Surftech x Prana Catalyst Tuflite V-Tech 11'2″ ($1,399)

The Catalyst may not be the flashiest board, but its versatile shape, simple features, and low weight add up to a SUP that glides well on flatwater and is capable and responsive on small waves and in variable ocean conditions. The board absolutely cruised in the calm of California’s Monterey Bay. In four-foot waves, the length and moderately rockered nose made the drops easy—it felt like a shorter, nimbler longboard. The long single fin, meant for tracking straight, won’t allow you to carve hard, but it’s great for trimming in small surf. The Catalyst has the same environmentally friendly bamboo, carbon, and plant-based epoxy construction as Surftech’s Aleka, which won Gear of the Year in 2018. What’s new? A wider tail and midsection, and about 20 percent more volume, all of which helps accommodate larger paddlers. The 32.5-inch-wide, 4.8-inch-thick deck was stable enough in calm conditions to allow testers to bring their cameras and phones aboard without fear. Bonus: the foam deck pad was the most comfortable we tested.

Bote Flood Aero 11' ($799)

The rugged, inflatable Flood Aero is a floating base camp. Blowing it up took six minutes, and the single touring fin required only seconds to install. On flatwater it paddled smoothly and didn’t feel wobbly despite the six-inch thickness, which puts the paddler relatively high off the water but adds rigidity. The extras really make this 32-inch-wide board shine. Bote’s line of pur­pose-built accessories­ (coolers, racks, rod holders) transform it into a full-featured touring or fishing rig, while hooks for a shoulder strap ($40) and three handles make for easy carrying. An on-deck Velcro strap allows you to rest your paddle without worry when you reach for a snack or pause for a photo.Ěý

NSP DC Surf Wide 8'7″ ($1,399)

For the DC Surf Wide, NSP set a strong, lightweight coconut-husk mat atop a 32-inch-wide board that’s stable, responsive, and zippy. This 18-pound steed caught three-foot waves at a central California point break with ease. It maneuvered fast-moving sections like a much shorter SUP, thanks to its shortboard-inspired shape, square tail, and five-fin setup. The single-to-double-concave bot­tom yields good acceleration even on soft waves. The rockered nose ­handles steep drops, and the dia­mond-patterned deck pad is ­grippy through hard carves. NSP sells narrower surf SUPs, but the DC Surf Wide is a solid choice for big riders or folks looking to step down from a longer board.

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Tahoe SUP Tahoma 11’ ($999)

Paddleboard makers have experimented with countless designs and features over the years. But it’s unusual for an odd shape to gain our trust. With the inflatable Tahoma, Tahoe SUP delivers a novel catamaran-inspired board that’s stable, fun, and packed with possibility.

We cruised the Tahoma around a calm harbor in central California and even paddled out into open ocean. The board’s twin hulls skimmed over flat water and pushed easily through surface chop. At 34 inches, it’s wide and stable enough for a paddler to step easily along the length and width of the deck. There’s enough volume to carry 450 pounds of gear, like scuba tanks and coolers. A variety of tie-downs and mounts accommodate a huge assortment of accessories, including fishing-rod holders, a kayak seat, and even a transom mount for a small outboard motor.

The Tahoma is heavier (35 pounds) than some of its inflatable brethren. But what you get in return is a really practical design. The three-chamber board is constructed with PVC and didn’t flinch when we bumped into sharp barnacles. A comprehensive array of fins (two short ones on the front of each hull, and two small and one large in the rear) boosts responsiveness and improves tracking. Inflating the Tahoma’s three chambers took about 11 minutes with the included pump—longer than some other inflatables we tested. Still, those minor trade-offs are worth it for so much versatility. This is the most adventure-ready board on the market.

Red Paddle Co. Compact 9’6” ($1,899)

Best Travel Board

Built to be the most portable SUP ever, the inflatable Red Compact achieves its goal and more. The board, pump, and included paddle stow inside a backpack that, all together, is sufficiently small and light (28 pounds) to be stowed in an overhead bin or hiked up to an alpine lake. After taking the Compact for a walk along the beach, we inflated it in four minutes flat. The board’s length means it has less than exceptional glide, but 32 inches of width give it stability, and it was incredibly maneuverable. The twin fins kept us from drifting in chop, and we had no problem surfing small waves.

