The 5 Best Inflatable SUP’s

Stand up paddle boarding is an increasingly popular way to enjoy time out on the water … and for good reason.

Stand up paddle boards (also known as SUPs) are an extremely versatile piece of water sports equipment that can provide hours upon hours of fun in the sun. If you want to take your fishing gear out on the lake, load up your paddle board. If you want to tour a river, grab a paddle board. If you want to go for a casual ride in the ocean and bring along a furry friend, young child, or grown adult, paddle boarding is the way to go.

The possibilities with a paddle board are rather endless. You can surf with a paddle board. You can participate in a competitive race with a paddle board. You can even join a paddle board yoga class to practice all your best yoga moves in the middle of a body of water. From a lake or ocean to a river or bay, you can take a paddle board pretty much anywhere you can find water.

But paddle boards come in all shapes, sizes, widths, thicknesses, lengths, and styles, so buying a paddle board can easily end up as an overwhelming endeavor. For example, a professional paddler competing in a race will most likely prefer a rigid SUP compared to an inflatable SUP that is designed for recreational use.

The type of activity you plan to do with your paddle board must align with the type of paddle board you plan to purchase. For a relaxed, leisure day out on the water, check out this list of five of the best inflatable SUP boards.

Features of the Best Inflatable SUP Boards

What you want in a SUP might differ from what a friend or family member is looking for in a board, and that’s alright. The best inflatable SUP is a board that accommodates your specific needs.
When choosing an inflatable SUP board, consider the following features:

• Material and Construction: Look for high-quality materials like military-grade PVC or drop-stitch technology. Drop-stitch construction involves thousands of threads connecting the top and bottom layers, creating a rigid structure when inflated. This ensures the board is durable and can handle various conditions.
• Stability and Balance: A good inflatable SUP board should provide excellent stability, making it easier for beginners to stand up and paddle without feeling too wobbly. A wider and thicker board typically offers better stability.
• Portability and Storage: The primary advantage of inflatable SUPs is their portability. The best ones come with a backpack-style carrying bag that allows you to roll up the deflated board and transport it easily. Additionally, they should be lightweight to carry comfortably.
• Inflation and Deflation Time: Look for boards that can be inflated quickly and easily. Most quality inflatable SUPs come with a high-pressure pump that makes inflation faster. Quick deflation also aids in packing up the board after use.
• Rigidity: Though inflatable, a good SUP board should still be rigid when properly inflated. This rigidity ensures better performance and responsiveness on the water.
• Weight Capacity: Check the weight capacity of the board to ensure it can support your weight and any additional gear you may want to carry with you.
• Non-Slip Deck Pad: A high-quality, grippy deck pad provides better traction and helps you maintain balance while paddling.
• Fins: Most inflatable SUPs have removable fins. Ensure they are easy to install and stay securely in place during use.
• Versatility: Some inflatable SUP boards are designed for all-around use, while others are more specialized for activities like touring, yoga, surfing, or racing. Choose one that suits your intended activity.

Remember that the best inflatable SUP for you will depend on your specific needs, skill level, and the type of paddling you intend to do. Always prioritize safety, quality, and user experience when making your choice.

#1 – Skatinger 11’6×35″ Super Wide Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Let’s say lots of space is your top priority, then you need the Skatinger 11’6×35″ Super Wide Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. When it comes to the surface area of a paddle board, every inch matters if you want to bring along extra people, pets, or gear. This board has a wide deck and wide nose, making it ideal for extra heavy loads. In fact, the Skatinger Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board can carry up to 430 pounds!

#2 – SereneLife Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

If you plan to travel to numerous locations with your inflatable SUP, then the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is cut out for the job. This board can tolerate both freshwater and saltwater, due to its water-resistance, corrosion-resistance, all-weather construction. Built with military grade, dual-layer, DWF drop-stitch material, the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a board that can withstand hours of wear and tear. Plus, it is treated with an anti-UV coating.

#3 – Highpi Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board 11’x33”x6”W

You will experience your fair share of falls when paddle boarding, and unfortunately, you might learn the hard way that some boards cushion a fall better than others. The Highpi Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board 11’x33”x6”W is made with a soft, anti-slip EVA deck pad that helps to lessen the blow of a hard hit. Not to mention, a comfortable deck pad makes long distance paddle boarding adventures easier on the feet, knees, and hips. Furthermore, all HIGHPI boards go through a rigorous certification process to pass SGS, CE, and ISO quality certification standards.

#4 – FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light (17.6lbs) SUP

SUPs can be heavy to transport from place to place, but the FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light SUP only weighs 17.6 pounds. That overall weight beats out other comparable boards by a pound or two! This SUP is even equipped with a shoulder strap, multifunctional base, and four D-rings located along the side, which means you can hook in a kayak seat or connect a camera to the FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light SUP.

#5 – Roc Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

The Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is an all-around board designed with fitness, family, and fun in mind. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, the Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board has a detachable main fin that allows this board to progress with its paddler. As you expand your skills and no longer need the assistance of a fin, you can remove the fin to create a new riding experience.

Comparing the Best Inflatable SUP Boards

To find the best inflatable SUP that will meet your particular needs, you need to look at the various features and different components of the boards you are researching. Compare characteristics such as the:

• Size
• Shape
• Materials
• Weight
• Fins

Then once you have purchased the best board for you, check out the WakeScout Directory – a directory with listings all around the globe to connect you with a worldwide water sports community.