Stand up paddle boarding isn’t a recent sport as it has been around for thousands of years. It’s believed that it started in Africa and South America, where people used boards to travel from one place to another, to fish and to have some fun time by riding waves.
The sport gained a reputation in 2004 in Hawaii by Laird Hamilton. He started using it as a cross-training for wave surfing. However, the sport gained popularity beyond just waves and many people knew about it.
The boards also changed to make the sport easier and more enjoyable by its fans. Initially, most boards were made from epoxy composite and that made them fragile, huge and not suitable for the sports.
Then, some changes took place and the inflatable board evolved. The boards became accessible, packable and easily stored.
In this article, I’ll round up some of the best stand up paddle boards for women.
Which Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board?
This table below compares the top paddle boards ideal for woman.
Reviews – The Best Stand Up Paddle Boards for a Woman
Hundreds of paddle boards are available on the market, therefore, it’s important to pick a suitable board. The following will tackle the best stand up boards and what makes them special.
Paddleboards for women are specially constructed to make the sport enjoyable. These boards are light, small, and comfortable.
Atoll Stand Up Paddle Board
The Atoll SUP is an inflatable board with an overall weight of 21 lbs. The board’s length is 11 feet, its width is 32 inches, and the thickness is 6 inches. This special board is ultra-light as it’s 40% lighter than other products. Moreover, it Comes with an adjustable 3 piece paddle with a blade. It also has a detachable removable fin.
The Atoll stand up board is ultra-light, inflatable and extra rigid. The board comes with an upgraded, durable and strong travel bag. The bag is large enough to fit the paddleboard. The zipper opening allows the board to be dry when it’s stored.
This SUP is 6 inches thick, 32 inches wide and 11 feet long, so it’s perfect and suitable for women.
It’s coated with a second layer of PVC material. Thanks to the material, the board is stiff and sturdy. EVA foam is also used on the top of the board to prevent the rider from slipping or losing their balance.
It also comes with 15-D rings on the deck. It helps you tie down anything you need. The board is suitable for fishing, touring, fishing, riding waves or any other activity that needs a paddle.
ROC Inflatable Board
The ROC board weighs 17.5 lbs and is 10 inches long. This board’s width is 32 inches and its thickness is 6 inches. Its weight capacity is 275 lbs.
This SUP is rigid and durable due to the material used. In the meanwhile, it’s light and easily packed. The board’s package includes everything you might need.
The ROC paddleboard is made from high-quality military material and at the same time it’s light and durable. With such a board, you don’t need to worry about sharp objects as rocks.
The board is designed to be of extra width to create a board suitable for all people regardless of their skill level. The board can be used in rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans.
Its weight is 17.5 pounds and is 20% lighter than the competitor’s boards. The board is 10 inches long and 32 inches wide. It comes with a weight limit of 275 pounds.
The paddleboard package has everything you might need to make the sport enjoyable and interesting. The package includes:
ISLE Cruiser Paddle Board
The Isle board’s weight is 28.5 lbs and has a weight limit of 235 lbs. It’s 32 inches wide.
The board is made from high-quality and safe material. It has a soft top deck and is perfectly designed for being fast in the water.
The ISLE company doesn’t only create strong, durable and high-quality products but it also tries to conserve the environment. Therefore, they make sure to use the least harmful materials in their products.
The board’s top has a double foam core, a fiberglass wrap, and Eva padding. The top deck is ultra-soft and durable. The molded EPS foam and the dual wood stringers add strength and rigidity. The bottom of the board is superslick for being fast in the water.
This combination is more than perfect and is suitable for beginners. The board is stable and comfortable to use for all skill levels.
The board includes carbon and adjustable paddle that is suitable for multiple users. The board’s width is 32 inches and its weight is 28.5 lbs. It can carry up to 235 pounds.
SereneLife Inflatable Board
The SereneLife board weighs 19.6 lbs and is 30 inches wide. The board’s width is 30 inches and it has a weight capacity of 275 lbs.
The board provides you with the required balance as it’s 30 inches wide. It’s safe for beginners because the top part will cushion the fall. The board is easily packed and comes with an air pump.
The board is thinner than other boards, so it’s recommended for more experienced paddlers. At the same time, the top deck is soft and stable so it’s suitable for beginners as you won’t slip and fall.
The board can be rolled up until you arrive at your destination, then you can use the air pump to me it inflated.
It comes with triple bottom panel fins, steering, and maneuvering which give you the control you need to have a truly enjoyable time, no matter the environment.
iRocker Stand Up Paddle Board
iRocker board is inflatable with a length of 10’6’ inches and 33 inches wide. It has a weight capacity of 400 pounds.
The board is made from PCV, so it’s tough and durable. It has comfortable paddleboard. It comes with 3 removable fins to adjust to water conditions.
The iRocker board is made from high-quality and adjustable fiberglass paddle. The paddle is floating and is half the weight of the standard aluminum paddle. The blade’s edges are strong and resilient rubber, so you don’t need to worry about chipping your blade. It can break down into 3 separate pieces to fit in your bag.
