Best 5 River (Whitewater) SUP Paddle Boards In 2022 Reviews
Do you wonder how to choose the best river paddleboard?
If you do, keep reading this review. Do you know why you can’t use a rigid paddleboard for whitewater? If you don’t, you will find the answer here, also there you can find the short buying guide and currently the best five river paddleboards on the market.
Important Facts About River Paddle Board
Inflatable Paddle Board Only
The paddleboard for the river is a bit different than the paddleboard for the sea. It is recommended that paddleboard for the river is wider and more resistant to impact. The river paddleboards should be inflatable. The main request for a whitewater paddleboard is stability. The hard paddleboard isn’t a good choice for whitewater at all. The rigid paddle board ruined after the few rocks.
Flexible Fins
The whitewater paddleboard should be nimble, so you can avoid the rocks. Don’t wear a leash around your ankle during paddleboard in river, it isn’t safe. Also, always wear a breakaway leash above the waist, so you can easily release yourself. Your paddleboard should have from 2 to 4 fins, they should be short and flexible.
Large Rocker For Rough Water
Unlike the racing paddleboard, which is narrow and long, the whitewater paddleboard is short and wide. It is usually 36” wide. The paddleboard for the river should have a larger rocker. The rocker is the board curve, it should be small for flat water and large for bigger waves.
Where To Buy A Whitewater Paddleboard?
If you have a store in your town which sells sport’s equipment, you can find the whitewater paddleboard there. These stores have just a few paddleboards, so if you want to see more paddleboards, visit webshops. On Amazon, you can find many brands that sell very quality river paddleboards.
Best 5 River Paddle Boards
Best Inflatable SUP For River
Hala Gear Paddleboard
Attractive Design
The Hala produces some of the best whitewater paddleboards. If you looking for the best river paddleboard, you should consider this paddleboard. The Hala whitewater paddleboard is available in a colorful design. This paddleboard has 10’10” in length. It is 36 inches wide and 6 inches thick.
Retractable Fin
This paddleboard is inflatable because a rigid paddleboard isn’t intended for rivers. The fins are on the board to absorb the impacts. The Hala has two small side fins and one retractable fin in the center. The retractable fin retracts when it comes in contact with the rock and then springs back.
Stable Platform
You can use this paddleboard for whitewater and downriver. It has a very stable platform, so you can use it for yoga and fishing. This Hala river paddleboard can handle very heavy riders, the maximal weight is 350 pounds. The board weighs 33.5 pounds.
All-In Package
If you order this whitewater paddleboard, you will get a bag, hand pump, car pump, and repair kit. That is everything you need for the paddleboarding. The price is high, but the manufacturer offers 3 years of warranty. If you read the buyer reviews, you’ll find only positive reactions.
- quality and durable river paddleboard
- 3 years warranty
- for heavy riders
- two small fins and one retractable fin
- high price
- the paddle isn’t included
Best SUP River Surfing Paddle Board
NRS Quiver Paddleboard
Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard
The NRS produces quality kayaks, paddleboards, and rafts. This paddleboard has a length of 10.4 feet, it’s 36 inches wide and 6 inches thick. It weighs 26 pounds. The board is made of durable PVC material. The Quiver paddleboard is able to handle the rider of max. 250 pounds.
Square Nose
The Quiver paddleboard is an inflatable stand-up paddleboard. This river paddleboard doesn’t have a pointed nose and tail. The both, nose and tail are squared. The Quiver has two fins on the sides. The package includes two interchangeable sets with 2” and 5”. Choose a different set depends on the water level.
River Running
This board is designed for river running, it is sturdy and durable. The Quiver river SUP paddleboard doesn’t have a standard 15psi, it has 20 psi. That provides paddleboard better performance. It is a rigid board, but it isn’t heavy. You can maneuver easily on this paddleboard and avoid the sharp rocks.
Extra Rocker
The Quiver whitewater SUP board has an extra rocker on the tail and on the nose. That provides easily paddleboarding even if the river is wavy. On the deck, there are two handles for easier transport. The warranty lasts 3 years. The box includes a repair kit, valve adapter, pressure gauge, hand pump and set of fins.
- extra fin set
- two handles on the deck
- long term warranty
- rigid paddleboard
- no paddle
- high price
Best River Paddle Board For Moderate Rivers
Red Paddle Co Paddleboard
Awarded Paddleboard
The Red Paddle paddleboard has a length of 10.6 feet, it is 32 incehs wide and 4.7 inches thick. This paddleboard receives many awards for its quality. It is definitely very good choice for white water paddleboarding. It is a light paddleboard, there are 22 pounds.
