Paddleboard yoga hardly outshines mat-based yoga.
However, being outdoors, particularly in the water, adds another sensory dimension to yoga practice.
While the benefits of water-based yoga are similar to those of traditional yoga, water challenges your stability while at the same time putting you in a calm, centered frame of mind.
From a physical standpoint, boards for yoga infuse an element of instability, challenging you while engaging additional muscles.
But not all paddle boards are suitable for yoga.
You choice of paddleboard can either break or make your yoga sessions.
When it comes to choosing a paddleboard for yoga, most of the SUP boards are typically a version of an existing all-around stability board but with a few modifications.
Ideally, the best paddleboard for yoga should have a set up for Yoga but should also perform well for other paddling activities.
Our review below looks at some of the best paddleboards in the market, accounting for all the essential features you would want your board for yoga to have.
Table of Contents
- 1 Table of Contents
- 2 Quick Comparison Table!
- 3 The Best Paddleboards for Yoga For Tthe Money
- 4 #1 Peak 10’ Yoga Fitness Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 5 #2 Nixy Venice 10’6 Yoga Paddle Board - Best for Recreational Yoga
- 6 #3 Driftsun 11 Paddle Board - Best for Plus Size Guys
- 7 #4 Isle Airtech 10’4 Yoga Paddle Board - Virtually Indestructible
- 8 #5 Thurso Surf Tranquility - Best for Comfort
- 9 Best Paddleboard for Yoga Buying Guide
- 10 Wrap Up: Our Choice
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Paddleboards for Yoga For Tthe Money
#1 Peak 10’ Yoga Fitness Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our top pick, the Peak 10″ Board, is the best all-around board, coming with a host of fantastic features.
It’s our favorite option, and we love the Peak for its practicality and user-friendliness.
But is it the right board for you?
Features and Benefits
Measurements
With a length of 10 feet long, the Peak Yoga is pretty good for yoga and other recreational activities such as touring and paddling.
While the length is standard across many SUP boards, it’s not random either. The 10 feet are easy to handle, offering sufficient space, even for beginners, to perform their yoga routines and positions.
Another crucial aspect of a yoga board is the width, and the Peak, with 32 inches wideness, is super stable, making it easy for yogis to work on their wobbliness in different water conditions. It’s perfect for beginners, and with a few practice sessions, it’s easy to balance on this yoga, especially in flat water.
Finally, the Peak board, with 6 inches of maximum thickness, offers maximum weight capacity, reaching up to 275 pounds. So, even when not doing some yoga, it’s possible to paddle the board with your partner without worry about the board flexing or submerging underwater.
Build Quality
There’s a preconceived notion that inflatables are less superior and less durable than the hard body boards, but that’s not always true, and the Peak Board deconstructs that.
On the Peak, the Korean drop-stitch PVC offers a durable construction that will stand up being dragged to the rocky shores or weather the accidental scratching on hard surfaces.
While I wouldn’t recommend using the board in the rough waters, an awesome EVA traction pad covering the board’s back is super sturdy, so you won’t have to worry about punctures or even the need of replacing the board.
Design-wise, the Peak Yoga is neatly and professionally crafted, with the ocean Blue and wavy theme making it feel right at home in the water.
However, the best part of this inflatable is that once it’s fully inflated, it turns out to be extremely stiff, more like a hard bodyboard, which is useful for yoga practices in terms of stability and rigidness.
Despite the heavy-duty construction, Peak Board is ultra-lightweight. The 18-pound weight and the presence of rigid carry handles make the board a cinch to carry once inflated.
Removable Fins
The Peak Board’s functionality, as we had mentioned earlier, goes beyond yoga.
A featured sharp and large fin offers a fantastic navigation system, allowing you to paddle the board with greater ease.
And since the fin is detachable, it increases the board’s overall adaptability, letting you use the board in different waters and even on land.
Accessories and Storage Area
Peak Board is monstrous, large enough to accommodate all your yoga poses while leaving sufficient space for storing your accessories.
Performance
Now into the meat and balls of the board, Peak Yoga has a fantastic performance, and you’ll love its stability and balance, especially in calm water, which is a great feature for beginners.
It also glides over water well, and while not a vital feature for yogis, it enhances the overall lightness, so you don’t have to make any tremendous effort while moving it.
Recreational paddlers will also appreciate the responsive sleep design, which allows tracking, especially once you get the hang of riding it. However, keep in mind it’s not meant for speed, so don’t expect to win a race with the Peak Board.
Packaging
The Peak Yoga Package isn’t one to be missed and almost too good to be true.
This board comes complete with a host of add-ons, including a travel backpack, ankle leash, action pump, and waterproof case.
