Below is a list of our best paddle boards by width. All of these boards have either been tested or heavily researched and are 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!
- Best 32 Inch Wide Paddle Boards
- Best 33 Inch Wide Paddle Boards
- Best 34 Inch Wide Paddle Boards
24″ – 28″ Wide Boards: Unstable for many Beginner Paddle Boards, these sizes are typically for advanced racing/ Touring Sups or Kids/ Youth boards meant for smaller paddlers. Thinner boards provide less friction in the water, which allows them to glide faster in the water. However, with that, you get less primary stability (you standing steady on top of your board in the water), which may mean more trips into the drink!
28″ – 31″ Wide Board: This size range will be for smaller All Around boards or wider touring SUPs. This width is ideal for smaller adults who are new or intermediate paddlers who have some experience with paddle boarding. These boards create less drag in the water but will be less stable for less experienced/ bigger paddlers.
32 – 34″ Wide Boards: Usually, the width range for most inflatable all-around boards. This is the range you should look at as a beginner. If you are small-medium build/ height, then most likely a 32” wide board with 10’6” height should do the trick. If you are a taller or heavier gentleman or lady, it’s best to look at 34” width for good stability to start off with.
34” + Wide Board: Often for wide fishing paddle boards, wider for Multi-person/ Party SUPs. Fishing SUPs can get as wide as 40” to provide a more stable platform to fish off. Multi-Person SUPs can easily carry anywhere from 4- 10 people, but require coordination to set up and paddle. These boards are more meant for recreational use where there is not a ton of paddling involved.
Width goes hand in hand with the length of the board as well as the shape. While width does have a big part to play in paddle board stability, it is not the only factor in play. If a board has 34” width but is aggressively tapered (has an extremely pointed nose and tail), then it will not be overly stable. If stability is the name of the game, you look for a board that is rounded throughout and only slightly tapers towards the nose and tail.
A wider nose and tail will also make a big difference in terms of the board’s overall stability in the water.
For those who want a board that has better speed/ tracking, look for a shorter width, a longer length and a more pointed outline.
To Find the Best Paddle Boards Size For You across a variety of different dimensions like weight, maxumum capacity and length.