We explore the best inflatable paddle boards on the market to help you choose the right one and get you out on the water having fun.
Have you joined the paddle boarding craze yet? Stand up paddle boarding is the world’s fastest growing water sport and no wonder.
Not only is paddle boarding super fun, but it is a great full body workout. Paddle boarding will help you gain strength, balance and flexibility.
Another great thing about stand up paddle boarding is it can be done on any body of water – lakes, rivers, canals and the open ocean, and it can be done in flat water or in surf.
Anybody can paddle board – from complete beginners to experienced paddle boarders, there are so many fun things to be done on a paddle board – from fishing to surfing and even yoga.
My family have been paddling for a few years now and have tried out various boards. Here I share with you everything you need to know to help you with choose the right inflatable paddle board for you.
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Table of Contents
Why Choose an Inflatable Paddle Board
An inflatable paddle board is a great option for beginners and those looking for affordable paddle boards.
A blow up paddle board can be inflated in around 10 minutes or less using a hand or foot pump and is easy to transport and stored. They can be deflated and rolled up to the size of a sleeping bag.
They are also ideal for travel as they can be packed up in the back of your car for a road trip and even checked in with luggage on airlines.
You can read some of my inflatable paddle board reviews below to help find the best inflatable paddle board for you. But first here is a quick glance view at some of the best inflatable boards and their features:
Inflatable paddle board Comparison Chart
| Name | Image | Dimensions | Capacity | Weight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISLE Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard |  | 10'6" x 34" x 6" | 285 lb | 24 lb | Check prices |
| DAMA Nature Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board |  | 10'6" x 32" x 6" | 330 lb | 19.8 lb | Check prices |
| Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board |  | 10' x 33" x 6" | 350 lb | 17.5 lb | Check prices |
| SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board |  | 10'6" x 32" x 6" | 285 lb | 19.6 lb | Check prices |
| FBSport Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board |  | 10'6" x 31" x 6" | 280 lb | 22 lb | Check prices |
| Aqua Plus Inflatable SUP |  | 11' x 33" x 6" | 350 lb | 20.3" | Check prices |
| Tower Xplorer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board |  | 14' x 32" x 8" | 500 lb | 42 lb | Check prices |
What to look for in a paddle board
Paddle board sizing is usually in feet and inches. Stand up paddle boards can range from 8 feet to 14 feet in length, from 28 to 34 inches wide and around 4 to 6 inches thick.
There is no one size fits all for paddle boards and choosing a paddle board will depend on your size and weight. Most paddle board brands will recommend a maximum weight for use on their boards.
Generally, the wider the board the more stable it will be. A narrower board will be faster so may be preferable for more experienced boarders. Longer boards also tend to be faster than shorter boards.
Recommended Accessory: Electric Pump
The pump that typically comes with inflatable paddle boards are not that great. They are fine for one-off days at the beach, but if you plan on using your board frequently, you will probably want to invest in a better pump.
You don’t want to be tired out before you’ve even started paddling!
We particularly like the Sevylor SUP and Water Sport Electric Pump, 12V, 15-PSI, which is powered by your car or boat.
It has a digital display so you can select the correct pressure. The pump will then pump to the preselected pressure and then shut off, making it super easy. Trust me, this will make your life easier!
Paddle Boards for Beginners
Those new to stand up paddleboarding should opt for a longer, thicker, wider stand up board for the greatest stability.
An all rounder is the perfect beginner paddle board, with a size or around 10’6″ or 11 feet long by 30+ inches wide being a good size for a beginner stand up paddle board. An inflatable paddle board is a good stand up paddle board for beginners as it is more lightweight and inexpensive.
Paddle boards can be bought alone or as part of a paddle board kit, which includes all the paddle board accessories, such as paddle, pump and more. If you are new to paddle boarding, paddle board kits are a good cost effective way to get started.
Paddle Board Prices
The paddle board cost can range from as little as $200 to up to $1,000, depending on the brand, quality and performance.
People often begin by looking for cheap paddle boards but don’t just rush in and buy the first cheap stand up paddle board you find.
Make sure you do your research and find the best paddle board for the money. Our top paddle board reviews below will help you.
Best Paddle Boards – Paddle Board Reviews
Here I’m going to run through a few inflatable stand up paddle board reviews to help you find the best stand up paddle board for you. I’ve included some of the best paddle board brands, to ensure you end up with a good paddle board you can rely on.
You will find all these stand up paddle boards for sale on Amazon, using the links below and have one delivered right to your door.
ISLE Pioneer Inflatable paddle board
ISLE is one of the biggest names in paddle boarding and the Pioneer is one of their most popular boards, so you know this will be a safe bet for a high quality paddle board.
The Pioneer inflatable stand up paddle board is a well-constructed board, made from military grade PVC and put together with drop-stitch technology. This makes this SUP virtually indestructible so you don’t need to worry about bashing or scraping it.
