No Air, No Problem
What must it feel like? To have your head held high, shoulders back, and a cool mist colliding with your confident smile. A quality paddle in hand and beneath you, a paddle board that was made for charting the seas.
What must it feel like to set out on this kind of adventure? These questions have answers and the paddle boards listed below are your only way of finding out. Read on to choose the vessel that will take you to the truth.
Product
Details
Best Paddle Board
iRocker 10’ Ultra
- Color: Aqua
- Material: PVC
Best Beginner Option
iRocker Cruiser Ultra
- Color: Gray/Pink/Aqua
- Material: PVC
Best for all skill levels
All Around 11
- Color: Seafoam Blue
- Material: PVC
Best Overall Design
Gili 10’6 Air
- Color: Green
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride
Best Budget Option
ISLE Outpost
- Color: Teal/Lime
- Material: PVC
Best Of The Rest
SIC MAUI RS
- Color: White & red
- Material: CFL
The 6 Best Non-Inflatable Paddle Boards
The margins are thin for what separates these top paddle boards from other offerings. However, when it comes to performance, even tiny details can have a profound effect.
From great deals that won’t break your wallet to racing paddle boards that cost as much as a low-end car, there’s something for everyone here.
Three questions to have in mind as you read about these paddle boards are: What kind of paddling are you after? What is your skill level? And finally, are you taking someone or something with you?
Among the paddle boards listed below, these are the questions that one can best split them apart by.
1. iRocker All-Around 10’ Ultra
The All-Around 10 was not made for those that are content with just treading water. If slow and steady wins the race then this paddle board takes the whole marathon. It was by far the most stable of the SUP boards on this list.
This stability comes as a bit of a surprise because everything about the All-Around 10 would have you believe that speed, not stability, would be its domain. It’s a touring board that is on the smaller side. Not big enough for you to carry much more than yourself.
Even then, the preferred rider profile is someone that is five feet five inches and under. The length of the fins has been reduced, this was done in order to increase the maneuverability and turning speed of the board.
It worked masterfully. Paddling with this board never felt like a chore. The lightweight frame lent itself well to being handled and controlled. Could it have benefited from some extra width so that I could bring a couple of fishing rods with me?
Sure, but its compact design and four-piece stand-up paddle with a nylon blade completely won me over. It wasn’t just about surfing performance with the All-Around 10, from a visual perspective, it hit all the right notes.
The fun and cheerful color design made boarding a pleasure. Your kids would love a paddle board like this one.
Features
- Best For: Stability
- Best Feature: Comes with a compact backpack
- Experience Level: Intermediate paddlers
- Storage Capacity: Solo rider
- Weight: 19.8 pounds
Pros
- Has a cheerful and upbeat color design, it really sets the mood for the rest of the board.
- Comes with a five-piece paddle that can be broken down, enabling it to fit into any bag you own.
- Long fins that cut through the noise and are tethered to the board.
Cons
- I wish the storage capacity had been increased.
iRocker All-Around 10’ Ultra
The price of “iRocker All-Around 10’ Ultra ” varies, so check the latest price at
2. iRocker All Around Cruiser Ultra
High barriers to entry are the main reason why niche water sports never break into the same realm of popularity as surfing. Whenever a beginner-friendly option rolls around, I have to shine a spotlight on it.
Today, the Cruiser Ultra deserves our undivided attention. What this paddle board does is simplify the sport. This is done by having an extra wide base and tail. What these two features do is give you an excellent back foot to help you steer and power through the choppy waters.
Sometimes, beginners may want to bring someone along with them. Someone that can guide them. Fortunately for them, the Cruiser Ultra has a massive storage capacity, capable of holding up two passengers with no problems at all.
Bring along your teacher and go cruising on this great and stable ride. However, these benefits can serve as downsides depending on what kind of paddle boards you are looking for.
Do not get this paddle board if you want to break all the speed limits set in front of you. The name says it all, Cruiser Ultra, this is a cruising paddle-board only. If that wasn’t enough evidence, then one look at its extra wide and rigid body should be enough to convince you.
You get an amazing amount of storage space, a stable ride, and a lightweight touring board that any beginner can cut their teeth on. Sounds perfect but just remember that at the altar of flat water leisure riding, speed was sacrificed.
Features
- Best For: Stability
- Best Feature: Hefty storage capacity
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Storage Capacity: Tandem
- Weight: 21 pounds
Pros
- Great board for beginners with a solid weight limit and amazing stability.
- The increased deck pad allows for more storage space than narrower boards.
- This is a lighter board despite the amount of storage space that it offers.
Cons
- Not the softest landings despite being geared toward novices.
iRocker All Around Cruiser Ultra
The price of “ iRocker All Around Cruiser Ultra ” varies, so check the latest price at
3. All Around 11
Our last entry was ready-made for the novices, the All-Around 11 is a special paddle board for completely different reasons. Anyone and I mean anyone, can get great performances out of this paddle board. It was designed in such a way as to be suitable for all skill levels.
