Below are the best paddle boards by maximum capacity. We have tested or have done thorough research on the list provided below. This list is best used when looking for a board that can carry a certain amount of weight onboard.
- 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
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 idea that can help you choose what maximum capacity you need for your paddleboard. Ideally, it’s best to ask the manufacturer directly if you have any specific capacity questions, as they will know their product best and have vigorously tested it with different weights..
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.
The estimates on this chart are well above the 20% guideline because sometimes you want to bring extra gear or maybe even an extra small passenger! It’s better to have a bigger weight-to-maximum capacity gap than to cut it close. The board will be more stable, track better, be faster, and maneuver better in the water. Too much weight within that 20% threshold, and the board’s performance starts to decline drastically. Making it a more challenging paddle for you and whoever is onboard.
The chart is just a generalized recommendation and not the end-all be-all. For the best information on maximum capacity, ask the manufacturer weight-related questions as they know their boards best. This is just a general guide that I have found across an array of different paddle board manufacturers.
150 – 250 Lbs Maximum Capacity: This is Ideal for a child, teen, or small-sized adult. Typically, these boards are shorter in length and are more difficult to balance on. Especially if you are a Beginner. If you are around 200 lbs, on-water performance will start to drastically decline on this board.
250- 300 Lbs Maximum Capacity:. This is usually the range for smaller All Around Paddle Boards. This is usually a good range for smaller paddlers looking for an all around board who perhaps want to take some cargo with them.
300 – 450 lbs Maximum Capacity: This is around the typical range of many all-around boards and Fishing SUPs, and Touring Paddle Boards. Towards the 400 lb mark you could even bring on a small passenger or smaller adult onboard as a Tandem SUP.
350 – 450 Lbs Maximum Capacity: These are usually meant for paddlers who want some extra capacity to bring along gear. Things such as pets, camping, fishing, or even kids or smaller adults can be used on the latter end of this range.
550 – 1000 lbs Maximum Capacity: Used for higher capacity fishing SUPs or Multi-Person paddle boards that have the capability to take many passengers onboard. Party SUPs are used for recreational purposes and are usually best for a day of casual paddling for short distances. We do not recommend multi-person boards for paddling long distances because of their wide width. They are strictly for recreational purposes.
To Find the Best Paddle Boards Size For You across a variety of different dimensions like width, length and length.