Best Paddleboards According to r/Sup

"Haha, thanks! The Hydrus Joyride would be the closest board that's designed to be able to handle some class I/II rivers."

"I just got a second one and got boned at the border, so you may already be too late lol. Good news was the list price was still the same, so it wasn't as bad as it sounds like it's gonna be soon. Still...$390 in border fees for a Joyride XL and 3-piece paddle is steep."

"I lost my first paddleboard due to a catastrophic seam failure so I bought a Hydrus Joyride. Hadn't been able to try it out since I had neck surgery a little over 3 months ago and my surgeon advised against it. The weather was beautiful in Miami today and I was feeling good enough to go paddling. What a great idea."

"Gonna go with: Hydrus, lifetime warranty, S-tier board shaping and materials Sea Gods, lifetime warranty, beautiful art and design SIC, good all round faster designs Isle, very stiff and great recreational appeal Honu, Starboard, and Red Paddle Co: good quality options"

"I took an instructor class when I was starting out. I already had a Sea Gods Carta Marina with a 32 width that was struggling to balance with. Instructor pulled me aside and had me jump on his board, it was a 30 inch width and almost flat next to the water. It was surprisingly stable and had a pleasant time riding it while I worked on the basics. Can't comment about the weight but I'm guessing it was heavier than my 25 pound board as it kept me pretty stable as a newbie. Now I have adjusted to ISUPs and prefer the portability."

"Keep an eye on Seagods site, I got a board from them that is much higher quality than this one on Amazon for less money."

"It's a little small in width for you, but honestly you are mostly running into an issue of material/construction quality that is not making the board rigid enough for you. It will be worth an upgrade if you can get a board that is rigid enough. In order to get a rigid enough board, you are likely going to need to spend more than 500€. The [Thurso Max](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-max-review/) is probably going to be the best choice for the right size (34") and rigid construction for you as close to your budget as possible (currently on sale for 580€)."

"The [Max](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-max-review/) is significantly larger - so if you plan to paddle any distance it will be slower and harder to use. At your size the [Carta Marina](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/seagods-carta-marina-cx-isup-review/) offers plenty of stability for fishing. If you were 50lbs heavier then the Max would probably be a better choice, but since you aren't it's not really going to add a whole lot for you. I'd also recommend checking out the [Wild Tribe Athabasca 11](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/the-wild-tribe-athabasca-11-isup-review/). It's basically a 4.7" version of the [Sea Gods Skylla](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/sea-gods-skylla-cross-touring-review/) (a little narrower, but not by much, and the thinner profile gives it back the rest of that stability)."

"Buying another cheap board for $250 will just get you another edible mess that's not reliable. It's impossible to make a bigger, better board at a cheaper price. Closest thing will be the [Thurso Max](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-max-review/) which is on sale at $580. It's 11'6x34x, but it's actually built well and is rigid."

"Oh this is excellent!! Now you've got me thinking I might want that Newport instead since it's more stable than the G4 version. You've given me more to think about. Is it a spoiler if I ask if the got rid of that ridge between the air chambers on the Monterey? I'd thought about getting it for my husband (as a larger paddle) but that was a red flag for me from your G4 review because I know that would drive him nuts. THANK you as always!"

"Yes. I'd say go with the [Nixy Newport G5](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/nixy-newport-g5-isup-review/). About the same price, but lighter weight, more color options, a better size for you, and has a better paddle."

"Definitely give the [Nixy Newport G5](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/nixy-newport-g5-isup-review/) a look. It's on sale right now for $550 and is a great board, especially for your size. Their paddles are great as well. The [Thurso Waterwalker 126](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-10-6-sup-review/) is another great option. The [Honu Byron](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/honu-byron-review/) is a sweet all-around board made really well. It's lighter on "features" than the others, but it paddles really, really well. It's also extremely light and compact, and their Evolution carbon fiber paddles are fantastic."

"https://preview.redd.it/cqncxvv6a1od1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=025c72e6ac56831f912172d2cf458edd72c2ee51 Nice board, lol. Love my Atoll. Hope it’s the first of many amazing days on the water for you."