Boardworks Navigator 11’6” ($1,099)

Best Touring Board

With its timeless touring shape, the long and wide Navigator cruises over flat water. In our testing off the coast of California, the down-turned nose powered through chop and even sliced through small waves. The flat rocker and volume at the front made the board feel much longer than it is and allowed for a forward stance, ideal for efficient glide. The 31-inch-wide Navigator tracked with the precision of a race board but didn’t pitch and roll like a more narrowly hulled design would. Boardworks’s signature soft and smooth deck pad was easy to stand on for hours, and a slide-out handle provided good grip for lugging the Navigator to and from the water.

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Shape

A paddleboard’s shape determines how it will perform and the conditions it will excel in. Designs have been tailored for everything from fishing to navigating whitewater, so before you buy a board, consider what you want to do on it. For speed and efficiency when paddling, the pointed nose and flat underside of displacement hulls are best. For maneuverability and stability, the low-profile curves and wide, upturned nose of planing hulls are a good choice. Retailers as well as board manufacturers often specialize in a single type of paddling. Look for a shop or brand that knows about your chosen discipline.

Construction

There’s no single correct way to build a board, but there are usually trade-offs. Focus your search on the features you want, then consider the benefits and drawbacks of the board as a whole. Materials like carbon fiber will decrease weight but increase cost, while wood veneer will make a board stronger but also heavier. Inflatable SUPs come in a variety of shapes and lengths, are durable, and are excellent for the storage challenged. Rigid models are responsive when gliding or surfing and, with a few exceptions, tend to paddle more efficiently than their air-filled counterparts. But many rigid models are more expensive, and they’re impossible to cram into the back of a sedan.

Length

More than anything else, a board’s length affects its maneuverability, whether it’s an 18-foot race board or an eight-foot whitewater SUP. For smaller paddlers, an unnecessarily long board can be difficult to turn. And a board that’s too short won’t track straight. Many models come in a variety of sizes. Surf and whitewater SUPs usually fall into the eight-to-ten-foot range, allowing for quick maneuvering. Touring and all-around models often measure ten to twelve feet, which offers solid buoyancy and the ability to carry some gear. Race boards and long-distance tourers are between 12 and 14 feet, which keeps them narrow, for better glide on the water, without sacrificing buoyancy.

Width

Width determines a board’s overall stability. In general, wider boards are stabler. That’s why beginner models often run between 30 and 36 inches across. (Professional race boards can be as narrow as 23 inches.) Depend­ing on the hull shape, width can also impact glide and efficiency. Typically, wider boards have more drag. Think about the conditions you’ll be paddling in. If you plan to be on the ocean, a wider board is better at handling swell and chop. For glassy lake paddling, a fast and narrow board excels.

Volume

Measured in liters, volume indicates a board’s buoyancy and how much weight it can carry. A touring board can have a volume of up to 300 liters, allowing a paddler to load enough gear onto it for multi-day trips. Surf SUPs have the least volume (often less than 100 liters), making them smaller and more maneuverable. There’s no secret formula for how many liters a board should be. Factors to consider are your own body weight and the kind of paddling you’ll be doing. More volume means a heavier board, and that might be a burden to transport and difficult to move on the water.

Weight

Generally, more expensive boards are lighter, but they also tend to be less durable. That’s not always the case, of course. Look for boards that are built with quality materials, whatever they happen to weigh. Race boards are often made with carbon fiber—the lightest material available—and can weigh as little as 20 pounds. Heavier wood veneer and fiberglass, plastic, and inflatable PVC are more durable but may tip the scales at 30 pounds or more.

Fins

Most boards come equipped with one or more fins. Fin shape and layout will play into a board’s tracking and maneuverability: three- and four-fin combinations, which help a board track even when it isn’t lying flat on the surface, tend to be better for surfing, while longer and wider single fins are more efficient for touring and racing. Something to watch out for: the fin slots used on certain boards are the manufacturer’s own propriety design, which could lock you into buying their fins if you lose one.

