Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has exploded in popularity, with people of all ages enjoying everything from tranquil lake paddles to long-distance touring and fishing trips. One of the most common questions beginners and even experienced paddlers ask is:

“How much does a paddle board weigh?”

It’s an important question because board weight affects everything from portability to stability and performance on the water. If you’re trying to decide between an inflatable paddle board and a hard board—or wondering whether you’ll be able to carry your SUP from the car to the shoreline—this guide breaks it all down.

A paddle board’s weight influences three major aspects of your paddling experience:

1. Portability

Lighter boards are easier to transport, load on a roof rack, or carry in a backpack. Inflatable SUPs dominate here since most weigh between 18–30 lbs.

2. Stability & Performance

Heavier boards often feel more grounded and stable, especially in choppy water. Racing and touring boards balance weight with length for better glide efficiency.

3. Durability

Weight can sometimes indicate construction quality. Super-light, bargain boards may use thin materials that compromise durability. Glide balances lightweight builds with advanced materials like AeroMatrix™ drop-stitch cores and ThermoFuse™ triple-layer rails for strength without bulk.

Here’s a quick overview of how much common paddle board types weigh:

Board Type

Average Weight

Glide Example

Notes

Inflatable SUPs are the lightest category, averaging 18–30 lbs. The lighter weight is due to their PVC drop-stitch construction, which allows them to be rolled up and packed into a backpack.

• Lightweight iSUPs (18–22 lbs): Great for kids, travelers, or smaller paddlers.
• Mid-range (23–26 lbs): Balanced for portability and performance.
• Heavier inflatables (27–30 lbs): Often wider or reinforced for fishing, yoga, or heavy loads.

💡 Glide Example:

• Retro (23 lbs): All-around inflatable, stable yet easy to carry.
• Lotus Elite (24 lbs): Designed for yoga with width and soft deck padding.
• Angler 3.0 (36 lbs): A heavier inflatable due to its fishing-specific width, mounts, and gear capacity.

Hard boards (epoxy, fiberglass, carbon) weigh 28–45 lbs depending on size and construction. While they’re heavier than inflatables, they offer:

• Superior rigidity and direct feel
• Faster glide on flat water
• Preferred performance for racing and surfing

💡 Glide Example:

• Quest Touring (32 lbs): Fast, efficient, and surprisingly lightweight for its category.
• Lotus Hard Board (34 lbs): Yoga-specific with stable platform and eco-friendly GSS coating.

Fishing SUPs

Fishing boards are wider, thicker, and built with higher volume to handle anglers plus gear. Expect 30–45 lbs.

• Glide’s O2 Angler 3.0 hits around 36 lbs but supports 400+ lbs of weight capacity.

Yoga SUPs

Yoga SUPs focus on balance, stability, and comfort. They usually weigh 22–30 lbs.

• The Glide Lotus Elite (24 lbs) is purpose-built with a full EVA deck pad and extra width.

Touring SUPs

Touring boards are designed for distance, built with narrow noses and longer lengths. They weigh 26–38 lbs.

• Glide O2 Quest (28 lbs) blends lightweight construction with long-distance performance.

Racing SUPs

Racing boards prioritize speed and are typically long and narrow. They weigh 20–32 lbs. Carbon models shave weight but cost more.

• Glide’s Sprint carbon race board (~30 lbs) delivers speed without sacrificing strength.

Carrying a SUP from car to shoreline is often the deciding factor for many paddlers.

• Inflatable SUPs: Deflate, roll up, and carry in a backpack (average packed weight 30–40 lbs including pump and paddle).
• Hard SUPs: Require roof racks or truck beds. Carrying 30–40 lbs can be challenging for smaller paddlers.

💡 Tip: Glide’s inflatables come with padded backpacks and wheels, making transport effortless.

FAQs: Paddle Board Weight

What’s the lightest paddle board?

The lightest inflatables weigh about 18 lbs, often smaller all-around boards.

What’s the heaviest paddle board?

Fishing and extra-large touring boards can hit 45+ lbs.

Can airlines accept paddle boards?

Yes. Inflatable paddle boards are checked as oversized luggage, typically 30–40 lbs packed.

Does a heavier board mean more stability?

Not always. Width and volume matter more than raw weight. Glide designs boards like the Retro (33” wide) for stability at a lightweight 23 lbs.

What sets Glide apart is durability without unnecessary weight.

• AeroMatrix™ woven drop-stitch cores: Increase stiffness without bulk.
• ThermoFuse™ triple-layer rails: Stronger seams, lighter construction.
• AirThrone Kayak Seat & Kayak Blade (included on most models): Versatility without adding significant extra weight.

This balance of lightweight design with expedition-grade durability makes Glide SUPs among the most portable, reliable boards on the market.

So, how much does a paddle board weigh? On average:

• Inflatables: 18–30 lbs
• Hard Boards: 28–45 lbs
• Fishing/Touring Models: 30–45 lbs

The key is choosing a board that balances weight, stability, and performance for your needs. If portability is top priority, go inflatable. If speed and rigidity matter most, go hard. And if you’re after fishing or yoga, choose models that offer width and stability—even if they’re a little heavier.

👉 Glide boards like the Retro, Quest, Lotus Elite, and Angler showcase how thoughtful design can keep weight manageable while still delivering best-in-class performance.

Related Links

• Beginner’s Guide to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Best Paddle Boards for Fishing in 2025
• SUP Yoga: How to Get Started
• How Long Do Inflatable SUPs Last?