If you are like me, then paddleboard yoga has allowed you to combine two of your passions. While mastering this new form of yoga is definitely a thrill, you are also met with a few, new obstacles as well. One of my biggest problems that I need to overcome when taking up this activity was finding the best yoga paddleboards.
Paddleboard yoga is still a bit of an up-and-comer in the paddleboarding world. As such, there are still only a handful of companies that actually make this type of specific paddle boards. If you want to know all there is to about choosing these paddle boards – and getting some helpful tips on the top ones – check out all of these tips below:
Do You Specifically Need a Yoga Paddleboard?
The first question that you probably have is whether you actually need a yoga paddleboard, specifically? Keeping it strictly technical, you don’t have to select a paddleboard that has been specially constructed for SUP yoga. Nevertheless, you probably should.
Understand, yoga paddleboards have been built to make it easier for you to do yoga on the water. As such, they have particular features that set them apart from regular stand up paddleboards. For instance, these boards are constructed for stability, above all else. Thus, it is more difficult to topple or turn over these boards.
If you have some experience with paddleboard yoga, then you may be able to make do with any paddleboard. However, if you are new to this activity, you may discover that a yoga paddleboard is your best option for success.
iSUP vs. Solid Core Boards
As far as type goes, yoga paddleboards can be categorized as either solid core or inflatable stand up boards. So, what’s the difference between the two and which one is right for you?
Well, as the name suggests, solid core boards that are made up of different materials like foam and fiberglass. These are often also covered with epoxy coatings as well. The main advantage of a solid core board is stability. Since these are constructed from hardier materials, you will find it a great deal easier to keep your balance on one.
Inflatable boards are usually composed of PVC plastic and woven fibers. As you can imagine, the greatest benefit with these boards is that they can be folded up and made portable. So, unlike the solid core boards, these ones are a lot easier to travel with. While they may lack the stability and durability of the solid boards, the inflatable ones are surprisingly rigid and often work well enough for most paddleboard yogis.
Planing Hull Style
Paddleboards are available with two different hull styles. So, you will need to select between a displacement and planing hull style, if you are choosing a paddle board that hasn’t specifically been built for yoga.
In such an instance, it is best to go with the wider, higher volume planing hull style. While these boards aren’t particularly fast, they have been constructed for stability. As such, they are a great deal simpler for you to balance on top of.
Size
As a whole, yoga paddleboards tend to be longer and wider than other types. As a rule of thumb, these boards often have a width of 31 inches or more. They are also between 10 and 12 feet long. So, if you are choosing a board that isn’t specifically made for yoga, make sure to keep these dimensions in mind.
At the same time, you should keep your own weight and height in mind when selecting a board. For instance, if you are on the taller side, then you will need a paddleboard that is able to accommodate this. Furthermore, if you require a greater level of stability, then pick a board that is wider.
Grip
Finally, a good yoga paddleboard must have a good gripping surface. This is particularly important for more advanced yogis who will be attempting more complex positions. By getting a paddleboard that offers more friction, you are less likely to fall into the water when doing yoga.
Best Yoga Paddle Boards
Here are the yoga paddleboards that will offer you the best possible experience:
ISLE Airtech Yoga SUP
- MVP = MOST VERSATILE PADDLER: This board is a great all-around iSUP, perfect for recreation,...
- GROOVED EVA TRACTION PAD: ISLE's updated soft brushed EVA traction pad now has grooves for extra...
- ULTRA DURABLE DESIGN: Constructed with Military-Grade PVC that is 6" thick when fully inflated....
- INCLUDES iSUP ACCESSORY BUNDLE: All inflatable stand up paddle boards come with a complete package...
- WHY SHOP ISLE? Born and bred on the water in San Diego, California since 2004. Our team is committed...
There was so much that I liked about this yoga paddleboard. To start with, the construction is top-notch. The board employs Airtech Fusion-Lite technology which provides you with a lighter yet stiffer board. To add to this, the board is also surprisingly rigid once it is blown up, offering up excellent stability. The board is around six inches thick which further improves your balance. The size works for most yogis, with a width of 32 inches and a length of 10 feet. The board is also capable of supporting up to 240lbs in weight.
I also appreciated that this is an incredibly durable board. It is made from high quality, military grade PVC. Thanks to this, you don’t have to worry about putting any dings in this SUP while using it. If you are looking for a bundle deal, then ISLE offers you a great one here. In addition to the board, you get a pump, paddle, and even a carry bag. My only complaint regarding this yoga SUP is the inflation process. Until you get to around 8 psi, it is easy sailing. After that, you are going to have to make quite a bit of effort to get it inflated all the way.
PEAK Yoga SUP
- ULTIMATE YOGA FITNESS BOARD: Premium construction. 10’ x 32” x 6”, 25 liters, 35% lighter...
- LONG LASTING DURABILITY: Made with first quality Korean drop stitch and lightweight military-grade...
- TRANSPORTATION & STORAGE MADE EASY: No Space No Problem! Measures 36” x 14” x 12” when...
- INCLUDES COLOR MATCHED ACCESSORY BUNDLE + BONUS PHONE CASE: Everything you need to get out on the...
- 30 DAY RETURN GUARANTEE + 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON MATERIALS: Since 2004, we have been putting happy...
