To choose the right paddle board, first consider what you want to use it for. Are you interested in all-around paddling or long-distance touring? Do you intend to practice yoga on your paddleboard, or perhaps take it fishing? Do you want to paddle with more than one person on a board? These questions will influence the size and shape of the best paddle board for you. Next, consider your budget and your storage and transportation capabilities. In most scenarios, an inflatable paddle board (compared to a hard board) is the best choice, as these boards are compact, lightweight, and easy to store and transport, even in a small car. There’s more to consider, too, but here’s the good news: Our “Help Me Choose a Paddle Board” quiz will take all your answers and show you the best options for your needs! Give it a shot. It’s free, and only takes 30 seconds.

Selecting a paddle board that’s the right size is key to make sure you can balance on your board and paddle efficiently. For the average adult, a paddle board like our standard Weekender—which is 10 feet and 6 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 6 inches thick—is a good size. Weight, skill level, intended use (casual paddling, touring, surfing, yoga), and personal preferences all play a role. Beginners will benefit from wider, thicker boards, as these are inherently more stable. Narrower boards are faster, maintain momentum (glide) better, and are often more maneuverable, so are often preferred for racing and touring. The rider’s weight also plays a role. The heavier you are, the longer (and to a degree, wider and thicker) your paddle board should be. Specific paddle board activities also require specific board types and sizes. Yoga paddle boards, for example, need to be wide for enhanced stability. Take our “Help Me Choose a Paddle Board” quiz to narrow down your options.

Paddle board prices vary widely. Our high-quality inflatable boards range from $200 to over $700, while epoxy (hard) boards are pricier, sometimes costing over $2,000. Our kids paddle boards and standard adult paddle boards are our most affordable boards. Activity-specific boards, like yoga paddle boards, fishing paddle boards, and party paddle boards, are more expensive.

For paddle boards, a single fin is good for tracking (keeping the board straight) and speed on flat water. Less fins = less drag. Because of this, single fin configurations are often preferred for racing and some touring, particularly on lakes or otherwise calm water. A three-fin setup offers superior stability and maneuverability, and is better for dynamic conditions. Three fins are preferred on most inflatable paddle boards, and offer significant advantages for beginner paddlers. Many boards come with three fin boxes (a “2+1” setup), allowing you to use just the center fin for flat water, or all three for more dynamic conditions.

Inflatable paddle boards are the best choice for most paddlers. They offer incredible durability (they can bounce off rocks without damage) and unmatched convenience, because they deflate to fit in a backpack for easy transport and storage. Hard (epoxy) boards are preferred by some paddlers because they offer superior performance with better glide and speed. They’re often the style of choice for racing or surfing. However, hard boards require significant storage space (not to mention a roof rack for transport on your car). They’re also more susceptible to dings and cracks, and cost much more than an inflatable paddle board.

Yes, multiple paddlers can fit on the same paddle board. In fact, there is a specific category of paddle boards, “party paddle boards” that is specially designed for multiple riders. The largest of these are built to hold up to four or five paddlers!

Paddle board weight limits vary based on board width and length. Our largest multi-person paddle boards can hold up to 1,050 pounds, but most single-person paddle boards have a recommended weight limit between 250 and 400 pounds. Check the “Specifications” section at the bottom of a paddle board’s page for more info.

Yes, kids can absolutely paddle board. Paddle boarding is a fantastic way for kids to enjoy the water and build confidence. While younger children can start by sitting on the front of an adult’s paddle board, kids as young as 5 to 7 years old can often manage their own board with proper supervision. For a safe and fun experience, always start in calm, flat water, and ensure the child wears a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) at all times. In addition to a properly-sized paddle board (see “What should I look for in a kids paddle board?” below), also make sure your little one has kid-sized gear, like a smaller, lighter paddle, that can adjust in length as they grow. A three-piece kids paddle comes included with our Weekender Nano Kids Paddle Board.

Sure! It depends on your dog, your board, and your skill level, however. Paddle boarding with a dog can be an exciting and rewarding experience both for you and your furry friend, but it requires preparation. Assess your dog's comfort, both with water and the board, before paddling out. Try having them sit on your board on the shore, and get a sense for how much space is on your board and how it feels when you’re both on it, before paddling out. (If you want to bring a dog on your paddle board, it’s worth purchasing a larger, wider board to accommodate them.) Even if your pup is a confident swimmer, it’s also a good idea to use a doggie life vest, and choose calm waters. Once you’re out on the water, practice getting your dog off and on the board, supervise them closely for signs of stress, bring supplies like treats and water, and be aware of any local regulations that could prohibit paddle boarding with a pet.

