I firmly believe that Boardworks stand up paddle boards are some of the best options on the market. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable board or an experienced paddler seeking versatility and performance, Boardworks has something for you.

In this article, we’ll go through some of the top inflatable and rigid SUPs from Boardworks in 2024, helping you find the perfect board to suit your needs.

Let’s get started and find your next paddle board. 🏄‍♂️

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How To Use This Article:

I have broken down this article into two different sections to try and make things easier for you. You will find one section related to inflatable Boardworks stand up paddle boards and the other related to fiberglass (rigid) paddle boards.

Who Is Boardworks Surf Company?

So which SUPs should you look at?

The Best Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Boards For Each Category

These are the best paddle boards overall:

Inflatable:

• Boardworks Shubu Kraken (Best Inflatable All-Around SUP)
• Boardworks Shubu Lunr (Great Budget Inflatable SUP)

Rigid:

• Boardworks Kraken (Best Rigid All-Around SUP)
• Boardworks Versa (Nice For Touring & Long Paddles)
• Boardworks Surge (Great Budget Epoxy SUP)

Let’s get started with the Boardworks stand up paddle board reviews.

Inflatable Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Boards

Here are the inflatable paddle boards that I will be recommending:

Category	Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Boards
Best Inflatable All-Around SUP	Boardworks Shubu Kraken
Great Budget Inflatable SUP	Boardworks Shubu Lunr

Let’s go through them one-by-one so that you can make a good decision on which one suits you best.

#1: Boardworks Shubu Kraken (Best Inflatable All-Around SUP)

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I really like this paddle board. The Dual Fusion Laminate makes it very rigid and easy to balance on, and the extra inch in width adds a lot of stability. The board is extremely high-quality, and the design is impressive. The accessories, including the carbon fiber paddle, are great and add a nice touch.

However, I did find it quite difficult to pump with the provided pump, so you might want to consider getting an electric pump. Also, the two side fins aren’t removable, which makes the board a bit harder to fold.

Despite these small issues, it’s a fantastic paddle board that I thoroughly enjoy using and it’s one of the Boardworks stand up paddle boards that I find myself constantly recommending.

PROS	CONS
– The Dual Fusion Laminate makes it very rigid and easy to balance on. – This board is extremely stable with the extra 1″ in width – Extremely high-quality and I love the design. – The accessories are great and comes with a carbon fiber paddle and nice other accessories.	– I found it quite difficult to pump with the pump they provided. Consider an electric pump. – The two side fins aren’t removable which makes it a bit more difficult to fold.

Other Details

The Boardworks Shubu Kraken is perfect for various activities like cruising, surfing, or fishing on calm waters such as lakes, rivers, and harbors. Its inflatable design makes storage and transport super easy. Built with Dual Fusion Laminate, it combines a high-density drop-stitch core with specialized sidewalls, making it incredibly durable and stiff. The comfortable deck pad provides excellent grip, and the board’s dimensions (11’ x 33” x 6”) make it ideal for most adults. With easy-to-carry neoprene handles and a rolling carry bag, it’s perfect for trips and adventures. Named the best SUP for limited storage space by “The Adventure Junkies,” the Kraken supports various skill levels and weights, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and intermediate paddlers.

What’s Included:

The kit contains:

• Boardworks Shubu Kraken Inflatable Paddle Board
• 3- Piece Carbon Fiber Travel Paddle
• Backpack Roller Carry Bag
• High-Pressure Single Valve Pump
• FCS II Quick Connect Fin (Tri-Fin Setup)
• Smartphone Dry Bag
• Coiled Leash
• Repair Kit

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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#2: Boardworks Shubu Lūnr (Great Budget Inflatable SUP)

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I think the Boardworks Shubu Lunr is a great paddle board, especially for the price. It’s super lightweight, which makes it really easy to carry around, even to more remote spots.

The materials feel high quality and durable, so I expect it to last a long time. I appreciate that it comes with all the accessories needed to get out on the water right away. The deck pad is soft and comfortable, which is nice when I want to kneel.