If you need to a fair bit of lugging around before your paddleboard yoga session, then this board will be a good fit for you. This is because even when it is fully blown up, it weighs just 18 pounds. Speaking of which, with the hand pump provided along with the board, you should be able to inflate it fully in around ten minutes. Once inflated, the SUP measures in at 10 feet in length and 32 inches at the width. It is also six inches thick. Overall, this board is able to hold around 275 pounds so it is actually great for anyone who wants to take on an additional rider with them.
The board is composed of durable, military grade, dual layer PVC and drop-stitch material. The result is a board that is thicker and more rigid. These features, combined with the larger surface area ensure that you have an incredibly stable SUP on your hands. The only quality issue here is with the aesthetic elements of the yoga board. There is a chance that some of the coloring and logo may rub off fairly soon. It should also be noted that the paddle that comes along with the board isn’t too strong either.
NIXY Sports Yoga SUP
As far as sturdiness goes, I would definitely agree that this NIXY SUP is ahead of the crowd. Once blown up, this paddleboard offers you up a completely flat, entirely rigid surface. As such, it works well for beginners who are only still getting the hang of paddleboard yoga. This SUP will provide you with all of the support that you need. Of course, this rigidity does come with a downside – the SUP needs to be pumped up to 20 psi, which is a lot more than many of the other brands on a market. So, even with an electric pump, you will have your work cut out for you.
As well as being stiff, this SUP is also quite durable. Made from advanced fusion drop-stitch technology, this is a paddleboard that has been built to last. The base of the board is also wider than some of the others at 34 inches, offering further stability. It is also 10 feet long and six inches thick as well. The board is capable of holding up to 400lbs so you can easily bring along another rider with you. The total package includes a travel bag, coiled leash, paddle, fins, and a pump. So, you will have everything that you could possibly need.
Aqua Marina Monster Yoga SUP
- MAXIMUM TRACTION - EVA DECK - Honeycomb Groove Heat Embossed Anti Slip Deck Will Keep You On Your...
- MONSTER SIZE: At 12 Ft long, 32"in wide and 6"in deep with 352 weight capacity, the MONSTER is...
- INCREDIBLY EASY TO TRANSPORT: Deflates in seconds from MONSTER size for easy storage and...
- YOGA: Do Yoga or just sit Indian style and meditate without ever worrying about balance. So stable,...
- INCLUDES iSUP ACCESSORY BUNDLE: Air Pump with integrated pressure gauge, Go Pro adapter, Paddle,...
This paddleboard is actually quite a good option for yogis who have only just taken up this activity. For one thing, the base of this SUP is quite wide at 32 inches and at 12 feet, the board is also a bit longer than most. So, if you need a bit more room to maneuver around, this SUP offers up just that. Another advantage is that the surface is covered in a non-slip, heat embossed, honeycomb groove. The result of this is a soft surface to practice on that also offers you an excellent grip.
The board also does have a two person capacity and is actually able to hold up around 352 lbs. This is good news for anyone who wants to take a partner along with them. You dont have to worry about this SUP being able to manage this weight as it boasts a double-wall drop-stitch PVC construction. Furthermore, the board is about six inches thick. My main complaint with this board is that it doesn’t come with a leash, although it does have several other accessories like a pump, fin, and adjustable paddle. Considering that is a rather fundamental thing, it does get knocked down the list for me.
What I like most about this yoga paddleboard is the width. With a width of around 35 inches, this base is much wider than many other options on the market. So, if you are a beginner or simply looking for a more stable option, this would be it. To add to this, the board can be inflated to 10 feet, with a width of six inches. So, it is more than suitable for most yogis in this sense. The surface of the paddleboard is comfortable but still offers a good grip to work with.
The board also holds up quite well as far as stiffness goes too. Made from military grade PVC, the board can blow up to be completely flat and rigid. The weight limit on this SUP is also pretty good and it can carry up to 275lbs. This weight limit, though, does come at a cost. When inflated, the paddleboard weighs about 29lbs. So, you need some serious upper body strength to get it in and out of the water. There is also the fact that the paddleboard doesn’t come equipped with a leash. It does, however, come packaged with a paddle, pump, fins, and bag.
TOWER Inflatable SUP
- Amazing Rigidity
- Easy to Store
- Stable and Maneuverable
- A Viable EPS/Epoxy Board Alternative -- We're Not Kidding!
It should be noted that this SUP is not specifically meant for paddleboard yoga. Therefore, it is a little shorter at around 9 feet and 10 inches. As such, it is best suited to people who have been trying this activity for a little longer and are comfortable on most paddleboards. However, at 32 inches, this board does provide you with all of the surface area that you will need for most yoga poses. In this way, you shouldn’t feel inconvenienced at all. Not to mention, with a six inch thickness, it is more than sturdy enough to hold you up.
The board is made from drop-stitch technology and so, it is incredibly durable. If you want a board that is going to last you for quite a while, this would be it. All of these features, combined, ensure that the surface is quite rigid as well. You should also be able to maneuver this SUP a little more easily than others and so, you should be able to get to your destination a bit more quickly. This makes the SUP suitable for different types of bodies of water as well.
Now, each of these yoga paddleboards is top notch. However, if I had to pick out just one, the ISLE SUP would be my go-to option. It has suitable dimensions, is incredibly stable, and is quite durable as well. T is also equipped with all of the accessories that you will need. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddleboard yogi, you will find this board easy enough to use. What’s more, it also looks exactly how you would want your yoga SUP to look like as well.
This guide should provide you with all of the information that you need regarding yoga paddleboards. With the tips and hints provided here, you should have no problem at all, figuring out which board is most suitable for you.
This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI