Best Inflatable Paddle Boards

Standup paddleboarding is used as a laid-back substitute for surfing, as well as for touring, fishing, and even yoga! As long as you stay within the weight limit for the paddle board, it should give you a stable ride. And, there are clear advantages of choosing an inflatable paddle board over a hard paddle board:

• Storage: An inflatable paddle board is a lot easier to store away, since you can just deflate it, roll it up, and pack it away.

• Transport: It’s also easier to transport an inflatable paddle board. While hard paddle boards can only be transported on top of your vehicle, or in luggage if you have enough space, you can carry an inflatable paddle board in a 100-liter size backpack.

• Durability: Inflatable paddle boards are made from tough PVC. You might be surprised to know that they’re actually more durable in the face of abuse than the solid paddle boards. Some can even be driven over concrete, or bounce off rocks! (Hard paddle boards made from fiberglass will tend to chip when encountering rocks.)

But, there are other factors that you should consider before making a decision. Different models have different weight limits, and maybe you’ll want to go with someone else, as well as a pet. Also, you may be concerned about the weight of the paddle board itself--ideally, you should be able to carry it along with you in a backpack. And they also differ in the storage ideas, with some having a bag for your essentials, or a bungee cord.

• Choose the right type of inflatable paddle board for your needs,

• See useful tips about that particular type of inflatable paddle board,

• Read reviews of different inflatable paddle boards, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of inflatable paddle board, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

We can distinguish between different paddle boards by their dimensions, which dictate what they would be best suited for:

• All-around boards are good for a variety of uses, and measure from 32-35 inches wide and 4-6 inches thick.

• Touring boards are for calm, flat water. They are more narrow, ranging from 28-34”, and up to 14’ in length.

• Racing boards are for speed, and are even more narrow, at 27” wide. It should be noted that solid paddle boards are typically 5% faster than inflatable models.

• Surfing boards are shorter, to be able to maneuver on waves and turbulent water.

• Durability: As mentioned before, an inflatable paddle board will bounce off rocks and other objects without getting any serious damage. But, that doesn’t mean that they’re indestructible. You’ll have to be careful from any fire or sparks which might burn a hole in the PVC. Also, a knife or other sharp object can puncture the paddle board as well.

• Floating paddle: The paddle is usually made of two or three pieces that you put together. It’s best if the brand that you buy has a paddle that floats. That way, you can retrieve it easily if you drop it into the water. Some brands have a paddle that floats only when assembled--the individual parts might sink. People prefer a floating paddle, since there is less risk of losing it in the water.

• Weight capacity and length: You’ll see that inflatable paddle boards will allow you a certain weight capacity, depending on the paddle board’s length. Below that limit, you should still be able to paddle in a stable position. The Isle Explorer has a 300-pound capacity in their 11’ model, which the Tower Xplorer 14’ Stand Up Paddle Board can hold up to 800 pounds.

• Safety leash: It is important to wear a safety leash when riding a paddle board. They can attach to your waist, calf, or ankle. The board can be used as a flotation device, to keep you from sinking in turbulent water. Attaching the leash to your ankle is only recommended in still water. If you’re on a river or moving water, just attaching the leash to your ankle can cause tangling and actually be more dangerous. You should prefer attaching the leash to your waist when in turbulent water.

• Bungee: A bungee will allow you to carry things on your paddle board. Paddle boards will have D-rings attached to them. You thread the bungee cord through the D-rings in a criss-cross pattern, much like tying your shoelaces. This will form a tight mesh pocket.

Tying a 4-point bungee cord

• Yoga: Inflatable paddle boards are suitable even for performing yoga, such as a headstand, or reclining on your arms or knees. The stability of these paddle boards is usually good, as long as you are within the weight limit.

• The Isle Explorer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is 6 inches thick when fully inflated. It is made from military-grade PVC, and can support up to 300 pounds of weight. It has a 4-point expandable bungee system and has compartments to help you carry basic necessities while paddling. It includes a 3-piece aluminum paddle with an adjustable carbon shaft and nylon blade, a carry backpack, a high-pressure pump, and travel fin. It’s suitable for touring and fishing as well.

Isle Explorer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

• The ROC Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board measures 10’ long, 33” wide, and 6” thick, and has a weight limit of 350 lbs. It has a coil safety leash, which is considered superior to a straight leash. It comes with a hand pump to inflate it. Inflating it with an electric pump takes from 8-10 minutes, and deflating it usually takes no more than 5 minutes.

ROC Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

• The SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is 10.5’ in length and 32” wide. It has several fins that attach to the bottom, which increase maneuverability. It has a coiled ankle cuff leash, a 3-piece paddle, and a manual pump. Once inflated, it can remain at 15 psi for days!

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

• The Bluefin Cruise SUP Package Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board is 12 feet in length, and uses extra-thick 1000 denier PVC which can withstand an air pressure of 28 psi. There is an option to convert the paddle board into a kayak. Its polyurethane paddle can float, which is an important plus. There is even a GoPro mount on the nose of the paddle board, to allow you to film yourself!

Bluefin Cruise SUP Package Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board

• The Tower Xplorer Inflatable 14’ Stand Up Paddle Board is one of the largest that we reviewed, at 14’ long, 32” wide, 8” thick, and a weight capacity of 800 lbs. It’s ideal as a racing or touring paddle board.

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Tower Xplorer Inflatable 14’ Stand Up Paddle Board