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The 10 Best Inflatable Paddle Board Reviews – Blow Up SUPs For 2023

Best Inflatable Paddle

Stand up paddleboarding is a super fun water sport that improves your core strength and balance. Inflatable SUP boards are a great choice because they are much more convenient to store and transport than solid SUPs. But how do you go about choosing a paddle board from the huge variety available?

Whether you want a good all-round paddleboard for summer holidays with the family, or something more specific for doing yoga or adventuring, we have found the best inflatable paddle board for you. Don’t waste your money on an inferior paddle board when the perfect one for your needs is out there. Read on to find out our picks for the 10 best inflatable SUP boards on the market today.

Table of Contents

Best Inflatable Paddle Board Comparison Table

#1 Editor’s Choice

Atoll iSUP Package
Read Full Review

#2 Editor’s Choice

Gili Sports 11 Ft / 12 Ft Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package
Read Full Review

Blackfin Model X
Read Full Review

iRocker All Around
Read Full Review

Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 All-around SUP
Read Full Review

Bluefin Cruise Carbon SUP Package
Read Full Review

Thurso Surf Expedition Touring SUP
Read Full Review

iRocker Cruiser
Read Full Review

Funwater Inflatable Paddle Board SUP Cruise
Read Full Review

NIXY Newport Paddle Board All Around Inflatable SUP
Read Full Review

1. Atoll iSUP Package

Atoll Inflatable Paddle Board Package

Editor’s Choice #1: The Atoll 11 inch iSUP is a high quality and durable board that is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Merging a remarkable combination of stability, maneuverability and speed for unrivaled performance, this is one of the best inflatable paddle boards in the business. Optimized for travel and adventure, this SUP will give you years of fun.

Strong And Durable

Of all the paddle board models we reviewed, this one seems to be the best all round. The Atoll 11 inch iSUP is incredibly strong and durable, making it just as suitable for paddling up the rapids as on a calm lake. It is made of laminated double-layer PVC, with Korean drop-stitch technology that makes this board able to withstand pretty much anything. Paddlers up to 400 pounds (180kg) can ride this board easily, and it can even potentially hold multiple riders above that weight.

Maneuverable Yet Stable

At 21 pounds (9.5kg), the Atoll 11 inch iSUP is incredibly lightweight, making it maneuverable and easy to paddle. This is all the more impressive for the fact that the board is long and fairly wide, at 11 feet 32” ( 335x81cm), and 6 inches thick (15cm). In SUP boards, maneuverability is often a trade-off for stability, but the Atoll 11 inch iSUP achieves both. The board glides through the water with little drag, and the tapered nose gives it good speed and fantastic performance all round. This board is great  for beginners, and more experienced paddlers too. The deck space also means you can fit lots of gear on the board, making it perfect for all-day adventures.

Perfect For Travel

If you are going to be traveling, of all the boards on this list, the Atoll is the perfect choice. We have already mentioned how lightweight it is, and it also comes in a heavy duty travel backpack that is enhanced with military grade stitching. In addition to the backpack, the paddleboard also comes with a carbon fiberglass paddle with a nylon blade. The carbon fiberglass paddle is lightweight, and the blade glides through the water with ease. Perfect for travel, adventure or family use, this SUP board is the total package.

Pros

Cons

2. Gili Sports 11 Ft / 12 Ft Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package

Gili Sports Adventure Inflatable Paddle Board

Editor’s choice #2: With enhanced strength and durability, the Gili Sports Adventure iSUP is perfect for those who like a little adventure. It is lightweight, smooth and stable, and full of features that make it ideal for touring, including plenty of space for your gear: this SUP board works for almost any activity.

Optimized For Adventure

This paddleboard is perfect for the off-the-beaten track adventurer who wants an SUP board they can take anywhere. Like the Atoll, the Gili Sports Adventure iSUP is long and wide, and 6 inches thick (15cm). This makes for enhanced stability even in choppy water and space on the board for all your adventure gear. Also like the Atoll, this expedition iSUP has great glide and speed. It is more optimized for stability than maneuverability, but it is still pretty responsive for such a long board. Super lightweight at 21 lbs (9.5kg), you can take this inflatable SUP to any place.