While its construction makes it a good option for speed demons, the thickness of its base results in a stable enough ride for beginners as well. What interested me the most about the All-Around 11 is that it had the build versatility that resulted in the right amount of paddler support.
The nose and fins are not completely rolled up, they’ve got a point to them that helps them perform better than looks would lead you to believe. Paddlers need only give a simple push before they are cutting through small waves.
The important factor(s) is that the board’s weight was kept down but the length of the fins was extended. Allowing you to pick up speed when traveling in a straight line but at the cost of turn initiation.
One last thing to mention about this paddle board is that its lightweight design led to a light-weight limit. Yes, this board is big enough to handle two people but those people shouldn’t be too big otherwise the All-Around 11 won’t be able to handle them both.
Features
- Best For: Speed
- Best Feature: Suitable for any experienced paddler
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Storage Capacity: Tandem
- Weight: 21.4 pounds
Pros
- The great size and berth of this board make it perfect for bringing along a partner.
- The handling and design are suited for riders of all skill levels.
- Fast-paced and won’t let up as long as you can keep pushing it.
Cons
- While two riders can fit on this board, they would have to be smaller riders.
All Around 11
The price of “All Around 11 ” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Gili 10’6 Air
You can take all the epoxy boards, SUP boards, and non-inflatable paddle boards in the world and mash them all together. The result still wouldn’t be as well designed as the Gili Air. Despite coming with an air pump, a highly durable storage bag, and an aluminum paddle, it was the dual nature of this green menace that set it apart from the rest.
Experienced paddlers have been dying for a paddleboard that can be used for multiple purposes. Well, the Air is the quick answer that they’ve been looking for. Stable yet fast, the Gili Air can reach high speeds without sending you overboard.
How is this possible?
All credit has to be given to the new shape and added width to this all-around masterpiece. From across, the Gili Air is thirty-two inches wide, and yet, due to the materials used to construct this paddle board, the extra volume does not equate to more weight.
The result is a stable ride that is durable and capable of turning out a quality performance. Most stand-up paddle boards would kill for this combination. Equipped with this paddle board, long distances no longer seem like a chore.
The best part is, that the higher volume makes it possible to bring a date or friend along. Reduce weight but keep all the benefits, sounds like a winning formula.
Features
- Best For: Speed and stability
- Best Feature: Board shape favors speed and stability
- Experience Level: Advanced paddlers
- Storage Capacity: Tandem
- Weight: 21 pounds
Pros
- This is the only non-inflatable paddle board on the list that excels at both speed and stability.
- The size of this paddle board was increased so that you can bring a friend along.
- Despite its size and performance, the weight of the board was kept down.
Cons
- Great design but only two sizing options to choose from.
Gili 10’6 Air
The price of “Gili 10’6 Air ” varies, so check the latest price at
5. ISLE Outpost
Paddle-boarding can be an expensive sport to get into, even when seeing it as nothing more than a leisure activity. Those packaged deals suddenly look a lot less appetizing once you see their price tags approaching four digits.
However, the Isle Outpost is a fantastic paddle board that was made for those seeking stability. This paddle board is geared toward the beginner although you wouldn’t guess that from the qualities that it offers.
Able to carry four hundred pounds with ease, this paddle board has the highest weight capacity out of any boards on this list. With enough room on offer to make full use of it and a triple-layer construction of pure PVC.
This was by far my favorite feature of the Outpost. Despite being for beginners, no expense was spared. Even better, the price tag is the lowest that I’ve seen for any paddle board of this standard.
A perfect deal for those on a budget.
Features
- Best For: Stability
- Best Feature: Massive weight capacity
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Storage Capacity: Tandem
- Weight: 24.2 pounds
Pros
- It doesn’t matter what you need to carry or bring along. With a weight limit of four hundred pounds, it can be done.
- Was made with a triple layer military grade PVC and a drop stitch core.
- I love that all this prowess can be handled and managed by a beginner.
Cons
- Weighs more than any of the other inflatable paddle boards and epoxy boards mentioned.
ISLE Outpost
The price of “ISLE Outpost ” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Sic Maui Rs
Our last pick is an elite offering that only the most serious and die-hard paddle boarders should consider. With a price tag that means business and a build that professionals crave, the Maui RS is a paddle board all about extremes.
The storage capacity benefits greatly from the long and narrow design and despite being the heaviest paddle board on this list, it is also the fastest. This is because of its sharp and streamlined design that places an emphasis on racing and heavy-duty rows.
Sadly all of this power comes at a cost. Hauling this paddle board around will be a real chore. Between its length and weight, I don’t think you’ll have an easy time. Not to mention that controlling this beast should be left to experienced paddlers and experienced paddlers alone.
If you love paddle boarding and have the ability, and the money, this is the board for you.
Features
- Best For: Racing
- Best Feature: Lightning-fast glide
- Experience Level: Advanced
- Storage Capacity: Very high
- Weight: 27.4 pounds
Pros
- You won’t find a faster paddle board anywhere else. The Maui was made for racing and you can expect top performance.