Deck Pad

SUPs are almost always topped with a deck pad, usually a flat piece of closed-cell foam or cork. The deck pad is important because it’s your interface with the board. A good one should match the board’s intended activity. Surf SUPs have an elevated tail block to brace your foot against when making quick turns. Touring boards have pads that cover much of the deck, easing movement fore and aft. If possible, try out a few varieties to see how different patterns and foam densities affect your comfort.

Price

Paddleboards can range from $500 for a basic inflatable to $19,000 for a one-of-a-kind, hand-built work of art. The vast majority of both inflatable and rigid boards cost between $800 and $2,000.

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Now’s the time when we start dreaming about getting out on the water, whether it’s the surging ocean or placid lakes. Trust this kit to serve you well on any day at the beach.

Vans Soft Top Sandals ($30)

Cushy memory-foam footbeds, synthetic straps, and arch support make comfy enough for the longest of walks to the beach. Grippy outsoles will keep you upright.

Patagonia Stretch Planing Micro Two-Inch ShortsĚý($49)

have smooth seams to prevent chafing and stay snug with help from inner and outer drawstrings. The lightweight recycled-polyester fabric moves with you for maximum comfort.

O’Neill Psycho Tech 4/3 Chest Zip WetsuitĚý($336)

employs light and stretchy neoprene with glued seams for flexibility. The three- and four-­millimeter thickness is great in 50-degree water.

Slater Designs X Revolwe Competition Six-foot LeashĚý($29)

The surf industry continues to develop more eco-friendly products. are made with Yulex (a natural rubber) and recycled plastic bottles.

DaKine Cyclone II Dry Pack 36 ($150)

roll top, welded seams, and corrosion-resistant zippers are ideal for a salty SUP tour, while the integrated board-carry straps make the slog on the way to the beach more bearable.

Nation Manufacturing Los Dos Fish SurfboardĚý($675)

For knee-to-head-high surf, offers a fast, fun ride. At 2.3 inches thick, it has the float and oomph you need when paddling into waves, while the short, wide design and concave swallowtail makes it easy to control.

DaFin Classic FinsĚý($110)

The secret to being an all-star bodysurfer? A . These are made from supple Malaysian rubber that delivers a just-right mix of flex for maneuverability and rigidity for power.

Nomadix Ultralight TowelĚý($30)

is constructed primarily with ­recycled plastic bottles and packs down to the size of a tissue box.

Hemlock the Chunk Straw HatĚý($36)

A colorful twist on the classic straw hat, comes in fun prints and has a dome-hugging inner lining and chin cord for when the wind gusts.

Olukai Kohana Kai SandalsĚý($130)

The best sandals are the simplest. Olukai’s slimmed-down has a seamless strap and a laser-etched footbed—both full-grain leather.

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted SunscreenĚý($18)

Unlike other zinc sunscreens, doesn’t leave your skin chalky.

Oakley Split Shot SunglassesĚý($163)

Because we’ve all dropped shades in the drink, Oakley created a steel neck leash for that attaches to hooks in the temple.

Seea Gaviotas Surf SuitĚý($160)

A mashup of a UV-­protective rash guard and a swimsuit, has recycled polyester-spandex sleeves that are nicely stretchy and roomy for paddling and swimming. The body uses a slightly thicker fabric to provide warmth and light compression.

Outerknown ­Nomadic Stretch Trunk ShortsĚý($98)

An update to Outerknown’s original trunks, use lighter fabric and a deeper pocket design. The close-fitting waist won’t balloon when you duck-dive.

Hobie şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Inflatable 10’6” Stand-up PaddleboardĚý($1,099)

With a wide and thick body, offers ­maximum stability. Four tie-down points mean you can lash gear for longer outings. The şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř fits easily into your trunk when rolled up and then inflates to a rock-hard 18 psi in minutes with the included pump.

Kialoa Tiare ­Adjustable Fiberglass PaddleĚý($199)

Designed by and for women, has an ergonomic handle made for small hands and an 80-square-inch blade for the ideal mix of power and ease.

NRS Zephyr ­Inflatable BeltĚýPFDĚý($100)

Not a lot has changed with since it debuted in 2014—and that’s a good thing. The flotation device was made for SUPers to keep their arms and shoulders free while paddling. Pull a rip cord to inflate the belt, then flip it around your neck like a life vest.