5 Years Warranty
The Red paddleboard has a volume of 240 liters. It can handle the rider of 220 pounds. This whitewater paddleboard has a long term warranty, it last 5 years. This item is a great choice for slow and moderate running rivers. Use it in shallow rivers. The platform is stable and you can maneuver easily.
Titan Pump
The package includes an all-terrain backpack, titan pump, repair kit and water-resistant phone case. The manufacturer uses quality MSL material (moisture sensitivity level), it is durable, doesn’t add weight to the board and it’s long-lasting. The titan pump pumps the paddleboard faster than standard pumps.
All-terrain Backpack
The all-terrain backpack has enough space for everything you need, you can put titan pump, board, paddle, repair kit, clothes and other stuff. This whitewater board is made to take from 18 to 25 PSI. There is one interesting fact: it takes 72 hours to make this paddleboard. The carry handle is on the nose and on the tail of the board.
- 5-year warranty
- two carrying handles
- three fins
- titan hand pump
- not for rough rivers
- no paddle
- not so fast paddleboard
Best Durable River Paddle Board
Starboard River SUP
Volume Capacity
The Starboard is designed with Dan Gavere who research a lot about paddleboards to find the best dimensions, materials and provide the best paddler’s experience. The Starboard SUP for whitewater is 9.6 feet long. Its width is 36 inches. This inflatable paddleboard has a volume of 334 liters.
EVA Sidewalls
This whitewater stand up paddleboard uses innovative Standing tray technology with EVA sidewalls. That slight rail provides riders to wedge the feet and keep a stable position, especially in a difficult condition. The warrant last two years. The Starboard box includes SUP board bag, fins, repair kit and high-pressure pump.
Impact Resistance
The Starboard uses the welding technique and heat to bond two pieces. The glue isn’t a long-lasting solution. Heat-welded PVC last for a longer time. You can have this whitewater paddleboard for a lifetime. There are two EVA handles for easier carrying. The high-grade EVA pad is comfortable for your feet, so you can ride all day.
Bag With Wheels
The paddle holder and carry strap are on the tail of the river paddleboard. The Starboard paddleboard has integrated D-ring on the nose of the board and on the valve area. The deluxe bag has wheels for simple transport. The V8 double action pump will quickly inflate your paddleboard.
- high-pressure pump
- high-grade EVA pad for a stable position
- big amount of volume
- long-lasting paddleboard
- no paddle
- high price
- one color
Best River Paddle Board With Paddle
ISLE Explorer
Three Colors
The Isle Explorer stand-up inflatable paddleboard has 11 feet of length, 32 inches of width and it is 6 inches thick. The board weighs 22 pounds, so you can carry it easily. It is available in three colors, red, blue and yellow. This whitewater SUP board is designed for beginners and for intermediate riders.
Hybrid Travel Paddle
The Isle Explorer whitewater is suitable for touring, travel and fishing. The board can handle the rider with a maximum of 275 pounds. The package includes a hybrid travel paddle, backpack, hand pump, center fin, coil leash, sticker pack and user manual. This paddleboard is made of military-grade PVC material, it has multiple layers.
Pointed Nose
This whitewater paddleboard has a pointed nose, that kind of nose makes the board faster. The Isle Explorer has a front and rear bungee system. Here you can put all your gear. The two handles are on the nose and on the tail of the paddleboard. The extra D-rings will protect your gear.
How To Store It?
If you want to store your river SUP paddleboard, you need to lock the air valve in an open position. Then roll the paddleboard and squeeze the air out. It isn’t recommended to leave the paddleboard on the sun. before storage, rinse the paddleboard with water. Store the fin in the fin box.
- includes paddle
- available in three colors
- fast whitewater paddleboard
- high price
- not for professional riders
Conclusion: Which Two River Paddle Boards Are The Best?
If you still can’t decide which paddleboard is the best for you, I recommend the Hala whitewater paddleboard and the NRS Quiver paddleboard. The Hala produces very quality river paddleboards, this model has high weight capacity, it comes with a pump and bag. The Quiver paddleboard is a river running paddleboard, it comes with extra fin set and it is a very stable board.
If you are interested in paddleboards, read the post about best stand up paddleboards. If you want to use paddleboard for fishing, check out the review of the best fishing paddleboards. If your kids are interested in this sport, find the best paddleboard for them in the post about kids’ stand up paddleboards.