Are there SUP brands to avoid, you know, stand up paddle boards that would not give you value for money?
That’s what we are going to find out here!
These things are not cheap. You can read our article on solid vs inflatable SUP and see for yourself.
That’s why when ordering one, you want to be sure it will last a long time. Several years if possible.
If it is solidly built, and you store it well during winter, it is going to last a long time. But all of these things are futile, if you do not find a good brand name first.
SUP brands To Avoid: Buying Guide
Are there specific SUP brands you should avoid buying from? Not really. But when looking for the best stand up paddle board for a beginner, you might want to consider the following things:
1. Buy a SUP board that meets your purpose
Consider what you intend to do with your SUP board.
If you are a beginner, you are going to need a broader paddle board, so that it covers more surface area to give you stability.
All the same, this does not mean you will not fall off into the water. You will, but a wider board is better for a beginner.
The best beginner paddle boards can be inflatable or solid. The key thing is to choose one that is wide enough for your height.
If you are experienced and you are looking for a paddle board you can use in the river, choose an appropriate one.
Such a board would be narrower and longer. It might also have a tail and nose that tapers slightly upwards to glide on water, rather than cut through water.
2. Avoid SUP brands that are too cheap
A stand up paddle board takes quite a beating from all the work and fun in the water. Before you consider the cost of a paddle board, we recommend you look at the features first.
If you check on amazon.com, you will find some boards going for as little as $100. If you are on a very low budget, you might want to avoid such cheap boards. Most of them are inflatable, and not everyone wants an inflatable stand up paddle board.
Generally, you should expect to pay at least $150 for a high quality paddle board. Of course, the costlier is better because it comes with more accessories such as a high quality carry bag.
Ask yourself why the Blue Fin Inflatable SUP board that you can buy on Amazon.com can cost up to $600, and yet another one costs less than $150.
We are not saying that you should pay through the nose for a board. Rather, we are saying you should find a balance between the features and the price.
Also, look at the warranty when you are buying. Longer is better! Does the iSUP come with a pump? These are the important things to consider.
3. Avoid brands without reviews
User reviews and testimonials can help you buy the perfect item all the time. Unfortunately, new brands for SUP paddles and paddle boards do not have these reviews, so you can only take your chances.
If you are an experienced paddle board user, you can probably tell a good paddle board from a bad one.
Even without stand up paddle board reviews, you can get a good one. First time buyers cannot tell a good board from a bad one.
Also, do not buy a poorly done paddle board. In the water, your safety is paramount and a poorly designed paddle board can be hard to control.
There are no SUP brands known for poor handiwork. But consider the quality of the work and the material used in the construction of the board.
4. Design and construction of a paddle board
The construction of a racing paddle board could be different from that of a yoga board. First, consider the material used to make the frame. Usually, racing SUP boards have hollow frames, to keep them as light as possible.
The other stand up paddle boards come with EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam, which is also the most common material used to manufacture these boards.
However, some board manufacturers use polyurethane foam, which is heavier than the EPS foam.
This is why polyurethane foam is used for beginner boards because the extra weight makes them easy to control, and more stable in the water.
Consider also the type of material used to cover the frame – the skin. In this case, the board can come with a fiberglass, wooden, plastic or carbon fiber skin.
There is another aspect of design we can discuss here. Today, there are advanced SUP paddle board designs, such as the Easy Eddy Detachable Board, that come in three parts that fit together perfectly.
Because of the bulkiness of the solid paddle boards, transporting one without a roof rack can be hard.
This is why the detachable solid paddle board can be perfect for you. It would be so easy to transport the board in the trunk of your car.
5. Avoid paddle boards that don’t come with accessories
When you are buying stand up paddle boards, choose one that comes with the accessories. Here are some considerations:
Pump – an inflatable sup board should come with a pump. Otherwise, how are you going to inflate it? If you use other pumps, the nozzles might not fit. Also, it needs to be able to do the recommended PSI rating.
