Paddleboards do have weight limits, which depend on the board’s size and type. Paddleboards come in different sizes and weight ratings, so be sure to check the details before you buy. Boards can be purchased for small riders, larger riders or even multiple people.

Paddleboarding is an extremely popular water sport. Paddle boarding can be enjoyed by people of all ages and levels of physical fitness, and boards can be used almost anywhere.

In addition to the many benefits of being outdoors, paddle boarding is a great form of exercise that helps with core strengthening and balance, especially when one is stand up paddle boarding. Since the sport involves standing or sitting on a floating board, the weight limit of the board is an important consideration when choosing a board. 

Factors Affecting Paddle Board Size and Weight

Paddle board weight and volume depends on many factors. It is heavily dependent on the bodyweight of the paddler. Other factors involved are:

  • The height of a person, however, to a small extent. 
  • The number people on board. Therefore when choosing a paddle board, it is good to keep in mind the weight and the number of people and pets going with you and the food and gear you’ve kept alongside.
  • The type of activity one intends to do on the paddle board. It can be a different experience for everyone according to what they intend to do with the paddle board. Racers require different paddle boards than those who are doing it to perform yoga on or for the sake of fun.

Paddle Board Weight According To You

It can be problematic being overweight to use a paddle board. However, you can also not be too lightweight to practice this sport. Most paddle boards are around 10 feet in length and 33 inches wide in size. Generally, if you weigh less than 200lbs or 90 kg, then any standard paddle board will be able to float you. If you weigh more than that, then it is better to get one with at least 175L of volume to keep you stable. The table below suggests some paddle board volumes according to different body weights.

Being heavier than the volume or capacity of the board will lower the board in the water while paddling and make it difficult to paddle. The drag in the water will make the overall experience tiresome. 

Paddle Board Volume (in liters)Body Weight (in lbs.)
At least 130150
At least 160180
At least 175Up to 235 
At least 242275-300
At least 272Above 300

What Defines Paddle Board Weight Limit?

When manufacturing a paddle board, manufacturers keep in mind the length, thickness (height), and width of the board. It is also called the volume of the board combined. The measurement that plays the most important role in adding to the weight of the paddle board is its width. 

Width and Paddle Board Weight

The wider the paddle board, the heavier it is. Usually, the width of the paddle board gives it more stability. If you are standing on a wider platform, it would give you better balance to paddle because the water underneath will be covered on a greater surface area. However, wider paddle boards slow down paddling because of being heavy and relatively larger than other paddle boards. 

Wider paddle boards are harder to maneuver while smaller ones are easier to paddle. Less wide paddle boards are therefore used for racing or cruising because of their lighter weight and width. However, these paddle boards are narrower and more likely to topple, giving you a fall if you are not careful because they offer lesser stability. 

Read How to Paddle Board with a Child for more on multiple riders.

Buoyancy and Stability

On any given board, a lighter weighted person will float higher than a heavy weighted person and will be more stable. Therefore, it is important to choose a board with enough buoyancy to hold your weight to float. The lower the board is inside the water, the less stable it becomes.

Length of the Paddle Board

The weight of the paddle board is also affected by its length, but minimally. This is because longer paddle boards are less wide. They are faster than shorter ones, which are easier to paddle and maneuverable. Longer paddle boards are therefore usually used in racing.

Epoxy versus Inflatable Paddle Boards

Paddle boards come in two forms:

  1. Epoxy/Hard Paddle Boards
  2. Inflatable Paddle Boards

Epoxy paddle boards are mainly used in surfing and racing because of being hard, and because of the type of activity an individual is involved in while inflatable paddle boards are used in leisure paddling.

It can also be a difficult choice to decide which type of paddle board to get. In some cases, hard, solid boards come more in handy than inflatable ones; however, inflatable paddle boards have their own set of advantages. The table below shows a comparison between the two types of paddle boards:

Inflatable Paddle BoardEpoxy Paddle Board
These have a consistent thickness from head to tail and give a feeling of more stability when on water. These are shaped to reduce weight and have a curved bottom, which gives a more unstable feeling.
These are better for stability and slow-paced, leisurely paddling. These are also more comfortable to paddle in.These are better for performance because of their shape and give smoother glides to professional paddlers.
Inflatable paddle boards are less in weight and easier to carry around. They take up less storage space.These paddle boards take more storage space and are more wearisome to carry around due to their material and unchangeable shape.
These are easier to repair if there is damage.They account for more expensive repairs.

Paddle Boards According to Activity Type

Paddle board widths depend on the nature of the experience an individual wants. Therefore, it is best to choose a paddle board according to what you want to do with it. If you paddle for exercise, read more in this Paddle board versus running article.

Paddle Boards for Yoga and Meditation 

If you are intending to relax on your paddle board and perform activities like yoga or fishing, then a stable paddle board is a good choice. A board with a wider surface area will do the job and also make sure to have a comfortable deck pad to be able to sit during your yoga poses comfortably. An inflatable paddle board will be better in this case than a solid one because it will be easy to carry and will have a softer landing. Paddle boards under 11 feet will be best suited for this activity.

Paddle Boards for Touring and Racing

Narrower and longer paddle boards are suitable for these activities. A hard, epoxy paddle board will give smooth glides through the water. Paddle boards above 12 feet will be best suited for these activities.

Paddle Board for Surfing

Because surfing comes under leisure activity, a slightly wider but not too wide paddle board will be a perfect choice. Along with keeping you stable, it will also give you enough speed to enjoy the activity of surfing. Paddle boards under 10-feet long will be best suited and will also be easier to maneuver.

It is important to make sure that the right weighted paddle board is chosen for any activity one wants get into so that the capacity of the board is not exceeded, especially for beginners and people intending to paddle board for enjoyment or work out training. This accounts for safer enjoyment and exercise.