How to Choose the Right Paddleboard – Complete 2025 Guide

Buying a stand-up paddle board (SUP) might seem simple: inflate it, grab a paddle, and hit the water. But here’s the catch: choose the wrong one, and you’ll end up soaked, unbalanced, frustrated, and stuck with a board that might not last a single summer.

Too soft, too narrow, too cheap. Supermarket boards often bend, deflate quickly, or tear within weeks. Meanwhile, a well-chosen SUP board can glide effortlessly over water, give you rock-solid stability, and unlock years of confident paddling.

In this complete 2025 guide, we break down everything you need to know to avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner, planning to paddle with your dog, or ready for your first touring board – this guide will help you choose smart.

Because one thing is clear: the right SUP board turns a short trial into a long-term passion.

1. The Biggest Mistake People Make When Buying a Paddleboard

Most people buy a supermarket SUP because it's cheap. But these boards are usually made of thin PVC, lack structural integrity, and are too narrow for comfort or balance. They sag, puncture easily, and often end up forgotten in a garage.

A SUP board isn't a one-day toy – it's an investment. Choose one that doesn't match your weight, skill, or usage, and you’ll waste €200–€400 on something you stop using.

A quality board fits your height, weight, and intended environment. It becomes an extension of your body: stable, reliable, and tailored to your experience level. The key? Strong PVC and dense dropstitch threads that keep the board ultra-firm when inflated.

2. Which SUP Board is Right for You?

Know Your Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, or Expert

• Beginners: Choose wide and stable boards. All-round or hybrid SUPs are ideal.

• Intermediate: Touring boards offer better speed and glide.

• Experts: Race boards are narrow, fast, and designed for advanced technique.

Where Will You Paddle? (Lake, Canal, Sea, or River)

• Flatwater (Lakes, Canals): Prioritize stability and maneuverability.

• Sea: Opt for stiffer boards (18+ PSI) and at least 82 cm width for wave resistance.

• Rivers: Look for directional stability and a board that can handle wake and currents.

Read here our blog with the Top 10 SUP locations in the Netherlands

Paddling with Kids or Dogs?

Paddling with passengers requires extra stability. Choose a board:

• At least 82 cm wide

• 10'8 ft long

• 140 kg+ weight capacity

• With a soft deck pad for comfort and grip

Read our blog: Paddling with your dog? These are the best tips from experts

What's a Fair Price for a SUP Board?

Expect to pay €250–€800 for a great paddleboard. Don't only look at the price, look also for:

• Double/Multi-layer PVC (more durability)

• PSI rating of 15–18

• 1–3 years warranty

• Full accessory kits (pump, paddle, leash, bag)

Budget boards (<€200) often sacrifice crucial specs:

• Length < 3 meters

• Width < 80 cm

• Thickness < 12 cm

• Low-pressure inflation (<15 PSI)

• Single-layer PVC

Stardupp SUPs are built with 0.7 mm-thick dropstitch material, are 35% stronger than average, come with 3-year warranties, and offer outstanding value.

3. Difference between Types of SUP Boards

What is an allround SUP board?

The all-purpose option. Rounded nose, stable, wide deck. Great for:

• Beginners

• Casual paddlers

• Lakes, canals, calm seas

Popular models: Stardupp Level Blue, Aqua Marina Breeze

When should you choose a touring SUP board?

Want to cover distance? Go touring. With their pointed nose and narrow build, touring boards slice through water efficiently.

Perfect for:

• Longer trips

• Paddling against wind/current

Top models: Stardupp Vantage Elite, Stardupp Exellent Elite 10'8 & Stardupp Skillz Elite touring 12'6

What is the difference between a racing SUP board and a touring board?

Race Paddleboards are designed purely for speed and straight tracking. These boards are narrower and longer than touring boards. Best for:

• Experienced paddlers

• Training or racing

Which Paddleboard is Best for Families, Kids, or Dogs?

Planning to go paddleboarding with your child or dog? Then your paddleboard needs to meet a few essential requirements:

• Minimum width: 82 cm

• Minimum length: 10'8 feet

• Inflation pressure: up to 18 PSI

If your paddleboard checks these boxes, you’re guaranteed a stable and enjoyable ride—even when your dog jumps in or your child shifts weight unexpectedly.

A wider board offers much-needed stability, while the extended length ensures a larger surface area and sufficient volume to support two passengers.

Lastly, a paddleboard that inflates to 18 PSI—like the Stardupp Elite range—is much stiffer than most, and stiffness is critical for stability, load capacity, and even speed.

4. How to Choose the Right Paddleboard Dimensions

How Wide Should a Paddleboard Be for Beginners?

