What Size Paddle Board Do I Need? (2025 Guide)

Our selection of market-leading inflatable paddle boards have come a long way since their initial launch in 2008. Board technology has evolved, new specialist SUPs have been added, and we’ve even entered the future of paddleboarding with our latest series of boards. However, through all of this innovation, some things have remained the same. From paddling safety to choosing a board that matches how you intend to use it, there are a number of practical considerations you will always have to make when choosing a Red Paddle Co SUP board. 

One of the most important of these considerations is the size of your inflatable paddle board, and we’re frequently asked, ‘What size paddle board do I need?’. Paddle board size is important as an incorrectly sized board could lead to balance and stability issues, so we’ve put together this paddle board size guide for our current range of SUPs (correct as of 2025).

Key Factors To Consider 

When deciding what size paddle board you need, there are a number of important factors to consider, including height, weight, and your experience level. As a starting point, know that taller and heavier riders will typically require a longer and wider board. Smaller or lighter riders can sway more towards a shorter or narrower board. However, if you are a beginner, you might still prefer a wider inflatable paddle board as this should provide ample stability and a more forgiving platform if you’re still refining your balance.

It’s also worth considering how the type of paddleboarding you’ll be doing affects board size. For example, our touring and expedition boards are deliberately longer and thinner than our all-round boards to allow for a more efficient glide during long periods on the water. Their larger size also helps when it comes to carrying the extra gear you might need for a long-distance adventure. 

All of our Red Paddle Co SUPs have maximum rider guidance on their respective product pages, and we have broken down the sizing information and our recommendations for the core range for you below.

All-Round Paddle Board Size Guide

For most riders, paddleboarding will start with an all-round inflatable SUP from our Ride range. These boards are designed to perform across a wide variety of conditions while remaining portable, stable, and easy to transport. 

There are 3 sizes available:

• 10’2” Ride - the most compact all-round board, suitable for smaller riders up to 90kg. 
• 10’6” Ride - our best-selling all-round board, perfect for paddlers up to 100kg. This all-round inflatable paddle board offers a balanced combination of stability, responsiveness, and versatility, making it our typical go-to for most adults.
• 10’8” Ride - the widest and most stable board in the Ride range, suitable for heavier riders or those with a child or pet in tow (up to a maximum of 120kg).

The 11’0” Compact SUP also falls under the all-round category in our Future Series. This is a low-profile but full-size inflatable paddle board that packs down into a half-size backpack, boasting maximum stability without compromising convenience or performance.

Touring Paddle Board Size Guide

As your skills and love of the water progress, a board that can go further and faster might be a justifiable upgrade. The SUPs in our Sport range fit this brief, with 3 key sizes to choose from:

• 11’0” Sport - this is our most accessible touring board, suitable for riders up to 90kg. The streamlined shape offers efficiency over longer distances without feeling too dissimilar to the all-round boards you might’ve learned to paddle on.
• 11’3” Sport - suitable for up to 110kg, this touring paddle board combines the width of the 10’6” Ride with a more streamlined profile. 
• 12’6” Sport - also suitable for up to 110kg, but longer and primed for more experienced paddlers. The narrow profile enables a responsive and efficient paddle.
• 14’0” Sport - our longest touring board designed for speed on the water. Holds up to 120kg.

Expedition Paddle Board Size Guide

For longer journeys and multi-day trips that require a lot of equipment, our Voyager paddle boards are the right pick. Built to carry more and glide further, they are naturally longer and thinner than most inflatable paddle boards available. Our range still comes in a selection of sizes, allowing you to choose the right fit for you:

• 12’0” Voyager - a versatile expedition stand up paddle board suitable for intermediate riders up to 110kg. This SUP offers a compact yet stable feel with enough volume to carry key items of kit in a waterproof kit bag.
• 14’0” Voyager - the longest and widest SUP in the Voyager range, suitable for intermediate level riders and loads up to 150kg. 

Specialist Paddle Board Size Guide

In addition to the stand up paddle boards outlined above, we also offer a number of specialist paddle boards tailored for specific skills or goals. Since each of these boards is purpose-built, their sizing is usually pre-optimised with fewer or no size variations available. For example, our 10’8” Activ SUP Yoga board is built for total stability with a distinct high volume, 34” wide deck. If it is a specialist SUP you’re after, you should feel pretty confident that the size will be suitable for your intended use. Nevertheless, if you have any questions about the size of our specialist paddle board range, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help. 

You can also use our handy board selector tool to find the answer to ‘what size paddle board do I need?’. The tool uses your weight, experience level, and goals to find the perfect SUP for you.