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Best Inflatable Paddle Boards

Updated July 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
SereneLife
Inflatable Paddle Board
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This inflatable board comes with everything you need to get out on the water and comes in a variety of colors and styles to match your preferences.

Pros

With a deck size of 32 inches, this paddle board is plenty wide for most riders. Triple bottom panel fins help you steer and handle your paddle board with relative ease. The soft top keeps you comfy on the water, while the set includes a bag and several vital accessories to carry, set up, inflate, and deflate your paddle board.

Cons

Some concerns about loose latches and shoddy materials. Some break right away.

Best Bang for the Buck
Ciays Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Ciays
Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

With a stylish design on its underside, this board is sure to turn heads and has an affordable price tag to boot.

Pros

Ideal for lakes, rivers, or the ocean, this inflatable stand-up paddle board is a great choice to get you out on the water. Built with durable, triple-layer PVC and reinforced fibers, this board will hold up in choppy water. Floating paddles won’t sink if you lose your grip on them while paddling.

Cons

Buyers found this board didn’t hold up with long-term use and recommended replacing it after 2-3 years.

Serene Life Free Flow Inflatable Paddle Board
Bluefin SUP
Cruise SUP Package w/ Inflatable Paddle Board, Accessories
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Need it all? This option has the board, the paddles, the pump, the bag, the fins, and everything beginners need to make it work.

Pros

The Air Duo inflation technology quickly fills it up and keeps it stiff out on the water. The carbon fiber rail keeps you well-balanced as you use it. The high-pressure laminated finish gives it a sleek look. There's a kayak conversion kit inside the box as well for versatility.

Cons

Some riders experienced air-leakage early on.

Roc Inflatable Paddle Board Kit
Roc
Inflatable Paddle Board Kit
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This stand-up paddle board set includes a range of useful accessories.

Pros

Some of the accessories that come with this set include a paddle with a tip that can be either a handle or another paddle and an ankle strap if you lose your balance. This paddle board comes in 11 colors and can hold up to 350 pounds.

Cons

The included pump isn’t great, though it’s fine for the occasional trip.

Aqua Plus Inflatable Paddle Board Kit
Aqua Plus
Inflatable Paddle Board Kit
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

The contents of this stand-up paddle board set include extra accessories for things such as your phone.

Pros

Some of the accessories include a waterproof bag for your phone so you can use it without worry and a travel backpack. The included pump is double-action and the board can hold up to 350 pounds to accommodate larger passengers.

Cons

This set is mostly for beginners and the occasional paddle boarder.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best inflatable paddle boards

Paddle boarding is a fun water sport that involves kneeling or standing on a board and using a paddle to move through the water. Stand-up paddle boards, also called SUPs, are traditionally made of fiberglass like surfboards, but if you’re looking for a more accessible entry into the activity, an inflatable stand-up paddle board is significantly cheaper.

The biggest advantage of an inflatable paddle board over a rigid one is how easy it is to transport and store. You don’t need a truck or car rack to carry an inflatable SUP to a body of water. When deflated, it rolls up like a sleeping bag to be stashed easily in a trunk or closet or be checked on a flight without extra surfboard fees. Plus, an inflatable paddle board is softer to fall on and doesn’t get dinged as easily. 

While inflatable paddle boards don’t have the performance quality of rigid boards, their convenience and lower cost make them a better choice for recreational users. We checked out a range of inflatable paddle boards, and our top pick is the SereneLife Free Flow Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board for its agile performance and stability in choppy water. 

Best inflatable paddle boards

SereneLife Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board 

This premium board is made of durable material that rocks and branches won’t easily puncture. It has a well-balanced deck and three fins, making it easy to maneuver in small waves. The 30-inch-wide deck features a nonslip soft top, so you won’t lose your footing. This travel-friendly paddle board is easy to deflate and roll up, plus it looks great and comes in a variety of colors. Included are a paddle, repair kit, carrying bag and manual pump. The quality of this board rivals SUPs in the $500 to $800 range, and the ankle leash and triple fins make it a great board for surfing too. 

NRS Thrive Stand-Up Paddle Board

You’ll do a double take when you see this inflatable paddle board because it looks like it’s made of fiberglass. This state-of-the-art board comes with a sophisticated valve system and interchangeable fins. It comes in four lengths (from just over 9 feet up to 11 feet) and a beautiful cobalt blue. A pump, pressure gauge, repair kit and carrying bag are included.

This board’s triple-layered PVC makes it heavier than others (31 pounds), but it’s extremely stable and strong. At 36 inches, it’s the widest on our list and suitable for larger people or as a versatile board for the whole household. Because of the generous width, it’s on the slower side, but it is perfect for calm water, light river running and paddling near the shoreline. 