Pros
- All-around option
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Can accommodate two riders
Cons
- Available in color blue only
#2 Nixy Venice 10’6 Yoga Paddle Board - Best for Recreational Yoga
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
For the yogis who also enjoy other recreational paddleboarding activities such as touring, nothing beats the Nixy Venice.
Alongside the features promoting a fulfilling yoga session, this board also comes with three detachable fins, making navigation a breeze.
Features and Benefits
Dimension
Nixy Venice is six inches longer than the Peak Board we had reviewed earlier. Standing at 10 feet and 6 inches, Venice is a gigantic board, perfect for the yogis who need space for their yoga poses. With the board, you’ll not at any one time feel limited to the yoga poses you can make.
It’s also a wider option than the Peak, and the 34 inches width is meant to provide you with a larger platform where you can easily maintain your balance and stability.
The board is also thick, and when you combine with the generous length and width, you get a board, which I would call perfect for almost all yogis.
Of course, with such dimensions, the Nixy isn’t the fastest, but the paddling performance is still decent, thanks to the triple-fin construction.
Build Quality
The folks at Nixy always emphasize the quality of materials used on their inflatables, and Venice is no exception.
High-grade PVC, with a unique 6-inch triple layer drop stitch core, is super sturdy, and you can only imagine how stiff and rigid the board becomes once it’s inflated.
We also found the construction to be super durable, and we didn’t need to replace the board even after several seasons of use. It also worked well in varied conditions, and we didn’t have to get concerned when paddling in the rough waters.
Deck
Nixy is tailored for the yogis, and this is why it features nearly a full-length EVA deck pad, which feels more like the little yoga carpets.
The deck’s flatness and softness make it easier to perform the different yoga moves without leaving marks on your skin.
It’s grippy, too, giving a firm holding and eliminating the risk of slipping into the water.
3 Fins
Nixy comes with three fins, a large central fin, and two lateral fins.
Combined, the fins work in tandem to ease the paddling and overall navigation.
While size might be a limitation to the paddling performance, we loved the overall paddling efficiency and stabilization the board offers.
And since the fins are easy to attach and detach, packing is easier and practical. They also enhance the overall adaptability of the board, letting you use it even on dry land.
Accessories
Along with all the awesome build quality and performance, Nixy also features a bungee system to make it easier to take any extra items with you.
Other handy accessories that complete the Nixy package include an ankle leash, repair kit, and double action pump.
Performance
While the Venice Nixy is not designed for speed, it’s broad enough to offer a balanced experience for peaceful yoga. The experience on the Nixy resembles what you would get on a rigid platform.
Moreover, the board is quite responsive and tracks well, thanks to the triple fins.
Pros
- Stable
- All-inclusive package
- Softer and plush deck
Cons
- Not fast
#3 Driftsun 11 Paddle Board - Best for Plus Size Guys
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Driftsun, with a weight capacity of 400 pounds, is the perfect option for the big guys.
Despite the weight capacity, it’s not bulky either, and tilting the weight scales at 26 pounds only, it should be easier to bring along with you.
Features and Benefits
Dimension
The Driftsun Balance is a relatively huge large board, and few SUP yoga boards come close to this monster’s dimension.
It will accommodate even the tallest individual with a solid 11 feet in length, allowing them to perform any kind of yoga tricks.
The width is also generous, and the 34 inches wideness is larger than many standard iSUPs. It’s a good thing as it offers a more stable platform and better performance.
Thickness is also on point on the Driftsun Balance, with the 6 inches thick along the 34 inches of width offering the perfect recipe for stability and sturdiness.
Build Quality
Yoga boards are rarely used in rough waters, but I always like it when my board is sturdy for any eventualities. This is what the Balance offers.
With a tough, military-grade PVC and drop stitch material, the Balance is super solid, and you won’t have to worry about punctures anymore.
The traction pad adds extra stiffness, which is necessary for yogis, while the drop stitch technology allows the board to expand up to 15 psi for the best form and performance delivery.
With such a construction, you can go hard on the board, and it’ll still maintain its shape and quality.
Deck Pad
The deck pad, covering more than half of the Balance’s length, is super soft and plush and won’t leave any marks on your skin.
Yet, it’s grippy, so you guaranteed a non-slip yoga session even when the board is slippery and wet.
Fin
Navigation the Balance is a cinch, thanks to the trio-fin design.
The board tracks well, and you’re going to enjoy a smooth paddling on the flat water.
All the fins are detachable, too, enhancing the overall adaptability of the board. The board feels at home in the waters as it does on dry land.
Accessories
Like any other premium model, the Balance comes with a host of accessories to make every second with the board a delight.
