There are numerous ways to get out into the water these days. One of the most fun is the stand-up paddleboard. Often abbreviated as SUP, you’ll find that the best inflatable SUP is one of the best value purchases you can find today. Not only are these inflatables well-balanced and supportive of your weight, but they can go just about anywhere and do just about anything.
If you want to see the world in a brand new way, then this is the investment you’ll want to make this year.
The Best Chart for Inflatable SUPs
Inflatable SUPs can come in several different lengths, widths, and depths. Their style is fairly similar in each make and model, so you’ll want to find the right dimensions with the right features for your specific needs. This chart of top-rated SUPs will start your adventure off on the right foot… or paddle.
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Board Thickness (In Inches) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | PathFinder Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddleboard Set | 4.5 | 5 | $$ |
 | iRocker Inflatable SUP Package | 4.7 | 6 | $$$ |
 | Sports Stuff 1030 Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard | 4.6 | 4 | $$ |
 | Peak Inflatable SUP with Complete Package | 4.6 | 6 | $$$ |
 | Atlantis Paddle Boards SUP Inflatable | 4.4 | 4 | $$$ |
 | Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer 2 Package | 4.8 | 4 | $$$$ |
 | Ten Toes Weekender Inflatable SUP | 4.5 | 6 | $$$ |
 | Vilano Navigator Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package | 4.4 | 6 | $$ |
 | Atoll Inflatable SUP with Accessories | 4.9 | 6 | $$$ |
 | Isle Airtech Inflatable SUP | 4.7 | 6 | $$$ |
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Board Thickness (In Inches) | Price |
What Are the Advantages of the Best Inflatable SUPs?
Stand-up paddling is more than just a fun adventure. It’s also a great workout. Most people who try it for the first time are instantly hooked. There isn’t the same challenge of staying upright as there is with standard surfing, yet you aren’t confined when exploring like you might be in a kayak or other boat.
That’s just one advantage of owning the best inflatable SUPs today. Here are some of the other ownership advantages that are worth considering.
- Inflatable SUPs are quite compact. These paddleboards can be deflated and stored in something as small as a carry-on bag. This means they’ll fit in any standard vehicle trunk. You can also take your paddleboard with you whenever you go on vacation or throw it into a backpack so you can use it at your favorite secret beach.
- Inflatable SUPs are also very lightweight. Even when the paddleboard has been fully inflated, you can carry it on your own. Most will be able to carry their inflatable board using only one arm. The same is true if you happen to be carrying your paddleboard while it is deflated and folded up.
- Inflatable SUPs are very rigid. When most people think of an inflatable product, they picture an air mattress which loses air in maybe an hour or two. Inflatable SUPs are very different. They are rock hard when fully inflated, provide traction pads, and are virtually indestructible. This provides riders with a consistent performance.
Many inflatable SUPs will provide you with years of enjoyment and exercise. Even if you do end up with a ding or a puncture, a simple repair patch is often all that is required to get you back into the water safely.
What Are the Prices of the Best Inflatable SUPs?
Most inflatable SUPs are going to be in the $150-$300 price range. The final price often depends on the exact measurements, features, and weight tolerances that you want to have. Youth boards tend to be on the lower end of this pricing spectrum, while the longer, wider boards that support 300+ pounds tend to be on the upper end of the spectrum.
Compared to the $600-$1,100 price range for foam-core paddleboards, however, the savings found with this inflatable product is pretty incredible.
What Do Our Reviews Have to Say?
Pathfinder
This inflatable SUP offered one of the best balancing experiences that we saw in this category. The bungee straps are minimal, but do provide you with just enough space so you can go touring for an afternoon if you wish. A large deck pad also helps you with your stability while on this board and there’s a D-ring attachment for a leash if you wish. This model comes with a pump, an adjustable aluminum medium-sized paddle, and a center fin that detaches if you prefer. If you’ve always wanted to try paddleboarding, this is the board to use.
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
iRocker
This board offers a surprisingly rigid experience, even when compared to other inflatables. It is constructed with military-grade durability, so you don’t have to worry about bashing into most objects while using this board. It inflates quickly, deflates efficiently, and is light enough that you can throw it into your backpack to use wherever you want to catch some water. You’re covered by a 2-year warranty with this product and you’ll receive a paddle, a carry bag, and a repair kit with your purchase. Enter code BCGVRA6H at checkout to get a free leash as well.
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
Sportstuff 1030
We really appreciated the extra-large anti-skid EVA pads that are incorporated into this SUPs design. Your footing stays secure in virtually any conditions, which means you can be confident in your balance, no matter what your preferred style of paddleboarding happens to be. It’s over 10 feet long when fully inflated and 30 inches wide with a narrow, rounded nose, so some beginners may need a little practice to get the hang of this board. Just beware of the maximum weight capacity: it’s just 250 pounds.
