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Millions of Americans are paddle board wannabes or enthusiasts. Why not invest in a quality board so you can glide whenever you want? I’ve rented solid boards several times on vacation and would love to own one, but solid paddle boards aren’t practical for many of us.
Fortunately, for regular use, those of us who love this experience now have so many awesome and affordable inflatable boards on the market to choose from. With careful material construction, many inflatable paddleboards give traditional ones a run for your money. Check out my recommendations for the best inflatable paddleboards for your budget, skill level, and more.
| Overall | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium | Versatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| iROCKER All Around Ultra 2.0 | ROC Scout | Atoll Board Co. | Bluefin Carbon Cruise | ISLE Switch |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Inflatable vs Solid Paddle Board
Old-schoolers may not be on board with iSUPs (inflatable stand-up paddle boards), but iSUP boards have come a long way in the last decade. Are inflatable paddle boards good? Yes, for sure.
The best inflatable SUPs consist of extremely durable, military-grade vinyl that can withstand a beating. However, these days, many inflatable boards rival cheaper solid material boards in their durability and rigidity. And, of course, there’s the issue of board transportation and storage — you can’t beat inflatables if your space is limited.
Finding The Best Inflatable Paddle Board For You
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to paddle boards (inflatable or solid). However, some basic factors can help you find a better fit for your SUP needs. Below is a cursory explanation of what to consider. But keep in mind that each board’s construction and capabilities also factor into what you can handle or not, and I’ve included these in my reviews.
Board Length
In general, shorter people can handle a shorter-length board (10-11 feet), while riders over 6 feet tall will likely need a longer board (over 11 feet long). For example, I’m 5’4″ and find a shorter board much easier for balance and maneuvering. Here’s a quick guide for board length.
- Shortboards (under 10 feet) are good for kids and surfing.
- Medium boards (10 to 12 feet) are excellent all-around boards for recreational and limited touring capabilities.
- Longboards (over 12 feet) are best for more experienced users who are looking for long-distance touring and speed.
Board Width
If you’re new to paddle boarding, a wider board can help with balance. You’ll want to look for boards with a width of at least 32 inches. In general, shorter and wider boards have better balance for beginners, but they don’t have the speed that more narrow and longer boards give you.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is a factor if you’re heavier than 200 pounds or if you want to bring another adult, child, or dog aboard. Many of the best iSUPs have weight limits of 250-plus pounds. But keep these capacities in mind when considering what you’re using your board for. We’ve listed these limits in our reviews.
Portability
The huge bonus of inflatable paddle boards is their portability compared to solid boards. However, there’s still a wide variety of iSUPs in terms of weight, carrying bags, ease of inflating and deflating, etc. Inflatable paddle boards can range in weight from 17 to over 30 pounds, so this may be something you need to consider. Again, we’ve listed these in our reviews to help you.
Accessories Included
Many iSUPs come with bundled accessories, such as paddles, backpacks, pumps, fins, and more. These bundled packages make many of your options even more appealing, especially if you’re a beginner. However, the quality of these inclusions differs by brand. Pay attention to what’s included, particularly with more pricey options.
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards
There are thousands of inflatable SUPs on the market — a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. But how do you weed through them all, especially if you’re a novice? That’s where we come in. We’ve researched the most popular and highly rated boards to give you our top picks.
Best Inflatable SUP Overall: iRocker All Around Ultra 2.0 Review
There’s no single inflatable SUP that’s the ideal fit for everyone. That’s why we’ve picked a brand series in our best overall category. We award this to the iROCKER All Around Ultra 2.0. A popular and well-respected brand among enthusiasts, iROCKER makes some of the best ISUPs on the market.
The All Around Ultra 2.0 comes in a 10-foot board (for smaller riders) and an 11-foot board (for larger riders). Both are excellent picks for beginners and intermediate-level enthusiasts. These exceptionally constructed boards are fantastic for recreational paddling and light touring. They’re very stiff, lightweight, easy to maneuver, and have good speed for their design.