A rigid bungee system helps to secure the board or anything you might need when you hit the water, while the 4 D-rings offer the perfect way to secure your cooler if you plan to spend a day in the water.
This is not to mention the Balance board comes complete with a host of practical add-ons such as a leg leash, repair kit, and a hand pump. I also have to mention the accessories are super-quality, and you won’t have the need to repair them even after several seasons of use.
Performance
With the Driftsun, wobbliness is a thing of the past. Once you find the correct balance point for your body, the Balance does the rest.
It’s also lengthy, offering adequate space for performing your yoga trick without limitation.
The deck pad is also comfortable and won’t leave any body marks. It’s also grippy and won’t let you slip.
While it’s not the fastest board, it tracks well, and the Balance’s round nose eliminates the resistance.
Pros
- Ultra-wide for greater stability
- Super tough
- Ideal for the plus-size guys
Cons
- Not fast
#4 Isle Airtech 10’4 Yoga Paddle Board - Virtually Indestructible
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
A quick look at this nicely padded and gorgeous board, and you’ll be sold on it faster than you can perform a downward dog.
The Isle, a sturdy and reliable yoga board, is among the best all-around options, allowing you to pose, meditate, or even simply sun-bathe your way to relaxation.
But is it the right option for you?
Features and Benefits
Dimension
The Isle is built for the Yogis, and this is evident through the overall dimensions.
First, it’s a length option standing at 11 feet, so beginners will have a large and stable platform to do their routine yoga poses.
The width is also decent, and at 34 inches, beginners are guaranteed stability. Once you get your balance right, you shouldn’t have any reason to worry about losing balance and slipping into the water.
Finally, like most of the other yoga boards on our list, Isle comes with a generous 6-inch thickness, which can accommodate users of up to 300 pounds. With such a weight capacity, it’s even possible for the board to handle two average users when not doing the yoga poses.
Additionally, the thickness will ensure you don’t have to worry about the board dipping or flexing when you exert weight unevenly.
Build Quality
Another draw for the Isle is material construction.
The Isle, employing Airtech Fusion Lite construction, consisting of multiple layers of military PVC, is ready for abuse and will take on the rugged water conditions without puncturing. You’ll also not need to replace the board even after encountering the sharp obstacles.
Deck Pad
The deck pad on the Isle is super comfortable, with the diamond-groove traction allowing for a slip-free grip, kind on your feet, and boot for sitting poses.
Plus, the grooved design won’t leave any marks on your body.
Trio-Finned
Isle also comes with three fins at the back, which you might find useful for navigation on the calm and slow currents.
The fins are also detachable, enhancing the board’s overall adaptability; it’s easy to use on the different water conditions and land.
Accessories
Isle, a true value purchase, comes complete with a host of extra features to make every second with the board a joy.
Some of the accessories include a leash, a pump, and a carry backpack.
Performance
For the price, expect nothing less than fantastic quality.
The board is super large, so it’s quite a stable option, perfect for the beginners who are yet to master balancing.
It’s also large, with the 11 feet length ensuring you never have to run out of space when doing the yoga poses.
While it’s not a racer, it tracks well, with the tri-fin design helping with the navigation.
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
- Comfortable
Cons
- Tad expensive
#5 Thurso Surf Tranquility - Best for Comfort
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our last option, the Thurso Tranquility, is yet another practical yoga board, coming with a host of fantastic features.
It’s not exactly a budget option, but it’s reasonably priced, especially for the number of features and overall performance.
Features and Benefits
Dimension
Thurso was designed specifically for SUP fitness activities, and the extra-large measurements help with the cause.
With a length of 10 feet and a width of 34 inches, Thurso comes with a wide profile, offering yogis amazing stability.
Additionally, the squared tail and rounded nose ensure the board is stable and beginners will not risk falling into the water.
While the larger profile limits the Thurso’s speed, it offers a sufficient amount of glide and will double well as a recreational board after you’re done stretching and working out.
Build Quality
As with any other Tranquility board, Thorso features the well-known wood grain design for elegance.
Away from aesthetics, the board is durable, with the double-layer construction of PVC allowing you to take on the rough water without fear of breaking down.
The board seams are further reinforced with a strip of double-layered tarpaulin, and when fully inflated, the board gets as rigid as a hardboard for the best yoga performance.
Deck Pad
The extra-wide 82″ by 30″ deck pad on the Thurso offers ample space for performing the yoga poses, while the plush design ensures you feel comfortable, and your skin isn’t left with marks.
Cargo Space
When you need to bring along some gear with you, you’ll appreciate the front cargo area offering just the right amount of space.
Tri-Fin
As we had mentioned earlier, Thurso might not be the fastest board, but the tri-fin system helps with the navigation.