However, the accessories aren’t as high quality as those with the Kraken, and the paddle is a bit heavy. But for the price, it’s a solid choice and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy paddleboarding without a big budget.

PROS	CONS
– This board is extremely lightweight and easy to carry (it weighs just 18 lbs) – Really good value for money – High quality and durable materials so it should last a long time – Full set of accessories so you’re not missing anything to get out on the water. – The EV deckpad is soft and cushy so it won’t hurt your knees if you want to kneel	– The accessories are lower quality than the Kraken – The paddle is pretty heavy

Other Details

The Boardworks Shubu Lunr is a budget-friendly inflatable SUP that’s perfect for cruising, yoga, and fishing on calm waters like lakes, rivers, and harbors. It’s great for beginners and easy to set up, so you can spend more time on the water. The board is made with a strong and stable design, making it easy to stand on. It has a comfy deck pad that’s soft on your feet. Weighing just 18 pounds and with handles, it’s easy to carry. With a length of 10’4″, a width of 32″, and a thickness of 6″, it’s a good fit for most people. Whether you’re new to paddleboarding or more experienced, the Shubu Lunr is a solid, versatile choice for all your adventures.

What’s Included:

The kit contains:

• Boardworks Shubu Lūnr Inflatable Paddle Board
• 3- Piece Travel Paddle
• Lightweight Carry Backpack
• High-Pressure Single Valve Pump
• 9″ Dolphin Fin (Single Fin Setup)
• Smartphone Dry Bag
• Coiled Leash
• Repair Kit

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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Rigid Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Boards

Here are the rigid paddle boards that I will be recommending:

Category	Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Boards
Best Rigid All-Around SUP	Boardworks Kraken
Nice For Touring & Long Paddles	Boardworks Versa
Great Budget Epoxy SUP	Boardworks Surge

Same as before, let’s go through each of these so you can see why I’m recommending them.

#1: Boardworks Kraken (Best Rigid All-Around SUP)

Overall Thoughts

The Boardworks Kraken 10’3″ is the best rigid SUP I’ve ever used.

It’s extremely stable and easy to use, making it perfect for everything from surfing and paddling to fishing. It glides smoothly on the water and tracks in a straight line, so I don’t have to constantly adjust my direction. The quality and durability are top-notch, and it feels like it can handle anything I throw at it.

The only downside is that it’s a bit harder to turn due to its width, but that’s a minor issue compared to all the great features.

All in all, it’s a fantastic board for any water activity. If it was me – out of all the Boardworks stand up paddle boards that we’ve spoken about… I’d choose this one 🙂

PROS	CONS
– Extremely stable and easy to use – Very versatile – you can use it for surfing, paddling or even fishing. – Glides well on the water and also tracks in a straight line so you won’t need to constantly correct – High quality and durable – This board is pretty much good for anything you want to do on the water.	– A little bit harder to turn based on the enhanced width.

Other Details

This board is incredibly versatile, performing well on both calm lakes and rough ocean surf. The wide stance gives you great stability for riding waves, while the sharp nose helps it cut through rough water. Weighing 28 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry with the integrated LiftSUP handle. The board features beautiful bamboo veneers and stunning graphics. The 10’3″ version can be set up with different fin configurations, so you can choose the best option for cruising or surfing. The EPX-V construction makes it durable and sturdy, with an EPS core and layers of fiberglass and high-grade paint.

Overall, the Kraken 10’3″ is stable, easy to maneuver, and a breeze to transport, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Whether you’re catching waves or just paddling around, this board provides an excellent all-around water experience. It was even voted “Best of the Best for Most People” by Outdoor Gear Lab in 2018.

What’s Included:

The kit contains:

• Boardworks Kraken Paddle Board

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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#2: Boardworks Versa (Nice For Touring & Long Paddles)

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I really like the Boardworks Versa paddle board. The kayak-inspired hull shape makes it easier and faster to move through the water, and it carries a nice amount of speed. I appreciate the four D-rings with bungee cords for storage, which come in handy for longer trips. The board is high quality with a beautiful bamboo veneer finish that I absolutely love.

