Stand-up paddleboarding, or “SUP” as it’s also commonly known, has exploded in popularity in the past decade. Suitable for all levels of fitness, it’s surprising how versatile a paddle board can be. Some people even do yoga on them.
If you’re thinking of getting into paddleboarding, it’s a good investment to buy your own board instead of renting one every time you want to go out on the water. However, not all paddle boards are alike. If you want to know more on how to choose the right stand up paddle board, you can check this article here.
It’s also important to understand the differences between each board, reflected in the overall cost.
How much does a paddle board really cost? First, you need to know what type of paddle board you need.
Different Types of Paddle Boards
- The All-Rounder: The widest type of board, this is the best choice for beginners. They are suitable for calm, flowing, or choppy waters, making them a popular choice for those wanting versatility.
- Fishing boards: Yes, you can fish and paddleboard at the same time! These boards have the most surface area so you can fit all your gear and the most volume. Your position will be raised further out of the water than when using other paddle boards.
- Yoga Boards: Flat and wide with enough space to perform yoga.
- Touring Boards: Designed for long distances on flat and open water. These boards are for high-intensity workouts. However, because these boards are wide, they are also suitable for beginners.
- Surfing Boards: Not to be confused with surfboards, surfing boards are slimmer and therefore less stable than other boards, making them an intermediate skill option. Because of their shape, they can be used to ride the surf as well as stand up paddling.
- Racing Boards: Their size and shape make this option ideal for seasoned paddleboarders only. As the name suggests, they’re perfect for racing or endurance sports.
Inflatable or Rigid?
Paddle boards are available as rigid and inflatable options. Both have their pros and cons:
Inflatable:
- The lowest-priced type of board.
- Easy to transport.
- Cheap to have shipped.
- Unreliable (have a tendency to not inflate enough to withstand a person’s weight.
- Easily broken/Not long-lasting.
Rigid:
- The more expensive option.
- Harder to move around.
- Better bought in-store instead of having it shipped due to the size and weight of the item.
- Highly reliable.
- A good model will last a lifetime with proper care.
- You can resell it if you want to upgrade.
How Much Do Paddle Boards Cost?
We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty now. Depending on the type of paddle board you want, they’ll fall into the following prices ranges:
- $180 – $1,000: In this category, you’ll find all types of inflatable paddle boards. As you can see, the starting price is low but the quality is likely to match.
- $700 – $1,200: In this price range, you’ll find all the rigid recreational and beginner boards. These boards will be suitable for occasional, relaxed, and seasonal paddling. You can also get decent yoga and fishing boards in this price bracket.
- $1,300 – $2,000: This is where you’ll find the specialized boards such as the tourers, racing, and surfing boards. For paddleboarders that take their sport seriously, this is the price range they will invest in.
Good to Know
- The cheapest inflatable boards won’t be worth your time or your money. You’ll be looking at something worthwhile from around $600 onwards.
- Buy the best board you can afford in your category. Your board may last you much longer if you can invest more money into it.
- Buy the board that’s right for your intended activity. That way, you won’t pay more for features you don’t need or a board that’s too difficult to maneuver.
- Beware of shipping. Rigid boards are very heavy and large, so you can expect to pay a lot to have them shipped. It may be better to buy in-store and take the board home yourself.
- It’s worth holding out for a deal on the paddle board you want. The best deals usually pop up around the end of summer, so keep your eye on prices at this time.
- Make it a habit to check the deal sites where you can find some great offers on stand up paddle boards for sale
Last of all, to ensure you’re buying something suitable for your needs, don’t be afraid to head to a specialty store and have an expert make some recommendations before you part with money.
They’ll know straight away which type and size of the board are best for you. That way, you’ll never spend more than is necessary and you won’t select something unsuitable.
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