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Ten Toes
This was the most stable of the inflatable SUPs we had the privilege of looking at. The recommended weight is 200-250 pounds maximum, but we found you could get away with a little extra weight in most water conditions. The PVC is virtually indestructible and the firmness of the board is equal to any foam-core board you may have tried in the past. This bundle includes a full repair kit, a manual pump, and trip detachable fins so that you can have the perfect amount of maneuverability.
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
Isle Surf and SUP
This is the perfect all-around SUP. Even when compared to traditional boards, we preferred using this model for river runs, flatwater, and even light surf. You’ve got plenty of space to stay balanced and the thickness of the board is really nice. Even when fully inflated, the total weight is only about 20 pounds. Adjustable fins, a travel fin, and a repair kit are included with the purchase price. This is also one of the few inflatable SUPs that will give you a 30 day “love it or leave it” guarantee. Return it after 30 days or less if you don’t like it and you get your money back (less S&H).
Click here to compare prices on Amazon and buy now.
A Quick Guide to Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards
Stand-up paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world today. You get to combine a little bit of surfing with some kayaking so that you can go explore. A good SUP is more buoyant than a traditional surfboard, with extra length and width, so that you will have no problem balancing on it during most water conditions.
When you are shopping for the best inflatable SUP, it is important to consider what your primary reason for ownership happens to be. There are three basic types of SUPs and each fulfills a unique user purpose.
- All-Around SUPs. This is the most common type of inflatable SUP that you’re going to find right now. They are wider, thicker, and longer than most other boards. They have a rounded front to provide you with a stable glide without affecting its overall tracking ability. They’re the perfect first-time SUP or great for those who like to get outside and explore for long periods of time.
- Flatwater SUPs. This type of inflatable SUP is designed more for waters that have very little wave activity. They’re great for lakes, coves, and bays. Some may also recommend them for open ocean paddling. These SUPs are not as wide as the all-around models, but they still provide a good amount of balance. They’ll have more of a pointed front to help break through the water well. If you tend to use a paddleboard with the wind at your back, then this is your best option.
- Surf SUPs. These are the shortest boards of the SUP family. They also tend to have a narrow nose and tail. If you tend to have waves on your local waters, then this may be the better option for you as the board shape will give you the maneuverability that you need. These boards do tend to be slower and can be difficult to accurately track, which makes using them a bit difficult in flat waters.
Each of these SUP designs will provide a solid user experience because of the unique nature of their inflatable design. These models are created by using layers of PVC plastic that have fibers woven into them. This helps the top and bottom of the board to be “fused” together, creating a rigid board that feels almost the same as a solid SUP board.
How Can I Select the Correct Inflatable SUP for Me?
Board volume and length must be considered when trying to find the best inflatable SUP. This stand up paddleboard size guide will take you through the various considerations that must be taken into account when attempting to select the right board.
Yet we cannot forget about the other critical component of the inflatable SUP experience: the paddle. You’re going to be going nowhere fast if you’re standing on an SUP without a paddle. To make sure you’re getting the best possible paddle for your height and water conditions, there are three areas of concern.
- The handle of the paddle. Handles for an SUP paddle should have some ergonomics built into them so your hand can grip it comfortably. Without this, you can experience cramping in your palm that may cause you to inadvertently drop the paddle. There is a T-bar grip that some prefer, so try them both to see what works best for your hand.
- The shaft of the paddle. This is the most important part of the paddle. Its composition will directly affect the performance you can achieve with your inflatable SUP. Common materials include aluminum, carbon, fiberglass, and plastic. If you have high waves in your local waters, then consider purchasing a paddle with a Kevlar shaft for better impact resistance.
- The blade of the paddle. You’ll find that most paddles are marketed with standard sizing options: small, medium, and large. This refers to the size of the blade in most circumstances. Larger blades displace more water, so you have more overall movement power. It also takes more effort to move that water, so many beginners experience arm and shoulder pain when using large paddles for the first time.
The length of the paddle must also be of the correct size for your inflatable SUP experience to be fun. Most users will want to have a paddle that is meant for flat water use, so it should measure about 10 inches above your actual height for best results. If you are 5’8” tall, then you’d want to have a 78-inch paddle.
Surfing paddles tend to be a little shorter than this because you need a little more control in those water conditions. A surfing paddle should be 6-8 inches above your head in total height. Using the example above, you’d want a 74-inch paddle.
Are You Ready to Have Fun on the Best Inflatable SUP?
Inflatable SUPs offer a tremendous amount of value, especially for those who enjoy water sports. These rock-hard boards can go virtually anywhere, handle most water conditions, and that means you can have a great time out on the water.
You may wish to consider looking at an SUP leash, buoyancy aids, and wetsuits to further maximize your experience. Life jackets are generally recommended for all inflatable SUP users, even for those who have an extensive swimming experience. Conditions can change at any time. Some areas require life jackets to be worn or you may be subjected to a fine.
Make this year be when you join the growing group of people who are becoming addicted to one of the world’s best new water sports. A small investment can pay dividends for many years to come. Use the best inflatable SUP reviews to locate your new board, grab your paddle, and then hit the beach because fun has suddenly come within reach.
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