The only downsides are that it’s quite heavy and the color was a bit different from the picture. Despite that, it’s a fantastic board for touring and I enjoy using it for smooth-water trips.

PROS	CONS
– This sup is inspired by a kayak hull shape which makes it easier and faster to move through the water. – It carries a nice amount of speed on the water – There are 4 D-rings with bungee cords that give you a nice amount of storage. – It is high quality and has a beautiful bamboo veneer finish that I love.	– It is quite heavy. – The color was slightly different than the picture.

Other Details

The Boardworks Versa is perfect for relaxing smooth-water trips and short excursions. Designed with families in mind, it’s wide and stable, making it ideal for paddling on calm waters. The board features a honeycomb heat-embossed deck pad and an extra-wide nose and tail for excellent performance. It’s easy to carry thanks to the integrated LiftSUP handle, and it has four front D-ring tie-downs with bungee cords for storing gear. The Bombshell composite construction combines an EPS core with layers of fiberglass, ABS/polycarbonate, Kevlar, and PVC rails, making it both beautiful and durable.

The keeled nose cuts smoothly through choppy water, and the flat sections under the tail and standing area provide a fluid and stable ride. With its stunning graphics and high-grade paint finish, the Boardworks Versa is as stylish as it is functional, making it perfect for early morning or afternoon paddles with friends around the lake.

What’s Included:

The kit contains:

• Boardworks Versa Paddle Board

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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#3: Boardworks Surge (Great Budget Epoxy SUP)

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I really like the Boardworks Surge paddle board. It’s super lightweight for a rigid board and has an incredibly soft and cushy deck that feels great on my feet, and is comfortable to kneel on. It’s really easy to use and balance on, even for a beginner like me. Plus, it’s priced really well.

The only downsides are the limited storage space and the fact that it doesn’t come with an ankle strap, so I had to buy that separately. Also, the soft foam surface can get damaged easily.

But all in all, it’s a fantastic board for anyone starting out. Out of all the Boardworks paddle boards – I’d pick this one for a complete beginner.

PROS	CONS
– Extremely lightweight for a rigid paddle board. – Extremely soft and cushy deck that feels nice on the feet and you can also kneel on it. – Really easy to use and balance on even for beginners – Great price	– Limited storage space – Doesn’t come with an ankle strap so you’ll need to get it separately. – The board is easy to damage because of the soft foam surface

Other Details

It’s designed with families in mind, offering a wide and stable platform for smooth water paddling. The soft outer skin is forgiving and provides a friendly feel, while the slick bottom ensures an easy glide on the water. At 23 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry with the integrated handle. The board also has dual front tie-downs with bungee cords for storing small gear. The 10’6″ length, 32.5″ width, and 4.8″ thickness make it a solid choice for building confidence on the water.

The SDX construction features an EPS core laminated with fiberglass and epoxy resin, covered with a durable yet soft skin for added durability. The Boardworks Surge is an excellent first board for anyone looking to get into paddleboarding without destroying your budget.

What’s Included:

The kit contains:

• Boardworks Surge Paddle Board

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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Which Of The Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Boards Should You Choose?

This is such a broad topic because there are so many option to choose from, but I would think about it this way.

Which is Better: Fiberglass or Inflatable Paddle Boards?

Deciding between a fiberglass and an inflatable paddle board depends on what you need and how you plan to use it (1).

Fiberglass Paddle Boards:

These boards are typically more rigid and provide better performance on the water. They’re great for paddling in the ocean, surfing waves, or going on long-distance paddles. The rigidity helps with speed and maneuverability, making them a favorite for experienced paddlers. However, they are heavier and can be more challenging to transport and store. If you have space to store it and don’t mind the extra weight, a fiberglass board like the Boardworks Kraken can be a fantastic choice.

Inflatable Paddle Boards:

Inflatable boards are super convenient because they’re lightweight and easy to carry. You can deflate them, roll them up, and toss them in a backpack, making them perfect for travel or if you have limited storage space. They’re also durable and can handle bumps and scrapes without getting damaged easily. While they might not perform as well as fiberglass boards in terms of speed and rigidity, they’re great for casual paddling, yoga, and recreational use. If you’re just starting out or want something easy to transport, an inflatable board like the Boardworks Shubu Kraken or Shubu Lunr is a great option.

