All-Around Stand Up Paddleboard

What is a versatile (all-round) stand up paddle?

A versatile stand up paddle, commonly called an all-round SUP, is a board designed to do everything well rather than one thing perfectly. It is the shape that made the sport accessible, and it remains the best starting point today. You can recognise it by a few key features:

• A length of around 10' to 11' (305 to 335 cm): enough glide to move effortlessly, yet short enough to stay manoeuvrable and easy to turn.
• A generous width of 32 to 34" (81 to 86 cm): this is THE stability factor. The wider the board, the more forgiving it is for a beginner's balance.
• A rounded nose and a full tail: this silhouette provides volume and lift up front, where a race shape would be thin and pointed.
• Plenty of volume in litres, ensuring buoyancy and the ability to carry gear or an occasional passenger.

The result is a forgiving, reassuring and genuinely enjoyable board that moves from lake to sea and from easy cruising to your first small waves.

Choosing the right all-round paddle size

The right all-round board is the one that matches your body weight and how you plan to use it. Three criteria really matter:

Width and length by weight

• Light riders (50-65 kg) or child use: a shorter, compact model around 9'8 to 10' is plenty and stays easy to handle.
• Intermediate riders (70-85 kg): aim for 10'6 to 10'8 with a 32 to 33" width, the heart of the all-round range.
• Heavier riders, cargo or occasional two-up use: favour volume and width (33 to 34").

Thickness: a choice, not a sign of quality

Contrary to a common belief, a thicker board is not "better". Thickness is a choice tied to your size and level. A thick board (15 cm) offers more volume, buoyancy and height on the water: perfect for larger riders, cargo and true beginners. A thinner board (12.5 cm) lowers the centre of inertia and adds flex, which is appreciated as you progress, for more power and less weight.

Every use for a versatile SUP

This is where the all-round earns its name. One board, countless outings:

• Cruising on a flat lake, a pond, a calm river or along the coast: the all-round's signature use.
• Yoga and fitness on the water: the width and stability make it an ideal floating mat.
• Family: a board everyone can try, including taking a child or a dog along occasionally.
• Kayak-convertible mode: several of our models turn into a kayak with a seat and a suitable paddle, so you can paddle seated and vary the fun.

Our range of versatile stand up paddles

At Aquadesign, every all-round model suits a profile. The Iota 10' and the SIGMA 10'8 are built for clubs, watersports centres and absolute beginners, with maximum stability and durability. The Kendo 10'6 focuses on a family-friendly, reassuring feel. For compact, lightweight cruising, the Orya 10', the Selka 10', the Kova 10'6 and the Nyro 10'6 are easy to carry and handle. Riders who want extra versatility will appreciate the SUP/kayak packs such as the Django 10'8, the LUCKEY 10'2 and the LAVA 9'8, while the Eyro 10'8 in Fusion construction targets those after a higher-performing all-round.

All our all-rounds are inflatable models, easy to transport and store. If you want more glide for long distances, look at our touring SUPs. To see the full picture, browse the complete stand up paddle range.

Two technologies and the right inflation pressure

Our boards come in two constructions. The Light Dropstitch technology prioritises lightness: boards that are easy to carry and lift out of the water, ideal for lighter riders and cruising. The Fusion double layer, heat-fused, delivers the rigidity of a double layer while optimising weight.

For inflation, we recommend 13 to 15 PSI. From 13 PSI rigidity is already excellent with good paddling flex; 15 PSI suits an ultra-rigid feel. Our dropstitch fabrics are among the best on the market, but never exceed 18 PSI: over-inflation stresses the seams, and heat (direct sun, sand, a car roof rack) quickly raises the pressure. Also plan for a good high-pressure pump, a suitable SUP paddle and a 50N buoyancy aid.

Why choose an Aquadesign all-round

Aquadesign is a French brand and a family business, one of the pioneers of inflatables in Europe. We design and develop our boards in France and have them built in our own factories, to our own specifications. In France, at Oraison (04), our repair workshop and after-sales service handle follow-up, with spare parts and technical expertise. Our equipment is CE-certified. Clubs, rental operators, watersports centres and local authorities benefit from tailored pricing and durability designed for intensive use, whether buying direct or through our partner resellers.

Frequently asked questions about versatile SUPs