Bluefin Cruise Stand-Up Paddle Board

This high-quality, fast-gliding inflatable SUP offers impressive all-around performance. Its heavy-duty construction is reinforced with carbon, so the rigidity rivals that of fiberglass boards. The 32-inch wide platform keeps you stable in choppy conditions. This inflatable comes in multiple sizes, including kids and tandem, with the longest at 15 feet. 

There are many small details that make this board worth the investment, such as a camera mount so you can film your adventures. The dual-chamber pump is one of the best included in any kit. It also includes a carrying bag, with roller wheels and comfortable shoulder straps, and an attachable kayak seat and convertible carbon paddle for kayak-style paddling. 

Bote Breeze Aero Inflatable SUP Board

This durable, lightweight, thick paddle board offers high performance and stability. If you’re using your SUP for yoga, most of the deck is covered with a soft, grippy material that feels as if you’re on a floating yoga mat. With its gently tapered nose, it glides well through choppy conditions, and we love how easy it is to maneuver. The board has a cargo area located on the nose where you can securely strap your gear. It’s easy to inflate and transport (including a handle), and it weighs only 20 pounds. It’s the perfect board for beginner and intermediate paddlers. 

Atoll 11-Foot Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board 

This good-looking board is built to last. Its dual-layer PVC construction is rigid without being too heavy to carry. The upgraded 2023 style is lighter without sacrificing durability. It has great stability and excellent glide even in choppy conditions. Detaching the fin doesn’t require extra tools. Its all-inclusive kit includes one of the best paddles of all inflatable SUP kits we’ve seen. It has a front bungee cord system to secure belongings, but it lacks a front carrying handle. This mid-range board works for all levels of experience and for anyone looking for better performance than that of a bargain-priced model. Overall, this SUP offers solid performance at a good price. 

Retrospec Weekender Inflatable SUP Board Kit

The lightest board on our list, this highly portable SUP weighs only 17 pounds when inflated. It comes with everything you need — pump, carrying bag, repair kit, leash, paddle — and includes extras like a waterproof smartphone case. It’s easy to inflate and deflate, transport and store. This rugged board won’t puncture if you’re paddling around branches and rocks. It’s sturdy enough to support little ones or dogs onboard, though it might not be wide enough for doing yoga. This is a perfect board for trips to the lake. The design and color choices are attractive, and the board is reasonably priced.

Roc Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board 

This attractive paddle board comes in cool deck designs and includes lots of premium extras. The durable PVC is UV resistant, so it’s ideal for year-round use. The nonslip deck features bungee cord tie-downs to keep your belongings secure while you paddle. We love the paddle attachment that enables you to sit and paddle kayak-style too. This stable board has a weight limit of 300 pounds and a 33-inch-wide deck. It’s on the shorter side at 10 feet, making it great for beginners. This lightweight board (17.5 pounds) is easy to fit in the roomy, attractive carrying bag, and the kit also includes a manual pump, leash, wrench and waterproof dry bag.

Aqua Plus Inflatable SUP 

This affordable kit gives you everything you need to start cruising on the water without breaking the bank. The 11-foot, 33-inch-wide inflatable SUP feels firm when fully inflated, not like a flimsy pool toy. The double-action pump makes inflating easy and only takes a few minutes to fill the 6-inch-thick board. The military-grade PVC is durable and stable and can hold up to 350 pounds. This versatile board can withstand choppy conditions, hot weather and frequent use, gliding through the water effortlessly and under your control. The adjustable paddle can be customized for height and paddling style. The kit also includes a backpack and a leash. 

FunWater Stand-Up Paddle Board 

Another great value pick, FunWater’s starter board performs just as well as inflatable SUPs in the $500 to $600 range. Lightweight at only 18.5 pounds, it’s the perfect board to take on camping trips to your favorite lake. The sleek profile and three fins offer solid performance and glide. It’s stable enough for your dog or little ones to jump onboard, though we wouldn’t recommend taking it out in choppy conditions. The adjustable paddle is fine, though you might want to upgrade to a carbon fiber paddle if you’re going long distances. The kit includes a dry bag, ankle leash, manual pump and backpack, all at a good price. 

What to know before you buy an inflatable paddle board

Pros and cons of inflatable SUPs

Inflatable SUPs have some definite benefits over rigid boards.

Easier to store: A paddle board that’s inflated with a pump is simpler to store than a rigid paddle board since it easily deflates to a small size. 

Easier to transport: A deflated SUP is more convenient for travel. It’s an excellent choice for road trips, vacation rentals and camping.

Easier to carry: Inflatable paddle boards are lighter than fiberglass boards. 

Easier on the body: There is less chance of injury if you fall on the soft inflatable surface versus on a hard fiberglass board. 

Easier on your wallet: Inflatables are also typically less expensive than traditional paddle boards, which makes them great for beginners, families or couples who want to enjoy the activity.