Super Strong

The quality of this paddleboard rivals the Atoll 11 inch iSUP. It is made with fusion dual-layer military grade PVC with a drop stitch core, making it durable enough to withstand all conditions. Just like the Atoll, the blade is a three piece carbon fiber with a nylon blade, and is lightweight and glides beautifully. It is recommended for paddlers up to 290 lbs (130kg), and up to 320 lbs (145kg) for advanced riders, so it does not carry quite as much as the Atoll. However, it is one of the best inflatable paddle boards if you want to go adventuring.

Customizable

This paddleboard has a whopping 20 D-rings in total for attaching whatever gear you may need. In addition, the removable tri-fin setup means you can decide what fin setup suits you best. These are also durable and easy to insert. This is a board you can bring to any place and use for almost anything. Out of all the inflatable SUPs on this list, this one is probably best for adventuring and touring, though it is stable enough for yoga too. And the range of bright colors will make you stand out!

Pros

Cons

3. Blackfin Model X

Blackfin Model X Inflatable Paddle Board

High Strength And Durability

The Blackfin Model X is one of the best inflatable paddle boards in the business. Its triple layer composite military grade PVC construction and drop-stitch inner core makes it practically indestructible. It has added carbon rails for a super firm board. It is quite heavy at 27 lbs (12.2kg), but that is to be expected from such a strong and stable board. It also has the highest weight capacity of all the boards on this list of up to 450 lbs! This makes it ideal for larger paddlers, or anyone who wants to bring along kids or a lot of gear.

Optimized For Action

With this inflatable SUP, you will be able to bring along everything you need and more. It has 8 action mounts, two fishing rack mounts, fishing rod holders, side spear mounts, two bungee areas, and 20 D-rings. Along with the weight capacity and width at 35” (89cm), this means you won’t have to leave anything behind – bring your fishing gear, cooler box, speaker and more for a fantastic day out no matter where you are in the world.

Stable But Maneuverable

The Blackfin Model X is quite remarkable for its stability. However, the truly amazing thing is that it manages to be so stable while being highly maneuverable as well. It is easy to turn and take around obstacles, and holds up well in all kinds of conditions. If you want a faster, thinner board, this may not be the right choice. However, if you want a fantastic all round paddleboard that you can spend the whole day on and bring a friend, this is the perfect option.

Pros

Cons

4. iRocker All Around

iRocker All Around Inflatable Paddle Board

Stable And Versatile

For those looking for an all round paddle board that is stable but smooth, the iRocker All Around is a fantastic choice. With an impressive weight capacity of 435 lbs (200kg), this inflatable SUP board is perfect for larger paddlers or those who want to bring along a passenger. At 32 inches wide (81cm) and 6 inches thick (15cm), this board is highly stable, while still having great glide performance. You can use this board to hang out on or go on longer paddling adventures. You can even buy a kayak conversion kit if you want to switch up the stand up paddle boarding with some kayaking!

Perfect For Families

If you are looking for an inflatable SUP for the family, this may well be the best of all the boards on this list for you. The iRocker All Round features removable safety handles at the nose and tail of the board for kids to grip onto. With its stability, glide performance and decent maneuverability, it is great for kids and beginner paddlers to have a go. The triple PVC layer makes for a super durable board that can withstand all kinds of wear and tear from the kids.

A Comfortable Ride

Unlike the Cruiser, the iRocker All Around is meant to be an all round board and is not specifically for stationary activities like yoga and fishing. It is smooth, fairly speedy and easy to maneuver in flat waters. Nevertheless, because of the fantastic stability as well as the cushioning, you could use this board for fishing or yoga if you wanted. So if you want more versatility from your inflatable stand up paddleboard, this could be the one for you.

