If you love all water-based activities, you may be interested in the new craze of paddleboarding. While paddleboarding is an extremely easy activity for any beginner, one of the most critical factors you should know is the weight limit of your paddleboard.
Weight limits for paddleboards can vary depending on the manufacturer and materials used. However, an average paddleboard can generally hold 200-300 pounds of extra weight. Inflatable SUPs can hold even more weight, with some weight limits being as high as 1000 pounds.
Paddleboarding is an excellent way to spend your day out in the sun, have fun on the water, and exercise. Many SUPs are beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve never gone paddleboarding before, you will be sure to have a great time on any river, lake, or calm ocean.
Paddleboard Weight Limits
One of the most important factors when choosing a paddleboard is the maximum weight limit of that board. Manufacturers determine the weight capacity using the shape, volume, and board dimensions.
When determining whether you are under the weight limit for the paddleboard, you will be using. It is vital to ensure you add the weight of any children, dogs, extra people, or gear that you will be carrying with you. Make sure to include the weight of the paddle as well.
Paddleboards can hold, on average, around 200-300 pounds. However, some SUPs can have more weight. Inflatable paddleboards are an excellent choice for heavier individuals or multiple people, as some of these boards can carry up to 1000 pounds.
Heres a fun video of someone testing the limits of weight on a paddleboard:
What Happens If You Surpass The Weight Limit Of A Paddleboard?
Paddleboarding is a reasonably easy water-based activity that almost anyone can master. However, beginners must understand the importance of remaining under the weight capacity of a paddleboard, as overloading a board will cause it to sink lower in the water, which will make it drag and cause instability for the paddler.
A paddleboard that drags through the water instead of gliding will cause unnecessary stress on the paddler as they will have to use more energy to paddle and stay upright.
Instead of an easy, relaxing day on the water, you may be irritated, exhausted, and struggling to keep up with those around you. In extreme cases, the board may even capsize due to excessive weight.
Below is a table depicting the maximum weight capacity for SUPs according to the paddleboard’s overall volume:
| Paddleboard Volume | Body Weight |
| Minimum of 130 (Liters) | 150 lbs. |
| Minimum of 160 (Liters) | 180 lbs. |
| Minimum of 175 (Liters) | Up to 235 lbs. |
| Minimum of 242 (Liters) | 275-300 lbs. |
| Minimum of 272 (Liters) | Above 300 lbs. |
The Weight Limits Of Different Paddleboards
The weight limit will depend on the board’s volume (length, width, and height), materials, and what kind of activities the paddleboard is for.
Isle Scout Inflatable Paddle Board
The Isle Scout inflatable paddleboard is an MVP (most versatile paddler), perfect for almost all SUP recreational activities. This SUP can do it all, whether for paddling, fishing, yoga, fitness, or multi-person paddling.
The dimensions of the Isle Scout inflatable board are as follows:
- Length – 11′
- Width – 33″
- Thickness – 6″
- Volume – 345L
- Weight – 21 lbs.
- Capacity – 315 lbs.
It would help if you always try to ensure your weight does not reach the manufacturer’s maximum capacity for maximum efficiency. The lighter you are on the board, the easier it will be to paddle.
Isle Versa Paddle Board
The Isle Versa board was designed to make paddling easy for beginners. This epoxy board allows paddlers of all skill levels to enjoy paddling, yoga, or fishing activities.
The dimensions of the Isle Versa Paddleboard are as follows:
- Length – 10’5″ to 11’2″
- Width – 32″ to 33″
- Thickness – 4.5″ to 5″
- Volume – 175L to 216L
- Weight – 27 lbs. to 32 lbs.
- Capacity – 246 lbs. to 300 lbs.
The Versa Isle paddleboard comes in two different lengths suited for various activities, and they have different weight limits.
Isle Limited Edition Glider Paddle Board
This paddleboard is suited for beginners or those with a bit more paddling experience. The board is highly versatile, so you can either glide over calm waters or try and surf small waves.
The dimensions for the Isle Limited Edition Glider are as follows:
- Length – 10’10”
- Width – 31″
- Thickness – 4.5″
- Volume – 181L
- Weight – 23.5 lbs.
- Capacity – 245 lbs.
It is worth noting the manufacturers themselves have said that more experienced paddlers may exceed the 245 lbs. weight limit of this board. You can view this board here.
SereneLife Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard
The SereneLife Inflatable SUP is the best overall paddleboard, especially for beginners. The broad and soft base of the board makes it easier to keep your balance while paddling.
The dimensions for the SereneLife paddleboard are as follows:
- Length – 10’6″
- Width – 32″
- Thickness – 6″
- Weight – 13.89 lbs.
- Capacity – 275 lbs.
It is worth noting that the maximum weight capacity given by manufacturers is generally how much weight the board can hold before capsizing and does not account for the board’s effectiveness at the maximum weight. It is best to reduce the maximum weight capacity of a board by around 25% if you want to paddle with ease.
How To Calculate Your Paddle Board Volume For Your Weight
The buoyancy of any paddleboard is dependent on its volume. In other words, if you want your paddleboard to be able to float correctly with you, your children, dog, or gear on it, you will need to choose a board with the correct volume.
A paddleboard with a higher volume will be able to withstand a higher weight capacity. Also, the more volume a board has, the more stability you will feel while in the water, so higher volume boards are generally the better option for beginners.
Paddle Board Volume Calculation For Beginners
Beginners will need to multiply their body weight (using pounds) by 1.1 – 1.4 to find a paddleboard with the correct volume. For example:
If your weight is currently 160 lbs. and your gear weighs 15 lbs., the combined total weight on the board will be 175 lbs.
- 175 lbs. multiplied by 1.1 equals 192,5L
- 175 lbs. multiplied by 1.4 equals 245L
Therefore, the correct volume paddleboard for 175 lbs. would be between 192,5L and 245L.
Conclusion
Paddleboarding is an excellent way to have some fun outside and on the water. The average weight limit for most paddleboards is between 200 and 300 pounds. However, some boards can handle more weight, namely inflatable SUPs, which can host a higher weight capacity.
