Not only is paddle boarding some of the best exercise one can do, but some of the most fun one can have on a body of water.

They’re incredibly versatile, and you’re sure to find one that suits your experience level and the environment you’ll be using it in. However, it’s important to know that women will need a board made to work best with their bodies.

That’s why we’ve spent the past month or so testing out the top models and taking other consumers’ feedback into consideration to bring you the best paddle boards for women on the market today.

Best Women’s Paddle Boards

	SereneLife Inflatable SUP Paddle Board	South Bay Soft Top Paddle Board	Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
SUP Type:	Inflatable	Rigid Epoxy	Inflatable
Length:	10’6”	10’4”	10'
Width:	32 Inches	32 Inches	32 Inches
Weight Capacity:	300 Pounds	350 Pounds	275 Pounds

For more of my top SUP gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: SUP Paddles, Life Jackets, Electric Inflatable Pumps.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Paddle Boards For Women

1. SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
2. Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
3. South Bay Premium Soft Top Stand Up Paddle Board
4. NIXY Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
5. ISLE Cruiser Stand Up Paddle
6. Peak Yoga Fitness Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
7. iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Our reviews of the top rated women’s SUPs along with our comparison table and buying guide below will help you choose the right paddle board for you.

Women’s Paddle Board Reviews

#1 SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

While the SereneLife Premium Inflatable SUP is definitely a “standard” board, it is still a standout board to us and many other consumers due to how flexible and reliable it is.

With a 30” width, it’s actually a bit thinner than most others on our guide. Due to this, we recommend this board for more experienced paddlers who are a bit more confident and have their “sea legs”, so to speak.

With the no-slip soft top, you’ll always feel comfortable, even laying down or doing yoga poses on it. The cushion is also a nice addition if you do happen to slip.

As it is an inflatable model, it’s perfect if you’re limited on space in your vehicle and don’t feel like strapping a board to the top of it.

Simply keep it rolled up until you get to the lake, river, or ocean you’re going to venture out on. Using the included manual air pump, it will take only a few minutes for it to be fully inflated.

With included triple bottom panel fins, steering and maneuvering the SUP is a simple task, giving you the control you need to have a truly enjoyable time, no matter the environment.

#2 Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

If you take a look at any review with the best women’s stand up paddle boards, you’re frequently going to see the Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board.

This board is incredibly durable and ideal for any skill level, making it a crowd favorite, as well as one of ours!

At first glance, you can see that this is a very attractive board and is sure to turn some heads with the cool graphics it features.

You can also choose from Black, Blue, or Green graphics on the solid white board. However, this beauty is so much more than just looks.

Made of the highest quality military-grade material available, you can ensure it’s going to last you for years to come while remaining strong against sharp objects like rocks.

Despite being so durable, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport and maneuver.

The wide 32” design caters to beginners as well as experienced veterans, perfect for using from the ocean to lakes to rivers!

The versatile product is 6” thick with a max weight limit of 300 pounds, which is quite substantial and may even allow for you to bring a buddy with you.

Aside from the board, you’ll come with everything else you need to really enjoy your rides, such as a premium alloy paddle, a leash, pump, waterproof bag, and premium backpack!

#3 South Bay Board Soft Top Stand Up Paddle Board

South Bay is a company that not only creates amazing and reliable products, but also does their best to help conserve the ocean and planet.

To do so, they make sure that they do the least harm possible to our world and those who inhabit it, making their Soft Top Paddle Board even more attractive.

As one of the most durable boards we’ve used, we’d say they’re doing a pretty great job.

The soft top board comes with a double string foam core, along with a fiberglass wrap and EVA deck pad.

The combination make them wonderful for choppy waters, and for beginners as it’s more stable and comfortable to use due to the soft top.

Not only that, but many take their dogs with them, as they won’t easily slide off. If you’re a yogi, then we encourage you to try out yoga on the Cruiser, too!

As is consistent with most models on our guide, this one is also 32 inches wide, which is great if you plan on bringing extra gear along with you.