Ěý

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Grass Sticks Green Grass SUP Paddle ($219)

Light, sturdy, and sustainable, bamboo makes a solid shaft for a SUP paddle. The Ěýhas a durable fiberglass blade that works equally well on whitewater runs and mellow cruises.

ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool Kaliani Hoodie ($90)

With a bug-deterring coating and a large hood, is a solid partner for afternoons on the water. Thumb loops stop the sleeves from riding up, and there’s a zip pocket for keys.

Croakies XL şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Conservation Sunglasses Strap ($9)

Croakies let you avoid overboard catastrophes, and with its you can do good, too. Show your support for Trout Unlimited, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Scientists, American Rivers, or the Ocean Conservancy.

Vibram Five-Fingers V-Aqua Water Shoes ($90)

These take a little wiggling to get into. But once they’re on, the ultra-grippy sole and light, quick-drying materials turn your feet into amphibious paws. Drain holes in the footbed help avoid that squishy feeling.

PatagoniaĚýWavefarer 21 Inch BoardshortsĚý($69)

The Southern California company hit on another successful formula: its blend recycled nylon and spandex for a rash-free fit. And the 21-inch inseam keeps burn-prone knees out of the sun.

Julbo Paddle Sunglasses ($130)

The world’s lakes, rivers, and coastlines are littered with sunken eyewear. Along with its polarized lenses and wraparound design, which help protect against bright glare, has another feature that makes it perfect for the water: bubbles in the frame to keep it afloat.

SealLine Blocker-Lite Compression 10LĚýDry Sack ($36)

Compression sacks aren’t just for backpackers anymore. Made for kayakers and SUPers, has a waterproof valve to vent trapped air, and the straps double as lash points.

Surftech Bark Aleka 11'2″ Paddleboard ($1,349)

Shaped for a range of paddling, from shoreline outings to waist-high waves, is an all-purpose ride. Made with a lightweight blend of epoxy, fiberglass, and bamboo, it handles as easily off the water as on.

NRSĚýGreenknife ($35)

Not all blades can stand up to routine water contact, but NRS made this one to get wet. The is stainless steel, and the plastic grip won’t rot.

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Paddleboarding is a young sport, and each year boards seem to become lighter, cheaper, and more finely tuned. This year, I spent 13 days testing a collection of stand-up paddle boards new for 2018 and came away impressed with several that specialize in river trips, tandem paddling, or lake cruising. But it was that was my favorite stand-up paddleboard of 2018. The Aleka is as comfortable navigating rivers as it is surfing small waves off the coast of Northern California. The Aleka has a clean, classic shape, it’s light, and I think it will appeal to a wide range of paddlers in a wide variety of conditions.

Our Pick

Surftech Bark Aleka 11’2” ($1,349)

, which Surftech designed for fitness paddlers, comes in two lengths: an 11’2” board that is 4.8 inches thick, weighs 26.35 pounds, and has a volume of 181 liters; and a smaller, 10’4” version that is $150 less expensive, weighs 22 pounds, and has a volume of 165 liters. Both sizes are lightweight and durable, and in nearly all conditions, the Aleka is extremely capable.

I tested the 11’2” Aleka in a variety of conditions, including distance paddles, choppy short trips, andĚýsmall waves on the Northern California coast. With a 29-inch width, it scoots across the water. It’s not as stable as some of the wide river-focused boards or the multi-person boards we tested, but it hit a near-perfect balance of steadiness, glide, and responsiveness. In the surf at the mouth of the Eel River in Northern California, the Aleka accelerated quickly and caught waves with ease. (I expect the 10’4” would be even more nimble in surf.) The rocker in the nose helped avoid pearling in steep shorebreak, and when I shifted my stance toward the tail, the Aleka was quick to maneuver. Though the deck pad doesn’t reach the nose (no hanging ten), it does cover the crucial area for footwork and is comfy on bare feet.

Surftech, which is based in Southern California, is one of the SUP industry’s largest brands, and the Aleka was designed by well-known board shaper Joe Bark. It’s built with a combination of fiberglass, bamboo, algae-based foam, and a bio-based epoxy resin. Those materials are perhaps more environmentally friendly than what is traditionally used in boards.

