Best SUP for Big Heavy Guys
Recommendations if you weigh 250lbs+
For an all around sup I would go with an 11′ long x 33-36″ wide board. I would look for a heavier paddle board with thicker pvc (or quad layers). These heavier boards tend to be stiffer. And you need a stiff board to handle your weight. So look for a paddle board that weighs close to 30lbs or more.
If you want to paddle faster or longer distance (2+ miles) I would suggest a touring paddle board. 12-14′ or more in length and at least 32-34″ wide. This board should weight 30lbs or more for extra for stiffness.
Touring paddle boards are ideal for big heavy guys
The best type of stand up paddle board for 300lbs is a touring SUP board. These are paddle boards designed for paddling long distances. They are long in length with a pointed nose and a board profile that will cut through the water efficiently.
They are stable enough for beginners, relatively fast and have a lot of volume for camping gear. Touring paddle boards are a great choice for a big guy.
Read: Best Inflatable Touring Paddle Boards
Look for a heavier, stiffer paddle board
As a big guy you need a rigid inflatable paddle board to handle your weight. Look for a heavier paddle board. These heavier inflatable sup boards have either thicker layers of pvc or have added extra layers. So these heavy inflatables are stiffer. Look for an inflatable paddle board that weighs close to 30lbs or better yet over 30lbs. I would avoid those 20lb paddle boards if you are a big guy.
Check the Maximum Weight Capacity
Be sure and doublecheck the paddle board weight limit of any board you are interested in. Following my recommendations on top of this page and the weight limit shouldn’t be an issue. But double check to make sure. If you weigh 250lbs it would be good to have a weight limit of al least 350lbs (or more).
Paddle boards that don’t have enough float drag in the water, feel unstable and take a lot of effort to get moving.
Volume equals float. Basically volume is the size of the board.
I weigh 190lbs and can carry 60lbs+ of gear on a multi-day paddle board expedition. The last thing I want when paddling all day is a SUP board that drags in the water and paddles hard. So I understand the importance of getting the right paddle board for your weight. You want a paddle board that glides well with plenty of float.
Disclosure
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Paddle Boards for Big Guys
Red Paddle Co. Voyager 12’6″
Riders up to 330lbs
PROS
👍 Top Of The Line. Leading Edge Brand. |
👍 5 Year Warranty starting with 2020 models |
👍 Well Constructed |
👍 Super Stable |
👍 Glides Well |
👍 Inflates to 20psi |
👍 Max Air Pressure 25psi |
👍 Durable. Dependable. |
👍 Rail Battens For Extra Stiffness |
👍 Nose Runner Fin |
👍 Universal Fin Box |
👍 Titan Duel Chamber Triple-Action Hand Pump |
👍 Top Quality Carry Bag |
👍 5 Carry Handles |
👍 10 Storage D-rings |
CONS
Great paddleboard. Little to dislike. |
❌ Expensive. Still a great value. This is one of the best inflatable paddle board brands on the market. |
❌ Package doesn't include paddle |
(The Voyager also comes in a longer 13’2″ x 30″ and is a great choice too)
Red Paddle Co. is a leading inflatable paddle board brand known for the quality and durability of their boards. Red Paddle Co. is one of my favorite inflatable paddle board brands, they are always at the forefront of inflatable paddle board technology. Paddlers who buy a Red Paddle Co. board are rarely disappointed.
The package includes the great Titan hand pump and a nice backpack with wheels. The Red Paddle Co. carry bags are among the very best in the industry. Like everything made by Red Paddle Co. they are well designed and well constructed.
The one negative with the package is that a paddle is not included.
This is not the cheapest paddle board on this list. But when you consider the material quality, attention to detail and construction this board is a good value.
The Voyager is a stable high volume paddle board that would be good for a beginner and any large rider. The long 12’6″ length gives this board extra glide. The 32″ width provides plenty of stability.
This Voyager was designed for easy paddling and smooth glide. The Voyager does well in both flat water and choppy conditions.
