An inflatable stand-up paddleboard (iSUP) is a convenient and practical alternative to a traditional hardboard. It can be easily stored and transported, making it a great option for those with limited space or those who love traveling and exploring new paddling locations.
The best inflatable paddle boards have come a long way in terms of performance and durability, and now many high-quality options are available on the market. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, you'll find an iSUP that suits your needs and budget on this list.
In this guide, we will review some of the best inflatable paddle boards on the market to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
How We Search For The Best Choice
Inflatable Stand-up Paddle lightweight boards (SUPs) are the fastest-growing segment of SUP. These boards are easy to store, transport, and store.
If you have a car or truck with a roof rack, then an inflatable SUP is an excellent option for you. We will share with you how we search for the best inflatable SUPs on the market today.
Size and weight
The first thing we look at when we're searching for the best inflatable SUPs is the size and weight of each board. This is important because it can affect how easily transporting, storing, and traveling with a board is. The more compact and lightweight a board is, the better it will be for transporting across land or water.
Inflatable SUPs come in a range of different sizes, from 10ft to 15ft long boards and from 6ft to 8ft wide boards. The dimensions of the board are determined by how much space you have available in your vehicle or home storage area as well as how much weight you need to carry when paddling around on your board.
Durability
The materials used to make your board will also have an impact on its durability and how much it weighs. For example, a PVC-coated material is better than an uncoated one because it won't tear as easily if it gets damaged while being stowed away or moved around by mistake. Similarly, a thicker material will be more durable than a thin one.
Features
Another thing we look at when searching for inflatable SUPs is the features they offer. The most basic models don't have any special features such as storage compartments or adjustable footrests. However, some models do have these features, so they're worth considering if they fit within your budget.
Price
Inflatable SUPs can cost anywhere from $100-$1,000 depending on their size and extra features, so it's important not to get ripped off!
Our Top Picks
Here are our five top picks for the best inflatable SUPs of 2023, carefully selected to provide the ultimate on-water experience for everyone from beginners to pros.
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
Designed for water fun, the SereneLife Paddle Board is an inflatable board crafted from durable, lightweight Double PVC material. Featuring a non-slip deck surface, it offers stability and traction for users.
To inflate this stand-up paddle board, all you need is a manual air pump. It will take you about 10 minutes to inflate it, and the whole process is super easy.
Once inflated, this SUP board has a weight of 13.89 pounds which makes it ideal for beginners or kids who want to learn how to paddle board. The extra wide design gives better balance while paddling, so you don’t tip over when standing up on the board!
Things That Are Good To Know
This paddle board from SereneLife is a popular choice for paddlers because it is easy to transport and store, and it can be quickly inflated and deflated for use. It is also generally more affordable than traditional hardboard paddle boards.
This inflatable SUP board's top deck is soft, making it more comfortable than other inflatable boards with hard plastic tops. Since it’s made out of soft material, there are no worries about slipping off when using this SUP with bare feet!
This paddle board comes with an upgraded aluminum paddle that’s lightweight yet strong enough for regular use without breaking apart too easily in case someone falls off while riding their own personal watercraft (PWC), such as jet skis that have been modified into remote control vehicles (RCVs).
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted user wrote:
"I've used this paddle inflatable board for a few weeks now and it has been great. It's very durable, the fin is strong, and it's easy to inflate/deflate. The paddle is also well constructed. I've taken it out on the water several times with no issues.
I used this board with my family as well as with friends and everyone enjoyed it. Overall, this is a great product for anyone who wants to try to stand-up paddle boarding or take their skills further!"
Best All-Around Choice
THURSO SURF Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board All-Around SUP
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
This paddle touring board is a high-quality stand-up paddle board (SUP) suitable for various activities, including all-around paddling, touring, and surfing. It is made of durable, military-grade materials and has a length of 11 feet, a width of 32 inches, and a thickness of 6 inches, making it suitable for advanced paddlers of all sizes and skill levels.
The board comes with a deluxe package with a carbon shaft paddle, a roller backpack, and a coiled leash. The roller backpack makes it easy to transport and inflate the board, while the coiled leash helps to keep you safe while paddling.
Things That Are Good To Know
The THURSO SURF Stand-Up Paddle Board is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate paddlers due to its stability and size. It's made of fiberglass and PVC, making it light enough to carry with ease.
A favorite feature of this board is its large deck pad, which provides increased comfort while standing or kneeling on your SUP while fishing or just hanging out at the lakefront with friends.