Best for Touring

Lakeshore Wet Woody Sport 11’6” ($1,349)

The little sister of Lakeshore’s classic touring model (the Wet Woody), the eats flatwater for breakfast. It has a cleanĚýtorpedoĚýshape that cuts through glassy surfaces like airĚýand comes with inset front and back tie-downs and an indented handle. This is a board for smooth, easy paddling.

I tested the Wet Woody Sport on Echo Lake, near Lake Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada. It needed significantly fewer strokes to cross the two-mile-wide lake than the two inflatables we were also using—the 12’6” Ten Toes Globetrotter and the Jimmy Styks Strider, both of which are 12’6”. The Sport tracks incredibly well, especially considering its relativeĚýshortness, and I think that’s a function of its batwing-shaped flatwater fin.

Though Lakeshore lists the Sport’s capacity at 275 pounds, I foundĚýit performs best with a paddler who weighs less than 170. For paddlers heavier than 170, or for people hauling a lot of gear, I suspect that the longer Wet Woody or Lakeshore’s cargo-ready River Rover would be better choices.

Best Inflatable

Jimmy Styks Strider 12’6” ($749)

, an inexpensive board from a small brand, was a surprising standout in this test. At 22 pounds, with five-inch rocker in the nose and a moderate 30-inch width, it popped easily over waves and chop on Lake Tahoe, but it still tracked well on glassy days. It seemed to hit a sweet spot for touring boards. Plus, the construction and build quality seemed as robust as better-established brands’.

Inflatable stand-up paddleboards continue to gain steam. This year we’ve seen almost every major board company offer at least one blow-up model, if not several. There are designs for every style of paddler, from flat planks for yogis to beefy boards for river runners. The Strider has more rocker than many of the other inflatables I tested, but with a stance in the middle of the board, I was still able to paddle five to six strokes on one side before noticing a change in direction.

The Strider, like all Jimmy Styks boards this year, uses a fin that locks into place with a small rotating clip. The system is user-friendly and quickens setup and breakdown of the board, and it’s a good alternative to the old screw-and-nut format. When deflated, the Strider fits into a simple backpack. It also comes with a decent adjustable carbon-fiber paddle.

Best Multi-Person

Red Tandem Voyager 15’ ($1,999)

Dubbed “the station wagon of SUPs” by one tester, is an inflatable 15-foot behemoth that can easily carry two paddlers and lots of gear. It’s like road-tripping, just on the water. The 34-inch width is narrower than multi-person boards that can carry more paddlers, and its relative narrowness allows the Tandem to move fast across the water. And at 723 liters and eight inches thick, it lifts cargo high off the water, which helps keep the deck dry.

The world is beginning to recognize the joy of multi-person stand-up paddling. Multi-person boards, or “big boards,” are showing up everywhere from Utah’s Green River to the huge swells of Portugal’s famed surf spot, Nazaré. There are now a half-dozen companies selling boards that accommodate anywhere from two to eight paddlers.

A friend and I tested the Tandem on a five-mile cruise on Lake TahoeĚýand around a sharky river mouth on California’s North Coast. Our combined weight was 325 pounds, and the Tandem had no trouble floating us both. It takes a little practice to synchronize strokes, but once in rhythm, we got moving faster than a single-person board. Even with two people, it felt stable, despite the high center of gravity created by the board’s thickness.

Red offers two valves on the Tandem to speedĚýinflation, which took us about eight minutes. Tie-downs near the nose and in the middle of the board ensure that each paddler can have his or her gear close. Surprisingly, when deflated the Tandem Voyager rolls up not much bigger than a single-person inflatable. It fit snugly in the $150 roller bag that I also tested.

Best River SUP

Shaboomee vSUP 10’ ($1,199)

At 36 inches wide, is the widest board I tested. It has a two-inch slot down the center, to workĚýsomewhat like a flexible catamaran, letting paddlers shift their weight back and forth without a major response from the opposite side. In fact, even with all the weight on one side, it’s tough to flip the board over, and it doesn’t feel like a wide board on the water. Shaboommee is a small Colorado-based company, and the type of dual-hulled boards it makes are gradually catching on in river-happy states like Colorado, West Virginia, and Oregon.

