Table of Contents
Whether you want to enjoy the current of a gentle downstream paddle or test yourself in the whitewater rapids, paddle boarding in rivers is one of the most challenging things. Therefore, the right paddleboard for rivers should be easier to maneuver, have a sturdy build, and have great stability to cope with the unexpected nature of rivers.
However, finding the best paddle board for rivers could be challenging. But that’s where the inflatable paddle boards and we will come in handy. Disparate epoxy or other types of boards, we have decided to go with inflatable SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards) for paddleboarding on the river because these are durable, portable, and easier to operate.
So, from buying guides to the best inflatable paddle board for rivers, we will help you choose the best. However, you should know that paddle boarding on rivers is not something that experts recommend to beginners. Still, if you are keen to enjoy this adventure, then you will find a lot of accommodating material here.
Here, you will find a comprehensive package regarding the river’s paddleboarding, including the answers to the most commonly asked questions. So, read this topic till the end because it will help you clear all your confusion and decide on the best one for river paddleboarding. However, let’s discuss some factors for choosing the best SUPs for rivers first.
Factors to Choose the Best Paddle Boards for Rivers – the Buying Guide
When it comes to inflatable SUPs for rivers, the buying factors are not similar to buying paddleboards for other scenarios. Because here, you have already selected the type of paddleboard. Still, there are some key points to consider while deciding on the best one. So, let’s discuss those.
1. Types of Inflatable Paddle Boards
Inflatable paddleboards come in two types. One is suitable for all types of water conditions and the other one is suitable for whitewater conditions. So, while deciding, you can either choose the all-in-one option or go with a paddleboard that is an expert in a specific niche.
2. Shape
Your paddleboard should have a pointy nose because this way, it can maintain its speed in the river and easily cut through the chops.
3. Dimensions
Another thing that you should consider is the dimension of iSUP (Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard). But it varies from person to person. So, choose a paddleboard whose length, width and thickness suit you.
4. Volume
Similarly, volume is another key factor because it helps in floating the rider on the river. So, your paddleboard should have enough volume to carry your weight. Otherwise, you will fall.
5. Fins
Paddleboards also have variations in fins, which allows you to move forward in a straight line. So, your paddleboard should have fins (either single or multiple).
6. Handles
Since these are inflatable paddleboards, your iSUP should have comfy and ergonomic handles because these will come in handy for taking the paddleboard out of the river.
7. Traction Pads
Last but not least, the traction pad of your iSUP should be grippy and comfy enough that you will remain in contact with it without getting any fatigue.
List for the Best Paddle Boards for Rivers
Keep in mind that this list is not related to the overall best inflatable paddle board 2022 because we have specifically targeted the iSUPs that are suitable for rivers. So, let’s get to the list.
1. ISLE Explorer 11’6″
If you’re a paddle board enthusiast and you’re looking for the best whitewater SUP boards, then the Explorer from ISLE is a perfect fit. That is why we have put this inflatable paddleboard at the top of our list. So, let’s see how this paddleboard can prove valuable to you.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Length: 11-feet, 6-inches
Width: 32-inches Thickness:6-inches Weight:24 lbs. Package Dimensions: 11’6″ x 32″ x 6″ |
In-Depth Review:
Whether you want a paddleboard for rivers, touring, yoga, or any other activity, this is the one to go for because of its expandable bungee system. The paddleboard features a 4-point rear and 6-point front bungee system, which is more than enough to carry essential items for either a short or long journey.
This whitewater paddleboard can cover the ground faster because it is an inflatable paddleboard. Its pointy nose makes it suitable for the best paddle boards for rivers because it can effortlessly cut through the chops and maintain its speed in the river. That is why this iSUP has earned its reputation for being a whitewater paddleboard.
ISLE has constructed this paddleboard with multiple layers of military-grade PVC materials and the AIRTECH FUSION-LITE manufacturing process. So, you won’t have to worry about the dents and blown seams while dragging this board on the rough coastlines or tossing it onto the sidewalk. Thus, it’s safe to say that it is an ultra-durable iSUP.
Unlike previous generation paddle boards, this one comes with a grooved EVA traction pad, which brings extra adhesion and maximum comfort on skins. So, even if you perform exercise alongside your pet on the river, it’s smooth and durable enough for their rough paws.
Like other ISLE paddleboards, this one also comes with an adjustable nylon-blade paddle,a comprehensive accessory bundle, a backpack, coil leash, high-pressure pump, ISLE sticker pack, ISLE manual and snap-in travel fin.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Complete accessories pack | Maneuverability is a bit difficult |
| Good-quality paddle | |
| Stable | |
| Grooved traction pad | |
| Durable | |
| Expandable bungee system |
2. Red Paddle Co Ride MSL 10’6″
The second entry on our list of the best paddleboard for lakes and rivers is a perfect blend of paddleboard dimensions because it offers both quickness and glide. Let’s see how this paddleboard can prove beneficial for you.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Length:10-feet, 6-inches
Width:32-inches Thickness:4.7-inches Weight:21.89 lbs. Package Dimensions: 10’6″ x 32″ x 4.7″ |
In-Depth Review:
This 32-inches wide paddleboard provides you the stability and speed that you’re looking for in the river/whitewater. Plus, the 120mm thickness of this iSUP offers it a low center of gravity, which makes it stable enough that it won’t bend and get winds on its sides. So, this iSUP provides unrivaled performance to both beginners and advanced paddlers because of its perfect dimensions.
