Is paddle boarding in a lake or bay getting too easy for you and you are looking for a new challenge? If so, you might want to consider paddle boarding in the ocean. Because the ocean is much more unpredictable you will want to make sure that you have a paddle board ready to take on anything. To make the search a little easier, we put together a list of the best paddle boards for the ocean.
Bluefin Cruise SUP 12’
Sturdy and stable all-around!
With excellent stability and durability, the Bluefin Cruise SUP 12’ is the ideal ocean paddleboard. It is suitable for long-distance paddling and watersport adventures. The board comes equipped with a bit of everything!
The SUP features 1000 Denier ESL PVC construction with ProWeave drop-stitch technology. Bluefin Cruise is tough enough to sustain 28 PSI. Once inflated, the board remains rigid and stable.
Bluefin Cruise SUP package comes with an adjustable three-piece fiberglass paddle, kayak seat conversion kit, coiled safety leash, repair kit, waterproof phone pouch, backpack, and dual-action pump.
It is versatile with a detachable 8” smart-lock central fin. Two smaller side fins help to keep the board stable in rough waters. The board has a total of 3 handles which makes it easy to carry and get back on in case of emergency.
PROS:
- Durable
- Stable
- Versatile
- Highly maneuverable
CONS:
- Heavy
VERDICT:
Overall best SUP for the ocean.
iROCKER All-Around Inflatable SUP 10’
Versatile, stable with fantastic carry capacity!
The iROCKER All-Around Inflatable SUP has a versatile design. It has a wide surface which makes the board stable. Moreover, this model can carry upto 370 lbs!
iROCKER All-Around iSUP features a quality triple-layer composite PVC construction with high-density Drop-stitch technology. It has an ideal PSI of 15 and weighs about 24lbs.
At a glance, the Inflatable has a front carry handle, front bungee cargo storage, four safety handles, and two action mounts near the nose area. In the middle, there is a central neoprene carry handle. On the back, it has two action mounts, a rear bungee cargo area, an air valve, and a rear carry handle. Twenty D-rings are surrounding the board.
The SUP package comes with a coiled leash, 3 part paddle, Tripple action dual chamber full-throttle hand pump, and a wheeled carrying bag.
iROCKER All-Around Inflatable SUP 10’ has a versatile detachable Tri-fin setup. The floating carbon paddle is also lightweight.
PROS:
- Versatile
- Stable
- Excellent carry capacity
- Beginner-friendly
- Durable
CONS:
- No US fin box
VERDICT:
The go-to board for beginner ocean paddlers.
SereneLife Inflatable SUP
Affordable and beginner-friendly!
SereneLife Inflatable has a wide surface and deck padding suitable for beginners. This budget board weighs about 19.6 lbs and can carry up to 275 lbs.
The SUP features military-grade heavy-duty PVC construction and Drop-stitch technology. It can support up to 20 PSI.
On the first look, the board has a non-slip traction EVA foam pad covering a portion of the deck. There are a total of five D-rings. Four of the D-rings are used for the front bungee cargo area. The SUP has a central carry handle and a high-pressure inflation valve.
The package includes an adjustable three-piece aluminum paddle, coiled leash, repair kit, backpack, and a manual pump with a pressure gauge.
SereneLife Inflatable SUP has one big removable center fin and two fixed smaller side fins.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Beginner-friendly
- Easy to handle
CONS:
- Less stable
- Low cargo storage
VERDICT:
The affordable entry-level board is well suited for beginners.
Hala Gear Carbon Straight Up Paddle Board
Lightweight yet rigid SUP!
Hala Gear Carbon Straight Up is rigid and lightweight. Therefore, it is suitable mainly for small paddlers. The board is 10’6” in length and 32” in width.
The Sup features mechanically welded seams and carbon stringer technology with drop-stitch carbon construction.
At first glance, the board has a nose, cental and tail handle. Besides these, there is a front bungee storage area, ten soft rigging points, an EVA deck pad, and a tail D-ring.
The package comes with an adjustable carbon paddle, rolling backpack, repair kit, and hand pump.
Hala Gear Carbon Straight Up has one 8” center fin and two detachable Gummy Side-bite 4.5” Clickfins.
PROS:
- Lightweight
- Rigid
- Maneuverable
CONS:
- Expensive
VERDICT:
Decent all-arounder for smaller paddlers.
Peak Expedition Inflatable SUP
Wide and stable touring board!
Made with long expeditions in mind, the Peak Expedition Inflatable SUP is wide and stable. With a hybrid nose, it is well suited for ocean paddling. It has a carry limit of about 275 lbs.
Peak Expedition Inflatable SUP features sturdy military-grade 6” PVC construction with piercing damage-resistant outer shell.
On the first look, the paddleboard has three carry handles, two bungee cargo storage areas, and a soft EVA deck pad.
The SUP package includes a coiled leash, high-pressure pump, paddle, and a backpack.
Peak Expedition Inflatable SUP comes with a trio-fin system of navigation. The central fin can be removed for better portability.
PROS:
- Stable
- Versatile
- Durable
- Excellent cargo capacity
CONS:
- No repair kit
VERDICT:
Best board for long ocean expeditions.
Atoll 11’ Foot Inflatable SUP
Lightweight travel board!
Atoll 11’ Foot Inflatable SUP is lightweight and easily portable. Besides being travel-worthy, it is a sturdy board with excellent stability and about 350 lbs of weight capacity!
The paddleboard features dual-layered PVC ultralight construction. With a laminated coating of military-grade material and drop-stitch technology, the Atoll 11’ iSUP can withstand some damage.
At a glance, the board has 15 D-rings, two carry handles, and a front bungee storage area.
The package comes with a Bravo high-pressure dual-action pump, travel backpack, adjustable aluminum paddle with nylon blade, and coiled leash.
Atoll 11’ Foot Inflatable SUP has a tri-fin setup. It is compatible with US fin boxes and is easy to install.
PROS:
- Portable
- Excellent cargo capacity
- Durable
- Stable
CONS:
- Fixed side fins
VERDICT:
The best SUP for traveling ocean paddlers.
What To Look For In An Ocean Paddle Board
Stability
A broader and more rigid SUP is more stable on the ocean. However, wide boards can be heavy and hard to bring for extended paddling trips. A balanced board with about 32”-33” of width is ideal for the ocean. A lightweight board would also make maneuvering a lot easier.
Safety
Facing the waves or unexpected weather is typical out there in the ocean. A good coiled leash and enough handles to grab onto in an emergency are two safety measures any good ocean iSUP should have. In addition, an anti-slip traction pad and bungee cords for cargo safety would be a plus.
Durability
Outer layer protection is a must for an ocean-faring paddleboard. Military or armor-grade materials would ensure the SUP is not damaged easily by wave impact or rocks. Moreover, any board that is UV resistant would survive better and longer out in the water. Dual-layered PVC constructed paddle boards are best for paddling on the ocean.
Conclusion
Paddleboarding on the ocean can be exciting and memorable with a suitable SUP. The allure of this ever growing water sport is better enjoyed on the sea. However, to deal with the sea and its many surprises, quality sup is a must.
