The good news about paddleboarding is that even the best paddleboards for beginners can be stable enough to handle two. Usually, however, the most you’ll get on a smaller paddleboard is a small child or a furry companion.
If you really want to paddle with two people on your board, you will need one of the best two-person paddleboards. These boards offer more length and additional stability to handle heavier loads.
As a quick disclaimer, we do recommend getting very comfortable on a paddleboard by yourself before you attempt to paddle with another person. Of course, you can both decide to sit on the board to make things more stable.
If you want to be comfortable enough to stand while your paddling partner (dog or human) sits and relaxes, however, you will need to be at least an intermediate stand-up paddler.
If you’re a complete beginner, we recommend discovering some of the important differences between kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Whether you want something that is stable enough for two people to paddle quickly or just hang out on the water, you should give the paddle boards we have chosen to review in this guide a closer look.
Plus, we will also highlight some important buying criteria that will help you select the right paddleboard for the environment you live in and the type of paddling you like to do the most.
Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash
Best 2 Person Paddle Boards
- Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15
- Tower Xplorer
- Pool Central Zray R2
- Aqua Marina Race
- BOTÉ HD Aero
- Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15
- Red Paddle Co. Voyager Tandem MSL
Jargon Buster
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Because they are inherently much different than kayaks, there are several different terms that may be unfamiliar as you read through our buying guide and reviews. Hopefully, we can clear up some of that jargon before you move on!
PSI
PSI stands for ”˜pounds per square inch.’ It is a measurement of the amount of pressure that a board can hold and also tells you something about how much air will be needed to inflate the kayak.
While most of these paddleboards come with dual-action pumps, I strongly recommend investing in a high-pressure electric SUP pump to go with your paddleboard. As you look into larger boards that hold higher air pressures (like the ones below), the more an electric pump will make your life easier.
Fin
This is the paddleboard’s equivalent of the keel, rudder, or skeg on a kayak. It is responsible for your ability to keep the board going straight instead of swaying from side to side with each paddle stroke.
Drop-Stitch
This is an advanced manufacturing process that involves the weaving together of fabrics to create a watertight end-product that can be inflated to higher pressures. This manufacturing process has been used in whitewater rafts and inflatable whitewater kayaks for years and is also a must in a solid inflatable paddleboard.
Paddle Board Buying Guide
Photo by Marco Lopez on Unsplash
Even the best paddleboard and kayak hybrid combos are quite different from a true paddleboard. So you can utilize these criteria and prioritize them according to your preferences in order to select a board that will suit your needs.
Maximum Weight Capacity
The first thing you need to consider is the total weight that you will be putting on your paddleboard. Your final tally should include the combined weights of both paddlers plus the weight of all of the personal gear and paddling safety equipment you bring with you.
As a rule of thumb, you can add anywhere from 25 to 50 pounds to your combined paddler weight if you are not sure how much your extra gear will weigh. That will help you err on the side of caution and avoid overloading your paddleboard.
Also, keep in mind that it is generally recommended to avoid loading a paddleboard much past about 60 percent of the advertised maximum weight capacity. The more weight you place on these boards, the more tippy and unstable they will become.
So if you are struggling to find a paddleboard that can accommodate the amount of weight you want to place on it, we would recommend looking into the best 2 person kayaks as a more stable alternative.
Kayak-Paddleboard Adaptability
Some of these paddleboards come with padded kayak seats that can be clipped onto the top of the board. Others simply come with the D-rings that allow you to clip a seat in but force you to buy the seats separately if you want them.
This adaptability might be really important to you if you are a beginner or intermediate paddler. It allows you to go from having to stand or sit on the board without back support to being able to sit more comfortably for longer paddles.
If you are picking a paddleboard that comes with installable kayak seats, you should also see if it comes with a paddle conversion kit. If not, you will be forced to purchase one of the best kayak paddles for under $150 if you want to use it as a kayak instead of for stand-up paddling.
For larger paddlers that struggle with getting back into an overturned tandem kayak, one of these paddleboards with clip-in kayak seats can also be a great alternative with easier self-rescue potential.
Included Accessories
The only additional thing to look at is whether the paddleboard comes with enough paddles, seats, pumps, and other accessories for you to be “paddle-ready” when it arrives. If not, just factor in the added cost of those accessories before finalizing your choice.
2 Person Paddle Board Reviews
1. Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15
- Length: 15 feet
- Width: 35 inches
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 353 pounds
This is one of the longest paddleboards out there and it is truly made for two people to comfortably paddle together. That includes paddling in either a seated or standing position because it comes with two paddle kayak seats that can be clipped to the D-rings on top of the board.
