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When looking to get into paddle boarding, All-Around boards are a great choice as they suit all conditions fairly well – they won’t be the best board at any one thing, but they will do almost everything well. If you’re looking for a beginner to intermediate, family-friendly board that will do well in a variety of conditions, this type of board is for you.

All-Around iSUPs explained
All-Around iSUPs blend stability and performance for all size and skill level paddlers.

All-Around paddle boards come in various shapes and sizes but fall into a general grouping. Typically, these SUPs are 10-11 feet long and 30-34” wide, though some exceptions exist. They will have more stable shapes with wider noses and tails. This shape helps increase volume throughout the board for increased capacity and comfort.

Most of these inflatable paddle boards are 6” thick. This is the sweet spot between capacity, rigidity, stability, and affordability. However, many 4.7” thick paddle boards are also available. These trade out a little rigidity and capacity for a different feel on the water and are targeted more at the intermediate and advanced paddler market. While you can feel it if you step from a 6” board to a 4.7” board, it’s not something a beginner or intermediate paddler will notice without having them side-by-side to compare.

You’ll find most all-around paddle boards also come with a variety of accessories and features. These kits let you experience all of the different activities stand up paddle boarding has to offer, from family-fun beginner cruising to overnight fishing trips, yoga, and more.

What Size All Around Paddle Board Should I Get?
That is a fantastic question! We’ve gone into great detail on matching board and paddler sizes on our YouTube channel. But for the short version:

  • Shorter boards are more maneuverable, but longer boards offer better straight-line paddling.
  • Wider boards are more stable, but narrower boards are faster.
  • Shorter paddlers can use any length SUP but may struggle to use particularly wide SUPs.
  • Taller and larger paddlers will feel more comfortable on slightly longer and wider boards.

Start your search by deciding how long you want your board. For maximum maneuverability, look at the 10’-10’6” length. For better tracking and maximum capacity, look at the 11’6-12’ boards.

Once you’ve chosen a length, consider the board’s width. More width will mean more stability but slower paddling. SUPs 34” or wider can be difficult for paddlers under 5’6” to paddle comfortably. Most all-around boards are in the 32-33” range to balance stability, speed, and size. However, larger paddlers (over 220 pounds) will want to consider those 34-36” boards to ensure the SUP is rigid and stable enough.

All-Around Paddle Board Comparison Chart
We’ve arranged this guide of all-around paddle boards based on size and brand to make it easy to find the right match for you and your uses! It is broken up first by length, then by brand and width concurrently.

Our Recommended Maximum Paddler Size assumes a beginner skill-level paddler. It takes into account the board’s size, shape, and rigidity, along with our personal experience with each one. Listed Maximum Capacity is provided by the brand and usually indicates the total weight the board is designed to handle. Intermediate and advanced paddlers may exceed these recommendations at their discretion.

10’0”-10’6” All-Around Paddle Boards

10 feet is generally the shortest length for all-around style paddle boards. Some are shorter, but not many, and offer few advantages over the 10-10’6” length boards. These shorter-length SUPS offer higher maneuverability but less capacity and directionality than longer boards.

True 10’ boards are generally best for smaller paddlers, while most paddlers will be more at home on a 10’6” (or longer) paddle board. While this small difference in length may not seem a big deal, there can be a noticeable difference on the water.

These shorter-length all-around boards are also some of the most common sizes, so there are many options for shape, thickness, construction, features, and accessories.

BoardSizeThicknessRecommended Max Paddler SizeListed Maximum CapacityReview & Price

iRocker All Around 10’ Ultra 2.0

10’0” x 32”6”160 lbs260 lbs Read Review

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Thurso Waterwalker 120

10’0” x 30”6”140 lbs260 lbs Read Review

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Gili Mako 10’

10’ x 32”6”160 lbs260 lbs Read Review

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Bote Wulf Aero

10’4” x 34”6”180 lbs250 lbs Read Review

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Bote LowRider 10’6

10’6” x 34”6”220 lbs300 lbs Read Review

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iRocker Cruiser Ultra

10’6” x 33”6”220 lbs300 lbs Read Review

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iRocker Cruiser 7.0

10’6” x 34”6"250 lbs435 lbs Read Review

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Nautical GO Cruiser

10’6” x 34”6"220 lbs275 lbsRead Review

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Blackfin CX Ultra

10’6” x 32.5”6"220 lbs320 lbsRead Review

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Blackfin Model X 6.0

10’6’ x 35”6"300 lbs450 lbsRead Review

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Thurso Waterwalker 126

10’6” x 31”6"180 lbs300 lbsRead Review

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Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX

10’6” x 32”6"180 lbs250 lbsRead Review

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Sea Gods Diatom Ten6 CX

10’6” x 34”6"250 lbs380 lbsRead Review

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Gili Air 10’6

10’6” x 32”6"180 lbs280 lbsRead Review

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Gili Komodo 10’6

10’6” x 33”6"220 lbs340 lbsRead Review

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Gili Meno 10’6

10’6” x 35”6"300 lbs450 lbsRead Review

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Honu Byron 10’6

10’6” x 32”4.7”180 lbs240 lbsRead Review

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Red Paddle Co 10’6 Ride MSL

10’6” x 32”4.7”180 lbs220 lbsRead Review

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Nixy Newport G5

10’6” x 32”6”180 lbs300 lbsRead Review

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Nixy Venice G5

10’6” x 34”6”220 lbs350 lbsRead Review

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Glide O2 Retro 3.0

10’6” x 33”6”250 lbs400 lbsRead Review

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Retrospec Weekender

10’6” x 32”6”160 lbs275 lbsRead Review

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Retrospec Weekender Plus

10’6” x 33”6”220 lbs300 lbsRead Review

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10’7”-11’5” All-Around Paddle Boards

While 10’ boards are known for their maneuverability, 11’ all-around SUPs are, in my opinion, the most versatile size. These mid-length boards offer better tracking and speed but are still easy to maneuver on the water. You can more easily load them up with a bit more weight from equipment, a pet, or a kid, and they come in various widths and shapes.