In short, go for a fiberglass board if you prioritize performance and don’t mind the extra weight. Choose an inflatable board if you want something lightweight, portable, and easy to store.

The Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Board Summary

Boardworks Shubu Kraken (Best Inflatable All-Around SUP): Go for this board if you want a versatile inflatable SUP that you can use for cruising, surfing, or fishing. It’s stable, high-quality, and easy to carry, making it great for both beginners and more experienced paddlers.

Boardworks Shubu Lunr (Great Budget Inflatable SUP): Pick the Shubu Lunr if you’re looking for a budget-friendly inflatable SUP. It’s lightweight, durable, and easy to transport, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to paddleboard without spending too much.

Boardworks Kraken (Best Rigid All-Around SUP): The Boardworks Kraken is the one to choose if you want a high-performance rigid board. It’s super stable, versatile, and tough, ideal for surfing, paddling, and fishing. It’s a solid choice for both newbies and seasoned paddlers.

Boardworks Versa (Nice For Touring & Long Paddles): If you love touring and long-distance paddling, the Versa is your best bet. It glides through the water easily and has lots of storage space. It’s stable and perfect for longer trips.

Boardworks Surge (Great Budget Epoxy SUP): The Surge is perfect for beginners on a budget. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and comfortable to paddle. Even though it’s got a soft surface, it’s a great starter board for smooth water paddling.

Board	Type	Dimensions	Weight	Price Range
Shubu Kraken	Inflatable	11′ x 33″ x 6″	24 lbs	$$
Shubu Lunr	Inflatable	10’4″ x 32″ x 6″	18 lbs	Budget
Kraken	Rigid	10’3″ x 34″ x 4.75″	28 lbs	$$$
Versa	Rigid	10’6″ x 32″ x 5.2″	30 lbs	$$
Surge	Rigid	10’6″ x 34″ x 4.75″	23 lbs	$

Conclusion:

Choosing the right paddle board can make a huge difference in your water adventures. Boardworks offers some of the best options out there, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned paddler. If you want an all-around inflatable SUP, the Shubu Kraken is fantastic. For those on a budget, the Shubu Lunr is lightweight and easy to carry. The rigid Kraken is perfect if you’re after top-notch performance, while the Versa is ideal for long-distance paddling and touring. Finally, the Surge is a great pick for beginners who want a solid, budget-friendly board.

Take some time to think about how and where you’ll be using your paddle board, and you’ll find the perfect Boardworks SUP to match your needs. Happy paddling! 🏄‍♂️

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Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Boards: FAQs

Are stand up inflatable paddle boards any good?

Yes, stand up inflatable paddle boards are great! They are lightweight, easy to carry, and store. They are also very durable and can handle bumps and scrapes without getting damaged easily. Inflatable boards are perfect for beginners and casual paddlers, as well as for those who travel a lot or have limited storage space.

What is the life expectancy of an inflatable paddle board?

With proper care, an inflatable paddle board can last for many years, often between 5 to 10 years. To extend its life, make sure to clean it after each use, store it in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight for long periods.

Are Boardworks paddle boards suitable for beginners?

Yes, Boardworks paddle boards are great for beginners. They offer a range of boards that are stable and easy to use, which makes learning to paddleboard much easier. Models like the Shubu Lunr and Surge are particularly beginner-friendly.

Are Boardworks paddle boards covered by a warranty?

Yes, Boardworks paddle boards come with a warranty. Most boards have a 2-year warranty, which covers any manufacturing defects. Always check the specific warranty details for the board you are interested in.

Can I use a paddle board for surfing?

Yes, you can use a paddle board for surfing. Some Boardworks models, like the Kraken, are designed to perform well in both calm waters and surf conditions. They are stable and maneuverable, making them a good choice for catching waves.

References:
1 – The Buyer’s Debate: Hard SUP vs. iSUP, Taken from: https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/buying-board-inflatable-sup-solid-sup-hard-stand-up-paddle-board