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One thing we love about paddle boarding is that everyone can do it. And yes, we mean everyone.
As with humans, paddle boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with a wide selection on the market, you’ll be sure to find the right paddle board that will suit you and your specific needs.
We know it can be difficult to understand the ins and outs of paddle boards, and as it is a large investment, we completely understand that you want to make the right decision before purchasing. Lucky for you, that’s where we come in.
In this article, we’re going to go over 6 of the best paddle boards for bigger guys (or girls!), so you can feel stable, comfortable, and your absolute best out on the water.
Table of Contents
Before purchasing a paddle board, there are a few important things you need to look out for. The weight capacity, board length, volume, and width all play a factor in which board will be best for you and the activities you’ll be using it for.
As we are focusing this article on paddle boards for bigger guys, it’s essential to take note of the board’s total weight capacity.
It’s extremely important to stay under the board’s weight capacity as too much weight on the deck will cause the board to sink slightly into the water. When a board starts to sink, it is incredibly difficult to paddle and remain stable.
When purchasing a paddle board, you should calculate how much weight will be on the board at any given time. This total should include your weight, the weight of any gear, or the weight of any additional passengers, whether they be human or furry.
Once you have this final number, give yourself a few extra lbs for safe measure and compare it to how much weight the board can hold. If your combined weight is under the maximum, you’re good to go.
All the boards mentioned today have weight limits of over 300 lbs.
Length also plays a role in your board decision. In most cases, the longer the board, the larger the surface area, and the more weight it can hold.
The longer length also provides more stability on the board, which is a great help for new paddlers that don’t want to end up in the water.
The board’s width goes hand in hand with the board’s length and the wider the deck, the larger the surface area, thus producing more stability and a higher weight capacity.
Inflatable paddle boards also come in different volumes, and the more voluminous the board is, the higher the total weight it can hold.
Inflatable boards with over 6” of volume will keep you buoyant and stable on the water.
| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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10’6” x 33” x 6” |
21 lbs |
340 lbs |
The GILI 10’6” Komodo Inflatable paddle board is a versatile all-around SUP that is perfect for riders up to 340 lbs.
Made with Triple Layer Fusion Technology, the Komodo’s widened deck and nose-to-tail traction pad provide extra stability and grip while paddling on the water. Removable bungees at the nose and tail end give you full use of the traction space or can be kept and used for storing additional gear.
GILI designed the Komodo to not only hold larger riders or riders with extra gear but also to be an extremely stable and lightweight board. When paddling on the Komodo, you won’t feel like you have an excessively large board underneath you, but instead, you’ll feel confident cruising around or even practicing SUP yoga or SUP fishing.
The Komodo inflatable stand up paddle board comes in blue, teal, or a yoga-inspired print, with convenient grab handles located at the nose and tail for easier transportation. The nose also has a built-in action mount so you can conveniently mount your action camera or other accessories before heading out on the water.
When anchored or performing yoga moves, you can store your paddle in the built-in velcro paddle holder for peace of mind and security. If you’re a SUPer who enjoys kitting your board out, the Komodo also has 18 D-rings to accommodate all additional accessories.
The GILI Komodo comes with everything you’d need to get out on the water in an instant.
Along with the inflatable paddle board itself, you’ll also get the GILI backpack to store and transport your board comfortably on your back. The bag features padded shoulder and waist straps, three pockets down the front for your fins and other accessories, and carry handles along the side and top.
When purchasing your board, GILI gives you the option of choosing the paddle included. A fiberglass with nylon blade paddle, a carbon fiber with nylon blade paddle, or a carbon fiber with carbon blade paddle. The prices of the paddles vary; however, they’re all adjustable to suit riders of all heights.
GILI’s 8’ coiled leash also comes included with the package, and the color of the leash matches up to the color of the SUP and backpack. A snap-in center fin, two snap-in side fins, and a dual-stage hand pump complete the set, meaning you can unpack, set up, and get paddling.
| PROS | CONS |
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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11’6” x 35” x 6” 10’6” x 35” x 6” |
24 lbs 23 lbs |
485 lbs 450 lbs |
Stepping it up a notch from the GILI 10’6” Komodo is the GILI 11’6” Meno. The 11’6” Meno can hold 485 lbs on its 35” deck making it an excellent choice for larger paddlers or paddlers who enjoy bringing a companion.
If the 11’6” Meno sounds too large for your liking, it also comes in a 10’6” size which still respectively holds 450 lbs. The only thing that differs between the two-sized boards is their size, weight, weight capacity, and Scotty Mounts. All other features, accessories, and components are the same.