On flatwater, the vSUP glides well, though it doesn’t carry its momentum as well as the Lakeshore Wet Woody Sport. A set of D-rings along the edge of the nose creates a wide area for cargo, andĚýinterchangeable fin boxes allow paddlers to switch between smaller fins for rivers or longer fins for flatwater. With long fins, the vSUP tracks like an 11- or 12-foot board. But it’s on whitewater that it really shines. Testing it in small, Class II rapids, I could move each leg independently, feelingĚýstable and freeĚýat the same time.

How we picked the best stand-up paddleboards

I’ve been standup paddling for more than tenĚýyears. I’ve competed in distance races, including the 22-mile Lake Tahoe Fall Classic, and I paddle more than 60 days a year in rivers, on lakes, and on the ocean. For this test, I put in hours researching new boardsĚýand then spent 13 days on the water, looking at how boards tracked, gilded, and handled gear. Every board I included was tested on actual rivers, lakes, or ocean—not in a pool—and often by several different testers. I did my best to put the boards through their paces, which meant loading them down, roughing them up, and paddling.

What you should know before buying a stand-up paddleboard

Let’s be clear:ĚýSUPs come in all different shapes and sizes. There are models for specific activities (fishing, surfing, whitewater, racing) and boards that mix both conditions and activities. The trick is knowing what you want from a board before buying, but it also helps to know a little about how boards are sized and shaped, and how those features affect what they do on the water.

Dimensions: A board’s most important numbers are length, width, and thickness. For whitewater and rivers, paddlers often want a board that is wide (34-plusĚýinches) and short (tenĚýfeet or less), with a lot of rocker (the curveĚýfrom tip to tail). Racers prefer narrow boards in the 14-foot and 12-and-a-half-foot classes. The boards in this test range from ten to 15 feet in length, and 29 to 36 inches in width. The test’s girthiest board, the Red Tandem Voyager, is eightĚýinches thick, whereas the Aleka is 4.8. In general, wider boards are slower but more stable, and slimmer boards are faster but require better balance.

Volume: A board’s volume, measured in liters, determines how much weight it can float. Low-volume boards maneuver well in surf, while a paddler on a multi-day tour would want a high-volume board that can carry cargo. Most companies show weight capacity in their specs, and in my experienceĚýit’s almost always better to err on the side of too much capacity.

Weight: The lightest boards are usually built with carbon fiber and foam. Boards made from fiberglass, wood veneer, or a plastic outer skin are often more durable but heavier. Beginner paddlers should opt for a board that can handle getting banged around and not worry too much about weight.

Shape: Keep an eye on hull type. Planing hulls slide over the top of the water, whereas displacement hulls, often characterized by pointy down-turned noses, slice through the water.

Construction: There are two basic board constructions: inflatable and rigid. If you’re space-challenged, inflatable boards can be rolled up and stored. They’re also easy to transport and usually come with a bag. But few inflatables match the performance of rigid boards, especially for racing and surfing.

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Versatility is the name of the game.

Surftech Aleka 11'2″ ($1,349)

Surftech’s Aleka takes home our Gear of the Year award for one deceptively simple reason: in nearly all conditions, it shone. Designed for SUPers focused on fitness, it’s lightweight, it’s durable, and it held its own on distance outings, through choppy short trips, and in small waves off the Northern California coast. The Aleka was shaped by legendary board designer Joe Bark and built with Surftech’s combination of interior foam and exterior fiberglass and bamboo layers. With a 29-inch waist, it’s not as stable as some river-focused boards or the multi-person designs we tested, but it achieved a near perfect balance of steadiness, glide, and responsiveness. It doesn’t hurt that it’s poppy and fun to paddle. In surf at the mouth of the Eel River on California’s wild north coast, the Aleka accelerated quickly and caught waves with ease. Rocker in the nose helped avoid pearling in steep shore break, and the board was quick to maneuver. It’s on the lighter side (23.5 pounds) for a rigid 11-footer, and that adds to the nimble feeling. Though the deck pad doesn’t reach the nose (sorry, no hanging ten), there’s enough coverage for the necessary footwork. Surftech uses bio-based epoxy and algae-based foam in the pad, and the smooth texture is comfy on bare feet. Overall, the build and aesthetic remind us that SUP design is very much about the little things.

