Every stand up paddle board (SUP) is more than just gear—it’s a blend of engineering, artistry, and innovation. While paddling may look effortless, the creation of each board is a highly technical process requiring precision, testing, and passion.

Whether you’re on a lightweight inflatable SUP or a sleek hard board, understanding how your paddle board is made adds a new layer of appreciation for the sport itself. Here’s a look inside the fascinating world of paddle board manufacturing—from the first sketch to the final water test. Read on to learn how a stand up paddle board is made.

Before we dive into manufacturing, it’s important to understand the parts that define how a board performs.

• Deck Pad: Provides grip and comfort while standing or kneeling.

• Fin Box: Holds the fin, which provides tracking and directional stability.

• Leash Plug: Keeps you connected to your board for safety.

• Rails: The sides of the board that influence glide and turning ability.

• Core: The internal structure that gives the board its buoyancy and rigidity.

Every design choice—materials, dimensions, and features—affects how the board feels on the water.

Solid SUPs are built for paddlers who crave performance and glide. These boards typically feature an EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam core wrapped in fiberglass and epoxy resin. The process starts with shaping the foam into precise contours that define the board’s volume, rocker (nose curve), and rails.

Once shaped, the core is wrapped in layers of fiberglass or carbon fiber and coated with epoxy resin. This combination creates a lightweight, rigid shell with exceptional responsiveness. Many Glide solid boards—like the Lotus Yoga SUP or Angler Fishing SUP—use multi-layer fiberglass laminates for extra strength without adding bulk.

The final step? Sanding, polishing, and painting. This stage transforms a shaped blank into a durable, high-performance paddle board ready for adventure.

Inflatable paddle boards (iSUPs) have revolutionized paddle sports. Portable, durable, and remarkably rigid, they rely on a unique material innovation known as drop stitch technology.

Each iSUP is constructed from two layers of PVC connected by thousands of fine threads. When inflated, these threads lock the top and bottom layers in place, creating a rigid structure capable of holding high PSI without distorting shape.

Glide’s inflatable boards use AeroMatrix™ cross-woven drop stitch technology, an advanced form of this method. Instead of traditional linear threads, cross-woven fibers form a crisscross pattern that distributes tension evenly across the board. The result?

• 30% more rigidity

• Reduced board weight

• Superior responsiveness underfoot

This construction mimics the feel of a hard board—without sacrificing portability.

Each Glide inflatable also features ThermoFuse™ Rails, where three PVC layers are heat-fused (not glued) to create airtight, impact-resistant seams. This fusion process eliminates excess adhesive weight while improving longevity and reducing flex at the edges.

Together, AeroMatrix™ and ThermoFuse™ set Glide’s inflatables apart, ensuring they’re among the most rigid and durable iSUPs in the world.

After assembly, each paddle board undergoes multiple finishing stages:

1. Quality Control: Every board is pressure-tested, measured for PSI retention, and visually inspected for imperfections.

2. Surface Finishing: Graphics and protective coatings are applied using heat-transfer or UV-resistant printing.

3. Accessory Fitment: Fin boxes, handles, and D-rings are attached and reinforced.

At Glide’s factory, boards are tested in tanks and lakes around Salt Lake City to ensure real-world durability before reaching paddlers.

While construction determines performance, design brings personality. Every paddle board tells a story through its colors, deck patterns, and graphics. Glide boards are designed in-house in Utah, inspired by mountain lakes, desert canyons, and coastal tones—reflecting the landscapes where we paddle most.

From minimalist grays and teals on the Retro Series to the vibrant energy of the Lotus Yoga SUP, design is more than decoration—it’s identity.

As outdoor enthusiasts, the SUP community understands the importance of protecting our waterways. That’s why leading manufacturers, including Glide, are committed to sustainability in every stage of production:

• Using eco-conscious materials like reduced-VOC resins and lead-free pigments.

• Recycling offcuts and minimizing PVC waste.

• Investing in long-lasting designs to reduce throwaway products.

Every small improvement contributes to cleaner lakes and oceans—ensuring paddle boarding remains a sport future generations can enjoy.

Paddle board design continues to evolve. Recent innovations include:

• Hybrid SUPs that double as kayaks or fishing platforms.

• Carbon-fiber paddles for ultra-light performance.

• Foldable US fin boxes that make rolling your iSUP even easier.

• Modular deck mounts for cameras, cup holders, and fishing gear.

At Glide, each new model is a step forward in design and functionality, blending precision construction with real-world paddler feedback.

Every stand up paddle board—whether solid or inflatable—is a product of meticulous design, advanced materials, and passion for the sport. Understanding how your SUP is built not only deepens your appreciation for its craftsmanship but also helps you choose wisely for your paddling style.

Next time you push off from shore, remember: the board beneath your feet represents years of innovation, testing, and dedication to performance and sustainability.

Because at Glide, every board we build is made to do more than float—it’s made to inspire.