"I was actually a bit underwhelmed with the [Atoll](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/atoll-11-inflatable-paddle-board-review/)'s tracking performance. The [Glide O2 Retro](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/glide-o2-retro-106-isup-review/), [iRocker 11 All Around](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/irocker-all-around-11-review/), [Gili Adventure 11](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/gili-sports-adventure-11-review/), and [Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10'8](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/bluefin-sup-cruise-carbon-10-8-review/) are all good options for all-around boards with good tracking for your size/use."

"Atoll 11’ has a pretty significant weight limit and you’re well under it. Worth a look."

"I am interested in this, was convinced to get hard paddle boards this time, can't beat the offer Glide had on the retros."

"Retro would be worse in OP's situation. Shorter and wider is going to be harder to paddle against the current."

"My new Glide Retro gives me a comparible performance at a lower psi than my red at higher psi. Not sure what voodoo magic is involved but I love my Glide. That being said I obviously like my red paddle co as well! My group uses Glide boards more than others, although I have a client who only wants to use a red paddle co and she pays well enough I don't mind upgrading every few years even if it's not my prefered sup. They are good boards though!"

"As far as acommodating your height, the biggest concern is the width of the board, not its length. Definitely don't go over 32" and sticking closer to 30" is going to be best. If you go too short with a kid's board then you'll end up losing out on a lot of tracking performance (how straight it paddles) and it will be significantly slower as well. I'd recommend something like the Thurso [Waterwalker 120](https://www.supboardguide.com/thurso-waterwalker-10-120-sup-review/) or [Waterwalker 126](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-10-6-sup-review/). They are 10' x 30" and 10'6" x 31" and built well. Because your weight is so low, you could also do well with boards like the [Aqua Marina Vapor](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/aqua-marina-vapor-review/). For most paddlers they aren't stiff enough, but for a sub-100lb paddler they should be totally fine. The biggest downside with this board for you will be the atrocious paddle that comes with it. If you do still want a smaller "kids" board, then I would go with something like the [Thurso Adept.](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-adept-youth-isup-review/) It's designed moreso for older kids/tweens rather than younger children and it has a full feature set and nice kit of accessories."

"The water walker 132 is too small for you, especially with a dog. It's irl size is only 31" wide, and between your height and it's rigidity, I do think it's a good fit. The [Hydrus Joyride XL](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/hydrus-joyride-xl-inflatable-sup-review/) is the first thing that came to mind for you. It's a great size for you and extremely rigid. It paddles quite well and has a lifetime warranty. It will be at the top of your budget, but it's a very high quality board. Another good one for you that's less expensive (though heavier and not quite the same performance) is the [Thurso Max](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-max-review/). Same on-paper dimensions as the Joyride XL, but a different shape and construction. There are some other options if you want something a little smaller, but still the right size for you and a dog. Most people with your height appreciate a board that's a little on the larger side since your center of gravity is much higher."

"For general cruising you can get any upper-mid level all-around iSUP. I'd recommend looking for boards with welded rails and longer warranties as indicators of better durability and longevity. The [Isle Explorer 3](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/isle-explorer-3-hybrid-isup-review/), [Hydrus Joyride](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/hydrus-joyride-isup-review/), [Thurso Waterwalker 132](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/thurso-surf-waterwalker-132-review/), and [Glide O2 Retro](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/glide-o2-retro-106-isup-review/) (if you want a more stable/cruiser-style board) are all great options."

"Isle has done something like this with their Pro series boards using what they call infinity fiber. I have an explorer pro and it's incredibly rigid for an inflatable. https://islesurfandsup.com/products/explorer-pro?Size=12%27&Color=Ice%2FSlate%2FCoral"

"Early in the season I picked up a new isle sup. So far I am not impressed. Just an FYI if anyone is looking at them. "

"Gonna go with: Hydrus, lifetime warranty, S-tier board shaping and materials Sea Gods, lifetime warranty, beautiful art and design SIC, good all round faster designs Isle, very stiff and great recreational appeal Honu, Starboard, and Red Paddle Co: good quality options"

"I own both boards, and would recommend each of them for different reasons: - Skylla is very beginner friendly, stable, well rounded. Light, but not built for durability. It's quite wide, but handles nicely. - Joyride is the best all-rounder IMO, it's reasonably quick, very stable, built to last, and optimized for river action. Also very maneuverable, and I dig the smooth brushed deckpad. Ultimately I'd choose the Joyride between the two, it's got fun factor perfectly matched with practical performance. Both boards have lifetime warranty, which is the main reason I advocate for these two brands more than anyone else 💙 PS, in case you don't already have a Hydrus discount code: use SASKATOON for 10 percent 👍 Cheers!!"