These boards have plenty of D-rings and action mounts for installing a kayak seat, cup holder, fishing rod holder, and other accessories to spruce up your experience. Also, the All Around Ultra 2.0 comes with a great bundle of features, including an electric pump, making this board a fantastic value.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent performance and stability for ocean surf, rivers, and lakes | Deck pad could be longer toward the back to support a child or pet |
| Fantastic glide and speed | Fins are a bit long for paddling in shallow water |
| Compact and lightweight for easy portability | |
| Features bungee lacing on front and back and multiple D-rings and action mounts | |
| High-quality accessories, including an electric pump | |
| 45-day return guarantee (no restocking fee) | |
| 3-year warranty |
Pricing & Tech Specs
The following are for the All Around 10′ Ultra model.
- 10′ model: $699.99
- 11′ model: $799.99
- Includes: compact backpack, 12V electric pump, adjustable 5-piece paddle, coil leash, and 2 x 9″/22cm tethered flip-lock fins
- Length: 10′ & 11′
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Board Weight: 19.8 lbs & 21.4 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 260 lbs & 290 lbs
- Material: Dual layer fusion PVC and cross-threaded drop stitch construction
Best Budget Inflatable Paddle Board: ROC 10′ Scout Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board Review
It’s hard to beat this ROC board for its reasonable price and high quality. This Amazon-top-rated paddle board is amazingly versatile, handling flat water and light surf well. It’s a sturdy, durable board for youth and adults alike — and with a weight limit of 350 pounds, you can even take your child for a ride. It’s great for beginners due to its wide design for optimal balance.
It has a dual-layer non-slip deck pad and secure bungee tie-downs for towels and other items. And the SUP paddle easily converts to a kayak paddle. You have the option of purchasing this board with an attachable kayak set as well. Users rave about the portability — the included spacious carrying bag fits everything you need and has cushioned shoulder and waist straps.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Handles freshwater lakes and oceans | Board may not be long enough for tall people |
| Military-grade PVC lightweight material that is UV resistant | Not ideal if you’re looking for speed while touring |
| Side fins for increased stability and removable main fin | |
| Powerful dual action manual pump inflates in about 5-10 minutes | |
| Fitted with 4 D-rings | |
| Bundled with backpack, pump, paddle, etc. | |
| 2-year warranty |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $199.99
- Accessories included: backpack, dual action pump, safety leash, collapsible paddle, kayak paddle attachment, and more
- Length: 10′
- Width: 33″
- Thickness: 6″
- Board Weight: 17.6 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Material: PVC
Best Mid-Range Inflatable SUP: Atoll 11′ Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board Review
The Atoll 11′ Inflatable Paddle Board is another top-rated option that’s a fantastic value. It’s durable, steady, and fully functional for flat water and surf, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and pros. Constructed from MSL Fusion machine-laminated dual-layer PVC (the strongest and lightest iSUP material available), this iSUP is extremely durable and stable.
Some of its bonus features include a 10-foot comfortable leash strap and a heavy-duty carrying bag that fits all your accessories and has mesh sides to air-dry your board. It also has a universal fin box that fits most after-market fins if you want to switch up your ride (it comes with a removable 8-inch composite fin).
