The best wooden and bamboo paddle boards are made from a variety of different types of wood, including balsa, cedar and mahogany. They are also made from different types of bamboo, such as Moso and Red Bamboo. These paddle boards are easy to transport and store, they can be taken anywhere. They are made of high quality materials that will last for years.

The best paddle boards for beginners are typically the ones that come with a deck pad. The deck pad provides extra protection against blisters and calluses that can be caused by prolonged use on hard surfaces.

Popular Choice

Woodrow SUP THREE BROTHERS

★★★★★

THREE BROTHERS Woodrow lightweight wooden Bamboo SUP Lightweight and easy to carry

Top PickMost Popular

Versa Bamboo SUP BOARDWORKS

★★★★★

BOARDWORKS Versa best bamboo Stand Up Paddle Board Eco-friendly design Easy to maneuver

Best Value

Kraken Bamboo SUP BOARDWORKS

★★★★★

BOARDWORKS Kraken Bamboo Stand Up durable and lightweight wooden paddle board Rugged and durable design

ALL THE BEST WOODEN AND BAMBOO PADDLE BOARDS THAT WE TESTED

BOARDWORKS Versa Stand Up Paddle Board

OUR TOP PICK

BOARDWORKS Versa best bamboo Stand Up Paddle Board Eco-friendly design Easy to maneuver

General Impression

This all-round cruiser has been designed for both stability and maneuverability, making it ideal as a family board to be used by riders of various experience levels. It features a square tail that helps to increase the release out of turns and has a thruster fin set up for ease of tracking. BOARDWALKS only makes bamboo boards and has spent considerable time honing their craft to create SUPs that are not only durable but eco-friendly. They feature reinforced glass under the deck for extra support and three-dimensional fiberglass for an impact-resistant outer skin. These bamboo stand up paddle boards also incorporate an environmentally friendly epoxy resin with a kiln-dried bamboo veneer.

Specifications

BRAND: Boardwalks
Type: Bamboo veneer
Weight: 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg)
Size: 11’4” x 32” x 4.5″
Max Capacity: 250 lbs (114 kg)
Suited To: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Construction: Epoxy resin, fiberglass, and reinforced glass
Warranty: Two-year full warranty

PROS

  • Eco-friendly design
  • Stable for riders of all abilities
  • Easy to maneuver
  • The brand is a bamboo board specialist

CONS

  • Expensive compared to other bamboo SUPs
  • Not designed for wave surfing

BOARDWORKS Kraken Bamboo Stand Up Paddle Board

BEST VALUE

BOARDWORKS Kraken Bamboo Stand Up durable and lightweight wooden paddle board Rugged and durable design

General Impression

Designed for riders of all skill levels, this durable and lightweight wooden paddle board has been constructed using a new Timber Lite technology. It combines a precision-cut EPS blank with high-quality fiberglass and a paulownia wood finish that will withstand years of use. In addition to a tail pad and brushed EVA traction, it comes with bungee straps for storing your gear, an adjustable carbon fiber paddle, and an 8’ coil leash. It weighs just 23.5 pounds while being able to support beginner paddlers up to 250 pounds. The pop-out carry handle sits flush against the board and there’s a Gortex vent plug that lets air escape from the core during rapid temperature changes.

Specifications

BRAND: Boardwalks
Type: Paulownia wood veneer
Weight: 23.5 lbs (10.6 kg)
Size: 10’10” x 31” x 4.25”
Max Capacity: 250 lbs (114 kg)
Suited To: Beginner/intermediate/advanced
Construction: EPS foam core and fiberglass finish
Warranty: 60-day ride and love guarantee and a one-year material warranty

PROS

  • Rugged and durable design
  • Six-point bungee system
  • Pop-out carry handle
  • Very stable

CONS

  • Heavy compared to inflatable SUPs
  • More expensive than some synthetic SUPs

THREE BROTHERS Woodrow Bamboo SUP

General Impression

These lightweight wooden SUP boards from Three Brothers Boards are designed specifically for kids looking to improve their flatwater or surf paddling skills. They are fish-shaped and feature a full nose that allows you to catch waves with ease, the 2+1 fin set up ensures you can also maneuver the board easily once on the wave. The tuck under handle makes it simple to carry the board to and from the water and the EVA deck pad prevents slippage. With a low price tag, they’re a good entry point into the wood SUP boards market for families. These pieces always receive rave reviews, making them notable in the market.