However, there are a few downsides to choosing an inflatable SUP. 

Slower: Since inflatables are usually thick and wide, they don’t cut through water as quickly as traditional paddle boards. 

Limited uses: While some inflatable models are designed for use in waves, most don’t perform as well as rigid boards in choppy water. Most inflatables work best in calm water. 

Extra equipment: Inflatable paddle boards, obviously, must be inflated. This is an extra step that requires a pump. Many kits include a manual pump, but a lot of paddlers find that an electric pump does the job better.  

Rider size and weight

The paddler’s height and weight matter when choosing an inflatable paddle board. Short individuals should avoid SUPs that are too wide because they’ll be too hard to paddle comfortably, which can strain back and shoulder muscles. 

SUPs also have a maximum weight limit, so make sure the rider falls within the recommended range. Ignoring these guidelines can result in a wobbly ride and not much fun on the water.

SUP size and shape

Width: Beginners should look for boards that are at least 32 inches wide because they offer better stability and balance. Narrower SUPs are better for speed.  For yoga and other water workouts, a wide paddle board is best for maximum stability.

Thickness: A thicker board lifts you higher above the water, while a thinner boards allows you to better connect with the movement of the lake, river or ocean. If you’re a total beginner, you might also prefer a thick board, around 6 inches, so you’re higher above the water.

Length: Shorter paddle boards (typically 9 to 11 feet) are better at quick, agile turns. Longer boards (typically 12 to 14 feet) are faster but harder to maneuver. If you want to ride waves in the ocean, you’ll need a short paddle board that’s easy to maneuver. If you’re looking for an inflatable paddle board for touring and full-day excursions, opt for a larger model to make sure you have enough cargo space. If you want to go fast, choose a long, narrow board.

Shape: Paddle boards have one of two distinct hull shapes: V or flat. Also known as a displacement hull, a V-shaped hull is designed to move water out of the way. A flat or planing hull is versatile and suitable for all conditions, including surfing.

Fins

Fins are located at the rear of a paddle board and help with maneuvering the board. Different Fin positions are suited for different activities. You can remove fins or attach additional fins to an inflatable paddle board. For calm water, a single large fin is best. A three-fin design is a versatile choice for both tackling calm water and surfing in the waves.

Deck

Traction: Most paddle board decks are equipped with some form textured pads for traction. If you want extra grip, you can purchase additional pads for improved traction. For practicing yoga on an inflatable paddle board, a full-length textured pad is ideal.

Padding: For extra comfort, look for an inflatable paddle board with a padded deck. Inflatable boards are softer than traditional boards anyway, making them an excellent choice for kids.

Durability

Most inflatable paddle boards are made of PVC. The most durable models have reinforced seams. The higher the inflatable paddle board’s pounds per square inch (psi) number, the more durable it will be. Look for a model with 15 to 25 psi. A higher number provides a sturdier, more rigid platform.

Benefits of paddle boarding

There are a few compelling reasons to choose an inflatable paddle board as part of your summer fun.

Total body workout: Using an inflatable paddle board requires balance as well as core and lower body strength.

Easy to use: SUPs have few parts and accessories, which means all it takes to get started is a bit of practice.

Safe: As long as you take the necessary safety precautions, paddle boarding is an extremely safe activity. It’s difficult to get injured using an inflatable board.

Family-friendly activity: If you want something fun the whole family can enjoy on vacation, inflatable paddle boarding fits the bill.

FAQ

Q. How much do inflatable paddle boards cost? 

A. They are less expensive than traditional paddle boards, which at the high end can cost between $1,000 and $1,500. Inflatables typically range from $200 to $800. Expensive inflatable SUPs can cost up to $1,350. 

Q. What size paddle should I get?

A. To determine the right paddle length, you need to factor in your height and the kind of paddling you’ll be doing most of the time. Surfing paddles are the shortest, measuring between 6 and 8 feet. For touring and calm water paddling, opt for a paddle between 8 and 10 feet. For racing, you’ll need a longer paddle of 10 to 12 feet. Many paddles are adjustable, which is a good option if you’re sharing your board with others in your household.

Q. How should I take care of my inflatable paddle board?

A. Wipe down or rinse it after every use, and clean it regularly. Avoid leaving your board outdoors unprotected, and don’t leave it in the sun. Consider buying a board with a UV-protective coating. Be careful when handling your paddle board, too. Avoid bumping or knocking it against sharp objects that could puncture the material. If yours doesn’t come with a storage bag, you may want to purchase one. . 

Q. Are there inflatable paddle boards made for children?

A. Yes. An inflatable SUP is a great choice for kids since it offers a softer, gentler surface in case of falls. Children’s boards are typically shorter and lighter than adult versions. But be careful when buying kids’ boards, because kids will quickly outgrow youth-size boards.

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