Keep in mind that they do thoughtfully include an adjustable paddle that’s perfect for multiple users and also floats. As a bonus, South Bay Board even includes a board bag for safe keeping making this a great value SUP package!

#4 NIXY  Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Next up is the NIXY Venice SUP, which is an incredibly durable board made to take a beating.

Coming in Aqua, Blue, Palms, Purple, and Red, you get quite the selection when it comes to choosing the color that suits you best. Our personal favorite was the Palms, as it has a green palm tree design with a “wood” design underfoot.

If you’re looking for a board that you can “grow” your skills without feeling intimidated nor limited, then this is the best bang for your buck.

The inflatable SUP inflates to an impressive 20 PSI for an excellent amount of rigidity and stability, even in choppy waters, rivers, oceans, and so on.

Weighing just 23 pounds when fully inflated, it’s super easy to transport, too. When you’re done, simply roll it up and store it conveniently inside your vehicle or garage!

Built with high-quality materials and dual layer fusion laminated drop stitch technology, you don’t have to be gentle with it, either. Even when it bumps up against hard objects, it won’t ding nor scratch, nor deflate.

If that isn’t enough, you’ll also get some nice extras. First, is a fiberglass adjustable paddle which is incredibly strong and perfect for use between multiple people.

Video: First paddle with the NIXY Inflatable Paddle Board

The T-grip ensures your hands don’t cramp, even on long sessions. Next, is the typhoon pump which works efficiently and with quite a bit of power.

The hybrid leash is made with sturdy polyurethane and stainless steel to ensure your board always stays within reach.

Finally, you’ll even get a handy NIXY backpack that comes with three wheels, for you to easily roll everything in and out – no hauling necessary!

#5 ISLE Cruiser Stand Up Paddle

Easily the best SUP for women who are more recreational paddlers, The ISLE Cruiser is ideal no matter where you plan on using it: rivers, oceans, lakes, streams, and more!

As it’s so long, you can even choose to bring along a buddy – human or canine along for the ride.

If you’re primary concern with a paddle board is durability, then just toss this one into your shopping cart right now.

The Cruiser features a tough PVC shell along with added edge protection. So if you drop the board or run against some rocks it will remain in perfect condition – ding-free.

If you’re a beginner or are planning on heading out on choppy waters, then you’ll appreciate the added stability this board provides.

While it may be hard on the bottom, the soft-top deck is luxurious and gives the kind of grip that anyone can feel confident on.

It’s a very lightweight SUP at only 28 pounds so it’s super easy to paddle and transport as you won’t be struggling to lug it around.

When buying a paddle board, really consider the extras it comes with. This SUP comes with an carbon adjustable paddle with a nylon blade that floats if you happen to drop it.

#6 Peak Yoga Fitness Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Peak 10’ Yoga Fitness Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is consistently ranked as one of the best paddle boards for women, so we knew we had to give it a try.

We are happy to report that we more than agreed with the positive ratings, not only for the board itself, but for all the extra goodies it comes with.

As the board is inflatable, it’s easy to just roll it up and store it in your car or at home with no problems.

Taking less than 10 minutes to inflate with the included high-pressure hand pump, it’s more than worth the small wait in exchange for such convenience.

Many people who’ve never used inflatable boards before are hesitant to use them, thinking that they’ll easily pop in the water or on the way there.

Thanks to the military-grade PVC and drop stitch material composition, the Peak Yoga Fitness Inflatable resists all of those potential threats. In fact, it’s often much more stable and sturdy than epoxy boards!

The non-slip grip deck pad ensures you’ll securely stay on your feet, even if you’re just a beginner.

If you’re still trying to find your balance, the wide 31” deck will help give you more room and allow you to develop your skills or provide space for a static workout.

Finally, you’ll get a complimentary 3-piece aluminum paddle, leash, travel bag, and smartphone case to keep your belongings safe!

#7 iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

If you’re willing to increase your budget a little, the iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is one of the best SUPS you can currently buy on the market.