Red Voyager Tandem 15' MSL ($1,999)

Best group vessel

Multi-person paddling is fun! The Tandem—dubbed the station wagon of SUPs by testers—is a 15-foot inflatable that easily carries two or three people plus a pile of gear. Cruising the waters of Lake Tahoe with a few testers on board, the Tandem’s 34-inch width was surprisingly quick to paddle, and its eight-inch deck height kept gear above water in chop. Inflating the board required an efficient eight minutes, and testers appreciated the gear tie-downs at the nose and near the middle of the board. “It’s like road-tripping, but on the water,” said one.

Jimmy Styks Strider 12’6” ($749)

Best inflatable

Blow-up SUPs are becoming more popular by the minute, and the Strider is a standout in the category. It’s light at 22 pounds and has five inches of rocker. Testers said the stiff Strider had no trouble popping over waves without sacrificing tracking in calm water, and its medium 30-inch width helped it glide well. We also liked the easy-to-install fin, a standard feature on Strider boards for 2018, which locks in place without tools. The Strider is less expensive than some similar boards we tested—an impressive feat, given the solid construction and high-quality materials.

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Tried and true gear for river, lake, and ocean play.

Buff UV Multifunctional Headwear ($25)

Get wet and wild without worrying about sun-damaged skin. Buff’s simple tube-shaped designs are popular for a few good reasons: they’re versatile, they’re unobtrusive, and they shield your head and neck from getting burned. Plus, the graphics are flashy and totally on-theme.

H20 Audio Surge+ Bluetooth Waterproof Headphones ($100)

Water and electronics don’t mix—most of the time. H20’s Surge+ Bluetooth headphones are an exception. Select the ear-tip size for a snug fit, then play hooky and use the built-in waterproof microphone to field business calls while fly-casting or shredding waves. Just remember to bring a sealed case for your phone, too.

SealLine Baja 20L Drybag ($29)

Getting a jacket or sleeping bag damp can turn a fun trip miserable fast. SealLine’s Baja series is solidly built, with rugged vinyl-coated polyester, fully welded seams, and a roll-top closure that will keep all your stuff high and dry.

Dakine Boonie Hat ($32)

Rugged, functional hats don’t need a lot of explanation. Dakine’s quick-drying polyester Boonie is equipped with just the necessities—a full brim and a snug, bucket-style fit. There is one luxury: an easy-pull chin strap to hold it in place. The floral print adds a dash of tropical fun.

NRS Zephyr Inflatable PFD ($100)

Resting on the waist rather than the shoulders, inflatable belt flotation devices are comfortable for exploring calm waters when there’s little chance you’ll end up in the drink. The straps on NRS’s PFD adjust easily, and the weight’s just over a pound. May you never have to use it.

PackTowl Original XL Towel ($24)

Free yourself from the bulky excess of a traditional beach towel. PackTowl’s natural viscose microfiber products are super-absorbent and incredibly light. This one’s big enough to cover your entire body but weighs a mere 4.4 ounces. It can get heavy: the fabric sops up ten times its weight in water. It also dries 40 percent faster than a plain-Jane cotton towel.

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Stand-up paddleboarding offers aĚýfun alternative to traditional boating. Here's the gear you need to break into the sport.

O’Neil 24/7 Tech L/S Crew Shirt ($50)

With a relaxed fit and full UV protection, the is an easy choice for a paddling shirt. The polyester fabric dries quickly and is breathable and stretchy, and it fits as well under­water as it does atop your board.Ěý

NRS Vibe Water Shoes ($75)

Call it a simple and stylish . Drain holes and a tough mesh upper allow water to escape quickly, and the foam instep is designed for barefoot use. A siped outer sole sticks to slippery rocks when you make landfall.

All Terrain AquaSport SPF 30 Sunscreen ($20)

All Terrain’s delivers full-spectrum UVA and UVB protection without leaving a white film on your skin or an oil slick in the water.

Boardworks Fiberglass Traveler Paddle ($200)

Collapsing into three pieces, is simple to stow when you’re between floats. The fiberglass shaft and blade aren’t as brittle as carbon, yet at a modest 1.6 pounds, they don’t weigh much more, either.

Aquatech Axis Go iPhone 7 Water Housing ($250)

are used by some of the best photographers. This iPhone version makes getting underwater shots affordable.

