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What Type of Paddleboarder Are You? Find the Best iSUP for You!

Finding the right stand up paddleboard is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment on the water and selecting the perfect board depends on your type of practice, level of experience, size, and weight. HONU, the Australian brand renowned for its high-quality inflatable stand-up paddleboards, offers a range of boards tailored to different paddler profiles, and helps us understand today how to choose the right board for your needs.

For the Young Adventurer: AIRLIE 8’6

Are you looking for a way to introduce your kids to the joys of paddleboarding? The Airlie 8’6 is designed specifically for young adventurers aged 8 to 12. Measuring 27 inches wide and holding 180 liters of volume, it’s ideal for riders weighing between 40 and 70 kgs (88-154 lbs). This board is incredibly easy for kids to handle, both on land and in the water. Its scaled-down all-rounder shape ensures stability and versatility, allowing young paddlers to confidently cruise flat waters and tackle small waves. With a board like the Airlie, your kids will quickly gain the skills and confidence needed to enjoy family paddleboarding outings.

> Check out the Airlie on Honuboards.com

For the SUP Surf Enthusiast: new BONDI 8’8 or 9’5

Do you live for the thrill of riding waves? The Bondi series, available in 8’8 and 9’5 sizes, is crafted for the surf enthusiast. The 8’8 model, with its 32-inch width and 168 liters of volume, and the 9’5 model, with a 32.5-inch width and 185 liters of volume, offer exceptional performance in the surf. Featuring welded carbon rails and Volan fins, the Bondi provides a hardboard-like surfing experience that’s perfect for tackling any size of wave. This board is ideal for those who want to bring their paddleboarding to the surf and experience the rush of catching waves like never before.

> Check out the New Bondi 8’8 on Honuboards.com
> Check out the New Bondi 9’5 on Honuboards.com

For the Versatile Paddler: BYRON 10’6

Are you looking for a versatile board that performs well in various conditions? The Byron 10’6 is your ideal match. This all-rounder board combines stability with performance, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. With a width of 32 inches and a volume of 245 liters, it’s perfect for riders up to 110 kgs (243 lbs). Whether you’re cruising on flat water or exploring gentle waves, the Byron 10’6 offers a balanced and reliable experience.

> Check out the Byron 10’6 on Honuboards.com

Byron 9’8 – For Smaller Paddlers

The Byron 9’8 is perfect for smaller paddleboarders seeking an all-rounder SUP that doesn’t compromise on quality or materials. At 31 inches wide and 220 liters in volume, it’s ideal for riders up to 75 kgs (165 lbs). This board provides confidence-inspiring control and stability in the widest range of conditions, making it ideal for paddlers who want a reliable and versatile board that fits them perfectly.

> Check out the Byron 9’8 on Honuboards.com

For Extra Stability: FAIRLIGHT 10’9

Do you need a bit more stability on the water? The Fairlight 10’9 is designed with extra volume and width, making it perfect for paddlers seeking a stable platform. With its 33-inch width and 265 liters of volume, it’s suitable for riders up to 120 kgs (265 lbs). Whether you’re into yoga, paddling with a partner, or simply need a board that can handle heavier loads, the Fairlight has you covered. Despite its larger size, it maintains a hardboard feel thanks to its 4.7″ thickness. This board is perfect for those who want a stable yet responsive paddling experience.

> Check out the Fairlight on Honuboards.com

For the Compact Adventurer: SEATON 10’8 – COMPACT ALL-ROUNDER

Are you an adventurer who loves to travel light? The Seaton 10’8 is the ultimate compact all-rounder, designed for far-flung adventures. This board packs down to half the size of a regular inflatable SUP, making it perfect for road trips and air travel. Its 32.4-inch width and 251 liters of volume make it ideal for riders up to 115 kgs (254 lbs). Weighing just 7.4kg and equipped with a triple-action pump and 4-piece carbon paddle, the Seaton has everything you need in one convenient package. This board is ideal for paddlers who want a high-quality, travel-ready SUP that can handle a variety of conditions.

> Check out the Seaton on Honuboards.com

For the Long-Distance Explorer: SORRENTO 11’3

Do you dream of long days exploring the water? The Sorrento 11’3 is built for the long-distance explorer. This lightweight touring SUP, weighing only 8.4kg, is designed for extended paddling sessions. With a 30-inch width and 236 liters of volume, it’s suitable for riders up to 95 kgs (209 lbs). Welded carbon rails and X-woven material provide unmatched paddling performance and stability. An integrated camera mount lets you capture every moment of your adventure. This board is perfect for paddlers who appreciate quality construction and are ready to explore new horizons.

> Check out the Sorrento 11’3 on Honuboards.com

For the Ultimate Tourer: SORRENTO 12’6

Are you an avid adventurer looking for the ultimate touring board? The Sorrento 12’6 combines advanced technology and materials to deliver an exceptional paddling experience. Weighing 10kg, this award-winning board is extremely stiff, fast, and stable, making it perfect for long-distance touring and even SUP racing. With a 30-inch width and 330 liters of volume, it’s suitable for riders up to 140 kgs (309 lbs). Whether you’re planning overnight trips or weekend races, the Sorrento 12’6 offers the performance of a fiberglass board without the storage hassles. This board is also ideal for lengthy and sporty paddles, providing the endurance and speed needed for ambitious adventures.

> Check out the Sorrento 12’6 on Honuboards.com

Here’s our July 2024 interview with Mark Travers, CEO of HONU and a lake session with the new Bondi 9’5 and Sorrento 11’3

Find out more about HONU:
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About the Author

Mathieu Astier

Mathieu is the hyper-active founder of TotalSUP and a multilingual online marketing veteran with more than 20 years of experience working for top international internet companies. His love-at-first-sight for Stand Up Paddling in 2013 led him to build one of the leading online media dedicated to SUP in English and French and to turn his family lifestyle towards the ocean.

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