Below are guides that rate the best paddle boards by length that I have tested or have done thorough research on. All of these boards have been ranked and rated based on 5 different categories. On-Water Performance, Board Features, Construction, Accessories, and Set-Up/Take-Down time. In our eyes, these are some of the most important factors to look for when choosing the best inflatable paddle board for you!

But how do you know what length inflatable paddle board to get? Where do you even start!? Below is a bite-sized sizing guide we put together.

The guide above is a general guide based on my experience. When looking at a specific SUPs, always look at the manufacturer’s size chart or ask customer service which SUP is best for you. As not all paddle board manufacturers are created equal, there is a different array of materials, construction methods, and shapes involved that all have a part to play in the stability of the SUP.

7’9 – 9’8″ Length Boards: Best for Kids SUPs, teens, and small adults when it comes to All-Around Boards. More intermediate paddlers who are small to medium-sized can go on these boards as well. Oftentimes, intermediate to advanced surfers pick these kinds of boards for maneuverability purposes when they are catching a wave.

9’8′ – 10.6’ Length Boards: Around 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 for adults. Boards that are 9’8” and above feature good maneuverability but are not the best boards to take long distances due to their limited capacity and slightly compromised tracking. This is usually the starting spot for recreational boards for smaller paddlers.

10’ – 10’6” Length Boards: This is usually the size range most inflatable all-around paddle boards fall under. As mentioned above, 10’6 will be a good starting point for most paddlers who are just starting. If you are taller/ bigger and are set on getting a 10’6” board but are looking for something more stable, look for a wider width that is about 34” wide.

11’-11’6” Length Boards: These boards are meant for Bigger / Taller folks who want a board that can handle more weight. These boards can also be a good Tandem SUP if the weight capacity is sufficient. These boards are 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. Or you see thinner Touring SUPs, which are meant for paddling longer distances. Boards that are over 11’6” typically are specialized to a degree for one of the above categories.

Of course, the above material is just general guidelines for inflatable paddle boards. To get a complete picture, it’s best to look at the size chart of the SUP Brand you are interested in or contact customer support.

The findings above are based purely on my experience testing many different paddle boards across a wide array of different brands. To Find the Best Paddle Boards Size For You across a variety of different dimensions like weight, maxumum capacity and width.

Happy Paddle Board Shopping!