Outerknown Nomadic Trunks ($65)

Made from stretchy recycled polyester, ’s just-above-the-knee fit is perfect for paddlers. A back zip pocket and key ring carry the essentials.Ěý

Patagonia Stormfront 20L Sling ($230)

Designed for fly-fishermen, the swings around for quick access. The waterproof zipper keeps valuables dry if you accidentally take a plunge.Ěý

Braven BRV-1M Waterproof Speaker ($100)

For worry-free onboard tunes, bring along Braven’s water and shockproof . Bluetooth syncs it with your phone, and an extra power bank adds 12 hours of juice.Ěý

Dakine USCG Approved PFD Waist Belt ($100)

The best part about a flotation device? Not having to use it. Still, it’s legally required for paddlers in most states. Dakine’s lets you follow the rules effortlessly and comfortably.

Lakeshore Wet Woody 12'6″ Board ($1,550)

A sleek touring board, the has just a hint of rocker and a downturned nose to help it cut through calm water, increasing glide and efficiency. It’s perfect for long, flat cruises.

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Just add water. And, in some cases, air.

Red Paddle Sport 11'3″ ($1,529)

Gear of the Year

The paddleboard industry continues to boom, thanks largely to inflatables. Blow-up boards allow those space-challenged adventurers among us to reach places rarely touched by a paddle, and are no longer too floppy or too bulky to be considered unworthy alternatives. Take . Lightweight at 22 pounds, it can handle everything from alpine lakes to open-ocean jaunts. Included battens make it amazingly rigid, more so than any other inflatable we’ve tested. And given that the Sport is a hair under five inches thick, paddlers can keep a low center of gravity, which translates into increased stability. The upshot is you’ll be more confident—one tester calmly cruised the sea-lion-infested waters off California’s central coast in the dark. On the user-friendliness front, Red’s two-barrel pump allowed us to inflate the Sport in about seven minutes. And when the day is done, the board easily burritos up and slips into its roller bag.

Bic Sport Tough-Tec Cross 10' ($699)

Best For: Fun and fancy-free flatwater outings.

The Test: Bic’s boards stand out for being nearly indestructible. The company claims that its Tough-Tec construction (a thick layer of polyethylene plastic over watertight EPS foam) can withstand the crushing weight of a small car. We opted not to drive over our board, but bumping into rocks or crash-landing it on the beach didn’t result in dings. While that brawny frame means more weight than other ten-foot models, the Cross easily floats and turns, handling well in chop and shining on smooth water. The slightly keeled nose helps with tracking and cuts through smaller oncoming waves. For larger paddlers, Bic offers an 11-footer that’s similarly bombproof. SUP yogis: remember to get a full-length deck pad.

The Verdict: An affordable board that can play rough.

Hala Nass 12'6″ ($1,499)Ěý

Best For: Convenient all-around performance.

The Test: Another blow-up board that paddles almost exactly like its fiberglass-and-foam counterparts, carries speed like few other inflatables on the water. The secret? Flexible sheets of ­carbon fiber that boost stiffness and allow the Nass to track gracefully across both choppy oceans and serene lakes. We’d have liked better balance—its six-inch girth sets the paddler pretty high off the water—and all that volume means inflation takes longer than with comparable models, running testers roughly ten minutes. But handy D-rings in the front and back allow for easy loading of gear. Hala also makes a 14-foot model for serious expeditions.Ěý

The Verdict: A ready-for-anything performance board.

Boardworks Verve 11' ($1,399)

Best For: Speedy touring for smaller paddlers.

The Test: Despite the push toward specialized shapes, classic touring boards will never go away. The latest offering from last year’s Gear of the Year-winning company is a slimmed-down version aimed at women and smaller paddlers. ’s narrow profile slips through waves, making it excellent for ocean touring and downwind paddling. An elevated foam tail block at the back end of the traction pad allows for agile maneuvering. Four low-profile tie-downs at the nose make packing necessities a breeze. Boardworks’ LiftSUP handle, which pops out of the body for easy pickup while the board is flat, continues to be one of the most comfortable and unobtrusive designs on the market.

The Verdict: A responsive cruiser with plenty of get-up-and-go.

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