Pros

Cons

5. Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 All-around SUP

Thurso Surf Waterwalker Inflatable Paddle Board

Wide And Stable

The Thurso Surf Waterwalker is perfect for people who want a more stable SUP with ample deck space. At 11ftx32” (335x81cm) there is lots of space on board and you will have ample stability. Whether you want to bring along a child, a pet or lots of gear, do yoga or just hang out, this is the perfect inflatable SUP for you. It can even be used for surfing if you so desire.

Strong And Rigid

The Surf Waterwalker has a triple-layer PVC construction with carbon rails for added durability. This makes it one of the most durable SUPs on the market, as well as super rigid and firm, improving your sense of stability on the board. The paddle is light and strong due to its carbon fiber design, and its handles have a neoprene cover which makes them extra comfortable in your hand. This stand up paddle board also has excellent glide and tracking performance, with decent speed due to its smart design.

Great All-Round SUP

If you are looking for an all-round SUP that can be used for families, open water paddling, yoga, surfing or even touring, this is a great choice. The Thurso Surf Waterwalker also includes a customizable tri-fin set up, with fins that easily snap into place. This SUP features 15 D-rings and an additional two bungee areas, at the front and the back of the paddleboard. With a great air pump and kit bag, it is all these extra details and high-quality accessories that put this inflatable SUP a cut above the rest.

Pros

Cons

6. Bluefin Cruise Carbon SUP Package

Bluefin Cruise Carbon Inflatable Paddle Board

Flex Reduction System

The Flex Reduction System allows for enhanced stability on the Bluefin Cruise Carbon board. This refers to a carbon fiber composite rail of rovings woven in a diagonal twill pattern, creating impressive rigidity and minimal flex, one of the firmest boards on this list. The stiffness of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon also improves its glide performance. It is also highly responsive and easy to turn even in choppy water conditions.

Enhanced Durability

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12 is a high quality paddleboard. With a dual-layer military grade PVC construction, it also has a dual-chamber hull design which allows the board to be inflated to a very high PSI. This is referred to as “air duo inflation”, meaning that there is a main chamber which covers most of the board’s surface, and a central chamber right underneath the deck pad. The Bluefin Cruise Carbon rivals solid boards for rigidity. This is a fantastic all around board in terms of quality and performance, and comes in several different lengths for people of different sizes.

Great Accessories

If you like to kayak, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12 is a great option for you because you can choose to buy it with a kayak conversion kit. The board’s basic accessories are also high quality – an incredibly light carbon fiber paddle, plus a heavy duty backpack complete with wheels and a comfortable design. On top of that, the air pump is dual-chamber and triple-action, meaning you can inflate your paddleboard quickly and without much effort. Plus, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon package comes with a handy dry bag for your phone.

Pros

Cons

7. Thurso Surf Expedition Touring SUP

Thurso Surf Expedition Inflatable Paddle Board

Remarkable Speed And Responsiveness

You expect enhanced speed for a touring and expedition iSUP, and the Thurso Surf Expedition Touring SUP does not disappoint. It has great glide performance with hardly any drag, and the streamlined body allows you to pick up speed easily. This stand up paddleboard is also highly responsive, turning easily and swiftly. Beginners may find it tricky to balance while turning, but this board is actually impressively stable for a touring SUP. At 11 feet 6” long (350cm) and 30” wide (76cm), the deck provides ample space for children, pets or gear. It is long and fairly narrow as is expected from touring SUPs, but not so narrow that it sacrifices much stability.

Super Tough And Durable

Just like the Waterwalker described above, this board is enhanced for strength and durability. The triple-layer PVC construction ensures that this board is almost indestructible. However, this does make for quite a heavy board at 28 lbs (12.7kg) which means it is a bit of a pain to lug around. Thankfully, the storage bag is fitted with wheels.

Optimized For Expeditions

True to its name, the Thurso Surf Expedition Touring SUP is perfect for taking on long adventures. Featuring well-placed D-rings, you should be able to bring everything you need. Handles on the nose and center make it easy to carry when inflated, and there is also a bungee on the back of the board. A nice touch are the Velcro paddle holders on the side of the SUP, ensuring you never lose a paddle! Like the Waterwalker, this board features a customizable tri-fin setup. If you are looking for a touring SUP, this is a fantastic choice.