Storage bag – You will need to store your SUP in the right way to prevent damage. When the paddle-boarding season is over, clean your SUP and air-dry it thoroughly. After that, pack it in its bag and store it in a room with the right humidity.
Paddle – A detachable SUP paddle, with a handle made of aluminum, can last a long time. Also, SUP handles are filled with foam material. This helps the SUP handle to float in water so that you don’t lose it.
The leash – The SUP leash is the only attachment between you and the SUP board. It needs to be in the package that you buy on Amazon.com. It does not make sense to have to buy the leash separately.
SUP fins – The detachable or fixed SUP fins help the board to track better in the water. If the board you are buying comes with detachable SUP fins, make sure they are in the package.
SUP brands to avoid FAQ
SUP boards are not cheap. Therefore, buying one can be confusing since you don’t know whether to go for a cheap one, or an expensive one.
If you need more clarification, here are the frequently asked questions that can shed more light on this.
Does SUP brand matter?
There is no harm in being loyal to a brand that you have used before. There is also no problem in trying out a new SUP brand that has just come to the market.
To some extent, the SUP brand does matter. For instance, Easy Eddy is known for their detachable 3-piece SUP board. It is very easy to transport such a paddle board in the trunk of your car.
Isle Surf and SUP has been a one-stop center for different types of paddle boards. They have models for beginners as well as for advanced users.
iRocker is a well known brand name when it comes to the solid paddle boards. Overall, there is a brand name for everyone out there.
The well known brands might sell their boards at higher prices, but then they offer extras such as longer warranties and perhaps better return policies.
Is there a problem buying a SUP board from a lesser known brand name? Not at all! In fact, they might be offering better prices to woo customers.
Are cheap paddle boards any good?
When you are just getting into the stand up paddle boarding hobby, it is better to start with a cheap iSUP.
That way, even when it gets a serious beating when using it, transporting it or storing it, you know it is only for a short time, and then you get another one.
If you are not aiming to upgrade to a more advanced iSUP later, it is best to avoid the cheap boards.
They are cheap for a reason.
The manufacturers of such boards use low quality materials. Therefore, their boards cannot stand the test of time.
If you are truly operating on a shoestring budget, you may consider getting a secondhand paddle board.
It can be a solid or an inflatable one. If it is in good shape, it can serve you longer and better than a new, dirt-cheap SUP board.
Whats the difference between a cheap and expensive SUP?
Material – Even if both are inflatable SUP boards made of PVC material, the quality of the material might be different. This affects how long these boards can last. Heavier PVC material might last longer than light one, and so on.
Build quality – This is about the small details such as seam quality. It is also about the different layers of the SUP material and how well they are joined together.
Remember, build quality is also what sets aside a bad life vest for paddle boarding from a bad one.
The quality of the SUP leash and paddle also matters a lot, since they are sold as part of the package.
Maintenance – It will most likely be the trash bin for the cheap paddle boards. Most of them are not repairable. So, if they break down, that’s it!
Costlier paddle boards are built with better material and they are repairable. If they are punctured, it is easy to repair the paddle board and give it a new leash of life.
Unveiling the best SUP brands to buy
Having looked at what you should avoid in a SUP board brand, it is only fair to now bring you a few of the best paddle boards in the market. The good thing is that you will find something for almost any budget.
Starboard: Best SUP brand in the market
Starboard is a brand that has consistently delivered high-quality paddle boards for many years. Their solid boards are renowned for their innovative design and performance.
This company leads the industry in using sustainable materials. In addition, they have initiated programs like “Plant a Board” to offset their carbon emissions.
Starboard has a wide range of boards, with some targeted at beginner SUP enthusiasts and others targeted at advanced users. Whether you are into touring, racing, or surfing, Starboard offers a wide range of hard boards, and each is designed to excel in its specific niche.