The Meno’s 35” deck is incredibly stable and perfect for SUPing activities like fishing or yoga. It also makes a great platform if you just enjoy leisurely paddling around your local lake or river.
Similar to the Komodo, the Meno features an action mount at its nose, along with 18 D-rings conveniently placed along the deck. Three built-in Scotty Mounts come available on the 11’6” model, so you can attach and secure your fishing gear while also storing additional gear in the removable front and back bungees.
For an extra layer of comfort, the Meno has an extra-large, brushed EVA traction pad running from the nose to the tail of the board, and carry handles that make transporting the SUP a breeze.
The 11’6” Meno paddle boards come in blue/white and teal/white, and the 10’6” paddle boards come in blue/white, teal/white, white, and sand/white.
All stand-up paddle boards in the Meno series include carbon fiber rails to further increase the performance and stability. Made with Dual-Layer Fusion laminated PVC, the Meno is a durable and reliable board that’ll remain at the top of your hobby list for years to come.
All GILI stand up paddle boards come with the complete package to get you paddling as soon as possible.
The Meno series comes with a rolling backpack, so you have the option to wheel your SUP to the water or to carry it on your back. The bag has padded shoulder and waist straps, four pockets down the front and back, and carry handles on the top and side to make moving the paddle board even easier.
When purchasing the Meno, you have the choice of a carbon fiber with nylon blade adjustable paddle or a carbon fiber with carbon blade adjustable paddle. A Dual Chamber 3-stage iSUP pump comes with the board and allows you to pump your board up at the water’s edge in as little as 5 - 7 minutes.
Five fins, including a 9” race fin, 4.5” speed fin, and a 3” river fin, come included with the set, as well as GILI’s 8’ coil leash and repair kit.
| PROS | CONS |
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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12’ x 32” x 6” |
Board weight is not available, but the entire package, including the board, weighs 34 lbs |
308 lbs |
The Blue Fin Cruise 12’ Inflatable SUP just makes it onto our SUP board list for bigger guys with a weight limit of 308 lbs.
To create the Cruise 12’, Blue Fin uses 1000 Denier Exo Surface Laminate PVC and Pro Weave Drop Stitch to keep the boards durable, rigid, and stable. The board’s longer length makes it a great option for taller paddlers, especially if you want to convert the SUP into a kayak and need the extra legroom.
D-rings along the board make it easy to add on additional accessories like a kayak seat, and there is also a GoPro mount at the nose of the board so you can capture all the action hands-free.
2/3rds of the deck feature a Thermosealed crocodile deck pad for improved grip and comfort while paddling and the entire board is coated in a UV resistant HQ coating.
The Bluefin Cruise package is extensive and not only includes everything you’d need to get on the board and out on the water, but it also has the additional bonus of a kayak seat and paddle conversion. The seat effortlessly clips onto D-rings on the board, and the paddle handle can be removed and switched out for the additional paddle blade.
For storage and transportation, Bluefin has included a padded, wide strapped backpack that you can use to store your board or to get the SUP from A to B. The two-piece fiberglass shaft paddle has a polyurethane composite blade meaning they both float on the water, reducing the risk of you losing your paddle if you happen to fall in.
The supplied smart locking 8” center fin can clip into place in seconds and the double action pump inflates the Cruise in a matter of minutes.
| PROS | CONS |
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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14’ x 32” x 8” |
36 lbs |
700 lbs |
Next on our list of boards for big guys is the Tower Xplorer Inflatable 14’ SUP which can hold an impressive total weight of 700 lbs. The 14’ deck is an excellent option for tall guys or bigger guys who want to take their SUP out with additional gear or passengers.
The thin deck and pointed nose make the Xplorer a great touring or racing board, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for recreational paddle boarding also.
The Tower Xplorer takes the top spot for volume with 8” of thickness to keep you buoyant and comfortable no matter what water conditions you paddle in.
Tower designed the SUP to be a light gray/white color and constructed it with military-grade materials and drop-stitch technology.
The Xplorer comes with a high-pressure pump and a three-piece adjustable plastic and aluminum paddle.
| PROS | CONS |
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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11’ x 31” x 6” |
25 lbs |
385 lbs |
IRocker designed the iRocker Inflatable 11’ Sport SUP for racing purposes and for paddlers to practice more advanced paddling skills.
As the board is longer and thinner than other boards on our list, it may be slightly more difficult for beginner paddlers to practice on, but it would be a great fit for the more experienced larger SUPers.
iRocker included a front, rear, and center carry handle, as well as safety handles which make carrying the SUP fairly straightforward. These handles can also aid you when you’re attempting to get back on the board after a fall in.