This board also comes with two adjustable-height paddles that can be adjusted from 170 centimeters up to 220 centimeters in length. When it is fully inflated, this board is roughly six inches thick, which is a pretty standard measurement.
To help you with steering, it does come with an eight-inch fin center fin that easily locks into place when you are getting ready for your paddle. It also comes with a dual-action pump that makes it relatively easy to inflate manually.
Speaking of inflation, the Cruise Tandem 15 is made to hold up to 28 PSI, but the recommended riding range is at least 15 to 18 PSI. The board’s high-tensile Pro Weave drop-stitch construction is responsible for its ability to handle these higher air pressures.
At the nose and tail of the board, neoprene carry handles will be comfortable for carrying it with a partner. If you do need to carry it solo, however, it does have a central neoprene handle and there are also four side handles for team carrying.
On top of the deck, you will be able to take advantage of the integrated GoPro mount to capture footage of your paddleboarding adventures. Plus, the diamond deck pad provides excellent grip underneath your feet.
In addition to the removable and smart-locking center fin that comes with this board, it also has two smaller fins built into the bottom of the board. Because of its extra length, these extra fins are great for helping you steer and keep your board pointed where you want it to go.
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15 also comes with everything you need to get right out on the water. In addition to the kayak conversion kit, pump, paddles, and fin we’ve already mentioned, it also comes with a coiled leg leash, kayak paddle conversion end, durable travel backpack, universal waterproof phone case, repair kit, and instructions for proper inflation, use, and care.
2. Tower Xplorer
- Length: 14 feet
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 51.35 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 800 pounds
While it is slightly shorter than the Bluefin Tandem, the Xplorer paddleboard from the Tower Paddleboards Store offers one of the highest weight capacities you will find amongst these larger paddleboards.
That makes it a great option for larger paddlers or folks that want to bring a lot of extra paddling gear along on their adventures. You will need to get creative with strapping gear onto it, however, as there are no D-ring tie-downs or bungee cords to speak of on the deck.
Also, consider getting a pair of paddleboard stabilizers if you are going to load this kayak up with much more than 300 pounds. While it is rated for heavier weights, it can be a bit tippy for heavier riders because of its narrower design.
Still, for two people, there is plenty of room for one person to sit towards the front of the board while the other person stands and paddles towards the back. Or, you can both sit and paddle (or lounge) together!
The Xplorer’s extra thickness (eight inches versus six) is part of the reason it provides extra buoyancy under heavier loads. This paddleboard, however, is rated to handle a maximum of 10-11 PSI when fully inflated.
Speaking of inflation, it does come with its own high-pressure manual pump for inflation and deflation. It also comes with a single adjustable, three-piece paddleboard paddle, so you will need to purchase a second SUP paddle if you both intend to paddle once you are on the water.
That being said, the narrower nature of this board makes it ideally suited to racing or long-distance paddleboard touring. So if you are looking for a board that can handle two people but still is highly efficient when you paddle as a single, this board is an excellent option.
3. Pool Central Zray R2
- Length: 14 feet
- Width: 28 inches wide
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 397 pounds
The R2 Rapid ZRay paddleboard is another race board with plenty of length for two paddlers. It is a slightly narrower board, however, so I would recommend it for more experienced paddlers because of the added work it will take to keep it stable.
That being said, it is a heavy-duty board that is equipped with a slip-resistant traction pad on the deck. The traction pad also avoids the diamond shape, which I have found can make my feet feel numb and tingly after just a few minutes on the water.
The Zray R2 also has a double-layer outer skin that makes it more resistant to dings and scratches. So it is more likely to handle river paddling environments with a higher likelihood of impacts against rocks, logs, and other river debris.
When you are finished using it, this paddleboard and all of its accessories pack up into a comfortable backpack-style carrying bag. It also comes with a pump, adjustable paddle, closing belt, and repair kit.
In terms of pressure, it is designed to handle up to 15 PSI and it is recommended to inflate to a minimum of 12 PSI for the best ride. It also comes with a removable central fin for better tracking and a section of bungee rigging towards the nose for securing water shoes or a kayak deck bag.
4. BOTÉ HD Aero
- Length: 11’6”
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 315 pounds
BOTE has gained a reputation for making some of the best inflatable fishing kayaks, but their paddleboards are their bread and butter. The HD Aero is one of their wider boards that still offers plenty of length for two smaller paddlers.
The extra width of this board makes it a great option for beginners and the added weight capacity can handle some larger paddlers as well. It is also designed to handle both freshwater saltwater environments because all of its components are made with corrosion-resistant materials.
The maximum pressure that this paddleboard is designed to handle is 15 PSI and it is recommended to inflate it to a minimum pressure of 12 PSI for the best performance and rigidity on the water.