Pros

Cons

8. iRocker Cruiser

iRocker Cruiser Inflatable Paddle Board

Super Stable

The iRocker Cruiser is perfect for beginner paddlers as well people looking for a super stable board for yoga, fishing or just hanging out. Its 33” (84cm) width and extra wide tail mean that it is optimized for stability. It has smooth and stray glide performance and is easy to control. This also means that it handles a light wind and choppy water very well. It is not recommended for white water or intense adventure paddling though, as it isn’t super maneuverable. Rather, it’s perfect for people who prefer a more relaxing SUP experience.

High Quality Construction

If you buy an iRocker, you can be sure you are getting a board that has been constructed well, and the Cruiser is no different. Featuring a triple composite construction and internal drop-stitch core, this is a solid paddleboard that will last you a long time. The carbon blend paddle locks together using a pin and groove system which makes it sturdy but lightweight.

Great Extras

The iRocker Cruiser has a total of 20 D-rings, which is ideal if you want to attach all your fishing gear. As well as the bag, paddle, leash and repair kit, the Cruiser also comes with a great hand pump. This features two air chambers and 3 settings, meaning you will have your SUP pumped in minutes. However, iRocker also offers an electric pump that simply plugs in and does the work for you, if you don’t want to waste any of your time and energy that could be spent having fun on the board.

Pros

Cons

9. Funwater Inflatable Paddle Board SUP Cruise

Funwater Inflatable Paddle Board

Durable Budget Board

With its dual layer PVC construction, the Funwater Inflatable Paddle Board is surprisingly durable for a budget board. It isn’t one of the strongest SUPs on this list, but it will last you a good while for casual use. It can also handle up to 330 lbs (150kg) well, so larger riders can use it with no trouble.

Versatile And Smooth

With decent stability, maneuverability and speed, this is a good all-around board that you can use for casual paddling, fishing, yoga or even surfing small waves. If you want something super fast or responsive for touring or racing, you may need to pay more for a board optimized for more specific performance. However, this one works great for casual use. This board is both stable and has smooth glide performance, due to its length of 11 feet (335cm) and tapered nose which means that riders of different heights can use it easily.

Easy To Transport

At 18.5 lbs inflated, this is the lightest out of all the boards on this list. This is great if you want to carry it around between uses. The included backpack has shoulder straps for ease of carrying. In addition, a 10 liter dry bag is included in the package. This board is a great option if you are looking for something affordable for casual use or to take on holiday and enjoy in calm waters.

Pros

Cons

10. NIXY Newport Paddle Board All Around Inflatable SUP

NIXY Newport Inflatable Paddle Board

Lightweight But Durable

The NIXY Newport Paddle Board is super lightweight at 21 lbs (9.5kg). However, it manages to simultaneously be highly durable and resilient, with a dual layer PVC construction and reinforced carbon side rails. This also gives it impressive rigidity. This board is usable in a range of water conditions, though it does lose some performance in choppy swell.

Good All Rounder

This inflatable SUP is a great all round board that provides decent stability, maneuverability and glide performance. Much of this can be attributed to its short length of 10.6 feet (323cm), slight extra width of 33” (84cm) and traditional all-round shape. It is a good choice for beginner paddlers who want a board that is stable and easy to turn. In addition, you can improve your tracking and overall performance by adding the removable center fin, though remember to remove it when paddling in the shallows.

Soft And Grippy Deck Pad

This stand up paddle board has wonderfully cushioned rubber material deck pad, which dries quickly and is textured, allowing for enhanced grip. This means you can use this board for yoga and it is comfortable to hang out on. This inflatable SUP is also easy to carry when inflated due to grab handles on the front, center and back of the board.

Pros

Cons

Buyer’s Guide

What To Consider When Choosing Your Inflatable Paddle Board

What To Consider When Choosing Your Inflatable Paddle Board

There are many things to consider when choosing your inflatable paddle board. Here are the top factors to keep in mind.