This paddleboard is easy to inflate/deflate with the Dual Chamber Triple Action pump included in the purchase price. The height (38 inches) also makes it easier for those who may have trouble getting up onto boards when standing still in the water!
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied customer said:
"I've used this product for about 6 months and love it! It's very easy to inflate and deflate, so you can take it anywhere. It's very durable. This board is also very stable, which makes it great for beginners like me!
This board is awesome because it's versatile - you can use it in the ocean or lakes and rivers. If you want to try surfing, but aren't sure whether you'll like it or not, then this is a great way to do it! You can also stand on the board and paddle around to exercise.
I recommend this board over others because of its stability - other SUPs require more balance than this one does, so they might be harder for beginners to learn on."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The iROCKER All-Around paddle board is an inflatable stand-up board that is designed for stability and versatility. It is suitable for use in various water conditions, including calm lakes, choppy bays, and small surf.
The pump allows you to inflate the board to the desired level of firmness, and the leash keeps you connected to the board at all times. The fins provide additional stability and help you navigate through the water, and the repair kit allows you to make any necessary repairs to the board.
Things That Are Good To Know
It is a board that provides extra stability when paddling. It has a premium wheeled bag and supportive, cushioned straps for carrying your SUP on land. The paddle is full carbon matte, so it's super lightweight and extremely durable!
The Triple Action Dual Chamber pump inflates your board quickly and easily and makes sure you have plenty of air in case of emergency (or just because). The board is made of a military-grade drop-stitch material, which makes it extremely durable and resistant to punctures.
Fun Story From A Product User
A happy buyer said:
"I've used this product for about a year now, and I love it. It's very stable and easy to use. I have taken it out on some pretty rough water and had no issues with tipping over or anything. The board itself is sturdy and not flimsy like others I've seen.
The paddle feels really good in your hands, doesn't slip around, and feels comfortable to use. The only thing I would say is that the paddle could be just a little longer, but it still works fine in most situations. Overall this is a great product and worth the money!"
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Roc inflatable stand-up paddle board (SUP) is designed for both youth and adults and has a comprehensive, stable design for improved balance and comfort while paddling. It comes with a premium SUP paddle and a range of board accessories, such as a pump, repair kit, and carrying bag.
The non-slip comfort deck helps to keep you stable and comfortable while on the board, and the inflatable design makes it easy to transport and store. These boards are a great choice for those new to stand-up paddling and experienced paddlers looking for a versatile and convenient option for their water adventures.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Roc Stand-Up Paddle Board is one of the most popular and high-rated inflatable SUPs on Amazon. The board is made with Quad Core PVC, which provides incredible durability and lightweight.
It also has a military-grade material that makes it super durable. This means you can take your new board out into the water immediately without worrying about it falling apart when hitting waves or rocks!
The Roc Inflatable SUP also comes with an accessory kit, including a dual action hand pump, repair kit, and carrying bag making this paddle board incredibly easy to carry around wherever you go! With over 7400 reviews on Amazon alone (and an average rating of 4.8 stars), this is definitely an option worth considering when choosing your next paddleboard purchase!
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted user said:
"I've used this product for many years, and it's always been a reliable product. I've never had any problems with it, which makes it a great option for anyone looking to get into SUP.
The board is inflatable, which makes it easy to store and transport. It's also very durable, so you won't need to worry about it getting punctured or damaged during use.
This is an ideal choice if you live in an area where the weather can be unpredictable. The inflatable nature of the board means that you can deflate it when things get rough and then inflate it again when the weather improves."
Best Budget-Friendly Choice
Aqua Plus 6inches Thick Inflatable SUP for All Skill Levels
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
Now we are describing an inflatable stand-up paddle board (ISUP) made by Aqua Plus. ISUPs are a convenient and portable alternative to traditional hard-bodied stand-up paddle boards, as they can be easily deflated and packed into a travel backpack for transportation.
The fact that this particular ISUP is 6 inches thick and suitable for youth suggests that it is likely a durable and stable board suitable for recreational paddling. It also comes with a double action pump for inflating the board, a leash for safety, and a shoulder strap for carrying the board when it is deflated.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Aqua Plus Inflatable SUP is a rigid-style board with an aluminum paddle, and it's made of polyvinyl chloride. This board weighs 20.3 pounds, and it has a one-year warranty. This Inflatable SUP is highly strengthened, and its design is made for the toughest conditions. It's the lightest paddle board, so you can take it anywhere you want to go!