At 10’6 in length and with a 34” wide deck it has a large surface area, making it a stable steady board that is easy to balance on and ideal for beginners. At 6” thick, this board is solid and rigid – you won’t notice much difference between this Pioneer inflatable SUP and a solid board.
The large capacity (285 lbs) of this Pioneer inflatable SUP also makes this a good choice if you are looking for a board for taking passengers – kids or dogs, and the large surface area also makes this easy. It would also be a good option for a yoga SUP due to its size and stability.
The Pioneer SUP features 3 carry handles – in the centre of the board and at the nose and tail – and also has a bungee storage system on the front and back of the board for bringing along extra gear.
We also love the velcro paddle attachment, which helps prevent your paddle floating off when you pull it up onto shore.
We love the stylish design of this Pioneer iSUP; it is one of the nicest looking boards we have come across and it also comes in a choice of three colours: green, blue and coral.
The Pioneer inflatable paddle board comes with everything you need to get you paddling: paddle, back pack carry bag, ankle leash, pump with integrated pressure gauge and removable fin.
Stats
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 34″
- Thickness: 6″
- Capacity: 285 lb
- Weight: 24 lb
DAMA Nature Paddle Board
This awesome inflatable paddle board from DAMA is a great all around paddle board, suitable for all levels of competence and for varying conditions.
The 10’6” x 32” x 6” board gives a good stable base for paddle boarding, while the anti-corrosion, UV-proof military grade PVC offers great durability.
The non-slip traction deck pad is comfortable to stand on and makes it easy to grip, while the triple fins mean a steady ride for beginners, and smooth control for more experienced riders.
Another selling point for this DAMA paddle board is that it is a really lightweight paddle board – weighing in at just 19.8 pounds.
There are carry handles at the nose and tail for easy carrying, and bungee net on the front for securing a load when paddling. Eight D-rings allow for easy carrying and also mean you can easily add other accessories such as a kayak seat for long distance rides and the shoulder strap that is included.
This is the only paddle board we have seen that comes with a camera mount so you can share your adventures on social media when you get back from your paddle!
The DAMA board comes with a full accessories kit, including paddle, hand pump, camera mount, ankle safety leash, repair kit, waterproof dry bag, waterproof cell phone bag, shoulder strap, removable fin and backpack carry bag.
Also available in 9’6″ and 11′ models.
Stats
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Capacity: 330 lbs
- Weight: 19.8 lbs
ROC Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The ROC inflatable paddle board is a popular choice thanks to its durable build, large capacity, lightweight design and stable ride. It is perfect for beginners and intermediate paddlers.
One of the most impressive feature of the ROC paddle board is that its weight limit is large at 350 lb, and yet the board weighs just 17.5 lb, which is 20% lighter than most of its competitors. This makes it a great choice for travel and also for anyone who will be carrying their board for long distances.
The board has a central carry handle and a bungee storage system at the front.
The paddle board package has everything you need to get started, including a collapsible aluminum paddle, removable fin, coil leash, hand pump, waterproof bag for essentials such as cell phone and keys, and a backpack to carry everything.
Stats
- Length: 10′
- Width: 33″
- Thickness: 6″
- Capacity: 350 lbs
- Weight: 17.5 lbs
SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
At 10’6″ long by 32″ wide and 6″ thick, the SereneLife inflatable board is a super stable inflatable stand up paddle board, ideal for beginners and intermediate paddlers.
This SUP board is made from military grade PVC and put together with drop-stitch technology, making it virtually indestructible.
The rigid construction makes it feel solid underfoot, allows it to glide smoothly on water and makes it easy to direct. The soft textured non-slip soft top provides cushioned comfort for standing or kneeling.
This SUP has a large capacity of 285 lbs while remaining lightweight and easy to carry at just 19.6 lbs in weight.
It has on-deck cargo bungees for storage and a carry handle, while the triple fins mean a steady ride for beginners, and added control for more experienced riders. It also comes with a paddle, pump, backpack, and safety leash.
Stats
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Capacity: 285 lbs
- Weight: 19.6 lbs
FBSport Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Another great buy, the FBSport board is another lightweight board with large deck and good capacity. At 10’6″ long by 31″ wide, it has a large deck that features a soft non-slip deck for comfortable paddling on feet or knees.
Despite a large capacity of 280 lbs, the board weighs in at just 22 lbs making it easily transportable.
The triple bottom panel fins help board improve overall speed, make handling and steering easier for beginners and give additional control to more experienced paddlers.
We love the large choice of funky colours and designs available too.
The package comes with all the paddling essentials you need to get out on the water, including a premium alloy paddle that floats, a coiled ankle cuff safety leash, pump and carry bag.