In fact, we don’t think we could find a smoother tracking experience than this model provides.

The 33-inch wide board offers stability that few others can. Combine that with the extra-wide tail and it’s the ideal board for newbies.

Even if you’re going to be on wobbly waters, you’ll find the ride seamless thanks to its design.

The crocodile-textured deck pad is nice and thick, but offers an almost sticky grip that will keep your feet firmly planted.

Made up of a quad-layer PCV construction, they’re tough enough for the military to use and make it excellent for calm to choppy waters.

Video: First impression of the iRocker Cruiser Inflatable Paddle Board.

Transportation is easy, thanks to the center carry handle, oversized side handles, and light weight of the board. When you’re all done for the day, simply deflate the SUP and roll it up into the included large backpack.

The pack features more than enough room for the board, as well as the included ankle leash, adjustable fiberglass paddle, and triple action hand pump.

Paddle Boards For Women Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Women’s Paddle Board – Buying Guide

Now that you’ve had the chance to read all about the best stand up paddle boards for women, which model is the right one for you?

If you’re still on-the-fence about your decision, then there’s no need to worry. We know how difficult it can be to decide on just one when there are so many intriguing options available!

That’s why we’ve decided to go ahead and write up the comprehensive buying guide, below. This guide will detail every step of the selection process so that by the time you’re done, there will be no doubt which is the perfect board for you!

Board Length

As women, most of us don’t need a very long board like men often use, due to the differences in our height and the way our bodies are shaped. If you’re 5’9” in height or under, try to aim for a board that’s 10’5” long.

This length will make it much easier to maneuver, allowing you to make sharper turns while giving you room to do yoga poses or keep any extra gear onboard. However, if you’d like a longer board, that’s all personal preference and nothing wrong with that.

Weight Capacity

Even if you have the best yoga paddle board in the world, it’s not going to be of much use to you if it’s not able to manage your weight. Don’t just think about your own weight, but anything else you may be taking along for the ride. Will someone else be joining you?

Is it a person or a dog? It’s often recommended that you should also count an extra 20% of your weight before selecting a board, just to be safe, especially when doing various poses.

The “typical” weight capacity for SUPs is around 275 pounds, and if you want more than that, you’ll usually have to spend a bit more.

Inflatable vs Rigid

There are quite important differences between the two, but it will all come down to your preferences and needs.

Inflatable

If portability is one of your biggest concerns, without a doubt get an inflatable model. When not in use, they can be deflated quickly and rolled up and stowed in a backpack or under the car seat. You can even take them on a plane if you’re planning on doing some foreign paddling!

This also means that if you don’t have a lot of storage space, you need an inflatable. Unlike rigid boards, they’re also not going to ding or get scratched when you undoubtedly bump them against a rock, log, or drop them, making them ideal for rocky areas.

However, they aren’t known to track through waters quite as efficiently as rigid models do.

Rigid

Rigid boards may be bulkier and more awkward to transport, but there’s a reason why some of the most popular boards are rigid. While they’re not anywhere near as convenient while traveling and storing, their performance just can’t be matched by most inflatable models.

The reason is, that they tend to provide more agility and a smooth, gliding experience. However, if you’re just using them for yoga, then this factor may not make much of a difference.

Board Width

When considering board width, first think about how experienced and confident you are on a SUP. Are you just beginning and still falling over quite a bit?

Then you should opt for a wider board. We’d recommend at minimum, going with 31 inches, though 32 and up would be ideal.

As you know, balance is kind of required when paddle boarding, and you want a board that’s going to allow you to develop your skills so you can actually enjoy being upright on it.

If you plan on fishing or doing yoga on the board, width is also a huge factor, as you need extra space to maneuver and pull off poses.

Design Considerations For Paddle Boards

Deck Pad

If your board isn’t comfortable, you’re just not going to use it – it’s as simple as that. Then, it’s going to be a waste of money, which we don’t want.

Not only that, but using an uncomfortable board can even cause serious maladies over time!

