What Are The Most Stable Stand Up Paddle Boards? (2023)

Whether you’re new to paddle boarding or an experienced SUPer, one thing is for certain – no one wants to end up in the water when going out on a paddle board.

And the key to staying up right on your SUP is stability.

The most stable paddle boards are the ones that are the widest and the thickest, with out top pick being the Connelly Big Easy Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Paddle – 11′.

Often, fishing paddle boards and yoga paddle boards are the most stable because they are designed for both holding lots of gear and for better balance.

Thicker paddle boards give you better buoyancy and the wider boards give you more room to balance easily as you paddle.

Below we’ll give you our picks on the best stand up paddle boards for stability right now.

Best Paddle Boards For Stability And Balance

If you’re looking for a quick recommendation on the best stand up paddle boards for stability and balance in 2022, then take a look at our list below.

• Connelly Big Easy Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Paddle – 11′
• Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11′
• TAHE Beach SUP-Yak Tandem Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11’6″
• NRS Thrive Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11′
• Red Paddle Co Activ Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’8″

The paddle board above are some of the widest and thickest on the market, which makes them the most stable options you can buy right now.

For more in-depth reviews on these paddle boards, keep reading.

1. Connelly Big Easy Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Paddle – 11′

This inflatable board is great for beginners, yoga SUP, and those paddles who worry about their balance.

At a whopping 38-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable with a smooth glide in the water.

Note that this board is good for heavier people as it has a weight limit of 375 pounds.

Notable features:

•  At 11 ft. long, the Big Easy delivers a confident, stable ride and accommodates up to 375 lbs.
•  One removable 9 in. center fin for tracking
•  Includes a 3-piece adjustable carbon paddle
•  Also includes a high-pressure pump with gauge, carry bag, coil leash, center fin, and patch and repair kit
•  Soft, sanded EVA pad
•  Deck cleats with bungee cord storage
•  Fusion wrapped rails for extra rigidity

2. Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11′

This inflatable board is great for beginners and it is great for anglers as it is a fishing stand up paddle board – though you can use it just for flat water paddling.

At 36-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable with a smooth glide in the water.

Note that this board is good for heavier people as it has a weight limit of 450 pounds.

Notable features:

• Board’s extra width and thickness increase stability and support a 450 lb. carrying capacity that’s ideal for larger paddlers and hauling fishing gear
•  Deck is covered with a 3/4-length, diamond-cut EVA traction pad, securing your feet and providing additional comfort when standing and casting
•  Features a stealthy digital camo graphic with a 30 in. fish measuring tape
•  Built with Fusion Structural Laminate drop-stitch material, providing superior weight, stiffness, durability and performance
•  Built-in Aero Rail Stringers wrap each side rail with Tritex PVC, designed to increase stiffness by nearly 30% with the least possible added weight
•  Features a soft-flex center fin and 2 soft-flex thrusters; flex fins offer extra safety when running into submerged obstacles
•  Remove the center fin and use only the thrusters when paddling in shallow water
•  An included MOLLE plate allows customization with handy accessories like a gear pouch, multi-tool, first aid kit or phone case (not included)
•  Comfortable neoprene-covered handles on center, bow and stern provide good grip for carrying
•  Front deck bungee provides quick and secure storage for extra gear
•  Includes a universal deck mount to attach a POV camera, rod holder or optional Aquaglide cupholder (not included)
•  6 webbing loops can securely anchor a sturdy cooler (not included) filled with ice cold beverages and lunch, and any other gear for your fishing adventure
•  Included are 6 carabiners for fast and easy gear attachment to the webbing loops
•  Included leash attaches to a D-ring located on the tail
•  Features a single center fin attached to a US fin box, a proven universal system used on most surfboards and paddle boards
•  No tools required for fin installation—simply hand-screw onto the plate system
•  Included 156 L River Crossing pack features a zippered main closure, mesh side panels for drainage and breathability, and an exterior pocket and straps for your paddle or pump
•  Adjustable, padded shoulder straps and waist belt tuck into a stowaway pocket when not in use
•  Single Halkey Roberts–style valve is on the tail, with the correct psi labeled; it takes about 10 min. to inflate with the included Aquaglide High Pressure hand pump
•  For compact storage, the pump’s feet fold up, the handle breaks down and the hose disconnects
•  No racks needed: When not in use, the SUP easily rolls up into its bag, making it ideal to store in a trunk, closet or RV; it can even be checked in as luggage on a flight
•  Bundle includes inflatable SUP, River Crossing storage/transportation bag, fin, ankle leash, hand pump and repair kit; paddle not included
•  Named after the legendary Blackfoot River in Montana

3. TAHE Beach SUP-Yak Tandem Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11’6″

This inflatable board is great for beginners and it doubles as a sit-on-top kayak.

