times in our speed tests recorded at Sasamat lake. In terms of tracking performance the advantage would go to the Newport as it has a 3 fin systems and in my preliminary testing I’ve found that boards with 9” center and 5” side fins tend to track better compared to paddle board with two 9” fins. 

In terms of stability the board would rate at about mid range with the other boards on this list. Not the best but not necessarily the worst either. The SUP will be manageable for most female paddle boarders of a variety of skill sets. 

Board Features and Design

The iRocker Cruiser Ultra, unlike the original Cruser SUP has a 2 fin system that helps the board fold in half. This two fin system consists of two 9” center fins that clip on using iRocker proprietary click in system. The fins are also further secured by lock-in tethers which is another added area of security that keeps your fins attached to the boards, even if the clip system fails. 

The Cruiser is a more than reasonable pick for those who want a super lightweight board that comes in a compact package. The backpack, and electric pumps are the biggest stars of the accessory package. 

The paddle is more than usable for recreational users but if you start getting into performance paddling you will find it bend and flex more, which reduces the power in your stroke. 

You can see our iRocker Cruiser Ultra Review here.

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9. Isle Pioneer (Entry Level Pick) 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 34” X 6”
• Materials:Air- Tech Fusion
• Weight: 24 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 285 Lbs

Total Score: 8/10 (Accumulation of Below Scores)

• On-Water Performance – 8
  • Stability 9
  • Tracking 7.5
  • Speed 7.5
  • Maneuverability 8
• SUP Construction – 8
• Board Features – 7.8
  • Deck Pad 8
  • D Rings 7
  • Deck Bungees 8
  • Handles 8
• Accessories – 8
  • Backpack 8
  • Paddle 9
  • Pump 7.5
  • Fins 7.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is this a Good Women’s Pick? 

The Isle Pioneer is a great pick for those who are just starting out paddle boarding and want a good quality SUP at a relatively affordable price tag. The Pioneer 2.0 is ideal for those who want to solo paddle or want to bring a smaller passenger onboard. 

The Pioneer 2.0 has a relatively clean deckpad compared to much of the list above. So if you want a simple board that will give you some bungee storage and a large smooth deck pad then the Pioneer is a solid choice.

On-Water Performance

The Pioneer 2.0 is made to primarily be stable. Getting a stable board greatly decreases the learning curve of learning how to stand. Which is great for the learning stage. But as you progress with your SUP skills you tend to start to outgrow these boards and start looking for something narrower that can go farther. 

With the Pioneer you can certainly take it on receational/ day paddles but as soon as you start looking to paddle for more than a few hours you may start to feel like you’ve outgrown this board. For those who like the Isle brand but want a more recreationa/ touring specific board check out the Isle Explorer. 

Board Features and Design

As mentioned above the Pioneer has a relatively simple deck design but it does have a paddle holder which is smartly placed. The paddle holder is on the right side of the board and secures the paddle with two straps. Making it easy and convenient to grab set your paddle down and take a nice savasana in the middle of the water. 

While the Isle accessory package is is pretty standard with what you get in ISUP packages. They like Nixy include a carbon hybrid paddle which consists of 70% fiberglass and 30% carbon. Most SUP packages often include an aluminum paddle or a fiberglass one. Getting a paddle with extra carbon gives your paddle a bit more rigidity and also cuts down on weight. The paddle weighs 2.3 lbs. 

You can see our Isle Pioneer 2.0 Review here.

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10. Thursosurf Water Walker 126 (Small Paddler Pick)

*Use ISUPAuthority as a Code to get 5% off your SUP Purchase

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 31” X 6”
• Materials: Double Layer PVC construction with Carbon rails
• Weight: 24 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 130-180 Lbs

Why is this a Good Women’s Pick? 

The Thursosurf Waterwalker is a great pick board for those smaller gals who want a board that is easy to maneuver and paddle in the water. Some of the boards we have picked in our list can be a bit wider which can slightly compromise your stroke if you are of a smaller stature. So we wanted to include the Waterwalker so that we can give those smaller gals something close to their stature to paddle easily. 

The Waterwalker 126 also has a cool design with its famous wood finish graphics on the top of the board followed by the different color shades on the deck pad. The Waterwalker series also comes in a 10’, and 11’ variety for those looking for the perfect size for them. 

On-Water Performance

The Waterewalker 126 is a solid board for most conditions from bays, lakes and harbors to even catching a few smaller swells at the beach. The things that the Waterwalker 126 excels at is its glide. The board has the shortest width of anything on this list so that reduces drag while paddling in the water. 

Whats also impressive about this board is its maneuverability. This years model appears to have put less weight in the tail which allows you to control your pivot turns a bit better. The board also tracks fairly well thanks to its 3 snap-on fin setup. 

While I personally prefer boards with US finbox’s this set-up is sufficient and will help the board track better than one that has a center fin and side bite fins. If you want to increase maneuverability you can take the side fins off to help loosen up the tail of the board as well. 

Board Features and Design

Thursosurf has started using some more advanced construction patterns which is starting to become the norm for paddle boards in its price range. 

The Waterwalker uses a woven drop stitch pattern which means instead of being knitted to the board, the drop stitch is more in a wicker “X” pattern which helps the board be more rigid. To add to the rigidity Thursosurf also added carbon side rails to the board which helps make it even more rigid, therefore reducing its drag in the water. 

Thursosurf, like Nixy has some fantastic accessories that come included in the package including a dual chamber pump and a big wheeled bag. The package also comes with a carbon hybrid paddle which makes the package one of the better ones in terms of accessories that come with the board. 

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How to Choose a Woman’s Specific Paddle Board

Below are steps that fellow female paddlers along with myself have brainstormed and decided are the most important criteria when looking for a womens specific SUP. 

Paddle Board Construction

There are several Paddle Board Construction types you need to look at when choosing the best SUP for you. 

Epoxy/ Hard Paddle Boards

These boards are constructed with an EPS foam core with several layers of epoxy resin and/ or fiberglass. This allows them to sit in the water vs sit ontop which can make them feel a bit more steady. The drawback to these boards is that they are heavier and transporting them can be tough. Usually you need a roof rack of a truck/ van to go from your house to the beach. 

These boards are still slightly better performers when it comes to on-water activities like touring, racing and surfing due to the hull sitting in the water. This allows the board to cut through waves and water more efficiently. As a result of their materials and the design that goes into them these SUPs are usually more expensive as a result. 

Soft Top Paddle Boards

These boards have a similar construction to Epoxy/ Hard paddle boards but they are covered with a soft outer shell. Soft tops are usually marketed to families with children, dogs or beginners who want a stable board. 

These SUPs are not made for performance and are mostly made for recreational models. 

Inflatable Paddle Boards

This subject is this website’s bread and butter. Inflatable paddle boards are a hollowed out board that is held together by thousands of drop stitch threads coated with layers of PVC. 

Inflatable paddle boards construction has come along way since these types of boards first came out. Nowadays any inflatable paddle board over 25 lbs is considered heavy, which can often times be due to out-dated manufacturing processes. You can learn more about inflatable paddle board construction here. 

Inflatable paddle boards come in a wide variety of different types. The most common are:

• All Around (Recreational boards)
• Touring (Long Distance Paddling)
• Racing 
• Yoga
• Fishing
• Multi Person paddle boards

Because of the improved materials that have gone into inflatable boards they have been getting more and more rigid which is thus closing the gap to hard paddle boards. 

Of course the most intriguing thing about these boards is the fact that they are portable and do not take up as much space as a hard board. This makes them a great piece of paddling equipment to fit in the trunk of your car or even take with you on your travels in a plane! 

Most inflatable SUPs come with a backpack that is about the size of a hiking backpack or hiking bag.