Specifications

BRAND: THREE BROTHERS
Type: Exotic wood
Weight: 16 lbs (7.25 kg)
Size: 8’ x 27” x 4”
Max Capacity: 100 lbs (45 kg)
Suited To: Beginner
Construction:  EPS foam core
Warranty: One-year warranty

PROS

  • Reinforced rails for extra strength
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Good maneuverability
  • Ideal for kids

CONS

  • Not designed for adults
  • No bungee cords for storing gear

BOARDWORKS Triton 10’6” Stand Up Paddleboard

General Impression

Designed as an all-purpose SUP, this bamboo stand up paddle board from Boardworks is wide and stable for a variety of smooth water paddling settings. It features an EPS core that’s laminated with fiberglass, ABS/polycarbonate, kevlar, and PVC, while the attractive wood veneer is coated with a high-grade polish. The interactive lift handle makes carrying a breeze and there are six D-ring tie-downs with bungee cords for storing your water bottle or gear. With its high weight capacity, it’s one of the best bamboo paddle boards for larger riders.

Specifications

BRAND: BOARDWORKS
Type: Bamboo veneer
Weight: 26 lbs (11.7 kg)
Size: 10’6” x 33” x 4”
Max Capacity: 280 lbs (127 kg)
Suited To: Beginner/Intermediate
Construction: EPS core with fiberglass finish
Warranty: Two-year warranty

PROS

  • D-rings and bungee cords for gear storage
  • Wide and stable
  • Ideal for smooth water paddling
  • High weight capacity

CONS

  • On the heavier side of bamboo SUPs
  • Not designed for wave riding

BOARDWORKS Chinook Stand Up Paddle Board

General Impression

Constructed from bamboo wood with an EPS foam core, this is one the best bamboo paddle boards for beginners. It features a solid design, plenty of stability, and an attractive finish, plus a range of accessories that include bungee straps and D-rings for stashing all your gear. There’s a GoPro mount on the front for documenting all your paddling action and it weighs in at just under 28 pounds so you can easily transport it from A to B. Included in the price is a carbon fiber paddle so you have everything you need to get out on the water.

Specifications

BRAND: BOARDWORKS
Type: Bamboo veneer
Weight: 35.5 lbs (15.74 kg)
Size: 150 x 30 x 7 inches
Max Capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
Suited To: Beginner/Intermediate
Construction: EPS foam core and epoxy coating
Warranty: 2 Year warranty

PROS

  • Easy to carry and transport
  • Extra straps for holding down gear
  • Attractive design
  • Strong and durable
  • GoPro mount

CONS

  • Not designed for riding waves
  • More expensive than some bamboo SUPs

THREE BROTHERS BOARDS 12’ Wood Paddle Board

General Impression

Harking back to the early paddle craft used by our surf ancestors, this 12-foot wooden stand up paddle board is a versatile option that offers great stability and flotation in the water. It features a relaxed rocker and a full nose that allows you to catch waves or paddle in flat conditions, plus has a 2+1 fin setup for easy tracking. There are several bungee tie-down straps for storing your gear, as well as an easy-grip handle for getting your SUP to and from the water. With a five-inch thickness, it’s great for larger riders and has a maximum capacity of 300 pounds. However, the main downside is that it’s quite heavy at 35 pounds. If you are unsure of if this will be too heavy for you, check out a three brothers paddle board review.

Specifications

BRAND: THREE BROTHERS BOARDS
Type: Exotic wood
Weight: 35 lbs (16 kg)
Size: 12’ x 32” x 5.25”
Max Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Suited To: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Construction: EPS foam core
Warranty: One-year warranty

PROS

  • Versatile for wave surfing and flatwater conditions
  • High weight capacity
  • Bungee tie-down straps
  • Easy-grip handle

CONS

  • Expensive compare to other wooden SUPs
  • Heavy to carry

BAMBOO PADDLE BOARDS
Buyer's Guide

With their earthy aesthetic and reference to early paddle crafts, bamboo SUP boards and wooden SUP boards are beginning to dominate the paddle board market. Not only is bamboo lightweight, but it also has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any natural fiber, making it an ideal material for making paddle boards. Even under considerable weight, it remains extremely buoyant, which is important whether you’re surf paddle boarding or just cruising around the coast.

In this guide, we’ll explain some of the features you should consider before purchasing a SUP in order to find the best bamboo paddle boards for you.

Materials

Aside from bamboo and wood, a variety of other materials are used in the construction of SUPs. Some paddle boards are manufactured with epoxy and/or fiberglass, while others are designed to be eco-friendly by eliminating the use of harsh chemicals in their construction. In many cases, they still have an EPS core, with pressed bamboo used on the top and bottom to make the board lighter than it would otherwise be.

Length

Different size SUPs are designed for different purposes due to their abilities to turn, maneuver, and glide through the water. Short SUPs under 9 feet in length are ideal for riding waves as they are easy to turn and maneuver. But if you plan on paddling in calm conditions or want to race, then a longer SUP (12 to 14 feet) is going to go much faster, although it might be more difficult to turn. For beginners, a SUP somewhere in the middle (between 9 and 12 feet) is ideal, enabling you to paddle leisurely and turn with ease. If you’re not sure how a particular board will perform in different conditions, check out our bamboo SUP review which clearly explains what it’s designed for.

