If you enjoy getting outside on the water, an inflatable stand up paddle board may be a great option. These boards allow you to glide across the water while standing up and paddling, hence the name. An inflatable SUP, as many call them, have become more and more popular over the past few years.
Below is a link to a short YouTube video that explains how to choose a board:
PRODUCT
DETAILS
OUR RATING
SereneLife
Inflatable SUP
- Wide SUP design.
- Triple bottom fins.
- Complete kit.
Our #1 Rated
5 out of 5
In the Inflatable Paddle Board category
Tower
Inflatable SUP
- Wide stability.
- Military-grade PVC.
- Non-slip soft top.
Our #2 Rated
4.5 out of 5
In the Inflatable Paddle Board category
Atoll
Inflatable SUP
- 11 foot.
- Ultralight PVC.
- Complete kit.
Our #3 Rated
4.5 out of 5
In the Inflatable Paddle Board category
PEAK
Inflatable SUP
- 10 foot, 6 in.
- Military-grade PVC.
- Complete kit.
Our #4 Rated
4 out of 5
In the Inflatable Paddle Board category
Tower
Inflatable SUP
- 10 foot, 4 in.
- Wide stance.
- Non-slip top deck.
Our #5 Rated
4 out of 5
In the Inflatable Paddle Board category
Who Needs To Use An Inflatable Paddle Board?
Anyone who spends time outside or would like to get out on the water can use a decent inflatable paddle board. Many people use them for outdoor recreation, sightseeing, yoga, or even fishing. The benefit of an inflatable paddle board is that they’re easy to bring along anywhere. Instead, you don’t need a large truck or rack to store and haul your board. With an inflatable style you can pack them right into a duffel bag or backpack.
How Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Work?
Inflatable paddle boards feature drop stitch construction with PVC material. This allows for the boards to be durable and survive any dings or sharp objects. Moreover, the inflatable SUPs can fill up to 15 psi with hand pumps. This makes the boards not much less rigid than even a traditional hard board. With the ability to deflate and collapse SUP boards, it also makes them quite portable. The following YouTube video gives some paddle boarding basics:
The coast guard also requires the use of a personal flotation device and a whistle. Kayak PFDs also work well for SUP boards given they have large arm holes for full range of paddle movements. Additionally, many paddlers may need to use a leash for their SUP board. These regulations depend on the beach, or waters, yet can be important to consider when using them.
How Do I Choose An Inflatable Paddle Board?
One of the most important parts of choosing a SUP board, is to pick one with your desired length. Longer boards between 12 and 14 feet tend to track straighter and paddle faster. In contrast, short boards have a more playful and maneuverable style to them.
Buy an inflatable SUP with the width that fits your riding style. Width will affect how stable the board is in the water. If you want a more stable ride, then go for a board with a mid-width of 32 inches or more. Narrower boards may not feel as stable, yet they’re more efficient and can move faster.
Choose a paddle board that is well made so it lasts. Your board will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Additionally, you want your board to survive any bumps into debris out on the water.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing an inflatable SUP:
- Ensure the board has your desired length.
- Buy a SUP with your ideal width.
- Choose a paddle board that is well made.
What Is The Best Inflatable Paddle Board?
We’ve looked at a range of inflatable paddle boards that work for all types of water and have selected five boards. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and shape. We’ve reviewed these five inflatable SUPs and listed some pros and cons for each board.
our #1 rated
SereneLife
Inflatable SUP
Quality
Price
Our rating
The SereneLife inflatable stand up paddle board comes in two colors. The board features a wide design, with a 30 inch width. The board also has a non-slip soft top deck to prevent falling. Additionally the board includes an array of extra accessories all in one storage bag.
Customers who purchased this board liked the quality of materials used in construction. People said that the 6 inch thickness allows for it to even hold 2 people. Customers also said they found the included equipment very helpful for beginner paddlers.
A few customers who used this board found it and the paddle to be quite basic. Some people also said the board isn’t the most stable, and can wobble side to side. A few customers also said that the handle isn’t at the center of gravity. Thus, making it somewhat difficult to carry long distances.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Tower
Inflatable SUP
Quality
Price
Our rating
This inflatable paddle board from Tower is available in two color options to choose from. The board works as a universal SUP wide stance, along with 32 inches of width. Moreover, the board features a non slip deck and it comes with a few accessories making a full complete kit.
Customers who purchased this SUP said that it’s long and quite stable. Some customers also said the board works great for those looking to use it for recreation or for kids. Other customers commented that the board holds up well even after two years of intense use.
Some people who purchased this board said that the included paddle works fine, yet not the best. Others reported that the board works well as a durable and versatile water toy that doesn’t take up much space. A few customers also said that the board does have issues over time, and will not hold up the same as a rigid board.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Atoll
Inflatable SUP
Quality
Price
Our rating
This SUP inflatable paddle board made by Atoll is available in two colors. The board features an ultralight construction with dual layer PVC. The board also comes with a dual action hand pump and a heavy-duty nylon backpack.
Customers who purchased this board said that it’s very stable, with room for maneuvering. People also said that the included 3-piece aluminum paddle was sturdy on the water. Many customers found the level of quality in the board quite impressive.
A few customers who purchased this board said that the air valve mount had some issues after 3 months of use. Some customers said that it comes off course fast if paddling 2-3 times per side. Some people also said they would've liked the pump hose to be less stiff.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
PEAK
Inflatable SUP
Quality
Price
Our rating
The PEAK ISLE Surf and SUP inflatable paddle board is available in three color options. The board features a rigid 6 inch thick military-grade PVC construction. The board also includes a paddle, carrying bag, coil leash, and high pressure pump.
Customers who purchased this board said that it was light to carry once inflated. People said the board was comfortable and soft on the feet. Customers also commented that the tether ropes were great for carrying stuff along.
Other people who used this board said that it’s not as stable as a hard board. Customers also said that the board was kind of a pain to roll away for storage with its bulk. Some customers reported that their board got a leak after only a couple of uses.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Tower
Inflatable SUP
Quality
Price
Our rating
This inflatable SUP made by Tower is available in five different color options. The board features a wide design with a 10’4 length for improved balance. The board also has a quick deflation and inflation process for easy storage.
People who purchased this board said that it’s well made and durable. Customers said that the backpack makes it easy to take along anywhere on the go. Customers also said that the board even holds air for a week without loosing any air.
Some customers who used this board said that a hole developed after light use. Additionally, the included patch kit was somewhat incomplete. Some customers said the pump had quit working for them. Other people said the board was a workout to fill up with air.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each inflatable paddle board we’ve reviewed works for those looking to get on the water. All the boards have decent materials, accessories, and a portable size when deflated.
After comparing all the products the best inflatable paddle board is the SereneLife inflatable SUP.
This SUP board is both wide and long, making it perfect for those new to paddle boarding. The board can work for any kind of water. We also like the fact that the board comes with a full kit for getting started out of the box.