What Are the Different Types of Paddle Boards?

Paddle boards come in more shapes and styles than most people realise. In the UK, where storage space is tight and the weather changes fast, the right type makes all the difference between loving the sport and leaving the board in the garage.

Here are the main categories in 2026: inflatable or hard construction, planing or displacement hull, and then purpose-built versions for everything from casual lake paddles to racing or surfing. Each has clear trade-offs.

Types by Construction

Inflatable SUP Boards (iSUPs)

Most UK paddlers now start with an inflatable. They pack down into a large backpack, fit in a car boot, and store under the bed.

Modern drop-stitch and fusion construction makes them rigid at 15–20 PSI. Top-end models weigh under 9 kg and perform almost like hard boards.

Pros

• Portable and easy to store
• Forgiving on rocks and kerbs
• Cheaper to ship
• Softer if you fall

Cons

• Slightly slower in a straight line
• Need pumping (electric pumps now take 5–7 minutes)
• Can flex a little in chop

Browse our full range of inflatable stand-up paddle boards.

Hard / Rigid SUP Boards

Built from epoxy, fibreglass, carbon, or bamboo over an EPS foam core. Some have soft-top decks for comfort.

They feel faster and more responsive the moment you step on.

Pros

• Better glide and tracking
• Lighter on the water (often 8–12 kg)
• No pumping required

Cons

• Need roof racks or a big car
• More expensive
• Damage easier on rocks

Check out our hard stand-up paddle boards.

Types by Hull Shape

Planing Hull

Flat or slightly rounded bottom. Wide and stable. Acts like a surfboard — rides on top of the water.

Found on all-round, surf, and most inflatables.

Great for beginners, yoga, and playing in small waves.

Displacement Hull

Pointed nose slices through water. Longer and narrower. Cuts the water instead of riding over it.

Used on touring and racing boards.

Faster and more efficient over distance.

Hybrid Hull

Combines both. Slight V or rounded nose with flatter mid-section. Popular on modern touring/all-round boards.

Offers decent speed with good stability.

Types by Purpose and Activity

All-Round / Recreational

The default choice for 80 % of UK paddlers.

Usually 10’–11’ long, 32–35” wide, 250–320 litres volume.

Stable enough for beginners, light enough for kids or dogs to ride along.

Perfect for canals, lakes, and calm coastal days.

Popular picks: Amigo Air and Loco Motion Air.

Touring / Adventure

Longer (11’6”–14’), narrower nose, displacement or hybrid hull.

Built for distance and carrying kit.

Volume 280–380 litres, often with bungee cords and multiple attachment points.

Ideal for multi-hour trips on lochs, rivers, or coastal exploring.

Try the Scout Air Touring.

Racing

Very long (12’6”–18’), narrow (24–28” wide), pure displacement hull.

Low volume, stiff construction, often carbon.

Fast but tippy — not for beginners.

Surf / Wave

Shorter (8’–10’6”), lots of rocker, thin rails, planing hull.

Manoeuvrable like a big surfboard.

Hard boards dominate here, though good inflatable surf SUPs now exist.

Explore our full surf SUPs collection, including the Shred Air and Loco Twinny.

Yoga and Fitness

Extra-wide (34–36”), flat deck pad covering almost the entire board, stable hybrid hull.

Often include anchor points for resistance bands.

Inflatables rule this category because of the soft deck.

The Aztec Air is a favourite.

Fishing and Specialty

Wide platforms with Scotty mounts, cooler tie-downs, raised seat bases.

Some have pedal-drive or motor mounts.

Stable first, everything else second.

How Dimensions Affect Your Choice

• Length: Longer = faster glide and better tracking. Shorter = easier turning.
• Width: 32–35” for most adults, 30” or less feels twitchy unless you race.
• Thickness: 5–6” standard now (better stiffness).
• Volume (litres): Rough guide — your weight in lbs + 100 = minimum litres for stability. A 13-stone (82 kg) adult needs 250–300 litres to feel solid.

Choosing the Right Type in the UK

Storage and transport decide more than anything here. Most British homes don’t have space for a 12-foot hard board.

Inflatables now make up about 70 % of sales in the UK for good reason.

If you paddle canals and lakes mostly → all-round inflatable 10’6”–11’6”. If you want longer trips on the Thames or Scottish lochs → 12’6” touring (inflatable or hard). If you live by the coast and want waves → shorter hard surf SUP from our surf collection. If you’re tall/heavy or carry camping gear → go higher volume (300+ litres). For kids, see our dedicated kids stand-up paddle boards like the Kids Amigo Air. Whitewater fans should look at our white-water collection, including the Rapid Air. Wingfoiling enthusiasts can explore wingfoiling paddle boards. Don’t forget quality accessories — check our stand-up paddle board accessories.

FAQ

What is the most popular type of paddle board in the UK? All-round inflatables, 10’6”–11’ long.

Are inflatable paddle boards any good in 2026? Yes — lighter, stiffer, and more durable than ever. Many match hard-board performance on flat water.

Which type is best for beginners? Wide all-round inflatable, 32–35” width, 280+ litres.

Hard or inflatable for touring? Both work. Hard edges ahead on speed; inflatable wins on practicality.

Can one board do everything? A good 11’–12’ hybrid touring/all-round comes closest for most people.

Pick the board that fits your car, your home, and your local water first. Everything else follows. Once you know the main types, the choice becomes straightforward instead of overwhelming.