To avoid any of this from happening, try aiming for a model with an EVA or other high-quality foam cover. These will simultaneously give you a solid grip to stand on, but will give you a luxurious platform to hang out on.

These pads cover about ¾ of the board’s surface usually and should be smooth enough that it won’t chafe or irritate your skin.

Handle

Not many people consider this if they’re just starting out, but look for a center handle which has the ability to lay flat. That way, you can sit or lay on it without discomfort or inconvenience.

There are a few models which also have removable grips, which are also nice.

Generally, the more handles you have, the better. Three handles are typically more than enough, and let you avoid any awkward maneuvering to try and transport it while still inflated.

Rocker

The rocker on a SUP board is how much the nose or front of the of the board is angled up. As you can see from the above image the more the nose is angled up the better it is in rough water.

If you are going to paddle board in flat or calm water, such as a lake or river, a small nose rocker is a good choice.

On the other hand you will be paddle boarding in the ocean or bays where waves are common, a larger rocker is a better choice. If you plan on using the board for surfing a larger nose rocker is also a better choice.

Fins

The fins on the bottom of the paddle board are what keeps the board in a straight line AKA “tracking”. A paddle board that doesn’t track will tend to turn with each stroke of the paddle.

Most iSUPs are usually of the “tri-fin” design as you can see in the picture below. The layout is a large center fin of that is 5″- 6″ with two smaller side fins on either side. Better quality paddle boards will have the ability to remove all the fins so it rolls up tighter.

Most rigid epoxy paddle boards typically come with one larger center fin that is removable. Since rigid SUPs tend to track better they usually only have the one large center fin.

Accessories

If you’re just starting out but aren’t sure what you need for the best experience, you can literally choose any of the above products. They all generously come with crucial additions that will ensure you’re not missing out. With every model, you’ll get a paddle.

Paddle

SUP paddles can be made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or aluminum. Each one of these materials is very strong and lightweight, so it doesn’t matter  that much which one you get. Adjustable paddles are ideal, so you can get the right length for your height plus much easier to transport and store.

Leash

Aside from that, an ankle leash is always helpful in that you won’t lose track of your board if you accidentally fall off. Finally, having a carry bag or backpack really simplifies your paddling adventures as you can quickly place all accessories or inflatable boards in it when you’re done.

Other Considerations For SUP Boards

Stability

Stability is one the primary considerations for choosing a paddle board. We define stability by how easy it is to stay balanced on the board or how “tippy” it is. The width of the board is one of the main factors on how stable the SUP is. It’s simple., the wider the paddle board the more stable it will be!

As a general rule, rigid paddle boards are more stable than inflatable paddle boards because they sit lower in the water ad have a lower center of gravity.

The last factor in the stability of the paddle board is how rigid it is. This is why we recommend you inflate your iSUP to at least 15 PSI, that of course assumed you have an inflatable model. Rigid SUPs are always going to be more rigid than an inflatable paddle board.

Paddling Performance

When we refer to performance, we are referring to “glide” or how well the stand up paddle board slices through the water while paddling. By their design of being thicker and not quite as stiff as a rigid epoxy SUP they will be  slower and not cut through the water as well.

Another factor in how well it glides through the water is the “rocker” of the board. A larger rocker allows the SUP  to glide through the water easier than a lower rocker. This is especially true in rough water.

Ease of Transport

For ease of tranport an inflatable SUP will be easier almost every time. It is one of the main reasons why you want to buy an iSU. Once they are deflated, they can be rolled up and put in the back of your car.

With iSUPs the backpack that they come with can be a determining factor. In this regard the NIXY is the clear winner with its 3 wheeled backpack. This makes it very easy to transport over pavement because you can pull it behind you like a suitcase.

Other iSUPs you will need to put on your back and carry it. Rigid SUPs will need to be transported on a roof rack if you don’t have a pickup truck so you can put in the bed.

Speed/Ease of Inflation

How fast and easy it is to inflate is only a factor with an iSUP and is determined by the volume of the SUP and the inflation pump you are using.

In this regard the iRocker and the NIXY are the clear winners with its triple action pump that has a high volume setting to get the SUP inflated fast, then a high pressure setting that makes it much easier to pump the SUP to high pressure.

If you plan on using your iSUP a lot, I would HIGHLY recommend an electric pump that plugs into your car accessory outlet or connected to an 12V battery. Inflating a SUP can be tiring, especially on a hot day!

FAQs About Women’s Paddle Boards

Q: Can more than one person use my new board?

A: It’s not exactly ideal that more than one person use it at a time, but if you have an adjustable paddle, then there’s no reason why more than one person can’t take advantage of the board. If your board has the weight capacity and is long enough for both of you, then why not have two of you on it at a time?

Q: How do I properly maintain my board?

A: If you can, manage to spray or wipe the board down with fresh water after every use – especially if you’re going to be using it in saltwater. The salt can quickly start to wear and break down your board, and you don’t want that. When you go to stow it away make sure it’s completely dry, and try to keep it in a place away from direct sunlight.

Q: What’s the best stroke to use?

A: As the paddle included with your new SUP will most likely have a bend at the blade, it may feel a bit unnatural to use. Just hold it with the bend facing the back of the board. Make sure you’re maneuvering it with your abdominal strength, instead than your arms. Place one arm on the handle and one on the shaft, so you have a kind of triangle shape.

Q: What do I do if l fall?

A: Falling is unfortunately just a part of the game, no matter how advanced you are. You may only do it a couple of times but knowing how to deal with it will help make it more enjoyable, overall.

When you fall, try to jump away from your board. Once you start coming up, shield you arms with your head in case your board is above you when you start to surface. Always try to keep away from rocks and any hard surfaces. Paddle on your knees when you’re in shallow water and keep your distance from other paddlers.

Q: What’s the best way to get on a paddle board?

If you have never been on a paddle board, it can be a bit intimidating but don’t worry; it gets easier with a little practice!

First, walk your board into water around knee-deep. Place the paddle by the nose so it’s perpendicular to the long side. Then, put one knee on, where the handle is.

Once you’ve got that down, hold on and pull up the other knee so you are completely knelt into a position you feel stable and comfortable in.

Stay there for a a few seconds, then place your hands on the board with your paddle under your palms.

Slowly (really emphasizing the “slow” part) move into a low crouch, and simultaneously bring your paddle up. Then, keep straightening your back with the knees slightly bent, and you’re all set!

Here is a video showing the basics of paddle boarding:

Tips For Using a SUP Board

#1: Make sure your paddle is facing the right way.
If you do this, there’s no need to worry as most of us make this mistake initially. Make sure the paddle turn is facing the rear of the board. You don’t want it to be scooping the water, even though this may feel more natural.

#2: Always wear the proper clothing.
It’s always advisable to check the weather forecast before heading out. When it’s summertime or hotter out, most like some combo of the following: swimsuits/bikinis/board shorts, or a rashguard. When it’s colder out, a wetsuit or drysuit is ideal.

#3: Try and get a paddle that floats.
Unfortunately, there are still manufacturers who make paddles that sink, which is really illogical. If you accidentally drop your paddle, which usually happens frequently, then you’re going to have to paddle with your hands all the way back to shore.

Summary

Now that you’re practically an expert in the best women’s paddle boards world, which one will you be using on your future adventures? While each of the aforementioned products are some of the best in the world, it’s most important that you choose the perfect product for you. We hope that this guide has helped you do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again shortly!

How We Researched

To come up with the top women’s paddle boards we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Dicks Sporting Goods, West Marine and Backcountry along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The author, Shayanne Weeks, is an avid paddleboarder who knows the unique problems and issues women have when attempting to use a paddleboard designed primarily for men. Trust her guidance to find more female-friendly shapes and sizes.

To help narrow down the selection she used her personal experience along with recommendations from paddle board instructors, and rental shops.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources