I’m a bigger guy at 220lb (give or take a burrito) and just 5’9″. I’ve been active outdoors since I was a big kid, and I know it can sometimes be a struggle to find equipment that works well for me. It can be a challenge finding a sleeping bag that doesn’t feel like an iron maiden, a mountain bike that I don’t need to worry about blowing spokes on the trail, or the best paddle boards for heavy paddlers like myself.
Not all inflatable paddle boards are the same, and not all iSUPs work well for all paddlers. For heavier or larger paddlers, getting on the right board can be the difference between a miserable time fighting your board and (in my best “Borat”) Great Success!
My first iSUP was too small for a beginner my size (10’6″ x 30″ x 6″). I stuck with it and made it work, but I thrived once I was on a board that was big enough for me.
Below is a collection of our favorite inflatable paddle boards that work best for heavy paddlers. These boards offer wider platforms and shapes for more stability and better rigidity for a higher weight capacity, and they continue to perform as well with a heavier rider as they do with a lighter one.
Best Paddle Board for Heavy Persons Comparison Chart
| section-hd | Best iSUPs under $500 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOARD | DIMENSIONS | CAPACITY | WARRANTY | PRICE | |
| Blackfin Model X | Blackfin Model X
| 10'6” x 35" x 6" 26.2 pounds | 450 lbs | 3 years, 45-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Hydrus Joyride XL | Hydrus Joyride XL
| 11’6” x 34" x 6" 25.5 pounds | 400 lbs | 10-year, 30-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Sea Gods Diatom Ten6 CX | Sea Gods Diatom Ten6 CX
| 10'6” x 34" x 6" 19 pounds | 340 lbs | 10-year, 30-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Thurso Max Multi-Purpose | Thurso Max Multi-Purpose
| 11’6 x 34" x 6" 29 pounds | 370 lbs | 2-years, 30-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Bote HD Aero | Bote HD Aero
| 11'6" x 34" x 6" 30 pounds | 315 lbs | 2-years, 30-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Glide O2 Retro 3.0 | Glide O2 Retro 3.0
| 10’6” x 33.5" x 6" 21.8 pounds | 400 lbs | 10-years, 30-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Nixy Monterey G5 Expedition | Nixy Monterey G5 Expedition
| 11’6" x 34" x 4.7" 21.2 pounds | 400 lbs | 3 years, 30-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Best Price |
| iRocker Cruiser Ultra | iRocker Cruiser Ultra
| 10’6” x 33" x 6" 20 pounds | 300 lbs | 3-years, 45-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Best Price |
Blackfin Model X
10”6” x 35” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada, UK, EU
Read Full Review Here
For several years, the Blackfin Model X has been one of our top recommendations for larger paddlers. Its 35″ width, triple-layer composite construction, and carbon fiber reinforced rails make it extremely stiff and stable.
Whether you are fishing, cruising the bays, paddling with a passenger, or setting it up with a kayak seat, the Model X has you covered with well over a dozen d-rings, eight threaded action mounts, two Scotty mounts, and two large cargo areas.
If that’s not enough for you, there is also the Blackfin Model XL, which adds a foot of length (though it does drop the width back to 34″).
The new Blackfin Model X 6.0 offers the same excellent performance with new colorways and an updated feature set.
Bottom Line:The Blackfin Model X is a super stiff, highly stable iSUP great for larger paddlers looking for an easily maneuverable iSUP.
Hydrus Joyride XL
11’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada
Read Full Review Here
Use code “BOARDER” at checkout to take 12% off the Joyride XL
Hydrus built the Joyride XL iSUP with versatility and durability in mind. The wide, parallel outline maximizes stability and glide, while the large front cargo bungees, grab handles, and cooler tie-downs let you set your board up however you need it for your next adventure.
One of the key components of all of Hydrus’s inflatables is their unique composite construction, which utilizes a layer of heavy-duty composite fiber built into the PVC shell material itself. This provides extra abrasion resistance, and Hydrus is known for its extremely durable boards built to handle the toughest conditions.
Bottom Line: The Hydrus Joyride XL is a great option for bigger riders looking for a super-durable board that can handle everything from flat water to Class II whitewater.
Sea Gods Diatom Ten6 CX
10’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada
Read Full Review Here
The Sea Gods Diatom Ten6 CX is not just one of the most eye-catching paddle boards on the water; it’s two of the most eye-catching paddle boards on the water!
In addition to its stable size and construction designed for cruising in style, the Diatom Ten6 CX comes in two different deck options. The original CX (shown above) has a diamond groove deck pad with a die-cut arrow pattern. However, the new Diatom Ten6 CX Mandala features a new purple and blue mandala-patterned deck pad made by CNC-cutting the top of two layers of EVA foam for a unique look.
Bottom Line:The Sea God’s Diatom Ten6 CX’s performance matches its level of aesthetics while offering a stiff, stable platform for heavier paddlers.
Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose iSUP
11’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada, UK, EU
Read Full Review Here
Right away, the Thurso Max’s 11’6” x 34” frame keeps the board wide from end to end rather than severely tapering in at the nose and tail. This wider outline means the level of stability remains relatively constant as you move along the board to make the most use of its full-length deck pad.
Whether you are reaching into a cooler behind you, moving forward to land a fish (and check it with the built-in measuring tape), or have a dog or kid moving up and down the board, you won’t find yourself suddenly on an extra-narrow section of the paddle board.
Like the Blackfin Model X, the Thurso Max uses carbon fiber reinforced rails but also goes an extra step with woven drop stitch fabric to keep the board stiffer and reduce weight (though the extra deck pad and features do add it back on – and then some). The Max also includes a great set of accessories and universal US and FCS fin boxes.
Bottom Line: The Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose paddle board is a super-stable and super-versatile iSUP for heavier paddlers looking for a board with all the bells and whistles.
Bote HD Aero
11’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Full Review Here
Bote is known worldwide for their fishing paddle boards (both hard and inflatable). The HD Aero combines inflatable portability and ease of use with excellent stability and fishing-specific features.
The HD Aero includes fishing rack mounts and a paddle sheath to keep your fishing and paddling gear organized and within easy reach. The wide outline and wide, square tail keep the HD very stable.
Bottom Line: The Bote HD Aero is a great option for larger paddlers who also want fishing-specific features.
Glide O2 Retro 3.0
10’6” x 33.5” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
Glide’s latest generation of inflatable boards features an entirely new construction. The O2 Retro 3.0 has a cross-woven drop stitch core, new welded rails, and new lightweight fusion PVC material. However, the lighter construction maintains excellent rigidity and performance on the water and carries a 10-year warranty from Glide.
The Retro’s wide, rounded nose helps increase stability, while the gently tapered tail increases efficiency without making the board feel tippy.
Additional D-rings, a full-length deck pad, inflatable kayak seat, and Universal Standard (US) fin box contribute to the versatility of the O2 Retro 3.0 on the water.
Bottom Line: The Glide O2 Retro 3.0 is an excellent cruiser-style board for paddlers of all sizes.
Nixy Monterey G5 Expedition
11’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
Nixy’s fifth-generation Monterey Expedition iSUP is more stable than ever, with excellent efficiency and versatility.
For the Monterey G5, Nixy has widened the hips and tail, increasing its stability and cargo capabilities. The large cargo area in the rear of the board keeps dry bags and coolers out of the way while paddling, while the threaded accessory mounts on the front and rear of the board keep smaller accessories close at hand.
The new lightweight construction makes the Monterey easy to transport and store, and it comes in four bold color options to match your style. This year, Nixy is also offering the Monterey G5 as a board-only option for those who already have their preferred equipment, or you can bundle it with their top-notch accessories to build your own kit.
Bottom Line: The Nixy Monterey G5 is a lightweight and stable iSUP capable of casual cruising, loaded for overnight trips, and everything in between.
iRocker Cruiser Ultra
10’6” x 33” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
iRocker’s Ultra series paddle boards offer high-performance paddling options for paddlers short on storage space.
The iRocker Cruiser Ultra is a 10’6 x 33” cruiser-style iSUP with great stability and rigidity. The board folds in half and fits into a bag almost half the size of a traditional iSUP, along with all its accessories (including an electric pump).