The dual-chamber hand pump is faster and easier than other pumps. It comes with a backpack that is comfortable and wide enough to carry all the kit. It has padded shoulder straps and waist support. It also has inner stabilizing board strap and outer straps to keep your board in place inside the bag.
Things to Consider When Buying a Paddle Board
Choosing a suitable paddle board requires excessive attention. You need to choose a board that is strong enough, durable, and light. You don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars on a faulty board.
Our buying guide aims to help you choose the best board.
Length
The board’s length determines how the board handles. Longer boards are faster but shorter ones are more maneuverable.
Women don’t need an extra long board as men because of the difference in heights and body shapes. If you’re 5’9’’ tall or shorter, go for a board that’s 10’5’’ long. This length is suitable for you to make sharp turns and maneuvers.
There are short, medium and tall boards. Each has different uses as follows:
- Short: under 10’ and are perfect for wave surfing and for kids.
- Medium: From 10-12’ and they are suitable for all uses and for yoga.
- Long: 12’6’’ and above, they are great for fast paddling.
You need to understand that the length of the board affects the volume and weight capacity. Longer boards increase the capacity and make it more stable to carry more on the board.
You should also take into consideration your car’s type and where you’ll store the board.
Weight Capacity
You should know the capacity of the board before making a purchase. If you’re heavier than your board can take, it’ll ride lower in the water. You should calculate all the weight you’ll put on the board. Think about your weight, your gear, food, and water.
We recommend adding an extra 20% of your weight before selecting a stand-up board. The typical weight capacity is 275 pounds, but you’ll definitely find boards with extra capacity.
Board Thickness
The thickness of the board affects the overall volume and weight capacity. Thicker boards have more volume and can bear more weight than thinner ones.
Fins
Fins add stability to the board. Large fins with a wide base and long edges will provide more stability. However, smaller fins are suitable for maneuverability.
Most fins are removable so you can easily take them off for storage. There are different options for fins including:
Single fin: Most boards have a single fin that comes in a fin box. The box is secured with a nut and screw. The single fin provides good tracking and minimum drag. It’s suitable for flatwater paddling.
3-fin: This is also called a thruster and it promotes straight tracking on flatwater and provides good control in surfing. They are about the same size.
2+1 setup: This includes a larger center fin with a smaller fin on each side of it. This is designed for surfing.
Inflatable vs. Rigid
Inflatable boards are best for you if you’re concerned about portability. They can be deflated easily and rolled up anywhere. You can even take the board on a plane if you’re traveling.
They are strong and they don’t get scratched when they bump against a rock or when they’re dropped. However, they aren’t trackable through waters as good as rigid ones.
Rigid boards are bulkier and hard to transport, but their performance is simply outstanding. They provide more agility and smooth experience.
Features Explained
Different materials are used for different boards. Some have EPS foam core with fiberglass. Carbon fiber or plastic.
Plastic boards: They are durable, affordable but too heavy. They are a great option for rental companies or going down rivers.
Fiberglass and epoxy over EPS foam: They are of average prices and can be used for many types of paddling. This is the most common type.
Inflatables: These are durable, light and used for variable reasons. They are suitable for whitewater to slow speed. These boards are made of PVC. They are easily stored in apartments.
Soft tops: It’s a user-friendly option with hard bottom cover and high density. With EVA rails, you can easily walk to both ends of the board. With soft tops, you don’t have to worry.
Deck Pad
The deck pad is the layer of foam or other material on the top part. This deck pad prevents you from slipping. Some deck pads have extra padding to keep your feet comfortable through hours of standing.
Leash
The leash is a strap that gets attached to your wrist or ankle to the board. It keeps it in place in order not to lose it on water. Moreover, if you fall off your board, the leash will keep it within your reach.
FAQs
1. Can more than one person use the board?
It’s not preferred for more than one person to use the board at a time. However, if you have an adjustable paddle with extra weight capacity, it won’t be a problem.
2. How to maintain the board with fresh water after every time you use it.
Salty water will wear and destroy your board. Before storing it, make sure it’s dry and keep it away from direct sunlight.
In a Nutshell
Choosing the best stand up paddleboard will require good research and knowledge. That’s why I have gathered for you the best boards for women available on the market. Moreover, you shall find all the required information in our buying guide.
If you’re looking for a lightweight board, I recommend the ROC board. This is a friendly budget option and at the same time, it has all the qualities you’ll be looking for. It’s made from high-quality material. It doesn’t get ruined or scratched if hit by a rock. The board is extremely light and has a weight limit of 275 pounds.
My ultimate best board will be the Atoll board. It’s light and wide. Made from fiberglass and nylon blade. It has removable fins. It’s coated with PVC material which makes it sturdy.
About the author: Chris loves the outdoors and has developed a love of gadgets and inflatable toys, from kayaking and paddle boarding to relaxing in his hot tub at home. The founder of WhichInflatable and has been the editor for 7 years.
Which Inflatable is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