They not only offer hard boards, but they also offer inflatables of different sizes and purposes. Their online shop is such a huge collection. They use the latest technology in SUP board construction for safety, speed, handling, and durability.
They also have a SUP Kids program, which is designed to teach kids how to paddle board.
You can visit the Starboard website to see the huge collection of boards that they bring SUP enthusiasts.
Naish Stand up paddle boards
Naish has a rich history in water sports and is known for its dedication to quality and performance. Not only do they make some of the best solid and inflatable paddle boards, but they also make high quality foil boards.
With decades of experience, Naish’s solid boards are the product of high quality research and development. They bring boards for all paddling skill levels and for different types of water conditions.
Most people marvel at the innovation and ingenuity that goes into the design of these boards.
This company continually pushes the boundaries of design and technology to bring their customers the best, most durable boards that give value for money.
Whether you want 4 or 6 inch inflatable paddle boards, they are readily available. Irrespective of your weight, there is a paddle board for you.
Naish SUP products and accessories are available on their website. They also specialize in surfboards of all types, so if that is your thing too, you should have an easy time selecting a board from them.
Boardworks SUP Boards
Boardworks pays a lot of attention to craftsmanship and style, making boards that appeal to paddleboarders who appreciate the combination of performance and aesthetics.
You can get multi-person, yoga, touring, as well as soft top boards. Each one is made with love, to give the buyer the best value for their money.
Boardworks offers an array of visually stunning solid boards. Their attention to detail in design and artwork sets them apart from the competition.
You will be happy with the durable construction. Each of their boards and accessories such as paddles is constructed to meet the highest quality standards, ensuring durability and outstanding performance.
You can check these boards on the official website.
You can also order some of their products such as Boardworks SHUBU Riptide Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board from Amazon.com.
BOTE – Home of everything SUP!
BOTE is not a new brand name in the water sports industry. This is one of the most assuring brands to buy from, what with the 24-month warranty that they give on their boards, the superb aerotech design and a 30-day Aero guarantee….. This company has bent too low for the customers to give them a risk-free buying, and testing experience.
Bote does not relent when it comes to innovation, adventure, and durability. This is what makes them a popular choice for paddle boarder. Out here, everyone wants a high quality board that can last long in great shape, giving good value for the money.
BOTE boards often come with unique features, such as integrated fishing platforms, cooler tie-downs, and paddle sheaths, which make them ideal for multipurpose use.
This company is also environmentally conscious, and it takes steps to minimize its carbon footprint, by using sustainable materials in its products.
You can view their collection of boards and accessories on the Bote Boards official site.
It is also possible to order Bote boards and accessories such as paddles on Amazon.com.
Red Paddle Co: Best inflatable and solid boards
Today, Red Paddle Co is renowned for its high quality inflatable boards. However, they’ve also made a big mark in this sport with their solid paddle boards.
One thing that makes these solid boards such good performers is that they are designed with patented technology.
For instance, they are made with high pressure construction in mind, such that they can take much more pressure than the regular boards.
Even the actual construction process of the boards takes much longer, about ten times longer than other boards in the market.
Red Paddle Co boards are not cheap, but the quality speaks for itself. Besides, the manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty with the board, so you can see the level of confidence they have in their products.
Today, you can order your favorite inflatable paddle board from the official website.
You can also order some of their boards from Amazon.com.
Final thoughts on SUP brands to avoid
If a SUP brand makes low quality boards, avoid it. If the boards are too cheap, they have most likely compromised on the quality.
Instead of buying a low quality new SUP board, it would be better to buy a high quality secondhand paddle board.
There are many SUP brands to avoid in the UK, USA, Canada and in many other places. However, to identify them, first, you need to know what to look for in the best paddle boards.
If you are looking for the best SUP paddle and its accessories, click the button below to get one on Amazon.com:
Also read my previous posts on:
How to paddle a SUP in a straight line
What muscles does paddle boarding work out?
Stand Up Paddle Board Shaky Legs – Why?