In this paddle board size section, we will be linking our top-rated paddle boards by size that we have tested or have done thorough research on. This page is best used by folks who have specific dimensions in mind. You can get the complete picture in the How to Choose a Paddle Board article here.

Inflatable Paddle Board Size Chart

Below is a size chart that you can use to choose the right paddle board size for you. Because who doesn’t love a nice visual chart!

*It should be noted that this chart is certainly not the word of god but rather a rough estimation assuming the person looking for a paddle board is just starting out and looking for an all-around paddle board that you can put some gear on. As you get more experienced, you can go to a shorter length/ width of paddle board.

A lot of this is also dependent on the paddle board you are looking at, as not all paddle boards are created equal due to the materials used, manufacturing process, and the shape of the board.

Paddle Boards By Length

Below are paddle boards of various lengths. If you don’t know where to start, use the information below as a rough guide. We go into this in-depth in our Paddle Board Length article, and what specifically to look at.

7’9 – 9’8″ Length Boards: Best for Kids, teens, and smaller adults. These dimensions are also ideal for experienced surfers because they are highly manueverable.

9’8′ – 10.6’ Length Boards: 10’ is best for teens and smaller adults. 10’6 is a good size for about 80% of paddlers out there. This is typically the entry size for All Around boards.

10’ – 10’6” Length Boards: This is usually the size range most inflatable paddle boards fall under. As mentioned above, 10’6 will be good for most paddlers; however, if you are a taller paddler or slightly above average in size/weight, 11’ may be a good size to get to feel more stable on.

11’-11’6” Length Boards: These boards are meant for Bigger / Taller folks who want a bigger board. This is typically still in the all-around category. However, some Fishing and Yoga SUPs can also be found at this length, too.

11.6” Length Boards and over: This is where you start to get into the specialty boards. Typically, this is where you start to see bigger/ wider Fishing SUPs, Multi-person party SUPs, and then Touring SUPs, which are meant for paddling longer distances.

Click here to see our top picks of Paddle Boards Listed By Length, or click below for specific Paddle Board Lengths

Paddle Boards by Width

The Width is part of the factor that determines how stable the board is and how much glide it has in the water. We go more in-depth into Paddle Board Width here.

24″ – 28″ Wide Boards: Unstable for many beginner adult Paddlers, these sizes are typically for advanced racing/ touring sups or kids/ youth boards meant for smaller paddlers.

28″ – 31″ Wide Board: Will be for smaller All Around boards or Touring SUPs. Ideal for smaller paddlers or intermediate SUP enthusiasts who have some experience on paddle boards.

32 – 34″ Wide Boards: Usually the width range for most all-around boards. This is a good width range for beginners to look at if stability is their main priority. These size boards are also great for SUP yoga, SUP fishing, and tandem boards. 34” wide boards are usually best for heavier/ taller paddlers or a paddler and a passenger onboard.

34 + Wide Board: Often for wide fishing paddle boards or Multi-person SUPs. Fishing SUPs can get as wide as 40” to provide a more stable platform. Multi-Person SUPs will carry 4- 10 people, but require coordination to set up and paddle.

Click here to see All the Paddle Boards Listed By Width or click below for specific Paddle Board Widths

Best 32 Inch Wide Paddle Boards
Best 33 Inch Wide Paddle Boards
Best 34 Inch Wide Paddle Boards

Paddle Boards By Weight

Find some of our top-rated SUPs listed by how much the board itself weighs. Keep in mind that the package (bag, pump, other SUP Accessories) is usually 10 – 20 lbs heavier, depending on what the SUP package includes. Paddle boards are getting lighter and lighter while still maintaining durable construction, thanks to new processes and techniques used to make the boards using less materials.

Typically, heavier paddle boards are for those who want the ability to add add-ons for things such as SUP fishing. Lighter paddleboards are best for smaller paddlers who don’t want to bring much onboard other than the basic accessories.

For longer paddling journeys, heavier inflatable SUPs are usually preferred as they have more durable materials associated with them and are more heavy-duty, while lighter SUPs will be better for recreational purposes like paddling on the lake for a few hours.

Click here to see all the Paddle Boards Listed By Weight, or click below for specific Paddle Board Weights.

Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Under 17.5 Lbs
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards 17.5 Lbs to 22 Lbs
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards 22 Lbs to 28 Lbs
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Over 28 Lbs

Paddle Boards By Maximum Capacity

The Maximum Capacity signifies how much weight a paddle board can take before seeing a significant drop in on-water performance. You can use our guide below as a rough guide that can help you choose what maximum capacity you need for your paddleboard. You can see a more detailed article on Paddle Boards by Maximum Capacity here.

Typically, you want to be 20% away from the maximum capacity. For example, if you have a board with a maximum capacity of 250 Lbs, the maximum weight you would want to place on the board is 200 Lbs. This is because, often times, maximum capacity is rated as how much weight a board can take while being buoyant, while if you are 20% outside of the maximum capacity range, the board is still paddleable.

150 – 250 Lbs Maximum Capacity: Ideal for a child, teen, or small-sized adult.

250- 300 Lbs Maximum Capacity: This is good for a paddler and or a smaller passenger like a child or dog. This is usually the range for All Around Paddle Boards.

300 – 450 lbs Maximum Capacity: Can be used as a Tandem SUP. Add the weight of both adults and add 20-30 lbs to see if it’s within the manufacturer’s maximum capacity. This is the range of All Around Boards with a bigger maximum capacity or Fishing Paddle Boards.

350 – 450 Lbs Maximum Capacity: For a heavier All Around User and some gear. Can be used as a tandem with a large and a smaller passenger as well.

550 – 1000 lbs Maximum Capacity: Used for multi-person boards that have the capability to take many passengers onboard.

Click here to see our top Paddle Boards Listed By Maximum Capacity or click below for specific Paddle Board Max Capacity ratings.

Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Under 250 lb capacity
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards 250 lb capacity to 330 lb capacity
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards 330 lb capacity to 400 lb capacity
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Over 400 lb capacity