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Best All-Around Inflatable Paddle Boards

top 5 inflatable paddle boards

All-around is the most popular category for inflatable SUP’s. Boards in this category are ideal for cruising on lakes, calm rivers or along ocean bays.

ADVANTAGES

All-around boards have many advantages as they tend to be quite versatile and ideal for use in all different conditons.  Typically an all-around SUP will offer a little more stability than a sleaker touring board.

These are a great choice for beginner to intermediate paddleboarders and for those who want to paddle with dogs, kids or for anyone who is looking for a nice comfortable ride.

DISADVANTAGES

The disadvantage is that an all-around board will tend to be a jack-of-all-trades but master of none.

They are typically not the fastest boards in the water although many still track quite well.

However for a fun day of recreational paddling with your friends, an all-around board is an ideal choice.

SIZE

The length and width of an all-around ISUP can really vary.  If you’re looking for a board that can hold more weight and offer more stability then stick with one that is 10’8″ or longer and 31″ or wider.

Although overall shape and design play a factor, typically the leaner the board the less stable it will be.  The wider the board the more stable it will be but a wider board also means that it will move slower and take more effort to paddle and turn.

If your board is too wide it can feel very sluggish in the water yet ultra stable and safe.

A smaller board will be easier to maneuver and carry and often easier for a smaller person to manage.

Below are some of our favourite 2023 all-around inflatable SUP’s.The boards below are all stable, easy to paddle and able to carry large amounts of weight.

If you need a smaller all-around paddle board then keep scrolling down as I list those below.

OR if you prefer a faster touring board check out our Top 5 Touring Inflatable SUP’s here.

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GILI KOMODO PADDLE BOARD/KAYAK

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If versatility is what you are looking for, the Komodo is an excellent choice.  This board comes with a complete SUP to Kayak package including a kayak seat, a foam kayak cushion, a SUP paddle with an attachable kayak blade as well as an inflatable foot rest.

At 11′ long and 33″ wide, the Komodo is stable and easy to paddle.  The size will suit most people and is a really nice comfortable ride for a fun day of cruising.

The lightweight design (weighs only 21 lbs.) makes it ultra portable and easy to carry.

It has tons of cool features including removable bungees, side paddle holder, three action cams, lots of D-ring attachments and three removable fins.

Added Bonus:  When you purchase the Gili Komodo they donate a fantastic box of dog gear to a dog rescue organization of your choice!  See our review for more details.

HERO SUP HYBRID CRUSADER

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The Hybrid Crusader is the ultimate all-around inflatable paddle board that any person of any age or skill level can enjoy.

It is loaded with awesome features and you even have the option of adding a cup holder (my fave accessory!).The shape, size and design provide enough stability to feel comfortable without being so wide and stable that it becomes a boring ride.

The Hybrid design with the 32″ width and slightly tapered nose keeps it gliding efficiently.

We love this board for cruising with our dogs, exploring lakes and calm rivers and for paddling along the ocean shoreline.

This is a premium board that is priced really well.  It is constructed with woven drop stitch and therefore super solid yet light weight. With the high-end accessories included in the package, this board is ready for any adventure and doesn’t disappoint.

NIXY NEWPORT G4

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The Newport G4 is a little shorter and wider than some of the others here.

I don’t normally enjoy paddling a 33″ wide board as they tend to be slow and hard to turn.  However the tapered nose and tail really help this SUP to glide a little smoother and track straighter.

Loaded with great features and a super nice accessory package, the NIXY Newport G4 is perfect for paddling on lakes and ocean bays.  This board is very well made and super fun on the water.

 

THURSO SURF WATERWALKER 132

  • Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132
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The Waterwalker 132 is solid and stable.  This board provides an easy and comfortable ride for even brand new paddle boarders.

It’s loaded with nice features and comes with a really great accessories package. If you’re new to paddle boarding, you’ll feel comfortable very quickly on the Waterwalker 132.

This board is heavier to carry at 30 lbs., but once you’re on the water the WW132 will get you anywhere you need to go.

ATOLL 11′

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This Atoll board has a lot of things going for it. Basic in design, it is not fancy but it is solid, light weight, and easy to paddle.

At 11′ long and 32″ wide it is quite stable and great to use in all types of water.

The tapered nose helps with glide and although this isn’t the fastest board in the water it’s ideal for cruising, bringing out the family and exploring different waterways.