The latest edition of this iSUP features a handle with a slightly firm tubular grip at the center. So, it is now more comfortable and ergonomic to hold for the users over longer distances. There is another handle accompanied by the stainless-steel D-rings towards the back of the board. Those rings will come in handy for firmly attaching the leash to the board.
Speaking of the back, the diamond-cut area with red embossed on top provides more grip and traction to people during surfing. Plus, it also helps in the orientation of the rider while taking a step-back turn in paddling. Similarly, the super-wide Red embossed deck pad offers a premium feel and it’s now expanded up to the rails and back of the board to reduce any clutter around the integrated valve.
Due to the performance of the compact range of Red Paddle Co, the company has introduced the two-fin setup in the Ride MSL. However, the company has increased the height and surface of fins by a quarter inch. So, the increased fin dimensions will provide better straight-line performance and tracking.
Most cargo systems in the paddleboard industry are crisscross tubular elastic bungee systems, but this one is not. It features a straight tubular elastic bungee system, which makes it easier and safer to attach your items without damaging the board.
Another benefit that this iSUP brings is its reduced pack size. So, when you roll up this board, it will easily fit in the all-terrain backpack. Last but not least, you can easily mount your phone to the M6 mount screw thread and capture your paddle boarding moments on the river.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Easier to inflate | Unavailability of paddle |
| Versatile option | Junky valve and air pump |
| Stable | |
| Good design and overall performance |
3. Hala Rado 10’10”
If you’re looking for one paddleboard that brings a lot of options, then try Hala Rado. This iSUP has made the third spot on our list for the best paddle boards for rivers and let’s see why.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Length: 10-feet, 10-inches
Width: 35-inches Thickness: 6-inches Weight: 28.5 lbs. Package Dimensions: 10’10” X 35″ X 6″ |
In-Depth Review:
Starting with its build, the overall build quality of this paddleboard is pretty solid and when it’s inflated to the recommended PSI, you can’t tell whether it’s a solid or inflatable board. Hala has used the double-layered drop-stitch material for constructing this paddleboard. So, it’s durable enough to handle any beating on the river.
The dimensions of this paddleboard give it enough stability to be easily maneuverable. So, when you make a maneuver, it instantly follows that maneuver and you don’t have to constantly instruct this paddleboard to go where you want it to go. Plus, its stompbox makes it easily maneuverable in rocky rivers because it automatically goes inside and comes out of the paddleboard.
This Hala Rado iSUP brings a lot of options through its fins setup because you can either go with all three fins or just the middle fin on the river. But you should be careful while going without the side fins because it will make this iSUP less stable. So, again, it’s a solid thought from Hala Rado’s engineering perspective.
Unlike most iSUPs, even if you’ve accidentally taken off the air knob, the air won’t come out of this iSUP because the company has used anti-valve technology. So, it’s another plus from a safety point of view.
The quality of workmanship on this paddleboard is phenomenal because every tiny aspect of this iSUP is highly detailed. Plus, there are several connectivity options and therefore, it is possible to put a kayak seat on this iSUP as well. So, it’s definitely one of the best all-around paddle boards because you can use it for almost any type of paddling.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Incredible traction | Fins are not as useful as other options on this list |
| Excellent maneuverability at full speed | |
| Outstanding turning performance |
4. Hala Atcha 86
At number four, for the best stand up paddle boards for rivers, we have another entry from Hala and its name is Hala Atcha 86. Let’s see whether it’s worth putting on this list or not.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Length:8-feet, 6-inches
Width: 34-inches Thickness: 6-inches Weight: 22.5 lbs. Package Dimensions: 8’6″ x 34″ x 6″ |
In-Depth Review:
As its dimensions depict, this paddleboard is for smaller riders. Therefore, if you’re someone with a larger height, you should try something else. Speaking of its dimensions, this iSUP is wide enough to be stable in the rivers and fast enough to sneak through the sizable holes.
Like Hala Rado, this one also features a stompbox fin system. So, upon contacting the surprised rocks, it will retract inside the board and you won’t have to worry about damaging this iSUP. However, the company has updated the stompbox fin system in 2022, and therefore, if you want to switch from stompbox 1.0 to 2.0, you’ll have to insert and remove the entire fin assembling upon inflating and deflating this iSUP.
This is another whitewater dedicated entry because its unique design makes it quick and stable in the river water. Plus, its performance on punching through hydraulics and fitting on river waves is pretty exceptional. So, from flatwater yoga sessions to technical water, this is a great all-rounder iSUP choice.