It is made with high-grade military materials that are durable enough for any adventure you plan on this summer. The rigid design of this inflatable makes it very sturdy in water without sacrificing any comfortability when riding on top of its surface material
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied user wrote:
"I'm very happy with it. It can easily support me and my wife at the same time. The pump works great and inflates/deflates in seconds.
The paddle is also very lovely, it's made of high-quality material and doesn't twist or bend when you use it."
Daniel
Inflatable SUP FAQs
An inflatable SUP is one of the most popular ways to get into the sport of paddle boarding. It's also an excellent way to add another dimension to your current paddle-boarding experience.
If you want to get started with an inflatable paddleboard, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions that should help you choose the right board and make this big purchase as easy as possible!
What is an inflatable SUP?
An inflatable stand-up paddle board (SUP) is a type of paddle board that is made of durable, air-tight material, such as military-grade PVC. It can be inflated using a hand or electric pump and then used in the same way as a traditional hard-shell SUP.
The main advantage of an inflatable SUP is that it can be easily deflated and stored in a carrying bag when not in use, making it convenient for transportation and storage.
How durable are inflatable SUPs?
Inflatable SUPs are made of high-quality, durable materials that are designed to withstand rough water conditions.
However, they may not be as durable as hard-shell SUPs, made of solid materials like fiberglass or plastic. That being said, inflatable SUPs can still last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Can inflatable SUPs be used in rough water?
Inflatable SUPs are generally suitable for use in rough water conditions, such as choppy waves or strong currents. However, it's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations before using the board in rough water, as some inflatable SUPs may not be designed for extreme conditions.
It's also a good idea to have proper safety gear and be aware of your own abilities when paddling in rough water.
How long does it take to inflate an inflatable SUP?
The time it takes to inflate an inflatable SUP depends on the size of the board and the type of pump you are using. On average, it takes about 15-30 minutes to inflate an inflatable SUP using a hand pump and 5-10 minutes using an electric pump.
How do you transport an inflatable SUP?
Most inflatable SUPs come with a carrying bag for easy transportation. To transport the board, simply deflate it and roll it up tightly. Then, place the rolled-up board in the carrying bag and secure the bag using the straps or handles.
Some inflatable SUPs also come with additional features, such as wheels, to make it easier to move the bag around.
How much weight can an inflatable SUP hold?
An inflatable SUP's weight capacity depends on the board's size and design. Most inflatable SUPs can hold up to 300-350 pounds, but it's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific board. Overloading the board can cause it to become unstable and unsafe to use.
Do inflatable SUPs come with paddles?
Yes, most inflatable SUPs come with a paddle. The paddle is usually made of aluminum or fiberglass and has an adjustable length to fit different heights. Some paddles also have curved or angled blades to improve the efficiency of your strokes.
Do inflatable SUPs come with a pump?
Yes, most inflatable SUPs come with a hand pump for inflating the board. The hand pump usually has a dual-action design, which pumps air on both the up and down strokes, making it faster and easier to inflate the board. Some inflatable SUPs also come with an electric pump for even faster inflation.
Can inflatable SUPs be repaired?
Inflatable SUPs can generally be repaired if they develop a small puncture or tear. Patch kits and repair kits are available for this purpose and can be used to fix the damage.
However, it's important to note that severe damage or extensive wear and tear may not be repairable, and the board may need to be replaced.
How do you store an inflatable SUP?
When not in use, it's important to store your inflatable SUP in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in damp or humid conditions, as this can cause the board to become moldy and damaged.
After deflating the board, roll it up tightly and store it in a carrying bag to protect it from dust and other environmental factors. If you have limited storage space, you can also consider hanging the rolled-up board on a wall or ceiling using special SUP storage hangers.
What Is The Best Inflatable SUP For You?
In conclusion, choosing the best inflatable stand-up paddleboard (iSUP) ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. Some factors to consider when deciding include the board's size and shape, material, weight capacity, and included accessories. It's also important to consider where and how you'll be using the iSUP and your budget.
To help you make an informed decision, it can be helpful to read reviews from other users and consider purchasing from a reputable brand with a proven track record of producing high-quality iSUPs. With so many options on the market, it may take some research and comparison shopping to find the iSUP that best fits your needs.
We hope this article will give you some ideas when it's time to buy your very first inflatable SUP. There are endless options out there, and it can be confusing which one will work best for you. So have fun testing out all of the inflatable SUPs you encounter.
Emma