Width

The width of the SUP determines how stable it will be and how fast it will glide through the water. If you’re just starting out, then look for bamboo SUP boards with a width of 31 inches or more, which will make it easy to find your balance. Wider boards are also ideal if you plan on doing paddle board yoga. Riders with more experience or those who want speed can look at narrower boards that will be faster in the water.

Hull

The front or “nose” of the paddle board affects how well it cuts through the water, with most “racing” or “touring” boards having a pointed hull. All-rounder stand up paddle boards tend to have wide, rounded hulls that offer better stability. Again, check out our bamboo paddle review to see in what conditions it performs best and the stability it offers.

Weight

The weight of the standup paddle board is important when you consider that you need to get it to and from the water. Think about how you will be transporting your SUP – on the roof of your car, in a van, or walking it down to the beach. Consider how much weight you can comfortably carry or lift onto your roof, without needing someone else to help you.

Weight capacity

Another important thing to consider when purchasing any SUP is its weight capacity. Some are designed specifically for kids while others won’t maintain their buoyancy with anyone over 250 pounds. The best bamboo paddle boards on the market will be able to support a wide range of different weight capacities, making them ideal for use by the entire family.

Price

Due to the cost of the materials and the demanding manufacturing processes involved, bamboo and wooden paddle boards tend to be more expensive than some of their counterparts. If you’re looking for a board with additional accessories, such as bungee ropes and GoPro mounts, you might need to pay a bit more. Some of the more expensive bamboo and wooden paddle boards come with one or two-year warranties, which are worth the peace of mind that you will be covered if anything unexpected happens.

BAMBOO PADDLE BOARDS
FAQs

1. Are Bamboo Paddle Boards Better?

Bamboo SUPs aren’t necessarily better than paddle boards made from other materials, but they are attractive and can be manufactured in an eco-friendly way. Bamboo is a strong and durable natural fiber that grows in abundance, if cared for properly, it should last you a long time. Bamboo paddle boards appeal to riders looking for a sustainable alternative to plastic or fiberglass boards, as well as being a throwback to the early paddle craft used throughout Polynesia and Melanesia. The earthy aesthetic is all about connecting with the natural environment, which is why bamboo is quickly becoming the go-to material for paddle boards.

2. What Size Bamboo SUP Paddle Board Do I Need?

The ideal size of your bamboo SUP depends on what you want to do with it and the conditions you will predominantly be paddling in. Short SUPs under 9 feet in length are good for riding waves as they are easy to turn. On the other hand, longer SUPs (12 to 14 feet) are more difficult to maneuver but glide through the water with more speed. For beginners, we recommend you look at a SUP that’s somewhere in the middle, with plenty of width to help you easily find your balance. If you’re not sure whether a board is ideal for your experience level and the conditions you will be paddling in, check out the bamboo SUP reviews to see what others have to say about that particular model.

3. Are Bamboo Paddle Boards Safe and Sturdy?

Most definitely. The natural properties of bamboo make it a sturdy and durable material for the manufacturing of stand-up paddle boards. It rivals more common synthetic materials such as fiberglass and plastic while being an eco-friendly alternative. It’s extremely buoyant, helping you float on top of the water – thus making it ideal for beginner paddlers and kids. However, as with any SUP, you should only paddle in conditions that are within your ability and don’t take unnecessary risks that could put your safety in jeopardy.

4. How Do I Transport a Bamboo Paddle Board?

The way you transport your paddle board will depend on the vehicle you own. Perhaps you can fit it in the back of your van or maybe you have roof racks to tie it down. If you are transporting it on the roof of your car, make sure you buy a lightweight SUP that you can comfortably get onto the roof without another person. Bamboo paddle reviews from other users are a good resource for finding out how easy or difficult a board is to transport.

When it comes to carrying your SUP, most have a carry handle at the center of the board so you can easily move it from A to B. You must always bend your knees when reaching down to pick up your SUP (to protect your back) and be ready for any strong crosswinds that may toss your board around. If your SUP is heavy or you find it difficult to carry by hand, you may want to invest in a cart with wheels that are designed to transport boards.

5. How Do I Take Care of my Bamboo Paddle Board?

You care for bamboo or wooden paddle boards just as you would any other SUP. Don’t leave it exposed to the sun, only store it away once fully dry, and transport it with adequate protection so it doesn’t get any dings. We recommend you invest in a SUP board bag to protect it during transportation and when in storage, also be careful of other board riders out in the water. After purchasing your SUP, always read any care instructions given by the manufacturer that are specific to your board.

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

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