The two lateral fins help with stability and maneuverability in choppy waters, while the center reduces the overall drag for faster paddling.
All the fins are detachable, giving the board a higher level of adaptability to different water conditions.
Portability
The inflatables’ huge benefit is portability, and Tranquility, at 29 pounds, is manageable for most paddlers.
It compacts easily, and when rolled, it will fit easily into your carry backpack with plenty of room to spare.
The detachable fin system also helps with the compacting, making it even easier than ever to roll the SUP.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to navigate
- Plush deck
Cons
- Expensive
Best Paddleboard for Yoga Buying Guide
The choice of a yoga paddleboard can either make or break your yoga experience.
To help with the selection process, we’ve compiled a definitive guide outlining everything you should know about selecting the best paddleboard for yoga.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Paddleboard for Yoga
Inflatable Vs. Solid Paddleboard
The inflatables are the obvious choice over the hardboard for yoga for several reasons.
The inflatables offer a softer surface, which is easier on the body than the hard epoxy surface.
The inflatables also offer greater stability than hard boards of comparable dimensions because of a consistent thickness across the board’s width. The hard boards are tapered at the edges for a more tippy design.
The last benefit of the inflatables is portability. Most of them are light and can be deflated for easier packing and stowing, and you can take with them wherever you want.
Hull Design
Paddleboards for yoga come in two main types of hull-displacement and planing hull.
While both are ideal for yoga, one might suit you more than others.
Planing hulls have a wide nose, though flat and stable. If you’re a beginner, then this board might be suitable for you as they’re wider, thus offering greater stability.
On the other hand, the displacement hulls have a pointed nose, and while they require less energy when paddling, their streamlined shape comes at the expense of stability.
Board Proportions
While it’s possible to do Yoga on virtually any board, beginners would want to start on a stable platform.
Width is the greatest contributor to overall stability. The more width a board has, the more stable it is, and the less likely you’re going to fall. A width of 32”+ offers enough space or your yoga moves.
However, understand the wider the board, the slower it is, but if your board is predominantly for yoga, you can go big as you want. If you intend to use it for other activities, don’t get carried away.
The length has a minor effect on the board’s overall stability; when looking for the perfect all-around option, choose a board in the 10-11 foot range. Shorter boards under 10 feet will pose difficulty when stretching out on some poses, and in such instances, the larger boards would be ideal.
It also helps if you consider the thickness. We recommend sticking to the thick boards, ideally 6″ thick. The thick boards have greater buoyancy, so they float higher, and you don’t have to keep getting into the water. They’re also stiff and won’t bend in the middle, something you would want to avoid when doing yoga.
Weight and Weight Capacity
Weight is necessary for portability purposes.
A lightweight paddle board is easy to carry and can be brought anywhere with you without causing too much fatigue.
At the same time, you also need to consider the weight capacity or the maximum weight a paddleboard can hold.
Generally, most of the boards can hold up to 300 pounds. While it’s sufficient for most users, we insist you consider your weight and pick a board with a slightly higher weight capacity than your weight.
Fin System
The fin system is critical for the paddling board, but it plays a critical role in SUP Yoga.
Paddleboards come in either a single-fin or triplefin set-up.
The single fin is either detachable or permanent, while in the tri-fin system, one of the fins can be detachable or all the fins detachable.
Boards with detachable fins make it possible to use your board even on land. You simply need to remove the fins to suit your situation.
On the other hand, a fixed fin system means you don’t have to worry about the fins coming loose in the water. They’re also suitable for shallow water paddling.
Its evident fins aren’t essential in yoga unless you need to use your SP yoga board for other activities.
Deck Pad
Generally, boards marketed for SUP Yoga have a deck pad running the full length of the board.
While it may fit a preconceived version of how to sup yoga board should be, understand, you’ll never find yourself at the extreme edges. If anything, you’ll simply tip over and all into the water.
The ideal deck length should cover three-fourths of the board. The extra space from the edge of the deck to the tip can be used as a bungee system to hold your accessories, such as water bottles.
Depending on your sessions’ intensity and personal preferences, you can also opt to use a towel, but you won’t need that provided your board has a good grip.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
If you’re still undecided on which option to go with, we would recommend the Peak 10’.
Not that it’s any better than the others, but it’s the few things and features that make it stand out but only by a hair.
While it’s primarily tailored for yogis, it’s a versatile option, with its functionality extending to recreational boarding.
It’s comfortable to use, too, with the plush deck board offering a comfortable space to perform your yoga poses without leaving marks on your skin.
However, the greatest draw is an extended surface, offering a stable platform for you to perform your trick without fear of running out of space or slipping.