"Ah yea! The art was what sold me on the Skylla (Pell's). As for RHV, very familiar with, grew up around his art growing up there. Nice gallery in Tofino too! Digging the style on this board."

"All of their art is amazing! I have the Skylla (Drew Brophy) Had a hard time deciding between it and the Carta Marina with the Giant Squid. This year’s Elemental Wave is beautiful."

"You're in England? I think Bluefin is based there. I would looking into their Cruise lineup. Depending on your height/weight, check out the 10'8 or 12' boards and see what kinda pricing you can get. My buddy got one of those last year and I picked up a 12' Cruise Carbon. Both great boards for the price. I ended up getting so into it I upgraded a month later lol."

"I also have the cruise carbon and don’t think the supplied bag is robust enough. Only used it 7 or 8 times and the bag is already showing signs of stretching in places but not yet ripped like yours. I also feel that the positioning of the top handle in relation to the wheels results in part of the fabric of the bag being dragged along the ground as you pull it along. I would be interested in other people’s experiences."

"Love the colour of the bluefins! I have the gecko green. And winds are always a very humbling experience 🤣"

"You've got two different budgets listed. $400 is tight to get something that I think will work well for your needs, but $500 can do it pretty easily. [Gili Komodo 10'6"](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/gili-sports-komodo-review/) (Full length deck pad great for the dog - $500) [Isle Pioneer 2.0](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/isle-pioneer-2-review/) (Ultra stable $400) [iRocker Cruiser Ultra](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/irocker-cruiser-ultra-review/) (Compact storage/transport and includes an electric pump $500) [Glide O2 Retro](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/glide-o2-retro-106-isup-review/) (this one is a bit narrower than the others at 32", but is still quite stable $400)"

"Great to hear this for you. I have a chance to pick up a pretty good shape Gili Komodo for $100 (board, fins, backpack and oar).  It’s always a risk second hand with inflatables but I keep coming across comments like yours with Gili. "

"Based on your use case and budget I'd look at the following boards: [iRocker Cruiser Original](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/irocker-cruiser-10-6-review/) \- stable, stiff, good size for you + dog, or you + yoga, and your husband can easily use it as well. May seem a little wide for your height, but overall will work well. [Gili Komodo 10'6"](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/gili-sports-komodo-review/) \- same as above, except it has a full-length deck pad which is even better for yoga and the dog. There is also an 11' version of this board that would be even better for your husband's size (including with the dog). [Hydrus Joyride](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/hydrus-joyride-isup-review/) \- This one is a budget stretch because you do still need to add a paddle to complete the kit, however it will be the most rigid and durable on this list, and it comes with a lifetime warranty (the iRocker and Gili boards are 3 years and 2 years). Of the three boards this one will also grow the most with you. It's got better performance on the water for speed and tracking (great for longer fitness paddles) and has a Universal Standard (US) fin box. The Gili and iRocker recommendations are more cruiser-style boards that will be better suited for yoga, though. Bote will be lower quality-per-dollar than these options. They haven't updated their construction in many years (and have reduced quality on a few models in that time), but have kept increasing prices."

"I think Honu Sorrento 12’6 Touring and Sea Gods Carta Marina are the best choice. Honu Sorrento overall is the best rated touring isup. Sea gods Carta Marina has cool artwork, and 32" width which is more stable"

"Should be quite a bit quicker, also one thing I don't like about the Sorrento is lack of parallel in the rails. It looks good but seems to be less stable than another 12'6 like the Paradise from Hydrus, which is extremely stable. The 13'3 X-variant of the Paradise is actually my very favourite isup for speed and stability."