The engineering on this piece of Hala is also exceptional because you will find high-quality details on even the tiniest items. For example, the soft rigging points of this iSUP are painless to fall on, yet they are still durable. Similarly, the included backpack makes sure that this iSUP goes everywhere with you.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Pretty responsive and easily maneuverable | None really |
| A dedicated choice for small paddlers |
5. Hala Radito
If you want a bit larger board than Hala Atcha 86, but with the same fortes, then try Hala Radito. This is another great choice for flatwater and whitewater paddlers and it has made the fifth spot on our list for the best paddle boards for rivers. So, let’s see why we have included this item.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Length: 10-feet
Width: 34-inches Thickness: 6-inches Weight:26.5 lbs. Package Dimensions: 10′ X 34″ X 6″ |
In-Depth Review:
Whether you’re looking for a river paddleboard to go on a long journey or you want something for a time pass in your local lake alongside your pet, the Hala Radito is a suitable choice because it is stable and strong enough to withstand huge hits.
Despite being 10-feet long, this is still a burly and responsive iSUP. So, you can easily control it through dips and rocks. Plus, if you prefer wicked graphics, this iSUP (including the other ones from Hala that are discussed above) is a great choice.
Like two entries of Hala we have discussed so far, this iSUP also comes with stompbox 2.0, which will come in handy during unexpected rocks in rivers. This 2.0 version also requires inserting and removing the fix box at a specific point during inflating and before folding the Hala Radito.
This iSUP proved great for downriver boarding and overall river paddle boarding in our testing because it tracks well and it has a solid build. Even in shallow areas, this iSUP works great, courtesy of its retractable fins. Plus, there are plenty of options to carry your gears while paddling boarding. So, no shortage of usability.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Durable | Some users have reported a few problems with fixed fins |
| Pretty responsive and easily maneuverable | |
| A dedicated choice for small paddlers |
6. NRS Quiver 9’8”
Our last entry on the list of the best SUP boards for rivers is another 9-feet paddleboard. Its name is NRS
Quiver. So, let’s see what makes this iSUP suitable to put on this list.
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS |
| Length:9-feet, 8-inches
Width: 35-inches Thickness: 6-inches Weight: 26 lbs. Package Dimensions: 9’8″ x 35″ x 6″ |
In-Depth Review:
The NRS Quiver is suitable for people with all experience levels. So, whether you’re getting started in river paddle boarding or you want to take things to the next level, this is a worth trying choice.
This iSUP is wide enough to provide maximum stability in the river and NRS has given it enough volume to float easily over edgy lines. The extra rocker to the nose and tails of NRS Quiver helps this SUP for riding over the waves and hauls. Plus, the enhanced rocker also shortens the water length, which assists this iSUP for marking turns in the technical water.
NRS has widely placed the two fin boxes and these fins will help the riders while riding through the shallow rocks. This iSUP also comes with customizability options because you can adjust the fins by attaching the 2-inches or 5-inches fins. So, you can adjust to high or low-volume rivers.
The included four D-rings make it easier to carry the items on the river. Plus, you will also find a D-ring at the tail for attaching your leash. Speaking of the leash, it comes with a repair kit, a pump, and a backpack.
Last but not least, you can easily tackle shallow or rocky waves with this iSUP because of its double-layered rails and PVC drop-stitch construction materials.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Availability of rear kick-pad | Quite an expensive option |
| Super durable for downwind rivers | No tie-down system |
| Stable | Unavailability of paddle |
| Fast | |
| Easier to maneuver |
Conclusion
In today’s list, you will find all the best inflatable SUP for rivers because these types of SUPs are the best choice for paddleboarding on rivers or lakes, as their thickness makes them suitable for this type of adventure.
People also use epoxy boards, but nowadays, the ratio of epoxy boards on rivers and whitewater conditions is low. This is true for several reasons, such as the quality of inflatable paddleboards and their portability because they can withstand hard hits, and still, you can deflate them and take them with you anywhere.
We won’t suggest a winner here because all of them are suitable for particular scenarios. Therefore, we have mentioned their pros and cons and you can check which one suits you and which one doesn’t. However, we suggest reading the buying guide first before getting to the list because, by reading the buying guide, you will know the criteria for deciding on the best paddle boards for rivers.
1. Can you use a paddleboard on a river?
Rivers could be either flat and slow or dynamic with fast current and whitewater conditions. Their slow or flat mode is great for mind relaxing and fast or whitewater conditions are a good challenge for the paddler. So, like oceans, rivers are another suitable place for paddleboards.
2. What are the best paddleboards for beginners?
If you’re new to paddleboard surfing or you haven’t surfed for a while, then there are tons of available options for you. Some of the options are:
- iRocker All-Around – Best all around.
- iRocker Nautical – One of the best budget picks.
- Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ – Another budget entry.
- TOWER Adventurer 2 – One of the best beginner-friendly entries from Tower.
3. What is the best paddleboard for lakes?
The items we have discussed in the above list are suitable for lakes as well. However, if you want other entries, then check out the following:
- Atoll 11′ – Best all-around SUP for flat water.
- Bluefin Sprint Carbon 14′ – Best paddleboard for advanced touring on flat water.
- iRocker Cruiser– Best naïve paddleboard for lakes.
- Blackfin X– One of the most stable paddleboards for flat water.