BoardSizeThicknessRecommended Max Paddler SizeListed Maximum CapacityReview & Price

Bluefin Cruise 10’8

10’ 8” x 33”6”220 lbs330 lbs Read Review

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Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8

10’ 8” x 33”6”240 lbs330 lbs Read Review

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Bote Breeze Aero 10’8

10’8” x 33”6”200 lbs250 lbs Read Review

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Starboard iGO 10’8 DSC

10’8” x 33”6”240 lbs265 lbs Read Review

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Starboard iGo 11’2 ZEN

11’2 x 32”6”160 lbs220 lbs Read Review

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Honu Seaton Compact

10’8” x 32.5”4.7”220 lbs250 lbs Read Review

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Honu Fairlight

10’9” x 33”4.7"220 lbs265 lbs Read Review

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Red Paddle Co 10’8 Ride MSL

10’8” x 34”4.7"220 lbs265 lbsRead Review

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Red Paddle Co 11’ Compact

11’0 x 32”4.7"200 lbs240 lbsRead Review

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iRocker All Around 11’ Ultra 2.0

11’0” x 32”6"200 lbs290 lbsRead Review

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iRocker All Around 11’ 7.0

11’0” x 32”6"240 lbs435 lbsRead Review

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Thurso Waterwalker 132

11’0” x 32”6"220 lbs330 lbsRead Review

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Sea Gods Skylla CX

11’0” x 33”6"240 lbs350 lbsRead Review

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Gili Adventure 11’

11” x 32”6"220 lbs290 lbsRead Review

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Atoll 11’

11’0” x 32”6"220 lbs315 lbsRead Review

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Hydrus Joyride

11’0” x 32”6"240 lbs350 lbsRead Review

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11’6-12’0” All-Around Paddle Boards

This last group of all-around stand up paddle boards are the big’uns. These boards can often double as tandem iSUPs, carry everything you need for a week of SUP camping, and make great paddle boards for fishing, heavier paddlers, and anyone who wants maximum stability. They are a bit harder to turn than shorter options but are easier to keep moving straight.

BoardSizeThicknessRecommended Max Paddler SizeListed Maximum CapacityReview & Price

Blackfin XL Ultra

11’6” x 34”6”250 lbs360 lbs Read Review

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Blackfin Model XL 6.0

11’6” x 34”6”300 lbs485 lbs Read Review

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Thurso Max Multi-Purpose

11’6” x 34”6”300 lbs370 lbs Read Review

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Bote LowRider 11’6

11’6” x 36”6”260 lbs500 lbs Read Review

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Bote HD Aero

11’2 x 34”6”240 lbs315 lbs Read Review

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Gili Air 11’6

11’6” x 32”6”220 lbs295 lbs Read Review

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Gili Meno 11’6

11’6” x 34”6"300 lbs485 lbs Read Review

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Gili Adventure 12’

12’0” x 32”6"240 lbs330 lbsRead Review

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Hydrus Joyride XL

11’6” x 34”6"300 lbs400 lbsRead Review

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Nixy Monterey G5

11’6” x 34”6"280 lbs400 lbsRead Review

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Paddle North The Portager

11’6” x 33”6"260 lbs350 lbsRead Review

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Retrospec Weekender Tour

11’0” x 32”6"240 lbs300 lbsRead Review

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Starboard iGo 12’ DDC

12’0” x 33”6"260 lbs300 lbsRead Review

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What to Look for in an All Around SUP

Honestly, a great beginner SUP is one that is the right size for the paddler and stays within a friendly budget to get you on the water guilt-free.

When choosing an all-around paddle board, always start with the board size. Then, look at capacity, construction (rigidity), features, and accessories. Getting the right size board is one of the biggest barriers new paddlers face. Almost universally, every story I’ve heard about someone not having fun on a paddle board or not being able to stand up has ended with the realization that they were on the wrong size board or one with lower-quality construction not meant for their size.

It’s important to balance cost in the equation as well. While there are many high-end options for $800, $1000, or more, many excellent choices are available in the $500 price range, and a few as low as $250 that may work for some paddlers. But, if you start buying only based on finding the lowest cost option available, you’ll likely end up with one of those “not having fun” stories I mentioned above.

Always look to buy from a paddle board company rather than a random drop shipper on Amazon, and don’t forget to factor in things like the quality of the accessory kit and warranty length when comparison shopping.

If you have questions about what size or which paddle board is right for you, send us an email or comment below. We’ll be glad to help!

Summary of All Around Paddle Boards

As you can see, there are a ton of options for all-around iSUPs. And this is nowhere near a complete list. It can certainly be overwhelming for the first time buyer. Hopefully this guide has helped clarify some of the differences in board sizing. Each of the SUPs above has a full written review here at SUP Board Guide and many also have video reviews available on our YouTube Channel along with a ton of great educational content for new paddlers including choosing your first board, SUP safety, and how to get started stand up paddle boarding.