Best Race Paddle Board

By: James | Last update: 8 June 2022

You’re probably here because you think you’re ready to up your paddle boarding expertise to the next level. Now that you’ve reached the intermediate SUP boarding level and have succeeded past the basics, welcome to the real and extreme world of SUP racing! Honestly, SUP race does not only keep you healthy and fit, but also ignites your competitive senses. There is something about SUP racing that makes the sport extra exhilarating. We honestly think that you’re better off enjoying that adrenaline rush while using the best race paddle board that fits you. Choosing your race paddle board is crucial. Because your race SUP board is going to be the key to getting that gold medal.

What is Race Paddle Boarding?

Before we delve into the details on how to find the best race paddle board, let’s discuss first the categories in SUP racing. Because this is not just about joining a competition with your favorite SUP board. And just like the other sports where rules and categories apply, there are also rules and procedures that need to be complied with in SUP racing.

Firstly, let’s define the three race categories. In a stand up paddle boarding race, categories are determined by the SUP boards’ length. Why is that? Because the length of the board is an essential factor in gaining speed, maneuverability, and stability. A sport should be fair for all and it wouldn’t be appropriate to let everyone join using different kinds of board in one race. Although there are divisions that allow players to use different board classes, there are general races that strictly follow board length.

Three Kinds of the Best Race Paddle Boards

Currently, there are three SUP board lengths that are allowed to use per class:

• 12’6”
• 14’0”
• Unlimited

12’6 Length – This is the shortest board that is allowed to enter into a SUP race division. There are some cases where you’re allowed to enter a different race division using this race board. But as a general rule. This length is ideal for racers with weights over 70kg. It can also be used in fast touring because it has the perfect balance of volume and width. It is also ideal to use in sprint and surf races where there are numerous turns along the way.

14’0” Length – This SUP race division is the most popular globally. Some of the major SUP board races that transpired had the 14’0” race at the main even class. If you’re wondering if this race division does not allow the use of a race paddle board that’s short of a few feet, fret not. Because this competition often allows you to use a 12’6” race SUP board as well.

Unlimited – For SUP racing held in vast and downwind oceans, this race division is preferred. Although uncommon because the boards are specialized, these are the best race paddle boards for downwind. This is because the board’s length is around 18ft. Longer boards, such as this class, give the racer a better glide. What’s different about this is the rudder system that allows the rider to steer the board. This rudder system reduces the effort of stepping around the board just to maneuver.

Why Choose a Race Paddle Board?

We didn’t want to talk you into it on a hard sell level, but just a tip: if you really want to take paddle boarding seriously, joining a race is a good decision. And when it comes to joining a SUP race, what better way to up your paddling experience than investing in the best race paddle board?

We’re almost sure that you probably know about different stand up paddle boards. But just to refresh your knowledge, here are some of the most common stand up paddle boards in the market:

Touring – This paddleboard is all about easy SUP boarding. Made for the most part for flat water and vast sea paddling, these paddle boards are regularly shorter than all round paddle boards. Most downwinders utilize this when they are SUP boarding from one starting point to another with the breeze on their backs. The nose is is assembled on a pointed shape to allow the paddle board to glide cut through the water. The more extended the touring paddle board is, the more easily it slices through the water. On the other hand, stability is a little reduced.

Race – With practically a similar shape as a touring board, race boards are mainly crafted for speed. These are made extensive with pointed noses, but are smaller as compared with touring boards.

All Round – Considered the most reasonable paddleboard for a great many people, an all round paddle board gives the most solid feel on water as compared with the other boards. The standard sizes of these boards are thick with a more extensive nose and tail. Almost everything about this paddle board is created to give the most satisfaction and enjoyment while paddling. 

Surf – This is made for the people who incline toward riding on extreme waves. Normally more limited in length, surf paddle boards have higher mobility. But, like the other boards, you will find a drawback. Surf SUP boards are typically slower but more stable, especially on flat water.

Race Paddle Board: Ride and Glide

In our research about the best race paddle board in the market, we’ve discovered that there is no specific brand that really gets the ultimate overall construction for everyone. But, we found out that as long as you know the critical factors in choosing a race paddle board, you’re most likely to find the right one for you. So, here are the things you need to consider when buying a SUP race board:

• Type
  • Inflatable
  • Rigid
• Length
  • 12’6”
  • 14’0”
  • Unlimited
• Fin
• Volume
• Width
• Hull
  • Displacement
  • Planing

The sliders below will show you what the qualities of an race paddle board are per category:

Common Buying Traps: Why a Race Paddle Board Isn’t as Effective as It Should Be

Bad purchasing decisions lead to big disappointments. And who wouldn’t be disappointed? Just thinking about your hard-earned money going to waste is enough of a reason to feel regretful. So, before you make a bad choice in buying the wrong race board for you, here are a few things to remember about why a SUP race board does not perform well:

• The type of board just doesn’t match your BMI – The board’s volume and your weight are two intertwined factors that affect a race board’s buoyancy and performance. Not only that, but there are also several factors that affect this, like the hull type and the fin attached to your SUP race board. If you’re not aware of the ideal board for a specific weight, you’re almost a step closer to a bad purchase.
• The board you bought is not for a specific water type – SUP racing depends on the body of water where the event is being held. Remember that in the oceans, the waves are a lot harsher than in long lakes. There are some race paddle boards that don’t do well on still waters or on wavy seas.
• You don’t know what accessories can help – There are some additional accessories that you can put on your race SUP board to give extra grip or traction. With these additions, you can have more maneuverability, thus, allowing you to glide through the waters more effectively.

Research Factors for the Best Race Paddle Board

Here’s a table of the critical factors you need to take note of when looking for the best race paddle board:

Size: It Does Matter

Hull: Crucial in Finding the Best Race Paddle Board

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed learning about how to get the best race paddle board on the market. Of course, if you have money to splurge, we’d suggest you go for specific high-end brands out there. But if you’re a beginner who’s looking more into spending low until you become a pro, don’t be afraid to try cheaper options. As long as you keep in mind the buying factors we share, you’re good to go. Enjoy your very first SUP race and we hope you win!

To make your search for the best race paddle board a lot easier, we have already made a selection for you. View our selection of the best race stand-up paddle board(s) at the top of the page.

Learn more about stand up paddle boarding by reading other articles from our website!