I’ve been using the Atoll boards for years and never had any issues with them.  Taking out an Atoll ISUP means you’re going to have a fun and safe time on the water.

SMALLER ALL-AROUND SUP’S

These all-around inflatable paddle boards have a slightly smaller frame making them lighter and easier to carry as well as easier to paddle (less reach) for a smaller framed person.

A smaller board typically takes less effort to propel forward and is easier to turn and maneuver.  A smaller SUP can be extremely fun as it feels very agile on the water.

GILI 10′ MAKO

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The Mako is an ideal smaller iSUP.  It’s only 10′ long but still quite stable with the 32″ width.  It has a hybrid design with a slightly tapered nose that keeps it gliding well through the water.

It’s easy to ride, easy to maneuver and easy to carry and transport.  It will definitely suit someone who is under 5’10” tall and will feel more stable for a person with a smaller frame.

I had no trouble riding the Mako with my little dog and found it quite versatile as well. The Mako is the perfect smaller cruiser for summer fun!

HERO SUP SPARK

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The Spark is a lot of fun.  For 2022 they’ve added an extra inch to the width making it 31″ wide.  That extra width really adds some extra stability but the shorter length makes it so easy to paddle and turn.  Plus it’s light enough to take anywhere, weighing just 20 lbs. anyone can easily transport this ISUP.

I like the 32″ width because the board is stable enough but still not so wide that it gets sluggish.

If you have decent balance it provides enough space and stability for bringing out a dog or a child. It has all the great features you could need or want on an inflatable SUP and also comes with a high-end accessory package.

NIXY HUNTINGTON G4 ULTRA COMPACT

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The Nixy Huntington G4 is truly an ultra compact ISUP.  It rolls up into the smallest SUP package I have seen and is very light weight.

In fact the backpack that comes with this board is quite a bit smaller than other ISUP backpacks and very easy to carry.

If you want to hike and backpack with your board to some beautiful yet remote lakes the Huntington is a fantastic option to bring along.  It can also easily strap to the back of a motorbike.

Even though this is a smaller board it is surprisingly sturdy and very fun to paddle.  Although it isn’t as stable in choppy water it is very responsive and quick to turn.  It takes very little effort to paddle.

HONU BYRON 10’6″

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The Honu Byron is an interesting board.  It differs from the others on this list because it is only 4.72″ thick as opposed to 6″ thick.

The smaller thickness lowers the riders center of gravity and allows you to feel more connected with the water as you maneuver through every ripple and swirl.

Typically a board less than 5″ thick will feel less stable and not be able to hold as much weight.  However the Byron is constructed strong and designed well.

Although it does feel slightly less stable initially, I was pleasantly surprised with how stable it actually is.

This board is very versatile and equally at home on calm water as it is in light surf.  It doesn’t take much effort to paddle and is very easy to maneuver.  It is best suited for riders who weigh under 200 lbs.

THURSO SURF WATERWALKER 126

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The WW126 is the slightly smaller version of the WW132 mentioned above.  It is the heaviest of the smaller boards so not necessarily any lighter to carry but it feels great to ride.

It’s still fairly stable with the 31″ width and if you have the skill there’s still room to bring a dog or child out paddling with you.

It is ideal for cruising on flat water but handles fairly well in most conditions. It is loaded with nice features and comes with a premium accessory package.

EARTH RIVER 9’6″ SKYLAKE

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I love this little board.  It requires more balance but it’s sure fun to paddle.  Turns on a dime, glides surprisingly well, is lightweight and very easy to carry.

It’s best suited for a person who weighs under 150 lbs.  It can hold a heavier person (150 – 190 lbs) if you have the skill however a smaller framed person is going to feel a lot more comfortable on it.

Even though this isn’t a child’s board, it also works extremely well for a kid or teenager.  It’s very responsive and versatile.  It can be used on lakes, rivers, ocean bays or even in surf.

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Comments

  1. Jim says:
    August 20, 2022 at 2:29 am

    I’m looking for a board recommendation. I’m 6’’2 and 210 lbs. I’ll be using it in the ocean (mid Atlantic) so its going to be choppy with decent waves all the time. I’m fairly new to paddle boarding. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Allison says:
      September 23, 2022 at 8:01 pm

      Hi Jim, I’m a little late answering here so not sure if you’ve already found a board but one that comes to mind is the Gili Adventure. It comes in either an 11′ or 12′ model. This board is stable yet a really nice ride. It would handle well in ocean chop and it’s well made.