Unless you’re short in stature, don’t let the length of this paddle board deter you — it’s made with new ultra-light dual-layer PVC coming in at only 19 pounds. Although the Atoll also comes in a 9-foot length, many shorter users said the 11-foot board is easy to maneuver. While it’s recommended for users up to 315 pounds, it’s been water tested at over 500 lbs with multiple riders.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive pricing for high-quality board | May be too long for shorter or lighter-weight riders |
| Handles flat water and surf well | Included paddle is a bit heavy |
| Tri-fin with removable 8″ center fin | |
| Fitted with 15 D-rings | |
| Bundled with many features | |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | |
| 2-year warranty | |
| Users rave about their customer service |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $427.99
- Accessories included: backpack, dual-action manual pump, carbon-wrapped fiberglass paddle with nylon blade, and repair kit
- Length: 11′ (also available in 9′)
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Board Weight: 19 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 315 lbs
- Material: MSL fusion machine-laminated dual-layer PVC and warp knit drop stitch technology
Best Premium Inflatable SUP: Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10′ 8″ SUP Board Review
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon is one of the stiffest inflatable paddle boards on the market at this price point, thanks to its heavy-duty construction. The 10′ 8″ board is fantastic for beginners and experienced boarders — it’s easy to maneuver and provides a straight, smooth glide on the water. Its nose is narrower than many boards, which helps cut through waves to provide more stability.
Ample bungee lacing on the front and back deck lets you bring along plenty of belongings, and this board even has a child handle on the nose. While this board is on the heavy side, it comes with a wheeled backpack to help with portability.
Bluefin also offers a 12′ Cruise Carbon SUP that’s a great option for tall riders or those looking for more speed. The 12′ also comes with a kayak conversion kit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent stability for lakes, rivers, and the ocean | On the heavy side |
| Customizable fin setup | Difficult to inflate with the included pump (we recommend getting an electric pump) |
| Deck pad has great traction | Some complaints about poor customer service |
| Lightweight carbon fiber shaft paddle | |
| Wheeled backpack included | |
| Loaded with accessories | |
| 60-day returns (no restocking fee) | |
| 5-year warranty | |
| Company plants a tree with every purchase |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $899.00
- Accessories included: paddle, backpack, triple-action manual pump, 1 large center fin, 2 small smart lock side fins, ankle leash, repair kit, and waterproof phone case
- Length: 10’8″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Board Weight: 31.6 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 331 lbs
- Material: Dual chamber FRS board with ESL fused PVC, dense drop-stitching, and carbon-strengthened side rails
Best ISUP For Versatility: ISLE Switch Inflatable Hybrid Kayak-Stand Up Paddle Board Review
The 11’6″ ISLE Switch is one of the most versatile paddle boards on the market. Not only does it convert to a kayak, but due to its design, you can use it for fishing, yoga, and bringing kids along for a ride. It’s also a decent touring paddle board. Despite its length, it’s an extremely stable board that’s great for beginners — and it’s incredibly lightweight for its size.
The entire board is covered with a soft and grippy traction pad — a huge bonus for pets, kids, yoga, and just lounging around. Another major plus, a patent-pending link connect system runs the entire length of both rails.
You use this system to install the included kayak seat and footrest anywhere you want it. You can even fit two seats on the deck. As a kayak, it can handle mild rapids but isn’t stable enough for anything above Class II. Users love this hybrid, and many have purchased a second one, which you can connect together for a fun whole family ride.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely versatile paddleboard kayak hybrid | Paddle is on the heavy side |
| Very stable with wide width | Inflating takes a long time with the included hand pump (consider getting an electric pump) |
| Easy to set up and convert to a kayak setup (including a kayak paddle converter) | |
| Surprisingly lightweight | |
| Tandem system allows you to connect to other boards | |
| EVA deck pad covers the entire board surface | |
| 60-day returns (20% restocking fee) | |
| 2-year warranty |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $199.99
- Accessories included: backpack, hand pump, paddle, coil leash, kayak seat, and foot brace
- Length: 11’6″
- Width: 35.5″
- Thickness: 6″
- Board Weight: 19 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 425 lbs
- Material: Air-Tech Fusion Lite™ PVC technology
Pricing & Size Comparison Table
All of the paddle boards we review in this article have a 6-inch thickness. They also come bundled with all the basic accessories you’ll need.
