Water-based activities are just fun, right? There’s canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, white water rafting… the list goes on. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or more of a mellow adventurer, paddle boarding might be your next favourite thing. And to do that, you’ll need a good paddleboard.
There are all kinds of paddleboards out there. There are hard boards and inflatable boards, tandem boards and kid boards…so much variety! And they can be used for more than just stand-up paddleboarding. You can use them to do yoga, sunbathe, race, tour new areas, fish, and more. Honestly, who wouldn’t want a paddleboard?
If you think paddle boards are really cool, we’d love to help you choose one. Maybe you’ve owned one before and are looking for a replacement, or maybe this will be your first one. Either way, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Things like price, size, type (hard vs. inflatable), colour/design, included accessories, and weight should all play into your decision-making process.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best paddle boards in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Paddle Boards Right Now
- All-Around Pick: SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
- Premium Pick: The Wild Tribe Sequoia 11 Premium Inflatable Paddle Board
- Balance Pick : The Wild Tribe Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board
- Yoga Pick: Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin
- Budget Pick: Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Kids Pick: Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board
Our All-Around Pick for The Best Paddle Board
SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board Review
What We Think of the SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
We are big fans of the SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board. Its performance capabilities jumped out at us right away, so we’ll start there. This board has three fins on the bottom instead of just one, so it’s a lot easier to steer and navigate around obstacles. It’s also incredibly stable, so you can feel confident using it for any type of water-based activity you can dream up.
An adjustable paddle, carry bag, pump, ankle strap, and repair kit are all included with the board—say goodbye to extra purchases! It has several D-rings to accommodate extra accessories, and it has bungee gear storage at the nose to secure your belongings. Nice touch, right? As one of the lightest inflatable boards around, this is a great option for people who have longer walks to the water.
The only low point we can see with this board is the low weight capacity—most full-size paddle boards can accommodate at least 300 pounds, and that’s much better for supporting a full range of body types and sizes, along with their gear, pets, and/or small children. So just make sure you pay attention to how much weight you’re putting on the board.
- Performance: 4/5
- Usability: 4/5
- Price: 4/5
- Quality: 4/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
Reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board. People weighing less than 120 pounds and people weighing more than 240 pounds have all felt really stable on this board and found it comfortable while standing or kneeling/sitting for long periods. The paddle is adjustable enough for everybody, and they all love the way it moves on the water.
SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board Pros and Cons
Buy if...
- You’re looking for maximum stability and easy maneuverability
- You want something lightweight and easy to carry
- You appreciate extra storage options
- You prefer a board that comes ready to use out of the box
Don’t Buy if...
- You need a board with a high weight capacity
SereneLife Premium Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board Specifications
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 32” x 6”
- Weight: 19.6 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
- Type: Inflatable
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Premium Pick
The Wild Tribe Sequoia 11 Premium Inflatable Paddle Board Review
What We Think of The Wild Tribe Sequoia 11 Premium Inflatable Paddle Board
We are very happy over here, admiring The Wild Tribe Sequoia 11 Premium Inflatable Paddle Board. Want to join us? One of its standout features is its performance on water. With a thinner design and a three-fin design, this board can glide more smoothly and faster on water without losing any of its stability. You can use it for a wider range of water-based activities as a result.
It comes with all of the accessories you’ll need (paddle, pump, repair kit, etc.) and is compatible with extras like seats, thanks to the extra D-rings hanging around. We really love that there is cargo storage at the tail end and the nose end because it means you don’t need to leave anything behind. Not even your pets! This board is safe for pets as heavy as 75 pounds. You really can’t beat that.
After days of testing in various places, we’re super happy to report that this paddle board is basically flawless—we have nothing negative to say about it at all. The only warning we want to give you is to be aware of the high price tag before you fall in love and then realize it’s out of your budget. But truly, this board is worth the extra investment.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About The Wild Tribe Sequoia 11 Premium Inflatable Paddle Board
Reviewers are very pleased with The Wild Tribe Sequoia 11 Premium Inflatable Paddle Board. The high weight capacity means they can paddle with a partner or with a pet, and it moves a lot better on the water than the paddle boards they’ve used in the past. They’ve actually noticed it feels more like a solid board than an inflatable one, and they’re pretty happy with that.
The Wild Tribe Sequoia 11 Premium Inflatable Paddle Board Pros and Cons
Buy If...