For beginners, width equals stability. Choose an allround or hybrid SUP board that’s at least 80-82 cm wide. This extra width gives you the confidence to learn comfortably and enjoy the ride from day one.

What Length and Thickness Should My Paddleboard Be?

A good adult paddleboard should be at least 15 cm thick and 3 meters long. All boards we recommend meet this benchmark. Children’s boards can be shorter—for example, the Stardupp Tripp SUP measures 275 cm.

Aqua Marina SUPs are 12 cm thick, but thanks to their build quality, they’re still considered reliable. Any paddleboard thinner than 12 cm typically indicates poor quality.

Boards that are only 10 cm thick often sag in the middle, especially under pressure or when encountering waves—making the ride unstable and unpleasant.

Most negative paddleboarding experiences stem from using poorly designed, underbuilt boards that can’t support real-world use.

How Much Weight Should My Paddleboard Support?

Your paddleboard’s capacity should match your body weight plus at least 20 kg of margin.

Manufacturers usually list two specs:

• Max rider weight (kg)

• Max load (kg)

The max rider weight refers to how much a person (or people, including pets or kids) can weigh before performance is affected.

The total max load indicates the absolute limit before the board sinks completely.

Are you over 100 kg? Then go for a high-capacity option like the Stardupp Guard Elite SUP or Savor Elite SUP.

Are you lighter? Choose a board that’s at least 80 cm wide and up to 10'8 feet in length, like the Aqua Marina Breeze or Stardupp Next SUP.

How Much Pressure Should Be in a Paddleboard (PSI)?

A high-quality paddleboard should inflate to a minimum of 15 PSI. The stiffer the board, the better it performs in the water.

Thanks to Stardupp’s multilayer USL technology, Elite boards can be inflated up to 18 PSI, offering superior stiffness, stability, and load-bearing. With 0.7 mm dropstitch material, these boards are 35% stronger than most competitors.

5. Features That Complete Your Paddleboard

What is the Bungee Cord For on my paddleboard?

That elastic cord at the front of your board isn’t just decoration—it’s your on-board storage. Secure a dry bag, water bottle, or even your sandals.

Bonus: double-cross bungees offer even more holding power.

What’s the Difference Between an Aluminum and Carbon Paddle?

Aluminum paddles are heavier but budget-friendly—perfect for casual use. Carbon paddles are lighter, stiffer, and reduce fatigue during long sessions. If you’re serious about performance, go carbon.

What Kind of SUP Pump Do I Need?

A double-action hand pump works well for beginners. Want speed and ease? Go for an electric SUP pump with an auto shutoff at your target PSI. Stardupp’s Elite Pro Pump inflates your board to 20 PSI in just 5-10 minutes.

How Do I Know If My Paddleboard Is Properly Inflated?

Quick test: stand upright on your paddleboard and jump a little bit. If your SUP board wobbles too much, your board is underinflated.

Connect your SUP pump to measure the PSI or use a PSI gauge. Aim for 15-18 PSI for rock-solid performance.

D-Rings: Turn Your SUP Into a Kayak

D-rings let you attach a kayak seat and convert your paddleboard into a seated cruiser. Add a dual-bladed paddle and enjoy the versatility.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Paddleboards (FAQ)

1. What’s the Best Paddleboard for Beginners?

   • The Stardupp Evo Elite is the most bought paddleboard for beginners. With 82 cm width, 10'8 feet length, and 18 PSI inflation capacity, it’s ultra-stable, beginner-friendly, and comes with all accessories and a 3-year warranty.

2. How Much PSI Should I Inflate My Paddleboard To?

   • Always inflate to at least 15 PSI. At just 2 PSI, the board may look full but won’t support your weight properly. Boards rated for 18 PSI perform significantly better in terms of speed and stability.

3. How Much Weight Can a Paddleboard Hold?

   • Most SUP boards can carry 100 kg, but dimensions matter. Wider and longer boards offer more balance and comfort for heavier users. Don't buy a SUP board for children/youth because it's cheaper.

4. How Do I Maintain My Paddleboard?

   Rinse with fresh water after use, dry thoroughly, roll up tightly, and store in a dry place. Check regularly for leaks or wear.

5. What’s the Best Paddleboard for Yoga or for Use With a Dog?

   • The Stardupp Elite boards, with their minimum width of 82 cm and length of 10'8 feet, are ideal for both yoga and paddling with a pet.

6. What’s a Budget-Friendly Paddleboard That’s Still Good?

   • The Stardupp Level Lime & Level Blue start at just €239.95. Before buying, ensure the board matches your height and weight. Overall, Stardupp SUPs offer the best price-to-performance ratio in Europe.