      Reply
  2. Karen says:
    April 21, 2022 at 4:34 pm

    Hi,
    Have been paddling for about 3 years. Looking to change my board as its heavy. I am 5ft late 50’s and go on the ses and lacs. Was looking at nixy. I am in the uk . What would you recommend.

    Reply
  3. Oliver says:
    August 26, 2021 at 11:43 am

    Hey Allison,

    Thank you for a very nice blog post. There was a lot of useful information and i have learned what to be aware of when buying a paddleboard.
    Have you tried the paddleboard from Getwatery? I bought it this summer with the purpose of spending as much time on the water as possible and for me it has been nothing but a good experience.
    https://getwatery.com/products/watery-global-106-inflatable-paddleboard-blue?variant=39309033373861

    Take a look at it and tell me what you think. Have i made a good decision?

    Best Regards,
    Oliver

    Reply
  4. Tim says:
    August 10, 2021 at 6:08 am

    Why do think very few iSUP reviewers include NRS boards in their top lists? And, do you believe it is more or less propaganda hype when a mfg of 4″ to 5″ thick board claims their boards are as rigid as 6″ boards (like Hona does)? What does one give up in a board that does not have a US fin box? Finally, I weigh about 150pds and need a durable, light, wide board that pack a up small I live on a sailboat without a ton of storage. Thank you for your help!

    Reply
    • Allison says:
      September 15, 2021 at 4:42 pm

      That’s a good question regarding the NRS boards. I know for myself I reviewed their earlier models and really didn’t enjoy them… Found them sluggish in the water. However I think their newer models are much better. Haven’t had a chance to review the new models yet but I think they are much improved.
      I think there is a lot of marketing hype around different board features that aren’t always all that. I do however believe that a 4″ or 5″ thick board can be just as rigid as a 6″ thick board if constructed with the right materials. There are 6″ thick boards that are designed more “cheaply” and others that constructed very strong. So it totally depends on the manufacturing process as each board is not constructed the same.
      Not having a US fin is no big deal these days as there are lots of good fins out there. The only downside to not having a US fin box is that you won’t be able to change out the fin to a different one if you wanted to down the road or customize the placement of the fin. However for most people a clip-in fin is just fine.
      Have you already gotten your board? If not check out the Gili Komodo. It’s 33″ wide, weighs only 21 lbs and is really nice to paddle. I’m just reviewing it right now and I really like it.

      Reply
  5. MJ Hansen says:
    June 27, 2021 at 10:39 pm

    Dear Allison
    Have you tested the Body Glove Cruiser?

    Reply
    • Allison says:
      July 14, 2021 at 7:20 pm

      Hi MJ, No I haven’t reviewed the Body Glove Cruiser yet. It looks like a nice stable board, if you end up trying it I’d love to hear your thoughts!

      Reply
  6. Trevor Ritchie says:
    May 23, 2021 at 8:21 pm

    I like how detailed you are with your information. My wife and I got a Red Paddle 10’6 Ride last summer and it suited both of us even though there is an 80 lb difference and 8” in height. Now we’re looking for a a second board so we can go together. Unfortunately we don’t have the same budget we had last summer so we’re looking for a much more affordable option, between $500 and $1000. The problem I am finding with the majority of boards you review are not available in Canada where we’re from. We will have to keep doing more searching, thanks for the info though.

    Reply
    • Allison says:
      May 24, 2021 at 8:34 pm

      Hi Trevor, You are so right, I need to get more Canadian brands on here. The tough part in Canada is finding good quality boards that cost less than $1000. The one I think of right off the bat is http://www.herosup.ca Good boards and they are priced well. Plus free shipping within Canada. Good luck with your search!

      Reply
  7. Kelly A McFeely says:
    May 22, 2021 at 5:23 pm

    Hi! I’ve been paddle boarding on an off for about 5 years and can finally purchase my own board…yay! I’m getting extremely overwhelmed with all the info out there and quite honestly don’t know where to start.

    Im 5′ 4″ at 135 lbs and love getting on the water to either paddle around and soak up the scenery on a lake or just glide and chill. Something that’s good quality and easy to transport would be great. Any advice on where to start or even what to purchase would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Happy Boarding!

    – Kelly

    Reply
    • Allison says:
      May 24, 2021 at 8:28 pm

      Hi Kelly, Take a look at my Nixy Newport review. This board is perfect for what you described. It’s easy to paddle, glides decently, perfect for lakes and also just as good for sitting back and chilling on the water. It’s a good quality board and it also only weighs 21 lbs. so it’s really easy to carry and transport.

      Reply
  8. Sheila says:
    May 19, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    Hi, I’m a very petite woman in my 50s (under 5ft, 100 lbs). Based on research, I understand a narrower board is better for me…less reach. Volume wise, seems like a shorter board also means less drag, so less power needed. If I get one of these smaller boards, like the Huntington, would I have less glide than a longer board? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Allison says:
      May 20, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      Hi Sheila, The Huntington is awesome, so light and portable. Yes you will have less glide with a smaller board. However a smaller board will also take less effort to paddle and propel forward so it’s kind of a trade off but I find equally as fun to paddle. I also just finished reviewing the Honu Byron paddle board as well. It’s 10’6″ long, 32″ wide but only 4.72″ thick (as opposed to 6″ thick like the others), which is ideal for your size. It’s really responsive and quite versatile. One more option would be the Hero SUP Spark, which is 10’5″ long x 31″ wide. I find this board gets slightly better glide with the 31″ width plus even less reach. Any of these would work well for you.

      Reply
  9. Amy says:
    March 23, 2021 at 10:29 pm

    Hi there. I’ve doing some extensive research on isup boards and I keep getting more confused the more I read. Lol I currently own a hard, plastic paddle board, 9’3″ long and 31″wide, but have since sustained a lower back injury so I need a lighter board to carry to and from the water. I was looking at the sea Gods diatom ten 6 and the irocker cruiser, however, I keep reading that a very well made board with good rigidity is approximately 5″ thick. I narrowed it down to the red paddle co., 10.6 ride but after reading your reviews, your favs are mostly 6″ thick. Could you perhaps shed some light on that for me plz? I’m not a beginner but nowhere near advanced. Intermediate I would say. The waters I tend to go on are lakes, with some wind /choppy water in the wide open. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Allison says:
      March 25, 2021 at 10:30 pm

      Hi Amy! A 5” thick board does have some advantages but it definitely does not mean that it is a better made board. In my experience a 5” board can be a lot of fun because it is very easy to maneuver. I find they take a little less effort to paddle. However I do personally prefer a 6” thick board, mainly because it can typically hold more weight and often be even more rigid. A 6” thick board is also noticeably more stable and I find that if the design is right it can still perform extremely well. That being said Red Paddle Co makes a great 5” thick board and it is very well made. The Ride is a lot of fun, I like it but it isn’t my favourite. I personally find it less stable in choppy water and when dealing with wake from boats. I much prefer a 6” thick paddle board, especially when paddling with my dogs. So although a 5’ thick board can perform quite well, it’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone. As an intermediate paddler you could go with either option. You might be more comfortable with a 6” thick board in choppy open water though. Hope this helps!!

      Reply
  10. Dana says:
    October 28, 2017 at 7:13 am

    Hi there,
    Your site is fabulous and I would love your opinion on where to start buying a SUP.
    I’m writing from Australia so I understand some of your brands will be different to ours but I have no idea where to even begin!
    I want to buy our family’s first board, just for recreation. I have 2 little ones – 7 and 4 years old plus myself. We wouldn’t be using it in rough water or surf, mainly calm and flat water. I’m not sure how much the kids will use it, therefore I don’t want to spend a huge amount of money. At the same time I would like something good quality, that is easy for us to use. I’m a Pilates Instructor so am also interested in using it myself for a bit of fitness. Any advice on where to start would be hugely appreciated!

    Reply
    • Allison says:
      November 13, 2017 at 6:36 pm

      Hi Dana, Sorry for my late response! Take a look at the Thurso Surf ISUP. I think it might be perfect for your needs. The price is right and I feel they give you good value for your money. It is 11′ long so very versatile. It’s a good recreational board that is easy to paddle and would be good for pilates as well. Should be okay with the two kids on there but if you wanted to go bigger Thurso Surf just came out with a 12’6″ version as well. The longer one will provide more room and stability but take a little more effort to paddle. Hope that helps!

      Reply

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