The Best Inflatable River Surfing Paddle Board for Whitewater SUP

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For some, the idea of racing down a whitewater current while standing on a board may seem like trying to keep balance on a banana peel. But for others, whitewater surfing on an inflatable paddle board–whitewater SUP–offers an enticing alternative to traditional whitewater sports such as kayaking and rafting: equally thrilling with a little less risk.

Whitewater activities have only grown bigger and bigger in recent memory. So much so that many water parks have installed artificial whitewater rapids, where people can kayak, canoe, raft, or surf without having to commute to the nearest river, lake, or ocean.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, participation in River SUP increased by 30.5% from 2012 to 2015.

To that end, paddle boarding has been and still is, traditionally a leisurely activity for the lake or ocean. It certainly makes for a great workout, but it’s never been perceived as a particularly thrilling endeavor. But thanks in large part to increased access to whitewater, the sport of whitewater SUP has skyrocketed.

Name	Price	Best Feature	Our Rating	Best Price
Isle Explorer Inflatable Paddle Board	$$	Best All-Around Paddle Board	9.8/10	See Current Price
Hala Rado River Surfing Paddle Board	$$$	Great Agility	9.7/10	See Current Price
NRS Whip 8.4 Inflatable SUP Board	$$$	Quick turning board	9.7/10	See Current Price
Hala Atcha 9' 6" River Surfing SUP	$$	Full Rocker and a Light Board	9.6/10	See Current Price
NRS Quiver 9FT 8IN Inflatable SUP Board	$$$	Great Stomp Pad	9.6/10	See Current Price
Hala Peno Inflatable River Surfing SUP Board	$$$	One of the Best Rapid Surfing Boards....ever	9.8	See Current Price

What is a Whitewater River Paddle Board?

As any certified whitewater paddle board instructor would tell you, one of the most important fundamentals of the sport is to let the board do the work. As such, the board must be maneuverable, strong, buoyant, light, and very fast. That is why, in comparison to traditional paddle boards, inflatable SUP’s tend to be wider, shorter, and are significantly rounded at the nose and tail.

What to look for in a River Surfing Paddle Board?

Rounded SUP Ends

Because lake and ocean water tends to be smooth, traditional paddle boards are largely flat in order to create as large a surface area on the water as possible. Whitewater boards, on the other hand, must be much more maneuverable in nature. Therefore, the front of the board tends to be rounded so that the surfer can turn in and out of the rapids with relative ease.

SUP Board Length

Similarly, whitewater boards tend to be much shorter than traditional boards, sometimes by as much as 2 or 3 feet. Surfable river waves tend to have very little room in front of them, demanding a smaller board with an upward curve at the front.

Hardboard vs. Inflatable SUP

Most regular paddleboards and pure surfboards are hardboards, giving them an advantage in carving thanks to their thinner edges. Some whitewater paddle boards are also hardboards for that reason, with the obvious disadvantage of potentially damaging collisions with rocks. That’s another reason why inflatable boards are so popular, as they can more easily bounce and deflect upon impact with the rock.

How to Whitewater River Surf with a Paddle Board

The Best Whitewater Surfing Paddle Board

Isle Explorer Inflatable Paddle Board

Summary: The Isle Explorer is the board that can do it all. If you cab only buy one board, this is it cause it does everything well. The 11′ military grade PVC paddle board is extra durable to handle and rock or wave in it’s way. The soft brushed EVA traction pad now has grooves for extra traction for carving back and forth.

Pros: 6″ thick for extra stability, comes with accessory bundle, durable, and has a 2-year warranty

Cons: Longer board for surfing