- You want a board that glides smoothly, feels stable, and can pick up speed
- You’re looking for a complete kit
- You plan to paddle with your pet
- You need versatile storage
Don’t Buy If...
- You’re on a tight budget.
The Wild Tribe Sequoia 11 Premium Inflatable Paddle Board Specifications
- Dimensions: 11’ x 33” x 4.75”
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Type: Inflatable
- Warranty: 3 years
Our Balance Pick
The Wild Tribe Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board Review
What We Think of The Wild Tribe Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board
There are so many things to like about The Wild Tribe’s Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board. One of the best features is its glide. It moves seamlessly on the water with very little effort on your part, so it’s perfect for long treks when your speed matters. Speaking of, the carbon paddle is another huge benefit. Its lightweight, ultra-firm design helps you move faster while reducing fatigue. Brilliant.
We also really appreciate its portability. As an inflatable board, it easily packs down into a small size, and since its carry bag has wheels, you won’t need to strain your body by carrying it over any distance. This ultra-durable paddle board is even pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your dog on the shore with family or at home alone when you’re ready to head out on an adventure.
The only people we wouldn’t recommend this paddle board to are those who are looking for a budget pick. This higher price tag might be the only thing that sends you off to continue your search for the perfect paddle board.
All in all, The Wild Tribe’s Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board is an amazing choice if you’re looking for something that will be easy on your body on and off the water. It packs small, moves quickly, and is incredibly durable. You’ll love it, trust us.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 3/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About The Wild Tribe Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board
Reviewers are very happy with The Wild Tribe’s Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board. The rolling storage bag makes it really easy to travel with, even over long distances, and it moves well on the water. Some of them even bring their dogs along, and the board does great. They highly recommend this one for people who love to move fast and travel far on the water.
The Wild Tribe Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Portability is a priority
- You like to paddle board with your dog
- You like to move quickly on the water
- You enjoy long durations of paddle boarding
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re shopping on a budget
- You’re new to paddle boarding
The Wild Tribe Athabasca 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board Specifications
- Dimensions: 132” x 32” x 4.75”
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Type: Inflatable
- Warranty: 3 years
Our Yoga Pick
Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin Review
What We Think of the Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin
The Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin has quite a lot to offer, and we’re about to tell you all about it. When it comes to leisure time spent on a paddle board, this one is the best fit, and that’s because of its extra-wide design and additional stability fin — you’ll be able to do yoga, meditate, read, or whatever else you like to do without worrying about tipping over.
This paddle board is also compatible with a ton of additional accessories like kayak seats, cup holders, and more, all thanks to the D-rings. It has bungee straps to hold your gear, too. This paddle board is especially easy to carry around, too. It deflates for easy transport and packing in the car, but when it’s inflated, it has two durable side handles and a shoulder strap to keep you comfortable when moving from one spot to the next.
There is only one main downside to choosing this paddle board, and it’s only going to come up if you rely on the manual pump for inflation—it’s of very poor quality and is likely to break after one or two uses. Not ideal, we know. The only other potential issue is with height compatibility—it’s designed for people 5’11” or shorter, so it might not be quite right for you if you’re taller than that.
All in all, the Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin was an easy favourite for us this year. It’s great for all types of recreational activities on the water, and it’s perfect for beginners. You won’t regret choosing this one.
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin
Reviewers have tons of great things to say about the Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin. They find the included pump to be low quality—most of them broke within a few uses—but otherwise, their feedback is entirely positive. It’s super stable for activities like yoga, it’s easy to carry, and it has a stunning appearance.
Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin and Durable SUP Accessories Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Stability is your priority
- You want a paddle board for yoga
- You plan to bring accessories along
- Multiple carrying options would be nice
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re taller than 5’11”
- You plan to rely on the included manual pump
Niphean Inflatable Paddle Board with StabilTrac Fin and Durable SUP Accessories Specifications
- Dimensions: 120” x 33” x 6”
- Weight: 17.8 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Type: Inflatable
- Warranty: 3 years
Our Budget Pick
Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Review
What We Think of the Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
You might be thinking that a budget-friendly board like the Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board won’t have everything you’re looking for, but we’re excited to tell you that you’re wrong! First of all, it comes with every accessory you could ask for, including a 10-litre waterproof bag and a hand pump. Plus, it inflates and deflates very quickly, so you won’t have much downtime when you need to travel for your water fix.
This paddle board is great for beginners, too. Its wide shape, three-fin design, and high weight capacity make it really stable for people of all sizes. It glides smoothly and is in the sweet spot for length, so it’s fairly maneuverable, too. It even offers rings for a kayak seat to be set up. How do you beat all that?