"Sorrento is a great board, as is the Hydrus paradise. https://www.inflatableboarder.com/hydrus-paradise-isup-review/ https://www.inflatableboarder.com/honu-sorrento-isup-review/"

"My husband is about that frame (6' 290lb), and no, 10' cheap board was not ok for him. ROC boards are also most likely not rigid enough. He could not stand up on it because it did not offer enough stability. I bought him an 11.5' Isle Pioneer Pro and it's working really well for him."

"Thank you kindly! I figured I was being a little contradictory, I spend a lot of time just lounging, but I’m on the smaller side and find my pioneer difficult to turn. When I want to move fast, I want to be able to move. This is extremely helpful and I really appreciate your time."

"Look at their insta for the last year and see when their sales are and what the % is. My siblings and I all have the Isle Pioneer iSUP. My mom lives near their HQ/showroom in National City so I swung by there and got a used floor model with warranty for $200 2 yrs ago after the holidays. i think they have an annual outlet sale too."

"Starboard, I have four different hardboards started off with my first carbon being the waterline and moving on to allstar and a sprint. These are true racing boards and my allstar is 14x24'5 with my sprint 14x25 for long distance races."

"The Allstar is a bit too lively for me, especially the more narrow editions. Sure there's tons of secondary stability and it's hard to actually fall over, but the twitchiness does get a bit tiring."

"Hardboards are amazing, you'll find you'll be able to go faster and further on them as they carry so much more speed and paddle in conditions you'd struggle with on your isup. I had my 14x24'5 starboard allstar out in gusts up to 40mph (69km/h) today and the board didn't feel it the paddler did 😂"

"I have a Gili Adventure and have used it for the past 4 years on rivers and lakes in the southeast. I think it's a great board and tracks faster than many others. I always use 3 fins and can get it to turn on a dime. I don't really deal with customer service but they owed me a hat and sold out, so I got a dry bag free."

"Hi, I felt pretty confident before without creating my own post, but now that Plan A failed, here I am. I did my research here and on the Inflatable Boarder website and decided that the Gili Adventure was my best option, especially with the bundle they have going on right now with the electric pump and other accessories. Unfortunately, Gili hasn't been shipping the boards people paid for, hasn't responded to emails, doesn't answer the phone, etc. Now I'm restarting my search, with an added emphasis on decent customer service. When you search for best customer service out of a SUP company, Hydrus is the first and most consistent result. Their boards have great reviews, but I'm not sure it's responsible to dive into $1k of board and accessories as a beginner. Cost isn't really the prohibiting factor, but with this level of inexperience, I don't know if I know enough about what I like or how I want to use the board to dive head first into a $1k purchase if there's something closer to $500 that I might be really happy with. On the other hand, I'm happy to spend a bit more if it means not spending even more to upgrade a year or two from now. * **Desired Board Type:** Inflatable * **Your Height and Weight:** 5'4, 160. Definitely a cooler with a few beers and a lunch. Maybe a 20lb dog but odds are low on that one; he's not a fan of water. * **Desired use/uses** **and terrain:** Cruising, getting some fresh air, maybe yoga. Mostly in Colorado lakes but occasional ocean if I get bold on a calmer day. * **Experience level:** Beginner * **Your budget** **and country location:** US. $500-$1k total, would love an electric pump included in that total cost even if it isn't bundled. * **What board(s) you current have or have used and what you liked/didn't like about them:** I have borrowed my friend's 11' Gili Adventure a few times and was really happy with it. It felt more stable than the Isle I have borrowed from someone else, but I'm not sure what model that one was. Thank you in advance, you really are an invaluable resource for all things SUP."