Dimensions Sizing

There are a few important sizing dimensions to choose from when looking for a women’s inflatable paddle boards. The dimensions of the board will determine how the board handles when you paddle it in the water, as well as how heavy it is, how bulky it is to carry and how much weight you can take onboard. 

Paddle Board Length

The length of the paddle board will determine how well it tracks in the water as well as how fast it can go. To a degree it also determines how stable the board is and its level of maneuverability. 

A big factor in choosing the length is how tall you are. Here is a little general sizing guide below

Person’s Height	Paddle Board Length
6’0 and over	10’6” – 11’6”
6’0 and under	10’6” – 9’6”

This is not so straightforward mind you as there are lots of other factors that come into play when it comes to paddle board sizes. Things such as paddlers weight, experience and board load will all have a part to play in this. For more information read our paddle board sizing guide for more details. 

Paddle Board Width

The width influences the stability of your paddle board the most. Wider boards will have more stability but they will produce more drag. Before you get a board you have to really think about not just your needs as a beginner, but also future uses as you get better in skill level.

Typically starting out you want to start with a 31” to 34” paddle board. The smaller/ lighter you are the lower down on width you can go. Most inflatable paddle boards have a width of 32” – 33” which is usually a good inbetween of having a board with good stability and good on-water performance factor like speed and tracking. 

Paddle Board Shape

Some things that are not so commonly mentioned when it comes with SUP dimensions is SUP shape. Many people look at the main width of the middle of the board and the length and think “yup thats it thats the one!” but something you need to consider is how the board is shaped. Even with All Around boards. 

Is the Nose narrow or wide? A narrower nose will cut through the water better giving the board better speed and tracking. A wider nose will give you more stability but will create more drag as these types of noses tend to plow the water instead of part it neatly.

Is the Tail narrow or wide? I wider tail will give you better board stability while a narrower tapers one will give the board a little bit less of a stable feeling but give the board a more hydrodynamic profile which makes it more responsive. 

How much the board is tapered on either end has a direct effect on how the board handles when paddling it. 

Paddle Board Volume

The volume or size of the board will effect how much weight the board can carry and its maximum capacity. Volume is often rated in Liters but the more common stats that people look at are maximum capacity and board weight.

SUP Weight: The Paddle Board’s weight should be a significant criteria for many women as it weight has a direct correlation on how long you can hold the board for while walking to the shore. In general its most convenient when you find a paddle board that is under 25 lbs. Thankfully most of our picks are below this range with some even in the low 20’s range!

Maximum Capacity: Or how much weight a paddle board can hold will be a more important stat for those who want to bring heavier things like extra gear or passengers onboard. Usually boards within the 300-400 lb maximum tested capacity are great picks to load up with gear or paddle sitting down as a tandem. If you are a solo paddler bringing minimal gear you won’t have to worry too much about this. 

Your Activities/ Needs

I like to separate paddle boarding into two categories, Activities and Needs. If you click the two below pictures below you can find paddle boards based on certain SUP activities or boards based on capacity/ personal needs. 

Below we will explain some of the more common paddle boarding activities you can do. 

Recreational Paddle Boarding

About 80% of paddle boarders will fall into this category. Recreational paddle boarding can be classified as grabbing your board and paddling for an hour or two. Or simply having the kids paddle to the middle of the lake, jumping on and off of it as they please. 

Recreational paddle boards usually have a bit of a rounder nose and tail which allows them to be more steady. If stability is your primary focus look for a wider tail nose and mid section. 

Touring Paddle Boarding

SUP touring is often the next level that recreational paddlers graduate to. These paddle boards take on greater distances which can last hour or even days. There is no one size fits all for touring paddle boards as you have to account for you height/ weight as well as how much gear you are bringing with you. 

Touring paddle boards tend to (but not always) have a thinner nose and tail which allows you to paddle farther at a slightly higher clip compared to recreational paddle boards. 

Paddle Board Racing

This type of paddle boarding is primarily for those who are more advanced and compete in SUP races. These boards are thin in profile and difficult to stand on when standing still. The key with these boards is forward momentum. 