Budget

As with most products, there is an element of ‘you get what you pay for’. The higher the quality, the more expensive the paddle board. Other than that, it all depends what you want to use your SUP board for.

  • Low-end: Cheaper inflatable SUPS cost around $200-$500. Some of these paddle boards are perfectly good for. occasional use in calm waters. However, if you want to venture further, you are likely to be disappointed.
  • Mid-range: These paddle boards tend to cost between $500-$1000. There is a great deal of variation in this price range, so it is vital to look at reviews before deciding which board to buy.
  • High-end: At the high-end you can find inflatable SUPs over $1000. These are often highly specialized, with unique features that optimize them for various activities. While these boards are great, they are not necessary for the recreational paddler.

Board Size – Width, Thickness, Volume

  • Length: Most stand up paddle boards are between 9 and 11 feet (274-335cm) long. However, those optimized for touring and racing can go all the way up to 14 feet (427cm). The main thing to be aware of is that shorter boards are more maneuverable, while longer boards are more stable. You should also consider your own weight when choosing the length of your SUP board. If you weigh less than 180 pounds (80kg) you probably want something closer to 9 feet (275cm), if you are around 200 pounds (90kg) something between 10 feet and 10’3” (305-320cm) is best, and those who weigh 250 pounds and up (110kg) should go for something approaching 11 feet (335cm).
  • Width: The rule of thumb here is that the wider the SUP, the more stability, but the narrower the SUP, the more speed. So it really depends on what you want to use the SUP board for. If you want it for racing or touring, you can go super narrow, down to 25 inches (64cm). However, if you want to use your SUP to do yoga, you will want something wider, up to 35 inches (89cm). Beginners should probably choose something in between, around 32 inches (81cm), to allow for sufficient stability and maneuverability.
  • Thickness: Most iSUPs are between 4.5 and 6 inches thick (11-15cm). Here the most important factor is body weight. If your board is too thin you will feel yourself sinking, but if it is too thick you will sense that your center of gravity is too high above the water which will impede your balance. Something around 5 inches (13cm) is ideal for lighter paddlers, while those over 225 pounds (100kg) should opt for a board closer to 6 inches thick (15cm).
  • Volume: Inflatable paddle board volume ranges from 230-380 liters. One with too much volume will have too much drag and will thus be difficult to achieve speed, while one with too little volume will sacrifice stability and be difficult to control. As with thickness, this is all about the weight of the paddler as well as any kit that will be on board with them.

Construction And Durability

Do not confuse inflatable paddle boards with blow up toys and lilos. Inflatable SUPs are made with advanced technology and tend to be highly durable. However, some inflatable SUP boards are more durable than others. If you want something with advanced durability, look for double-layer or even triple-layer PVC boards.

You’ll want something extra durable if you plan to paddle in a place with rapids or rocky, shallow waters.

Maneuverability

In most cases, maneuverability comes at the expense of stability. But too little maneuverability and the board will seem heavy and difficult to turn. Of course, if your paddling takes you somewhere with lots of twists and turns, you need something more maneuverable. If you are paddling in open water or mostly want the board to hang out on, it isn’t such a priority. Ideally, you want something both maneuverable and stable, but that isn’t always possible.

What Types Of Paddling Activities Will You Be Doing

What Types Of Activity Will You Be Doing

This is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing the perfect SUP board between all the variables described above.

  • Touring: Touring iSUPs are for those who want to cover long distances with camping gear in tow. They are adapted for efficient glide performance, without much turning. For this reason, they tend to be long and narrow. Touring inflatable paddle boards aren’t very stable or maneuverable, which is why touring should probably only be attempted by the experienced paddler.
  • Racing: Similar to touring boards, if you want to use your iSUP for racing you should go for something long and thin. Racing paddle boards are designed with speed in mind, and extra convenience features are sacrificed in favor of this goal.
  • Surfing: If you want to surf as well as paddle with your SUP, the best option is a board on the shorter end and one that is optimized for maneuverability.
  • Whitewater paddling: Experiencing the rapids is not just for kayakers! However, if you plan to paddle through rapids with your SUP board, you need to get something durable and with a good balance between stability and maneuverability.
  • Yoga: If you want to do yoga on your SUP, you need something wide and stable. Preferably, you should get a board with a long and plush deck pad to protect your knees.
  • Fishing: Fishing on a SUP also requires a wide and stable board. Fishing paddle boards often include a variety of fittings to hold rods and gear.
  • General use: If you don’t have one particular activity in mind, go for one of the all around SUPs. Go for something with a good amount of stability as well as maneuverability. You should also consider factors such as weight, experience level, budget and quality.