The lightweight woven drop stitch core and reinforced PVC shell make the Cruiser very stiff on the water. Its rigidity, wide outline, and twin 9″ fins all work together to make this board very stable, even though it’s the narrowest iSUP on our list at 33″ wide.
Bottom Line: The iRocker Cruiser Ultra is a compact iSUP with great performance for heavier paddlers.
Paddle Boards for Heavy Persons FAQs
What Makes a Paddle Board Good for a Heavy Person?
The main components that set these paddle boards apart are their width and stiffness. Wider boards are much easier to balance on and typically have a higher weight capacity. Stiffer boards reduce flex in the standing area to maintain optimal performance. While it’s easy to compare widths while looking for a paddle board, stiffness is not standardized nor advertised with most boards. Our in-depth testing includes static bend testing for quantitative comparisons and on-water testing for comparing how they truly feel while on the water.
What Width Paddle Board is Best for Me?
Wider boards offer more stability than narrower boards. Having a wider board can make a huge difference in stability and comfort for larger and taller paddlers. While we regularly recommend boards around 32″ wide for most paddlers, heavier paddlers may be more comfortable on boards between 34-35″ to start. As you get more experience on your board and become more comfortable, many paddlers like to reduce their board size for better paddling efficiency. With some practice and good technique, heavier paddlers can easily begin to handle narrower and narrower boards. At 230 lbs, I regularly use paddle boards anywhere from 36″ wide to 25″ wide, depending on what I’m doing and other factors in the board design.
What Length Paddle Board is Best for Me?
Most all-around paddle boards are between 10′ and 11’6″ long. Generally, the shorter the board, the easier it is to turn (and the longer the board, the better it tracks). Shorter boards typically have less volume and lower weight capacities than longer boards. Most paddlers under 6′ tall are perfectly fine with boards closer to 10’6″ long, while taller paddlers often feel more comfortable on boards closer to 11’6″ long.
Recommended Gear for Heavier Paddlers
While all-around SUP kits include everything the paddle board needs to get you out on the water, a few accessories will give you a better and safer experience on your new SUP.
- PFD – A PFD (Personal Flotation Device), sometimes called a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a critical piece of safety equipment while on your SUP and may be required by local law. Most PFDs will have chest measurement sizes, and many XXL options have quite a bit of adjustability. Fishing-specific PFDs are also commonly found in larger sizes. A quality, well-fit PFD is not noticeable when being worn. See our Best SUP PFD reviews here.
- Dry Bag – Not everything we bring on our SUPs should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. Dry bags come in various shapes and sizes to fit your needs. See our Best SUP Dry Bag reviews here.
- Coolers – whether you are keeping your drinks cold or your catch fresh, a great cooler can make the difference after hours in the sun. Plus, hard coolers make a great seat to take a break from standing! See our Best SUP Cooler reviews here
- Electric Pumps – Using a hand pump with your board is a great way to warm up for your day paddling. But now and then, it’s nice to relax while getting ready. Electric SUP pumps are easy to use and let you focus on other things while inflating your board. See our Best Electric SUP Pump reviews here.
Final Thoughts – Best Paddle Boards for Heavier Persons
Matching the paddle board size to the paddler is one of the key components for any new paddler, and it’s often not talked about enough or in enough detail. While smaller iSUPs may have weight capacities listed that seem like they would be enough for larger paddlers, often, these weight capacities are determined theoretically or with the idea that the weight will be distributed evenly across the board rather than just in the standing area. This list of Paddle Boards for Heavier Persons has been specifically curated on real-world experience, not on specifications alone.
Editor’s Note
After seeing our list above, you may be asking yourself “what about XYZ brand or model?” First and foremost, we will only review and recommend products we have personally tested. You won’t find spec-only reviews and blind recommendations here. You may notice a few highly rated boards in our reviews are not on this list. While we stand by our reviews and ratings of those boards, last year several companies ceased their affiliate programs. This prevents us from being compensated for the hours, days, and weeks we spend with these products for testing and reviewing (though they still receive the benefit of our content). If you enjoy our content or find it helpful, we ask that you help support Inflatable Boarder by considering brands that continue to support us first. You can read more about how we make money and the reviewing industry as a whole in our recent blog post.