Choosing the right paddle board isn’t just about size or color — it’s about how the board performs on the water. And one of the biggest performance factors that many people don't consider is the shape of the hull.

In this guide, we’ll break down the two main hull types — planing and displacement — and help you decide which one is right for your paddling style, environment, and goals.

The hull is the bottom surface of your paddle board. It determines how the board moves through the water — how fast it goes, how stable it feels, and how easily it turns.

There are two main types of paddle board hulls:

• Planing Hull

• Displacement Hull

Each offers distinct advantages, depending on how and where you paddle.

Displacement hulls have a pointed, V-shaped nose that slices through the water, like a kayak or canoe. This design helps the board glide more efficiently but they are terrible for surfing waves. 

Best For:

• Touring and long-distance paddling

• Fitness paddling

• Racing

• Paddling against wind or current

Benefits:

• Tracks straighter

• Glides farther with less effort

• More efficient over distance

Drawbacks:

• Less stable side-to-side

• Harder to maneuver

• Not ideal for beginners

Shape Notes: Displacement boards often have a narrower outline and a longer length. They’re designed for speed, not play.

Choose a Planing Hull If:

• You’re a beginner

• You paddle on calm lakes or bays

• You want to do yoga or bring your dog

• You need stability and maneuverability

Choose a Displacement Hull If:

• You paddle long distances

• You want to go faster with less effort

• You paddle in windy or choppy conditions

• You’re focused on fitness or performance

Many all-around boards blend features of both hull types, offering the best of both worlds for recreational use. Hybrid boards often have a slightly pointed nose for better tracking, combined with a wider deck and tail for stability.

Glide Lotus (Planing Hull):

• Extremely stable

• Ideal for yoga and calm water

• Wide deck and flat bottom

• Full deck pad

Glide Quest (Displacement Hull):

• Built for touring

• Tracks well in open water

• Great glide and speed

• Partial deck pad 

• Storage on nose and tail

Glide Retro (Hybrid/Planing Hull):

• Wide and stable

• Flexible board for multiple SUP disciplines

• Performs well in flatwater and light chop

• Good for beginners and casual paddling

Looking at these examples side-by-side highlights how hull shape directly impacts performance and user experience. The Lotus is perfect for balance-based activities, while the Quest delivers longer glide with every paddle stroke. The Retro sits nicely in the middle—fun and forgiving - use it for surfing, rivers, fishing or flat water.

Skill Level Matters: If you're just starting out, stability will likely be your top priority. Planing hulls are ideal for building confidence, while displacement hulls come into their own once you've gained experience.

Where You Paddle: Smooth inland lakes? Displacement to make faster progress with fewer paddle strokes. Coastal chop or river currents? Planing might be better suited as it will keep your nose from submerging. Your local environment can help determine the right hull for you.

Your Fitness Goals: Looking to burn calories and push yourself? A displacement hull helps you paddle farther and faster. Want a peaceful floating yoga session? Go planing.

Board Size and Volume: Regardless of hull shape, make sure your board supports your weight and gear. Most inflatables are 6" thick and have a volume between 200–300 liters, which provides good buoyancy for most riders.

Construction and Material: Inflatable SUPs usually lean toward planing or hybrid shapes, while hardboards offer more variety in hull shape. High-quality materials like cross woven drop-stitch or fused high quality PVC can influence performance.

Cost: Displacement boards are often more expensive due to the precision in shaping and performance features. Planing hulls can offer great value and versatility for less.

What is the most beginner-friendly hull shape? Planing hulls are typically the most beginner-friendly because they offer more stability and are easier to control.

Can a beginner use a displacement hull? Yes, but it might feel less stable at first. They're better suited for paddlers focused on speed, touring, or fitness. A displacement board is typically not the first board in a SUP quiver.

Are there hybrid paddle boards? Yes. Some all-around boards combine features of both hull shapes. They track better than standard planing hulls but maintain decent stability.

Do hull shapes affect board speed? Definitely. Displacement hulls are faster and more efficient over distance because they shed the water in front of them and push it along the sides of the board, while planing hulls are slower but easier to maneuver.

Is hull shape important for inflatable paddle boards? Yes, though inflatable boards tend to lean more toward planing or hybrid designs due to the limitations of their construction. Some inflatables have displacement-like features for improved tracking.

How do I test which hull is better for me? If possible, rent or demo both types. Try them in the conditions where you’ll paddle most and pay attention to how stable you feel, how far you glide per stroke, and how much effort you exert.

Can I race with a planing hull? You can, but you’ll likely be outpaced by those using displacement hulls. Planing hulls are better suited for short, fun races or casual paddling.

The planing vs. displacement hull argument will continue but understanding hull shapes can help you get more out of your paddle board — whether you’re cruising with your kids or racing across a lake. Your choice should reflect how you want to paddle: relaxed and stable, or fast and focused.

When in doubt, hybrid or all-around boards are great for beginners and offer the best of both worlds. All-around boards are usually wider than boards with displacement hulls which gives the paddler more flexibility to use them in all of the various SUP disciplines. 

If you are still unsure which shape suits your style, try our Paddle Board Finder Quiz or reach out to our team. We’re here to help you get on the water with confidence.