| Best Inflatable SUPs | Cost | Length | Width | Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iROCKER All Around 10′ Ultra 2.0 | $699.99 | 10′ | 32″ | 19.8 lbs | 260 lbs |
| iROCKER All Around 11′ Ultra 2.0 | $799.99 | 11′ | 32″ | 21.4 lbs | 290 lbs |
| ROC Scout | $199.99 | 10′ | 33″ | 17.6 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Atoll | $427.99 | 11′ | 32″ | 19 lbs | 315 lbs |
| Bluefin Cruise Carbon | $899.00 | 10’8″ | 32″ | 31.6 lbs | 331 lbs |
| ISLE Switch | $199.99 | 11’6″ | 35.5″ | 19 lbs | 425 lbs |
| BOTE WULF Aero | Check Amazon for availability | 10’4″ | 33″ | 20 lbs | 250 lbs |
| FunWater Tiki | $239.95 | 10’6″ | 33″ | 17.6 lbs | 330 lbs |
| GILI Meno | $620.00 | 11’6″ | 35″ | 24 lbs | 485 lbs |
What About Bote, GILI & FunWater?
With so many inflatable SUPs on the market, we have even more for you to consider. All of these are also strong contenders.
BOTE WULF Aero 10′4″ Inflatable Paddle Board Review
While we love the Atoll as the best mid-range paddle board, the size options (9′ or 11′) may not be ideal for you. This model by BOTE, which falls in the same price range, is a superb alternative for shorter or lighter riders. BOTE has been a popular paddle board manufacturer for many years, and their boards get excellent reviews from users.
Keep in mind that this is an entry-level, well-constructed board geared for beginners who don’t want to go with a cheap model. It lacks some built-in board features like D-rings and action points, but if you’re looking for a reliable, sturdy board for recreational use, the BOTE WULF is a major contender at this price point.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for beginners for ocean and freshwater use | On the slow side |
| Very stable and easy to maneuver | Some users say it’s difficult to inflate with the included hand pump |
| BVA foam deck pad is lighter than traditional deck pads | Lacks D-rings and action points |
| Spacious front bungee cargo area and 2 grab handles | |
| 30-day returns (20% restocking fee) | |
| 2-year warranty |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- Check Amazon for availability
- Accessories included: backpack, paddle, manual hand pump, 10″ removable center fin, coil leash,
- Length: 10’4″
- Width: 33″
- Thickness: 6″
- Board Weight: 20 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Material: Dual-layer fusion PVC
FunWater Tiki Inflatable Ultra-Light Review
The FunWater ISPU is a major budget buy for beginners. While we don’t rank it quite as high as the Roc ISUP, it’s certainly worth considering for one of the most affordable boards on the market. While you’re not going to get the same level of stability that more expensive boards provide, the FunWater is still a solid choice for recreational paddleboarding.
While this is an Amazon bestseller, be aware that I found many complaints about the fins being defective. Users say they don’t snap in place/don’t fit and the clips to hold them in break easily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Handles freshwater lakes and light surf | |
| Wide design helps with balance | Several complaints that the fins are hard to lock in place or don’t stay in |
| Lightweight for easy portability | Some say the included pump gauge doesn’t work |
| Non-slip deck pad | |
| Loaded with accessories | |
| Comes in over 10 cool designs | |
| 30-day return guarantee (no restocking fee) | |
| 3-year warranty |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $239.95
- Accessories included: carrying bag, hand pump, aluminum alloy paddle, 3 removable fins, ankle leash, waterproof phone bag
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 33″
- Thickness: 6″
- Board Weight: 17.6 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
- Material: Multi-layer PVC
GILI Meno 11’6″ Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board Review
The GILI Meno combines a wide width (35 inches) and large weight capacity (485 pounds) with fantastic stability and maneuverability, making it one of the best iSUPs for families or for those who want to carry a lot of gear. You might think such a large board would weigh a ton, but the lightweight yet highly durable construction weighs in at only 24 pounds.