Features To Look For

Ease Of Transport

If you are looking for an inflatable paddleboard, chances are that you are planning to transport it. However, even within inflatable SUP boards, some are much easier to transport than others. Some iSUPs roll up into a carry-on sized pack, while others require a roller bag to transport.

If you want to take your paddle board onto a plane it is crucial to get a board that is highly compact as well as lightweight.

Ease Of Inflation

Most inflatable stand up paddle boards come with a foot pump or hand pump. If you paddle very often or want to pump your board up to its maximum pressure, you might want to consider an electric pump. But ease of inflation also includes factors such as quality of the air nozzle. It is worth factoring the ease of inflation into your choice, as you don’t want to be struggling for half an hour before you can get on the water. Check out our SUP pump reviews for more information.

Fins

You need at least one fin on your SUP board, and some include two or three. A single fin allows for greater speed, but sacrifices stability and maneuverability. Thus, if you plan to use your board for racing and touring, you’ll want the kind with a single fin. Paddle boards with three fins tend to be good on both stability and maneuverability, but can’t go very fast. These are good for most recreational purposes.

Boards with two fins are highly maneuverable and faster than tri-fin boards, but aren’t quite as stable so are not the best choice if you are a beginner.

Accessories For Your Paddle Board

Paddle

Most SUP boards come with a paddle, and this is definitely something to consider when choosing your board. Boards on the lower price end are often made of plastic or aluminum and tend to be quite heavy. A heavy paddle will make paddling harder and less efficient. In contrast, many of the best inflatable SUP boards come with a carbon or fiberglass paddle, which are lightweight and paddle well. Check out our best SUP paddle reviews for more information.

Leash

If you do end up falling off your board or capsizing, the safety leash will ensure that you don’t lose it. This is a crucial factor for safety, especially if you are paddling in the open sea or in choppy water. The ideal length for a leash is somewhere between 8-10 feet (244-305cm). Leashes with a coiled cord will drag less in the water. The best leashes feature a swivel between the cuff and the cord, which prevents tangling. It isn’t much of an issue if the stand up paddle board you want to buy does not come with a leash, as these can be bought separately and don’t cost too much.

A safety leash is essential for stand up paddle boarding.

Repair kit

Most SUP boards also come with a repair kit, which is essential if you are paddling far from the shore. A good repair kit should contain PVC patches, a brush or cleaning solution and maybe even a valve tool. Although leaks in SUP boards are rare, it is highly important to know how to repair your board if they do occur, and a repair kit is a good item to keep in your waterproof backpack.

Watch some how-to videos on paddleboard repair so that you can be confident to take your board into open bodies of water.

Read our best paddle board accessories review for more information on important SUP equipment and attachments!

Taking Care Of Your Inflatable Paddle Board

Stand up paddle boards are usually pretty durable, but you can only get the most out of them if you take care of them properly.

Cleaning

If you are paddling in salt water, you might want to do more. But everyone should give their board a proper cleaning after every few uses. To clean your paddleboard, rinse it thoroughly first, paying special attention to the fins, deck pad and slider nut and screw. Next, wipe the board down with a cloth and some mild detergent mixed with the appropriate amount of water. Don’t scrub as this can be damaging – a gentle wipe is sufficient. Lastly, rinse the board again. Voila, it’s clean!

To preserve your SUP for as long as possible, it is best to at least rinse it after every use.