"Ive tested a few Gili Sports boards and I find their boards to be quite well made.I also think their SUP bags are one of the better designed ones for a board of its price range. Below is my experience with each. [Gili Adventure 12'](https://www.inflatablesupauthority.com/reviews/gili/adventure-12/): This will be the closest thing to getting a budget touring board. Tracks well, has above average speed. Decent stability and onboard features. [Gili Air 11'6":](https://www.inflatablesupauthority.com/reviews/gili/air-116/) Stable but there is definitely more bounce to this board as it is made with single layer PVC. [Gili Komodo 10'6":](https://www.inflatablesupauthority.com/reviews/gili/komodo/): Solid Sup yoga and medium to small dog pick due to the deck pad running the full length of the board. [Gili Komodo 11' Kayak Hybrid:](https://www.inflatablesupauthority.com/reviews/gili/komodo-11/) I found this board to be more stable for my size (about 6'1) as I'd say it's better for taller/ larger SUP yogis. Also a solid beginner board and the fact it has a kayak hybrid kit with it gives it good value. One of the better kayak hybrid SUPs I've tested. [Gili Meno 11'6":](https://www.inflatablesupauthority.com/reviews/gili/meno-116/) : This is one of the more stable SUPs I've tested but it is also surprisingly quick for it's 35" thicker width. We've easily had 2 people paddle on this board with no performance issues. [Gili Meno 12'6":](https://www.inflatablesupauthority.com/reviews/gili/meno-126/) Had similar stability to a 11' All Around board but with better tracking. I liked the bungee deck rigging on this board. Especially handy if you are doing longer day paddles and you want to stash more gear. I really like that this is an environmentally conscious company as well. Proceeds of each board goes to ocean charities like Save the Turtles. Dog rescue gear is donated to shelters for each Komodo 11' sold. Something I can wholeheartedly get behind!"

"I've also paddled a iRocker Cruiser. They make reasonable quality boards at comparably affordable price point. I've been on a Goosehill Sailor as well. These are junk imo, but might be good for a smaller child's first learning board."

"So, I don't recommend buying for your 20% use. That's a huuuuuuuuuge difference in size/shape requirements for a board for you vs a board for you and someone 30% larger than you. The Tommy Bahama SUP is MASSIVE and WAAAAAAAAAAY to big for you. Like crazy way too big. like comically, clown-shoe, big. The iRocker Cruiser is only slightly less way too big for you. The[ iRocker All Around 11](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/irocker-all-around-11-review/)' is a better choice for you. It comes with an electric pump and a really nice roller bag as well. Right now, I would recommend the [Atoll 11'](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/atoll-11-inflatable-paddle-board-review/) for you. It's 11' x 32" - plenty big for a beginner your size without being overly large. It is large enough that occasionally you can have a friend sit on it with you. If you want something that is still a little big larger / little bit more two-person friendly, then I would check out the [Retrospec Weekender Plus](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/retrospec-weekender-plus-review-budget-hybrid-isup/). It's 10'6 x 33" (more stable than 11 x 32) and it's still easily paddle-able for someone your size solo. It also comes with a kayak seat and paddle (and a small dry bag that's phone-size but could hold a wallet + keys instead if your phone is waterproof)."

"I have a Cruiser, got it in 2020.  Love it and has been a great board.  Always get compliments from other paddlers.  Definitely buy that one."

"You'll want a high quality inflatable or ideally a solid board. Something that can handle waves and wind. For rough conditions, I like traditional designs (such as the Starboard Generation) better than dugout boards, since they have a lower profile and will be less affected by waves and wind. If you're going to do overnight trips, you're going to need a touring-capable board, which basically means high volume and enough cargo capacity."

"If your doing ocean as well, Starboard Generation. 12’6 or 14. 3 fin box if you need it. I tried the 12’6 in surf and enjoyed it."

"Sounds like you want a touring-style board that's still semi-surfable. The Starboard Generation is probably the top choice for this. Comes in a variety of sizes depending on how much speed you want."

"It’s a solid board from Bote. The model is Rackham. It has a paddle sheath, which is very useful to go hands free for a minute."

"There's no real justification for the Bote price - they are a "big" name that also includes retail markup, so they charge a whole lot more for the same (or sometimes not as good) product as other brands. The Mako is not only less expensive, but it's built better than the Rackham. It's definitely the better choice for a fishing SUP in my experience."

"Awesome info, thanks so much for taking the time to share! Especially good to know it's not a great fit for two people. I'll probably invest a bit more in my Rackham instead, maybe augment my pedal drive with a motorized fin."

"The aqua marina fusion is a nice mid price range sup. I see no reason, why it shouldn't work on the beach. Just keep it in the shadows when not in the water."