This 11’6″ board is also loaded with convenient features for a family fun day on the water. It has two large bungee cargo areas, plenty of action and Scotty mounts, and removable front and rear bungee side handles for an extra place for kids to hang onto. The GILI Meno also comes in a 10’6″ length if you’re intimidated by the longer option. Both are an excellent value, particularly with all the included accessories.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely stable and roomy | Tracking straight is a bit more difficult due to its large size |
| Lightweight carbon fiber paddle | Not for those who want speed |
| Features bungee lacing on front and back, 3 action mounts, and 3 Scotty mounting plates | |
| Users say it’s easy to inflate and deflate | |
| Bundled with lots of accessories, including a wheeled backpack | |
| 60- day returns (20% restocking fee) | |
| 2-year warranty | |
| Charitable contributions to help save our oceans, coral reefs, and endangered sea creatures |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $620.00
- Accessories included: backpack, 3-piece paddle, hand pump, ankle leash, 5-piece fin kit, and repair kit
- Length: 11’6″
- Width: 35″
- Thickness: 6″
- Board Weight: 24 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 485 lbs
- Material: Triple-layer fusion PVC and carbon rail technology
Our Personal Experience With Inflatable Paddle Boards
My experience with inflatable paddle boards is that they are a lot more challenging to balance on than a traditional paddle board. That being said, the inflatable boards I have used were on the less expensive side. I imagine if you buy a high-quality one, it will be more stable. And of course, if you love a balancing challenge, these are for you! On the pro side, they are way easier to carry around and transport in your car. Solid boards weigh a ton, and on a windy day, you’ll need extra muscles to carry the board.
– Alex Schenker, Water Sports Enthusiast & Safe Smart Living Editor
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we see most often from our readers. Hit us up in our comments if you don’t see yours here.
Can I Leave My Paddle Board Inflated?
Yes, you can leave your paddle board inflated for a long time as long as you take a few precautions. First, make sure you rinse it off with a hose. This is a good idea after every use because saltwater can damage the materials, and algae from freshwater can create mold. Keep it out of sunlight and, ideally, store it in a cool, dry place.
If you store it somewhere warm, it’s important to let out some air. Air pressure expands in heat, and this may cause damage to your board.
How Do I Store My Uninflated Paddle Board?
These tips can help preserve the life of your inflatable SUP.
- Rinse it off with a hose and let it dry thoroughly before storing.
- Roll it up rather than fold it.
- Store it in the backpack or bag that it came with.
- The ideal temperature range for storage is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Paddle Board?
Yes! With a high-quality ISUP that has strong and slip-proof reinforced deck padding, dogs can enjoy riding with you (as long as the weight capacity allows it). Many pup owners take their dogs along for the fun ride. If you get a cheap inflatable SUP, the material could get punctured by your pup’s claws.
Is Paddle Boarding Considered A Sport?
If you’ve been paddle boarding before, you know it’s a great all-body workout. But it’s not just a recreational hobby. Paddle boarding continues to gain traction in the sporting world, from racing to surfing, and is now considered a professional sport. Regardless of how you plan to use a paddle board, it’s a versatile piece of equipment that’s a ton of fun.
What Are The Golden Rules Of Paddle Boarding?
Check out this video for some awesome tips if you’re just taking up paddle boarding or want to fine-tune your form.
Don’t Forget Your Accessories
Many of the paddle boards we recommend here make it easy to bring along towels, drink containers, fishing gear, a cooler, and much more for a whole day adventure. You may even want to check out our reviews of the best on-the-go water filtration systems so you have clean drinking water on your freshwater outings.
Why Trust Safe Smart Living?
Many on our team enjoy paddle boarding, and we’ve tested out many models (inflatable and traditional). Sally and her team at Safe Smart Living have well over a decade of experience thoroughly researching and writing about the safest and most trustworthy products you can find on the market for a variety of needs.
Do you have an inflatable paddle board you’d recommend? Let us know in our comments.
