An inflatable stand up board (or inflatable SUP board) can provide a fun way to navigate the ocean and even surf some big waves. Whether you’re looking for a beginner’s option or something more advanced, there’s a perfect match for you.
There are variety of features and styles to suit your needs, including ways to match your skill level.
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards 2020
We’ve reviewed the best inflatable paddle boards (also called iSUP boards or blow-up paddle boards).
| PathFinder Inflatable SUP | PEAK Inflatable SUP | Atoll Inflatable SUP | |
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| BUDGET OPTION | EDITOR’S PICK | BEST OF BEST | |
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| CONs |
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| PRICE |  |
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| BOTTOM LINE | affordable and reliable | ultimate combination of quality and price | utmost quality |
| GO TO STORE | GO TO STORE | GO TO STORE |
BUDGET OPTION PathFinder Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddleboard
This blow up SUP board is the perfect balance of quality and affordability. Its reliable durability will keep you confident while exploring the ocean. We also recommend its portability, along with the convenient air pump for fast inflation.
The aluminum paddle ensures you stay lightweight during adventures. A D-ring attachment and bungee helps maximize functionality.
A nifty carry bag with shoulder straps add a nice touch, keeping you ready for a day out with all the essentials.
Features:
- Measurements: 9’9″, 5″ thick
- Material: PVC
- Multi-layer drop stitch.
- Large deck pad with D-ring to attach leash
- Durable
- Affordable
- Functional
- Lacks some stability
- Poor customer service
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a quick, affordable option with great reliability for the price, then this is the SUP board for you.
EDITOR’S PICK PEAK Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
This is the go-to SUP board if you’re looking for something a bit more expensive but with tons of value.
Design is everything with this product: from the all-around iSUP to its 300lb rider capacity, it will be the foundation you rely on while wading waters.
This thing has also got a convenient accessory bundle, which includes a backpack, high-power pump, coil leash, and a paddle. A 30-day guarantee will help you buy confidently knowing you can test it out first.
Features:
- Unique design
- Measurements: 10’6” x 31” x 6”
- Carries riders up to 300 lbs
- Rigid and stable
- Accessories Bundle
- Durable
- Functional
- Professional
- Unstable
- Some leakage
Bottom Line
This SUP board is the ultimate combination of quality and price, providing beginners with a great introduction and advanced users with extended value.
BEST OF BEST Atoll Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
This is the ultimate SUP board technology. Precision, design, and elegance combined to create the peak experience.
At 11 feet tall, it’s a big board to tackle, but it’s ultra-light construction and dual layer PVC makes it surprisingly easy to control.
It also includes a tri-fin, creating more efficient tracking. Add to this a convenient, sleek backpack made of nylon, and it’s got everything you need to get out there and conquer the waves.
Features:
- Ultra-light construction
- 30% lighter than similar models
- Extremely light paddle
- Measurements: 11 feet long, 32 inches wide, 6 inches thick
- Convenient packaging
- Ergonomic pump
- Very stable
- Sturdy, light-weight handle
- Leaky valve
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the utmost quality without regard for the price, then this is the SUP board for you.
Worthy Alternatives
Below you’ll find a few tips on what other products are worth considering.
HydroForce White Cap Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard SUP and Kayak
This product is actually one of the cheapest on the market, though it also doubles as kayak.
Inflatable SUP Board Buying Guide
Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Buying Guide
There is much to consider when purchasing an inflatable SUP board.
Some key factors include:
Personal Skill Level
A blow up SUP board can be fun, but also challenging. Your personal skill level should play a role in your shopping decision. If you’re completely new to the sport, it might be best to start off with something a bit less expensive as an introductory experience.
Accessories
Every sup board listed here has a variety of accessories. These are essential for functionality and convenience. Always explore the accessories, including carry packs, paddles, and attachments.
Weight Limit
This can be often overlooked by those unfamiliar with surfboards or even SUP boards. Water weight dynamics greatly affect stability and whether or not the board can stay afloat. Weight limits are usually stated on product descriptions, so always take this into account when researching. Some SUP boards can hold up to 300lbs (or more) in weight, so there are options for many body types.
Paddle Dynamics
The quality of the paddle is essential to having a good inflatable SUP board experience. In most cases, the top priority is minimizing weight. This usually means using aluminum paddles, though other materials offer unique benefits. Other models provide the added convenience of being detached (such as a 3-piece paddle).
Surface-Attachments
The top surface of most SUP boards come with a variety of attachments and features.
Here are some of the most common and useful types to look out for, as well as the key benefits associated with each:
Bungee Storage
The addition of bungee cables along the top of a SUP board provide a great place to store your personal gear. Whether it’s a GoPro camera, a bottle of water, or anything else, this feature is essential for many pros. There are a variety of reasons people use these great products, and not all include sports or fitness. Photographers may use it as a means of getting close up with nature, which means the bungee storage is critical for storing there professional photography equipment.
Grip Surfaces
The quality of the board surface usually comes down to two factors: material and design. Some models use a “diamond traction” design that offers a good balance of ridges to create friction between the board and your feet.
Nose Handles
These simple add-ons make transportation of your inflatable paddle board much easier—especially when traveling across land. A “nose handle” gives you a simple yet convenient grip that can mean the difference between a good day and a headache.
Hobby And Challenge
These boards have become increasingly popular in recent years, which may play a factor in why you’re interested in buying your own. Although they are a great way to get outdoors and have a good time, the sport is also very challenging.
There is a natural learning curve, which is something you should consider. Although not as difficult as some other popular sports, it’s still a unique challenge.
Some of the most common skills required to successfully adopt the sport include balance, hand-eye coordination, and good general fitness.
Experience swimming is also essential to avoid any dangerous situations involving drowning or panic attacks.
You can learn much more about the basics of what it takes to use an inflatable paddle board effectively—including the simple challenge of standing up on one—in this popular tutorial video:
