Choosing between an inflatable stand-up paddleboard (iSUP) and a kayak can feel like picking a favorite summer activity—they both offer fun, accessible entry points into paddling. But depending on how you want to use your gear—whether for fitness, recreation, portability, or price—one option may suit you better.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between iSUPs and kayaks across key categories to help you decide what fits your lifestyle. If you’re new to paddling or a kayaker curious about stand-up paddleboarding, this comparison will help you make a confident choice. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of iSUP vs kayak.

With over two decades of touring kayak reviews and sea kayak reviews, all of which have been written by the paddling community, you are sure to glean advice on which boat would be best for you, your skill set, and intended expeditions.

Photo of the week: Mark W - Blackwater River, Florida

Say hello to the Hot Potato—a tougher, more capable take on the beloved Tributary SPUD. Designed for paddlers who want more out of their boat, the Hot Potato is built for excitement, durability, and all-around river fun.

Why you’ll love it:

• Stay confident and upright, even in rowdy water.
• Built to Last: Constructed with premium materials to handle years of whitewater wear and tear.
• Quick & Nimble: Compact and lightweight, it excels in tight turns, surf, waves, and technical creeks. Versatile Performance: Ready for big rapids, local play parks, and everything in between.
• Gear-Ready: Standard cargo loops let you lash down essentials with ease.
• Made in Idaho: Proudly built in our Meridian, Idaho factory.
• 10-Year No-Fault Warranty: Paddle with peace of mind—we’ve got your back.

All the fun of the SPUD, just hotter.

Old Town is expanding its lineup with the Malibu ePDL+ 120, a kayak designed to bring electric pedal-assist technology to recreational paddlers. Combining a sporty hull shape with the brand’s ePDL+ drive, this model allows users to switch between manual pedaling, power-assisted pedaling, and fully motorized cruise control.

From ample storage to all-day comfort, find the kayak fishing PFD that fits your needs and enhances your experience.

Before you get in the water, make sure you have the most important piece of safety gear - a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Life jackets work only when you wear them, and the law requires you to have one for every person in every boat. Test your knowledge with the Life Jacket Quiz to be sure you know your basics!

For paddlers seeking a stable, durable, and versatile inflatable paddle board, Niphean's latest Clovis Series is the perfect option. Designed for all skill levels, the Clovis Series features Niphean’s innovative StabilTrac Fin, which significantly enhances the board's stability, making it ideal for activities like yoga and fishing. Whether paddling on calm lakes or slightly choppy waters, the StabilTrac Fin improves maneuverability and control, ensuring that paddlers have a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The Sawyer Freefall XD Whitewater Raft Paddle was designed with big water and waterfalls in mind.

The oval solid Ash shaft has incredible flex and feel while the large, straight blade has great power and bite. The ash blade is reinforced with carbon fiber for extra strength and power. Full perimeter Dynel ToughEdge and Pro-Tip round out these incredible features for a bomber whitewater paddle.

If you're looking for a paddle that can handle anything you can throw at it, this is it!

With over 12,000 square miles of water, Florida has enough water to paddle for a lifetime! And with some of the most unique waterways in the US, you're sure to be impressed with the scenery Florida has to offer!

by Tom Gaffey

It’s always a good time to make the choice to bring stand up paddling into your life. If you have never surfed or stood on any sort of floating board, however, the idea of taking up SUP boarding as a hobby might feel a bit intimidating or even overwhelming. In order to get started, you just need to make sure you have all the right gear and learn a few basics. Then, before you know it you’ll be paddling out into the great unknown on your own two feet.

by Allyson Saunders

This past summer, I was on a 23-day trip on two northern rivers in the Northwest Territories. By the time I left my home in Ontario and returned, I took a total of eight flights, paddled nearly 500km, and learned so much from my peers, from the river and the land, and unavoidably from myself.

Four kayakers set out to descend the fierce waters of the Karnali, as part of an expedition to one of the country's most remote and extreme rivers, with the intention of learning and enjoying the hidden secrets of this sacred river, before the lack of human consciousness destroys them forever.

by Jeffery Lee

When you love being on the water, winter can be a very long time, especially for those of us who live in the Great Lakes region of the northern U.S., where paddlers often cannot find open water for half the year. But with the proper safety gear and other precautions, we can indeed venture out into a snowy, icy, otherworldly place, where even our usual paddling environs seem fresh and exotic. Let's take a look at how to address some of the hazards of cold-water kayaking.

After months spent indoors, it’s safe to assume you and every other paddling lover in cold climates is eager to get back in the water. Returning to your paddling routine might feel easy, but early-season paddling comes with some added challenges. These unique difficulties make it all the more important to do all you can to stay safe and healthy at the start of paddling season.

When you store a paddle board, it is important to protect it from the elements so it does not lose its structural integrity. Shelter the board from UV light, moisture, and also extreme hot and cold temperatures. When storing a SUP board, store it off the ground and consider investing in a protective bag or cover to ensure it has an extra layer of protection.

by Luke Rovner (Kayak Hipster)

Flexibility is always a good topic of discussion when it comes to kayaking. Depending on our style of paddling, sometimes we might squeeze ourselves into the tightest of fits, or contort our bodies to have the maximum control possible over the kayak. But is this necessary for all types of paddling? Are there things we could do to help us along the way? Hopefully this will be an interesting discussion on the topic with a few possible takeaways on things to consider when it comes to flexibility.

Whether you have a winter offseason or not, proper boat storage is important when not in use. Fortunately, there are storage systems designed for every imaginable vertical or horizontal nook and cranny. Check out these 12 different storage ideas.

Boots do everything as expected and fit wide feet too!