These paddle boards have a very skinny profile and are usually hard boards. Although there are some inflatable brands like Naish, Starboard and Red Paddle that have race specific inflatable paddle boards. 

Paddle Board Yoga

Also known as SUP Yoga, is a great way to fulfill your practice while being on the water. These boards tend to be wider and rounder than recreational paddle board due to the extra emphasis needed on stability. While these board will lack a bit of the speed of recreational/ all around boards  they are still serviceable for a few hours of paddling around the lake. 

Somethings to look for in yoga paddle boards is a deckpad that spans at least ¾ of the board as well as a clear area where you normally put your feet, hands etc. 

Paddle Board Fishing

Paddle board fishing is one of the biggest growing sectors in the fishing industry. These boards are shaped similarly to SUP yoga boards in that they tend to be wider and a bit rounder in shape. 

Their preference is stability of course, so you should look for a board between 32”- 34” wide depending on your experience/ balance and weight/ height. 

Paddle Board Surfing

Yes you can surf with some paddle boards. Although in this case hard/ epoxy boards are the best boards for this purpose as their rails cut into the water better allowing you to steer the board. Inflatables have rounder rails so many of them simply just get propelled with the wave with little steering input. 

With surfing paddle boards you want to go longer if you have less surfing experience. As you gain more experience you will find that you can go to a smaller board to give you more maneuverability while riding a wave. 

SUP Features to Look For

There are a few features to look for when looking for an inflatable paddle board. We mention the top things below. 

Deck Pad

If you are new to paddle boarding you want a deckpad that is relatively thick and soft. I personally like diamond grooved or striped deck paddling because they offer the most traction for your feet. It’s a bonus when a SUP includes 2 types of traction pads on the same board. 

Something like: Stripes/ Smooth deck padding in the front and middle of the board and diamond grooved in the rear. 

The diamond grooved deck padding in the rear provides ample grip for when you progress to more advanced maneuvers such as pivot turns. 

Deck Bungees

The amount of deck bungees you need depends on how much stuff you are bringing with you. If you are a SUP minimalist like a SUP Yogi or someone who plans to paddle for an hour then you will only need one area of deck webbing for water and perhaps your paddle. 

The longer paddling excursions you go on the more deck webbing you will need. Most of the paddle boards on this list have 2 areas on the board to stash and store different items. I personally look for SUPs that have 5-6 rows of deck webbing when I go out for a few hours. 

Add-On Accessories

Here are some other on-board items to keep a look out for on a board. 

D Rings: It’s good to have at least 4 free D-Rings in the middle of the board for things like kayak seats or even coolers. The more free D rings a paddle board has the more strapping and stowing options are available. Some boards even have D rings for towing which can be useful if you have a boat at the carbon. 

Action Mounts: Action mounts are screw in holders that allow you to attach things such as fishing rod holders, cup holders, action cameras, phone holders etc. You don’t have to have them but they are handy for giving you more space on deck.

Paddle Holders: These are supremely useful for those who like to fish or do yoga as you don’t have to worry about knocking into your paddle as you are moving around your board. The ideal place for a paddle holder is right next to the side of the board as its easy to get to and it stays out of the way of the deckpad. 

Visual Appeal 

Truthfully this should be one of the last criteria to consider when choosing the right board for yourself. 

But I also understand that having a good looking board helps you stand out from the crowd. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so if you find a board that stands out to you rate it against all of our above criteria to see if it makes the cut. 

Warranty/ Return Period

I personally look for a paddle board warranty of at least 2 years against manufacturing defects. A lot of the cheaper boards you find on Amazon or other big box retailers may have something like a 6 months warranty. This is simply not enough time! As it’s the manufacturer effectively telling you that their product may not last throughout the year. 

An acceptable return period would be 30 days. Be wary though, some manufacturers like to add a 20% restocking fee to the returned board! So be sure to read through all return conditions before jumping in and purchasing. 

FAQ’s

Below are some common FAQ’s that I get asked by female paddlers.