- While it was built to pass any speed test you throw at it, the storage capacity is immense.
- This is the best option for paddlers that have been looking for a challenge.
Cons
- Due to its great size and weight, this paddle board will be difficult to transport.
Choosing the Best Non-inflatable Paddle Boards
Instead of fussing for hours, you could get the most durable paddle board on the list and be done with it. Thinking to yourself that the longer something lasts for, the more time you have to get your money’s worth out of it.
The issue with this is that another paddle board, while not as durable, could have given you a better time. You have to break down what a board is made of. Only by looking at its features will you know if it was the right choice for you.
That’s what this section is about. Running through the top categories and qualities that you should consider. If you are interested to know more about choosing a paddleboard then checkout our detailed guide.
Hard Board Shape
The shape of your paddle board will determine how well it cuts through the water. Of course, where you plan on paddling is also an important factor. Before you can settle on a final decision, you should have a clear idea of your main paddling location.
Lakes are a fantastic place to paddle board in but they don’t require as much of a sharp point. Any half-decent paddle board will be able to perform in this body of water. However, if rough waters are your main destination then you will need something more optimized.
The Maui and the Isle Outpost have got the tip and tail to center you in rougher conditions.
Build Quality
When it comes to paddle boards, whether they are non-inflatable paddle boards or hard paddle boards, there is one material that you should be on the lookout for. That material is PVC. Now some boards have a triple-layer construction while others opt for two layers or less.
The amount of layers doesn’t matter as much as what is in them. PVC is an extremely durable and extremely rigid material that doesn’t weigh much. This is the material that puts the “hard” in hard boards.
Before you run off, keep in mind that build quality also refers to the paddle that you will be using to move your paddle board. The All-Around 10 Ultra comes with a four-piece paddle that has a nylon blade.
A nylon blade smoothly cuts through any noise and friction. Anything that comes close to this type of blade is solid and good enough for the job.
Carrying Capacity
The carrying capacity of your paddle board refers to how much weight it can carry before giving in and beginning to sink. Unless you are a seven-foot giant, most paddle boards will be able to easily accommodate you and your weight.
The issue of carrying capacity comes into play if you plan on bringing someone else along with you. Sure, many paddle boards will proudly display that they can carry two passengers but what they don’t highlight is that both passengers must have a combined weight that is less than a certain limit.
The All-Around 11 has got a great size to it but any passengers you bring along will have to weigh under one hundred and twenty pounds, depending on your weight. The inverse would be the Isle Outpost.
The Outpost has a carrying capacity of four hundred pounds. An excellent number to contend with.
Length and Storage Space
The length of a paddle board is directly responsible for how much storage space it offers you. Longer paddle boards have a larger deck pad and this gives you a wider space for you to place paddle board accessories on.
One thing to keep in mind is that the longer a paddle board is, the more effort it will take to not only move it but to turn it as well. It is amazing the difference that a few inches can make in regard to maneuverability.
Another factor that a paddle board’s length will affect is transportation. The longer a board is, the more difficult it will be to move it from point a to point b when not in water. Many of these issues are multi-faceted, you’ve got to consider everything that is affected before making a decision.
The All Around 10 is a great length that makes transporting it a cinch.
The Width of Your Non-inflatable Paddle Board
Last but certainly not least. The width of your paddle board affects the stability of the ride. Of course, when it comes to stability, board thickness is the number one factor at play. This doesn’t mean that width should be discarded.
It is a pretty easy rule to remember. The wider a board is, the more stable it is. Narrower boards will struggle to give you an equally stable ride. However, the wider a board is, the slower it will go.
Narrow boards like the SIC Maui RS are racing titans but they don’t offer much space due to their narrow body type. What kind of paddling you want to engage in will be the key deciding factor.
FAQs
Are Inflatable Paddle Boards Better than Regular Boards?
The answer to this question depends entirely on what kind of paddling you will be engaging in. If you are going to be mainly doing leisure paddling, you know, taking it easy, then I would say that an inflatable paddle board would be better than a regular board.
However, if you plan on doing anything more intensive than a light breeze, a regular paddle board is a must. They have the build and structure for more demanding forms of paddling.
Are Foam Boards Better than Inflatable Paddleboards?
If you want to go fast then foam boards are better than inflatable boards. This is because they weigh less and therefore are able to pick up speed much more rapidly than paddle boards that need to be inflated.
Foam boards are also more durable and inexpensive. Definitely, a solid choice for anyone, whether you are just getting into paddle boarding or you are an experienced rider.
My Final Thoughts
Water, in any form that it may take, can be a beast. What’s special about paddle boards is that they allow you to gracefully skate on top of their surface. You don’t need an ocean liner to cruise the seven seas. You might want to see the comparison between inflatable vs. solid paddle boards to see which is best suited for you.
If you have a canine companion you want to take along, there are dog paddle board options available that might interest you. Or you can get 2-person paddleboards if you want a friend accompanying you.
All you need is a paddle, your board, and your gumption.
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