For inflating and deflating it before and after your trips, it comes with its own dual-action manual pump that has a built-in pressure gauge. When you deflate it and pack it into its backpack carry bag, it measures just 39 inches by 19 inches by 12 inches for an easy fit in smaller vehicles.
In addition to the pump and carry bag it comes with, you will also get a three-piece adjustable paddleboard paddle, removable center fin, rac receivers for easier mounting on a car without roof racks, a repair kit, and a paddle sheath to protect and maximize the life of your paddle.
5. Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15
- Length: 15 feet
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 529 pounds
The Cruise Carbon 15 offers similar basic specifications as the Cruise Tandem 15, but this is a high-performance two-person paddleboard with some fancy construction that utilizes ultralight materials.
For starters, the carbon fiber rail layer incorporated into the board helps to reduce flex more than you will see in a standard inflatable paddleboard. The unique carbon textile material that is woven into the board’s fabric creates extra stiffness while still retaining the flexibility to handle impacts.
It also boasts Air Duo inflation, which essentially places a standalone inflation loop inside the main air chamber. That allows the board to handle a higher volume of air and also makes the entire thing much more durable than a cheaper model.
The Carbon 15 also comes with a carbon fiber, two-piece SUP paddle that weighs roughly 70 percent less than an average paddleboard paddle. That means you will exert less energy with each paddle stroke and be able to stay on the water for longer trips.
The U.S. fin box system on the bottom of the board makes it easy to install and remove the central tracking fin. It also makes it easy to find a replacement central fin if it should be damaged by running aground in shallower water.
In addition to the central fin, this board also comes with two smaller side fins built into the bottom of the board. This creates the kind of additional tracking ability that you will need with a longer board like this.
The Carbon 15 also comes with a bunch of added accessories and it is backed by a five-year warranty.
Those accessories include a kayak conversion kit (kayak seats and paddle conversion end), integrated GoPro mount, paddle travel backpack with large outside storage pocket, double-action manual pump, coiled leg leash, waterproof phone case, repair kit, and detailed instructions for care, use, and repairs.
6. Aqua Marina Race
PC Light As Air Boats
- Length: 14 feet
- Width: 27 inches
- Weight: 26.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 352 pounds
The Aqua Marina Race paddleboard is another option for two experienced paddlers or a single race paddler. It is long enough for two people to sit on comfortably, but it is also one of the lightest two-person paddleboards on our list.
It comes with a small section of bungee rigging towards the nose of the board for securing paddling gear, water bottles, or sandals. It also comes with a removable tracking fin that quickly inserts into the bottom of the board.
It is designed to hold a maximum air pressure of 18 PSI and comes with its own lightweight, collapsible SUP paddle. It does only come with one paddle, however, and I also noticed that this paddleboard is only equipped with a single carry handle that is located at the center of the board.
That being said, that may not prove to be the biggest issue because of how light this board is. So one paddle partner can be responsible for carrying it down to the water and the other can carry it back (or somebody can really enjoy a relaxed day on the lake!).
The Race board from Aqua Marina also comes with a bunch of these paddleboarding accessories that you will need to get started. That includes a dual-action manual pump, a coiled safety leash, and a zippered backpack carry bag.
It also boasts a large, non-slip pad on the top of the board with extra coverage for more comfortable seating or standing for two people, even if it doesn’t boast D-rings for attaching kayak seats to it!
7. Red Paddle Co. Voyager Tandem MSL
PC Red Paddle Co.
- Length: 15 feet
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 38.14 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 240 pounds
The Voyager Tandem MSL from Red Paddle Company is another great two-person paddleboard that can handle longer paddling expeditions. The extra length and tie-down points on this board give you more freedom to attach extra paddling gear, coolers, and other accessories.
It boasts a flat bungee cargo system towards the nose of the board that features three self-closing straps running across the board. There is also a secondary cargo system with six D-ring clips for added bungee or tie-down storage.
This board also boasts multiple carrying handles to easily be carried by one or two people and it is light enough to be carried by just one. It is also designed to handle a maximum pressure of 22 PSI but it is recommended to inflate it to a minimum pressure of 16 PSI for the best performance.
The Voyager Tandem also comes with two dual-action Titan air pumps. So you will be able to share the responsibility of inflating and deflating the board with your paddle partner instead of one of you getting tired out before you even get on the water!
Our Pick – Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15
It also includes a kayak conversion kit that allows you to convert it quickly for seated paddling if you desire. Plus, it is available at a much more reasonable price than its Cruise Carbon 15 cousin.
That being said, the Carbon Cruise 15 is also an excellent choice if you have a larger budget and you are looking for a more durable, higher-performing paddleboard that is going to last for years.