Red Paddle Co. constructs strong paddle boards which allows them to inflate their boards to 20psi instead of the standard 15psi. This results in a stiff rigid board. What this means to the paddler is better performance. A board that glides easier and handles better. A better paddling experience.
Inflatable SUP durability (video)
iRocker 11′ All-Around
Rider up to 435lbs
PROS
👍 Solid Construction |
👍 Reasonable Price |
👍 435lb Weight Capacity |
👍 Classic All-Around Performance |
👍 4 Action Mounts |
👍 Two Bungee Systems |
👍 21 D-Rings |
👍 Side Safety Passenger Handles On The Nose |
👍 Carbon Blend Paddle Shaft |
👍 Quality Carry Bag (wheels are an option) |
👍 Dual Chamber Triple Action Hand Pump |
👍 Great For Heavier Riders |
CONS
Not Much To Dislike |
❌ All-Arounds Are Not Fast |
(This review is for the 11′ All-Around and NOT the shorter 10′ model.)
iRocker has been making quality inflatables paddle boards for a long time. Over the years their boards have gotten better and better. Within their price range they are among the very best brands you can buy.
All iRocker inflatable paddle boards have an impressive weight capacity. So they are a perfect choice for the big guy.
The iRocker All-Around is a fun high volume paddle board great for a big guy who wants a versitle performer and a reasonable price. You can check you the current price on Amazon here.
The iRocker has a sporty profile with a slightly pointed nose and tapered tail so it cuts through the water well.
It’s 32″ width makes this board stable. This iSUP was designed with all around performance in mind. So its a fun board that is a decent combination of stability, speed and maneuverability.
Most of the volume is in front of the paddler’s feet for better stability and handling. This is also good for carrying another small rider or dog on the nose. It has side safety handles on the nose for a kid to grab when riding.
The iRocker All-Around is stable, has plenty of float and glides well. And best of all it has a reasonable price. This is an all-around paddle board that most paddlers would be very happy with.
Thurso Surf MAX
Rider Up To 370lbs
PROS
👍 Reasonable Price |
👍 Durable Construction |
👍 Max Air Pressure Rated at 20psi |
👍 Very Stable |
👍 Balanced Performance |
👍 Deck Pad Covers Entire Deck |
👍 Two Large Bungee Systems |
👍 3 Carry Handles |
👍 15 D-Rings |
👍 Side Paddle Holders |
👍 Nice Rolling Carry/Backpack |
👍 Carbon Shaft Paddle |
CONS
❌ Bit Heavy |
❌ Like other All-Arounds Not Fast |
The Thurso Surf MAX was designed for stability with extra load.
Thurso Surf makes a handsome and quality inflatable sup board. The price of the MAX is reasonable. The construction of all Thurso boards is strong and durable.
The proof of their strength is in the maximum air pressure of 20psi. Only a well constructed inflatable can handle the extra air pressure. Most inflatables have a 15psi maximum.
The 34″ width and wide shape give the MAX its stability. The extra length of 11’6″ and pointed nose increase the glide.
First and foremost this is a stable paddle board. Even when loaded with extra weight. Even in choppy water.
While this is not a fast paddle board it never bogs down.
The MAX has dual bungee systems and the fronty system is nice and large.
*The MAX feature that stands out for me is the full deck deck pad. The entire deck is covered with comfortable traction evo deck pad.
As always the Thurso Surf accessory package is quality. A well designed carry/backpack with roller wheels. And a carbon shaft paddle that weighs only 32oz.
A great choice for the big heavy paddler. Excellent for fishing and yoga. Or simply taking a leisure cruise around the lake and family fun.
I’m like Robert above – looking for the best inflatable for small waves and messing about with mates who are all big and would choose longboats if they could.
Could you recoomend a board for someone 225 pounds who’s SUP surfed a bit on an 11’2″ x 32″ board who wants to find an upgrade for surfing specifically? Not thinking huge waves, probably 6 feet or less, I usually look for mellower days.