Bungee cords on the front of the deck are great for storing smaller gear like fishing tackle, a first aid kit, or even a water bottle. You can also clip your additional gear to one of the 20 D-rings located all over the board’s deck.
The iRocker Sport 11’ board is made from Triple Layer Composite Construction, a high-density drop stitch internal core, and dual fusion heat-welded seams to make the board extremely durable.
The Sport 11’ comes in gray, teal, and white/blue.
iRocker has included all relative accessories with the Sport 11’ board so you can start your paddling journey as soon as the package arrives at your door.
Included is a full carbon matte paddle that is adjustable up to 86” and a triple action double chamber pump that inflates the board in roughly 7 - 10 minutes.
The wheeled travel backpack allows you to wheel the SUP behind you or carry it on your back with the cushioned shoulder and waist straps. The bag has a carry handle on the top and the side, mesh pockets for your smaller personal belongings, and front bungees to secure your pump if there is no room left inside.
A 10’ coiled leash and three flip-lock nylon removable fins also come included with the iRocker Sport 11’ Inflatable SUP Package.
| PROS | CONS |
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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10’6” x 33” x 6” |
17.6 lbs |
330 lbs |
The last board on our list is the FunWater Inflatable 10’6 SUP. This paddle board is a great budget option and can hold a total weight of 330 lbs.
Weighing only 17.6 lbs, the 10’6” inflatable SUP by FunWater is a great all-around paddle board suitable for all ages and activities.
The board’s rails are constructed with an additional PVC layer to help strengthen the board and keep it as durable as possible.
Seven D-rings are available across the board, six of which you can lace together with a bungee cord at the nose. A half-deck EVA pad improves stability and grip, and the center carry handle makes it easy to transport the board to your desired location.
The FunWater Inflatable 10’6 paddle board comes in a blue or pink TIKI print.
For the price of the board, the package that the paddle board comes included with is extremely generous.
First, it comes included with an adjustable aluminum paddle, which, although it isn’t the highest quality paddle on the market, will still do the job for beginner paddlers.
The travel backpack can double up as storage, allowing you to keep your SUP safe and neatly tucked away when it’s not in use, and the included high-pressure pump will have you pumping your board up in minutes.
Three removable fins slide in and out of the fin box under the paddle board, the supplied coil leash will keep your paddle board attached to you at all times, and the additional waterproof bag will fit your phone or other important accessories.
| PROS | CONS |
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We highly recommend that paddle boarders everywhere always wear a SUP leash.
No matter what type of water you’re paddling in, if you fall off your board and you aren’t wearing a leash, your SUP could end up floating away from you, adding in the extra step of swimming and retrieving it.
Wearing a SUP leash means you can reach down to your ankle and pull the boards towards you in a matter of seconds.
The best way to get back onto your board is to approach it from the side. The front and rear of a SUP usually have the smallest width along the entire board, and if you aren’t centered while trying to climb on, the board will tip to one side, and you’ll end up back in the water.
Approaching from the side gives you a larger surface area and reduces the risk of the board tipping.
Most paddle boards have carry handles in the center of the deck, which you can use as a tool to pull yourself up. Place one hand on the handle, and pull your torso onto the board.
Once your entire upper body is on the deck, kick your feet and rotate your body so your legs can come up and rest on the board. From here, you can resume paddling from the kneeling or standing position.
If you don’t feel comfortable climbing onto the board the way we’ve just mentioned, you can also pull your board over to shallow waters.
While in knee-deep water, you can stand on one side of the SUP with your hands holding the rails on either side of the board. Then, lift one leg over the deck until you’re sat on the board in a seating position. Finally, pull your legs up behind you so you’re lying flat on your stomach, and push up with your arms until you’re kneeling.
Paddle boarding is an extremely versatile sport that people of all shapes and sizes can enjoy.
As well as its versatility, it is also low-impact and a fantastic way to get into shape without even realizing you’re exercising.
Of course! Paddle boards come in a range of shapes and sizes, with weight capacities to suit everyone. The GILI Meno 11’6”board for example can support paddlers up to 485 lbs.
As a general rule, while purchasing a paddle board, it is best to get a board that can comfortably carry your weight, any extra weight you may have onboard, like gear or a passenger, and then leave a little bit of room for leeway.
Length also plays a role, the longer the board, the more stable it will be, and the total weight it can hold will be higher. We recommended at least investing in a board that is 10’ or over.
The Tower Xplorer Inflatable 14' holds up to 700 lbs. However, the 32” deck could make it difficult to remain stable, especially if you have additional weight on board.
The GILI 11’6” Meno Inflatable SUP can carry 485lbs, and the three additional inches on the deck create a large surface area and more stability.
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