Stats
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 31″
- Thickness: 6″
- Capacity: 280 lbs
- Weight: 22 lbs
Tower Xplorer
Another big name in the paddling world is Tower Paddle Boards and their Tower Xplorer board is famed for its size and speed.
At 14′ in length, 32″ in width and a whopping 8″ thick, this is one of the biggest inflatable paddle boards on the market.
This makes it easy to bring cargo such as bags, coolers, fishing gear, snorkeling gear and many other items that you will need on a long touring journey, and with a capacity of 500lbs, you can load on the kids and pets too.
The board has been designed for maximum glide and efficiency for covering longer distances and also for speed. But thanks to its size and stability, it is also suitable for beginners.
As with other top paddle board brands, Tower use military grade PVC and drop-stitch technology to make this rigid board super durable (they famously test this by dropping it from a building and driving over it with an SUV).
Comes in a package with a 3-piece adjustable fiberglass SUP paddle and a hand pump.
Stats
- Length: 14″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 8″
- Capacity: 500 lbs
- Weight: 42 lbs
Aqua Plus Inflatable SUP
If you are looking for a cheap stand up paddle board, this could be your best option for a great value board at an affordable price.
This paddle board may be cheaper than many others on the market, but it still boasts military grade PVC with drop stitch technology making it durable AND it comes with a 1 year warranty for added peace of mind.
With its 11′ x 33″ x 6″ dimensions, it is also stable and tracks well, while it boasts a fantastic 350lbs in capacity while remaining just 20.3lbs in weight.
This paddle board deflates to only 1 foot in diameter by 38″, making it easy to transport and store.
The kit comes with pump, paddle, fin, shoulder strap, carry bag, coiled safety leash and waterproof bag, giving you everything you need to get started with paddle boarding.
Stats
- Length: 11″
- Width: 33″
- Thickness: 6″
- Capacity: 350 lbs
- Weight: 20.3 lbs
How to Paddle Board
If you are new to stand up paddling, here are a few how to stand up paddle board tips to get you started.
- Select a wide flat board to begin with.
- Start in calm, flat water.
- Start on your knees to get used to balancing on the paddle board.
- Once you feel comfortable, stand up one foot at a time and stand facing forward with your toes pointing towards the nose of the board, with your feet shoulder width apart.
- Hold the paddle with one hand on the top of the paddle, and the other hand gripping half way down the shaft.
- Insert the paddle in the water ahead of you and think of pulling yourself past the paddle. Use your back muscles, not your arms.
- Take a few strokes on each side at a time (approx. 5 to 7) to keep in a straight line.
- To turn, put the paddle in the water on the opposite side of the direction you want to turn to. Put the paddle in the water away from your body and pull it towards the tail of the board.
Other Types of Paddle Boards
There are different types of paddle boards for different types of paddle boarding. An all around paddle board can be used for many different paddle boarding pursuits but you can also find paddle boards designed for specific activities such as surfing, fishing, racing and yoga.
All Around Paddle Board
The all around paddle board is the most common type of paddle board. This multi-purpose paddle board is the most versatile type of board – it is not the best at anything, but it is good at everything.
An all around paddle board is thicker, wider and longer than most other specific boards (eg racing paddle board), giving it greater stability.
All around paddleboards are generally considered to be the best paddle boards for beginners. They are also suitable for taking kids/dogs on the front.
Surf Paddle Board
A surf paddle board is designed for riding the waves. Surf SUP boards tend to be shorter than other paddle boards, making them less stable, but giving them better performance on the waves.
Surf paddle boards are better suited to paddle boarders with more experience and those looking for a bit more excitement and action on their paddle surf board.
Racing Paddle Board
Racing paddle boards are designed for speed. They tend to be longer and narrower, with pointy-shaped noses to slice through the water. The shape of SUP race boards gives them faster sprint speed and longer glide-efficiency. Race SUP boards are better suited to more experienced paddle boarders.
Touring Paddle Board
Touring paddle boards are designed for maximum glide and efficiency for covering longer distances. The SUP touring boards are suitable for lakes, rivers and open ocean. They tend to be stable boards and therefore suitable for beginners.
Fishing Paddle Board
Using a stand up paddle board for fishing is becoming very popular these days as it offers a cheaper and more active option than a boat, and gives you the advantage of being able to see down into the water clearly.
A fishing stand up paddle board is thicker to keep you high out of the water and wider to give you extra room for all your gear. The large volume of the board also gives it extra stability.
Fishing stand up paddleboards may also come with pre-installed fishing mounts, rod holders, storage hatches etc.
Yoga Paddle Board
A yoga paddle board is designed for stability. It is thicker and wider than a regular paddle board to allow room for all those yoga poses and help keep you steady so you don’t fall in mid-downward dog!
Some yoga SUPs also come with comfortable deck pads to help with your workout comfort.
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