At 36-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable with a smooth glide in the water.

Note that this board is good for heavier people as it has a weight limit of 440 pounds.

Notable features:

• Quickly converts from SUP to kayak use and vice versa; can be configured as a 1- or 2-person kayak so you can paddle solo or with a friend
•  Easy-to-install seats and footrests convert the stand up paddle board to a sit-on-top kayak in seconds; plus, they’re easy to remove when you need space to play or relax
•  2 removable high-back kayak seats with 3 in. thick seats and 2 removable footrests offer comfort and control by optimizing your body position and alignment for kayaking
•  Daisy Chain Attachment System (DCAS) lets you customize the location of kayak seats, footrests, deck bungees at bow and stern, and other accessories (not included)
•  Carry handles at bow, center and stern offer easy transport by 1 or 2 people and facilitate reboarding after a swim
•  A soft, grippy deck pad runs the entire length of the board—perfect for pets, kids, yoga and naps
•  Bungee rigging at bow and stern for securing gear
•  6 in. thick military-grade drop-stitch PVC construction is durable, rigid and buoyant, offering a stable ride, whether you’re standing or seated
•  Shaped to improve glide with a wide, stable stern that smoothly transitions to a narrower bow; board measures 36 in. wide at center
•  With Twin Stringer Stiffening Technology (TSST), 2 reinforcement rail stringers provide added stiffness and damping in choppy conditions
•  3 permanently installed fins made of virtually indestructible polymers offer worry-free use and superior tracking
•  Includes 2 hybrid paddles that are adjustable for stand up paddle board and kayak use
•  Included ankle leash helps you stay connected to your board/boat
•  High-capacity 2-way pump with gauge makes for quick and easy inflation
•  Carryall backpack offers convenient transport and storage of all components
•  At just 26 lbs., this 2-in-1 board weighs less than half of a similarly sized rigid kayak; complete kit weighs 39 lbs. when packed
•  Includes: board, 2 seats, 2 footrests, 2 adjustable paddles, ankle leash, pump, repair kit and carryall backpack
•  Backed by manufacturer’s 2-year warranty

4. NRS Thrive Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11′

This inflatable board is great for beginners and it performs well in all types of water.

At 36-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable and versatile as it is equally adept at touring, fitness paddling and light river running.

Note that this board is not good for heavier people as it has a weight limit of 275 pounds.

Notable features:

• With heavy-duty PVC drop-stitch construction and double sidewalls, this SUP can handle the abrasion and abuse of an adventurous lifestyle
•  Inflates to 20 psi for super-rigid performance and folds compactly for easy storage and transport
•  Removable, interchangeable, nylon-reinforced plastic fins let you customize your setup—and they’ll absorb impacts without breaking
•  4 D-rings on the nose allow for custom rigging using the included bungee cord
•  3 additional D-rings let you attach your water bottle, leash and tie-downs (not included)
•  3 sturdy handles make for easy carry: 1 in the center of the deck for hauling solo, and 1 each on the nose and tail for carrying with a buddy or to aid in a swim
•  Features a reliable Leafield D7 inflation/deflation valve and a pressure-relief valve to prevent accidental over-inflation
•  Includes a high-pressure pump with pressure gauge, 3 all-water fins, 1 touring fin, a carry bag and a repair kit
•  Covered by manufacturer’s 3-year retail warranty

5. Pau Hana Malibu Classic Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’6″

This solid-body stand up paddle board is ideal for entry-level paddlers looking for a comfortable and durable board.

At 34-inches wide, this SUP is very stable and tracks well in the water.

Heavier people should note that the weight limit for this SUP is 250 pounds.

Notable features:

• A highly durable board—at an affordable price—that can withstand taking a beating from paddles, elbows or rocks
•  Comes with the Malibu adjustable aluminum paddle
•  Vacuum Formed Technology (VFT) and ABS plastic sandwiched around the EPS core makes the board incredibly durable
•  Center handle insert is molded for comfort and sunken into the board to not interfere while in use
•  5mm EVA deck pad has secure traction and a soft grip for comfort while riding the board
•  Self-regulating vent plug allows air to permeate freely while preventing water and other debris from entering the board, minimizing damage caused by pressurization
•  1 in. through-hole makes it easy to lock up or stake your board
•  Features SeaMount®, an accessory attachment system that makes it really simple to add cup holders, paddle clips and easy-to-thread bungee tie-downs

6. Starboard iGO Zen SC Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’8″

This inflatable board is great for beginners as well as experienced paddle boarders.

At 33-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable and tracks well in the water.