"You would probably be OK on the Fusion, but it's not rigid enough for your husband. Unfortunately there aren't really many options for boards in your price range that are recommendable. There are boards you can get that will work to simply float around a bit, but they will likely be neither rigid enough nor large enough for your husband. Both rigidity and size (as well as shape) play a huge role in stability. The recommendations I have that I know will work for your husband are much closer to £500"

"I just tried a Aqua Marina Fusion and Magma... they both are great. No Problems so far."

"Go for a hardboard. My 31 inch hardboard (Starboard Touring 12,6 x 31) is more stable than my 34 inch iSUP (10,4 x 34) was. I am around 300lbs and I feel also stable on my wife’s touring hardboard at 11,6 x 29."

"I'd skip the Starboard first. Between the Falcon and the Storm, I think the stability will actually be pretty similar, since the Falcon is a pintail (faster but less stability for a given width) and the One is a dugout, putting you lower in the water. BUT dugouts are a bad choice for newer paddlers -- very tough to climb back in when you fall out, very hard on your body and the board if/when you fall on the rails. So my vote is for the Falcon."

"Yes, so long as it's also a high quality touring board. The Starboard touring is a good design, but I absolutely do not recommend the zen construction. It's incredibly flexible (not rigid). Their DSC and DDC constructions are great, but the zen is a (literal) flop. It's not worth the cost savings."

"I am not sure on the brand of the holders although the mounts are railblazza compatible. I love my Glide Angler!!"

"Definitely the [Joyride XL](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/hydrus-joyride-xl-inflatable-sup-review/) of those. You need to have a rigid board as well as one that is the correct size, and Hydrus takes the lead there for sure. It also has more physical space on the deck than the Diatom. The Angler has a tiny bit more space, but being so wide it's not a great option for paddling any longer distances. The Hydrus presale is still going on until they start shipping boards in December, so now is the time to order one. the 12% off code BOARDER still works with the presale pricing. Make sure to get one of their paddles as well."

"The Glide Angler is a fantastic board, I just updated [my review](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/glide-o2-angler-fishing-sup-review/) a few days ago for the latest version, and the score went up a pretty big jump (4.5 to 4.8 out of 5). However, if she won't be fishing from it, I'd recommend getting her the [Retro](https://www.inflatableboarder.com/glide-o2-retro-106-isup-review/) instead. At 5'6" you'll both find the 36" width to be a bit taxing if you are paddling more than a mile, but worth it for you for fishing."

"I think very few have paddled both, since the new GenR (with the deeper deck recess) is so new. The RS is a well established design and my guess is that either board would be a pretty good choice for all-water racing."

"Yep, the X is my favourite isup available right now, and I will never part with it. Nothing else is that perfect yet, it's light years ahead of my RS Air. It's too bad Isle only makes giant yachts of isups, as rigid as they are it's also a result of their huge width and volume. Worth taking into consideration when comparing. Construction for the Elysium seems about the same, with some further attention paid to shaping the nose. Linear groove deckpad like the X, which I love."

"I can tell you that there is a big difference in stability between, for example, a 24.5” All Star and a 26” SIC RS. I can take the SIC RS through some pretty rough stuff with little trouble. I’m less stable on the All Star. Some of it may just be the hull shape of the All Star. I hope to try a 24.5” SIC RS this weekend, for comparison (and hopefully a Gen R). That said, I’m very comfortable on the All Star on flatwater and am slightly faster. I have been pushing myself to get better on rough water on the All Star. I take it out in all kinds of conditions for practice. I’m fine with it in the ocean and in heavy lake chop as long as I can set my course to minimize side chop. Surprise boat wakes from behind can be an issue for me on the All Star. I doubt you would need to go to 28” if you are making the 24.5” work somewhat. If you decide to size-up consider a 26”, especially the SIC RS. Maybe get to know some other paddlers and try their boards. Consider some flatwater races (see PaddleGuru). I learn a lot at races and have met some great people who are willing to share their boards and their experiences with them. In the meantime just give yourself a chance on the 24.5” on calmer water and get used to it more. Try pushing the “tipping points” in calm conditions. Practice walking back to the tail and doing pivot turns. You will fall in a lot but it will help you eventually relax more as you learn how much “punishment” the board can really handle."