Our “Help Me Choose a Paddle Board” quiz will ask you what style of paddle boarding you’re interested in. You’ll be able to choose from recreational paddling, touring, paddle board fishing, or paddle board yoga. While many of our paddle boards can do a bit of everything, if you have specific interest in a certain activity, it’s best to search for your paddle board with that in mind.

When choosing a kids paddle board, prioritize a size and weight that is manageable for a smaller rider. Look for a lighter (~12 lbs), shorter board (around 7 to 9 feet long) with textured decking and a lower volume and thickness (~5 inches). This will increase the board’s stability by lowering your child’s center of gravity, and makes it easier for them to climb back on when they fall off. In addition to the board itself, make sure you purchase a child-sized, adjustable paddle that they can handle comfortably, as well as safety gear like an ankle leash. Our Weekender Nano is a great choice, and comes with all the above! Don’t forget a life jacket for your little paddler, too.

When choosing a multi-person paddle board, your top priorities should be a high weight capacity and immense stability. Look for a very large, wide board (around 12-15 feet long and 40-55 inches wide), with an increased thickness (typically 8 inches) to ensure the board remains rigid and buoyant enough for multiple riders and their gear. In addition to the board’s carrying capacity, look for accessory features like multiple carry handles for group transport and a large, non-slip deck pad covering most of the surface.

A touring paddle board is the perfect choice for extended adventures on lakes, rivers, or coastlines. When choosing a paddle board for touring, prioritize features designed for glide, efficiency, and gear capacity for longer distances. Look for a board with a longer length (typically 11 to 14 feet) and a pointed nose, which helps it cut cleanly through the water. A narrower width (32 inches or less) will increase speed and tracking. Finally, ensure the board has ample deck rigging, like front and rear bungee storage, to secure dry bags and other gear. You could also look for a board that has attachment points for a GoPro or other action camera, and rings to attach an inflatable seat, so that you can sit on your board and paddle it like a kayak. (Hint: Our Weekender Tour checks all the boxes, and then some!)

As you can imagine, practicing yoga on a paddle board requires strong balance, but the best paddle board for yoga can make it easier! Wider, shorter, and thicker boards, with flat decks and rounded noses, offer the best stability for your poses. (Our Weekender Yogi is a good example.) Inflatable or hard boards can both work, but inflatable boards are generally considered the best choice for yoga, both because they’re more portable and because their decking is softer and grippier. A full-length EVA foam deck pad is also ideal for comfort and traction. (Remember, you won’t just be standing on the board, you’ll also be kneeling, lying down, or propping yourself up on hands and elbows.) Additional features like carry handles, D-rings, and an action camera mounting point, are also worth considering.

When choosing a paddle board for fishing, you want to prioritize stability and customization above all else. Look for a wider board (at least 33 inches or more) with a high weight capacity, so you can create a stable, solid platform for casting, storing gear, and moving around. The most crucial feature of a dedicated fishing paddle board is a system of integrated rail mounts and D-rings so that you can attach accessories such as fishing rod holders, a fish finder, or a seat. Ample deck space with bungee storage for a cooler and tackle box is also essential. Our June Fishing Paddle Board is a great choice, and also comes with an integrated ruler to measure your catch!

An inflatable paddle board isn’t the only thing you need to get started on the water. First, make sure your board includes fins. (Most inflatable paddle boards have removable fins for easy transport and storage.) You’ll also need, at a minimum, a life jacket, a paddle, and a pump to inflate your board. A paddle board leash is highly recommended, as is some form of backpack to carry your board to the water, or at least a carry strap or sling. You also may want some form of dry bag or waterproof case to keep your personal belongings (phone, wallet, keys) protected from the water, and a repair kit to patch up any leaks or punctures in your board.

With some paddle board manufacturers, you’ll have to buy all these things separately. The good news is that retrospec inflatable paddle board kits are designed to be a complete ‘ready-to-paddle’ package! While exact items may vary by model, a typical kit like our Weekender includes the inflatable board itself, removable fins, a lightweight, adjustable paddle, a high-pressure dual-action floor pump, a neoprene ankle leash, and a backpack duffel for easy storage and transportation, and even a waterproof smartphone case and a board repair kit. You get everything you need to get on the water, right out of the box!