We’re very happy to report that there aren’t any quality concerns with this paddle board. The only reason you might be unhappy is if you’re used to hard paddle poards instead of inflatable ones. The durability and performance might not be up to par if that’s the direction you’re going. It’s a top-of-the-line choice as far as inflatables go, though.
All in all, the Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board has everything you need for a great day on the water. Whether you’re new to paddle boards or you’ve been enjoying them for years, this option will keep you safe and happy on every adventure.
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Reviewers are very happy with the Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. It’s a great option for beginners since it’s really stable and easy to travel with, but advanced paddle boarders are also enjoying it. They all appreciate that it comes with a well-rounded accessories kit, and the price was right for everybody.
Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Stability is your top priority for paddle board adventures
- A high weight capacity would give you extra peace of mind
- You’re looking for a full kit of accessories
- You’ll be travelling with your paddle board a lot
Don’t Buy If…
- You prefer the longevity and performance boost offered by hard paddle boards
Upwell Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Specifications
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 32” x 6”
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
- Type: Inflatable
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Kids Pick
Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board Review
What We Think of the Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board
There are so many reasons why the Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board is perfect for kids. One of them is the non-slip surface. The high-quality EVA deck pad gives kids a secure place to stand while they paddle around and learn how to keep their balance. The length of the board provides great maneuverability for fun games on the water, and the width provides stability to keep kids safe. That’s the dream combo, isn’t it?
All kids are sure to love the adorable pattern options, too. The panda design comes in three colours (blue, black, and pink) so each child will be able to love their board. We also really appreciate how portable this option is. It deflates into a pretty compact size, and you’ll be able to carry it around in the included backpack. That’s so much easier!
The only thing you might like to see changed about this paddle board is the fin design. With only one fin, it isn’t as stable as a board with three fins. For most kid adventures, this won’t be a problem, but if you’d like to borrow the board for some skill-testing or sport-type paddling, you might find your balance is tested. That could be fun too, right?
All in all, the Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board is the perfect way for your kids to join you on the water. It’s shorter and narrower than the average board, so your kids can manage it solo, but it’s still ultra-safe.
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board
Reviewers have great things to say about the Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board. Since it’s inflatable and comes with a backpack, it’s very easy to travel with, and it’s the perfect size for a variety of ages. The non-slip surface gives parents peace of mind, and the cute designs are a huge hit with kids.
Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Your kid would appreciate a cute design on their paddle board
- A balance of stability and maneuverability is what you’re after in a kids board
- A non-slip surface is a huge priority
- Portability is important to you
Don’t Buy If…
- You’d prefer a 3-fin design for stability
Santasup Kids Inflatable Paddle Board Specifications
- Dimensions: 7’8” x 30” x 4”
- Weight: 20.1 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 170 lbs
- Type: Inflatable
- Warranty: 60 days for paddle board, 1 year for accessories
How to Properly Choose Your Paddle Board
Price
Paddleboards can cost less than $150, but they can also cost more than $1,000. It depends on what type of board you’re looking at. Larger boards will be more expensive than smaller ones, and hard boards will typically be more expensive than inflatables. You’ll want to check out the included accessories to get a true idea of the overall value, though.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a full-size paddle board will usually be 300 pounds or higher, but some are as low as 275 pounds. Make sure you pay attention to this before you buy, especially if you’ll want to bring a ton of gear or a small pet/child along with you. Kids’ boards will usually have a weight capacity between 150 and 200 pounds, so they’ll be really stable.
Size
The dimensions of a paddle board will affect how well it suits your body type and how it performs on the water. Larger boards will be more stable, and smaller boards will be faster and more maneuverable.
Included Accessories
Every paddle board will come with accessories of some sort, but not every kit is created equal. Some paddle boards will only come with their removable fins and the much-needed ankle strap for safety. Other paddle board kits will include things like a paddle, a repair kit, a travel bag, an air pump, a dry bag, etc.
Hard vs. Inflatable Board
Paddle boards can be made of solid materials, or they can be inflatable. Hard boards are trickier to travel with and are heavier, but they’re also more durable and offer better performance on the water. Inflatable paddle boards are much more portable and are typically less expensive.
Fin Design
A paddle board will typically have either one or three fins on the bottom. A single fin is more common, but a triple-fin design will be more stable and glide more smoothly.
