About the board: The HD Lowrider is an awesome non-inflatable touring board that is fit for intermediate-level paddlers and can be used in a wide range of conditions. Its shape makes the HD a great touring board that could also be used in a race because of its race-board hull design. It looks has beautiful graphics and the deckpad design flows perfectly with the color of the board. Although the board is difficult to carry has a ton of cool accessories and additions that cater to touring and fishing. It has ConnexSUP inserts which allow for endless opportunities to hook up cool gadgets and tools, it has a paddle holder on the rail of the board, cooler tie downs, fishing post inserts more. With the premium look and countless add-ons the HD Lowrider is awarded with Supconnect’s “A” grade. Read more HERE.

About the board: The award-winning Lotus from Pau Hana is the ultimate SUP yoga paddle board that works for paddlers of all skill sets. The board is non-inflatable and is incredibly stable (as it should be since it’s geared for yoga). The Lotus has some beautiful looks, suited exactly in line for what someone who enjoys Yoga might like. The shape design is unique for boards in this category and has a squared nose and tail, which is very uncommon to see. It is pretty heavy and difficult to carry however, once you’re in the water you feel comfortable and stable while practicing yoga. The board also has multiple attachment points that can be used to hold you paddle or attach a number of your favorite accessories. The unique design and suitability for practicing yoga gives the Lotus a well-earned “A” grade. Read more HERE.

About the board: The Rackham is a non-inflatable, fishing-specific board that packs a punch all that it encompasses. The board is incredibly stable, perfect for what’s needed in SUP fishing and has a killer mix of colors and graphics. The board is very difficult to carry because of its size and weight, but the board comes with a ton of additions that are perfectly suited for SUP fishing. It has a paddle sheath which conveniently holds your paddle upright, ConnexSUP plugs, 2 fishing post holes, a cup holder, bottle opener, 2 through holes and 2 cooler tie downs. That’s a whole lotta extra awesomeness easily warranting it Supconnect’s “A” grade. Read more HERE.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a stable, all-around inflatable board to paddle short distances then the Drive from Starboard is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Deluxe construction which is highly durable for an inflatable. Because of the width being 30 inches the board is stable and it has 1.81 lbs per foot weighing only 19.1 lbs total. Its shape makes the Drive an all-around board that can be used by everyone and it’s designed primarily for recreation. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short-distance paddling, around the beach and dock. Retailing at $1,299, the board is among the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a SUP/kayak hybrid to paddle short distances then the Aqua Marina Evolution is worth a look. This product is unique in that it can be used as either a stand up paddle (SUP) board or a kayak and comes in the PVC drop stitch construction which is rather fragile and has its ups and downs. Due to its width of 41 inches when outfitted as a kayak the board is very stable however, when the board is used solely as a SUP its width of 26 inches make it very unstable. The Kayak setup has 2.83 lbs per foot (board is 11’2 when outfitted as a kayak) weighing 31.8 lbs. It’s shape makes the Evolution best for beginners as a Kayak and best for advanced paddlers as a SUP. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short distance paddling around the beach and dock. Retailing at $599 the board is in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability and is a great price for a SUP/kayak hybrid.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a very stable, inflatable all-around board to paddle short distances then the Hala Hoss is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board is 35 inches wide, making it incredibly stable and it has 2.27 lbs per foot weighing 24.4 lbs total, which is pretty light. Its shape makes the Hoss an all-around board that can be used by everyone and is designed primarily for recreation. Everything combined, the board is best fit for short-distance paddling, around the beach, dock or on the river. Retailing at $1,399, the board is in the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a fast, inflatable, race/touring board to paddle mid to long-range distances then the Hala Nass T is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Carbon Fiber Composite construction which is very durable and has its ups and downs. Due to its narrow width of 26 inches the board is very unstable, however, it is fast. Its construction comes in at an average weight coming in at 32.8 lbs and has 2.34 lbs per foot, putting the board at an average weight for its size. Its shape makes the Nass T a touring and/or race board for advanced paddlers and is designed to be used in both recreational and competitive paddling. Retailing at $1,699, the board is among the high-tier price point but comes with the best that the brand has to offer.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a stable, inflatable, paddle board geared towards surfing and touring then the Hala Playa is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the Fiberglass Hybrid Inflatable construction which is durable and has its ups and downs. Due to is 30 inch width, the board is fairly stable and it has 2.77 lbs per foot weighing 29.1 lbs total, making the board moderately heavy for its size. Its shape makes the Playa a hybrid between a surf and a touring board that can be used by intermediate paddlers and was designed for recreation. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for mid-range distance paddling between 3-5 miles. Retailing at $1,379, the board is among the popular mid-tier market in terms of affordability.

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a fast, premium inflatable race board to paddle in SUP races then the Red Paddle Co. Race Elite is worth a look. This stand up paddle (SUP) board comes in the MSL technology from Red Paddle Co. and is highly durable and has its ups and downs. Due to its width of 26 inches the board is very unstable, however, at only 1.36 lbs per foot (19.1 lbs total) this board is very lightweight. Its shape makes the Race Elite a board for exactly that: a race board for advanced paddlers that can be used in competition. Its construction and shape combined best fit this board for short or long distance racing. Retailing at $1,799 the board is in the high-tier price point but comes with the best that the brand has to offer.