Heavier people should note that the weight limit for this iSUP is 240 pounds.

Notable features:

•  iGO boards are known for being steady, having good speed and being easy to turn while stepping back onto the wide tail area
•  Straight outline and narrow midsection allow you to keep your paddle closer to the board, increasing comfort and stability while also helping you track better and glide faster
•  Board’s straight outline also helps you to paddle straight and paddle more strokes on one side before switching, which aids comfort and even increases overall speed
•  Linear drop-stitch material is ultralight and as stiff as single-layer technology can offer—you can feel the acceleration
•  Heat-welded rails create an airtight, mechanically bonded seam without the risk of glue weakening over time, making the board stronger and more durable than boards with glue
•  Galvanized 2000D rails increase the strength and stiffness of the board
•  Yulex leash cuff is made from natural rubber that has a greatly reduced carbon footprint compared to neoprene
•  Bungee tie-down system provides storage for any gear you want to bring along for the ride
•  Includes an adjustable 3-piece paddle
•  Includes a V8 pump for inflating and a RE-COVER rolling travel bag (made with recycled plastics) for easy transportation to and from the car

7. TAHE Beach SUP-Yak Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’6″

This inflatable board is great for beginners and it doubles as a sit-on-top kayak.

At 34-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable with a smooth glide in the water.

Note that this board is good for heavier people as it has a weight limit of 300 pounds.

Notable features:

• Easy-to-install seat and footrest convert the stand up paddle board to a sit-on-top kayak in seconds; plus, they’re easy to remove when you need space to play or relax
•  3 in. thick seat offers comfort and control by optimizing your body position and alignment for kayaking
•  Daisy Chain Attachment System (DCAS) lets you customize the location of kayak seat, footrest, deck bungees at bow and stern, and other accessories (not included)
•  Carry handles at bow, center and stern offer easy transport and facilitate reboarding after a swim
•  A soft, grippy deck pad runs the entire length of the board—perfect for pets, kids, yoga and naps
•  6 in. thick military-grade drop-stitch PVC construction is durable, rigid and buoyant, offering a stable ride, whether you’re standing or seated
•  Shaped to improve glide with a wide, stable stern that smoothly transitions to a narrower bow, board measures 34 in. wide at center
•  With Twin Stringer Stiffening Technology (TSST), 2 reinforcement rail stringers provide added stiffness and damping in choppy conditions
•  3 permanently installed fins made of virtually indestructible polymers offer worry-free use and superior tracking
•  Includes a hybrid paddle that’s adjustable for stand up paddle board and kayak use
•  Included ankle leash helps you stay connected to your board/boat
•  High-capacity 2-way pump with gauge makes for quick and easy inflation
•  Carryall backpack offers convenient transport and storage
•  At just 23 lbs., this 2-in-1 board weighs less than half of a similarly sized rigid kayak; complete kit weighs 39 lbs. when packed
•  Includes: board, seat, footrest, adjustable paddle, ankle leash, pump, repair kit and carryall backpack
•  Backed by manufacturer’s 2-year warranty

8. Bote Breeze Aero Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’8″

This inflatable board is great for beginners as well as experienced paddle boarders.

At 33-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable and tracks well in the water.

Heavier people should note that the weight limit for this iSUP is 240 pounds.

Notable features:

•  Includes a 3-piece adjustable paddle, travel bag, removable center fin, hand pump and repair kit
•  Military-grade, single-layer PVC construction is lightweight and easy to store and transport; hull is durable and rigid once inflated
•  BVA multitextured deck pad is heat-sealed to shed water; cushioned deck pad helps reduce fatigue while providing nonslip traction
•  33 in. width and extra-wide tail enhance stability while paddling
•  Rocker-style hull keeps the board nose up and sheds water
•  Center fin provides stability and is removable via a tethered attachment pin for easy transport and storage; side fins are molded into the hull for increased tracking
•  Redesigned grab handle provides a comfortable grip with good leverage
•  Adjustable bungee straps provide quick and easy storage of extra gear
•  Included travel bag provides convenient storage and transport; when deflated, the Breeze travel bag can fit in your trunk or be carried on the subway

9. NRS Thrive Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’8″

This inflatable board is great for beginners as well as experienced paddle boarders.

At 34-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable and performs well in all types of water.

Heavier people should note that the weight limit for this iSUP is 250 pounds.

Notable features:

• With heavy-duty PVC drop-stitch construction and double sidewalls, this SUP can handle the abrasion and abuse of an adventurous lifestyle
•  Inflates to 20 psi for super-rigid performance and folds compactly for easy storage and transport
•  Removable, interchangeable, nylon-reinforced plastic fins let you customize your setup—and they’ll absorb impacts without breaking
•  4 D-rings on the nose allow for custom rigging using the included bungee cord
•  3 additional D-rings let you attach your water bottle, leash and tie-downs (not included)
•  3 sturdy handles make for easy carry: 1 in the center of the deck for hauling solo, and 1 each on the nose and tail for carrying with a buddy or to aid in a swim
•  Features a reliable Leafield D7 inflation/deflation valve and a pressure-relief valve to prevent accidental over-inflation
•  Includes a high-pressure pump with pressure gauge, 3 all-water fins, 1 touring fin, a carry bag and a repair kit
•  Recommended weight (paddler plus gear) 150 to 250 lbs.
•  Covered by manufacturer’s 3-year retail warranty

10. Pau Hana Big EZ Hawaiian VFT Stand Up Paddle Board – 11′

This solid-body stand up paddle board is ideal for entry-level paddlers looking for a comfortable and durable board.

At 34-inches wide, this SUP is very stable and is a versatile choice for a wide range of skill levels and paddler sizes.

Note that the weight limit for this SUP is 317 pounds.

Notable features:

•  Stable design is ideal for a variety of paddling activities, even carrying heavy loads or hauling extra gear
•  8 SeaMount® patented accessory attachments let you add drink holders, paddle clips and tie-downs with ease (accessories sold separately)
•  5mm EVA deck pad delivers secure traction and a soft grip for comfort
•  Self-regulating vent plug allows air to permeate freely through the vent while preventing water and other debris from entering the board, minimizing pressurization damage
•  Integrated leash cup lets you attach a leash (sold separately) when out in choppy water or on the open ocean
•  Center handle insert is molded for comfort and sunk into the board so as not to interfere during use

11. Red Paddle Co Activ Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’8″

This inflatable board is great for stability because it is a yoga paddleboard – but you can use it for flat water paddling.

At 34-inches wide, this inflatable SUP is very stable due to it’s width and 6-inch thickness.

Heavier people should note that the weight limit for this iSUP is 265 pounds.

Notable features:

•  Increased board thickness reduces wash over the board to help keep you dry during your workout
•  Carrying handles are located along outer edges of the deck, clearing more space for your practice
•  Running tip-to-tail and edge-to-edge, a full deck pad provides great grip across the entire surface of the board
•  Features exclusive MSL technology to offer impressive stiffness
•  Ergonomic tubular grab handles provided at every end of board for easy portage; attachment points on side let you connect a shoulder strap (not included)
•  Included Titan II Pump inflates boards in half the time and with less effort than past versions
•  3-in-1 transport pack serves as rolling luggage, backpack and bagless “skeleton” harness; harness allows for lighter, easier access to remote waterways
•  Recommended board inflation is 20 psi; board can be left inflated indefinitely
•  Backed by the Red Paddle Co 5-year Warranty

Stable Stand Up Paddle Board FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about SUP stability.

What makes a paddle board more stable?

The two things that make a paddle board more stable are width and thickness.

The wider and thicker your SUP, then the more stable it will be in the water and the easier it will be for you to balance on it.

For the most stable stand up paddle boards, look for SUPs that are at least 33-inches wide and at least 6-inches thick.

What is the most stable inflatable SUP?

As of 2022, the most stable inflatable SUP on the market is the Connelly Big Easy Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Paddle – 11′.

However, all of the iSUPs listed on this page are very stable.

What is the most stable paddle board for beginners?

For beginners who want the most stable SUP on the market, we recommend the Red Paddle Co Activ Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’8″.

This is a shorter board, which is a bit easier to maneuver.

And since this SUP was designed for people who do yoga on their paddle board, it was designed with stability in mind so that you don’t have to worry about your balance while paddling.

Is a longer paddle board more stable?

Yes, often longer paddle boards are more stable for riders as a result of the increase in capacity and volume.

But that doesn’t mean that all long paddle boards are stable.

You still need to pay attention to the SUP width and thickness when looking for stability.

Are inflatable SUP stable?

Yes, inflatable SUPs are incredibly stable.

They are also very easy to learn on for beginners.

Final Word

As you can see, there are some great options for wide and thick paddle boards that offer good stability, balance, and versatility on the water.

Here’s a quick reminder of our top picks –

• Connelly Big Easy Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Paddle – 11′
• Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11′
• TAHE Beach SUP-Yak Tandem Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11’6″
• NRS Thrive Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – 11′
• Red Paddle Co Activ Stand Up Paddle Board – 10’8″

If you’re doing shopping on your own, look for stand up paddle boards that are 6-inches in thickness and at least 33-inches in width.

Those dimensions get you the most stable SUPs on the market.