Repair

We recommend watching some videos on how to repair your SUP in water. However, here is how to do it on dry land, which is preferable if you can get out of the water. First, clean the damaged area with a mild solvent to remove all wax residue. Next, leave it somewhere dry overnight to ensure no dampness remains. Lastly, apply your repair tape – make sure the edges lie flat and that no air bubbles remain. That’s all there is to it!

Storage

After cleaning and drying your board, leave it somewhere dry for at least 24 hours. Next, remove fins and vents and follow your product’s instructions on how to fold it up and place it in its bag. The board should be stored in its bag, in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight or extreme cold.

When storing your inflatable SUP board, it is essential to dry it out completely first.

On The Water With Your Inflatable Paddle Board

On The Water With Your Inflatable Paddle Board

Keeping Safe

  • Equipment: Always remember your personal flotation device (PFD), like these, and your leash. If you are paddling far out, you will also need a repair kit, a whistle and phone in case of emergencies, as well as sun protection and water. Consider packing a change of clothes and some snacks in a dry bag if you are going to be out for long.
  • Check the conditions: Make sure you check a detailed weather forecast ahead of time. Pay attention to the wind conditions, and avoid going out in anything more than a mild wind if you are a beginner. If you are paddling in the sea, it’s also important to check the tidal forecast.
  • What to wear: If you are going to be out for long, always wear sunscreen and a hat. When planning your outfit, take into account sun, wind and possible unplanned dips. If you are paddling in cold water, you might want to wear a wetsuit. If the weather has a nip, it’s important to pack some extra warm clothes in case of capsizing.
  • Don’t fly solo. It is not recommended to go SUP boarding alone, even if you are experienced. In addition, always tell someone else where you are planning on going and how long you will be out. This is especially important for extended trips.
  • Know your limits. Beginner SUPers should stick to calm, sheltered waters. However, don’t let your experience make you overestimate your ability or stamina.

Rules On The Water

All SUP paddlers must carry a whistle and be leashed to their board while paddling. If paddling after sunset, it is essential to use a flashlight or other lighting device. SUP boards are considered “vessels”, so as the operator of a vessel you must follow the navigation rules.

Under US Coastguard regulations, all children under 12 must be wearing a PFD when on the water on a SUP. Those 13 and up must have a PFD on their board.

Benefits Of Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is super fun, is a way to do all kinds of different activities, and it’s good for you too! Here are some of the main benefits of paddle boarding.

Cardio And Strength Workout

SUP boarding is a wonderfully balanced workout, as it works almost every muscle in your body. Your legs and core are constantly working through all the stabilizing they have to do, and of course you are working your arms and shoulders too. You can also make it a cardio workout by increasing your speed or incorporating extra moves.

Low Impact

The great thing is, SUP manages to work you hard while still being low impact – it isn’t harsh on your joints or muscles. This makes it a great exercise for people of all ages and those with various sensitivities, and injuries are very rare. It can still kick your but though!

Boosts Vitamin D

Exercising outdoors is great because as well as your workout, you get a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Not only that, but you get to spend time in a beautiful environment too.

Make sure to wear sun protection so you can soak in the vitamin D without damaging your skin.

Decreases Stress

Exercise is always a good way to relieve stress. SUP boarding is not only exercise, it is fun exercise! On top of that, spending time in nature and water in particular has a calming effect on our minds. The rhythmic nature of the paddling is highly therapeutic too. So not only is paddle boarding good for our physical health, it is good for our mental health too!

Tips For Paddle Boarding

Tips For Paddle Boarding

If you have just bought your first stand up paddle board, you may be at a loss about how to achieve effective performance on your board. Experienced paddlers make it look easily, but learning to SUP can be a challenge. You may already know something about how to paddle board, but follow these tips so you can become an expert in no time.

  • Equipment: Always remember your personal flotation device (PFD) and your leash. If you are paddling far out, you will also need a repair kit, a whistle and phone in case of emergencies, as well as sun protection and water. Consider packing a change of clothes and some snacks in a dry bag if you are going to be out for long.
  • Check the conditions: Make sure you check a detailed weather forecast ahead of time. Pay attention to the wind conditions, and avoid going out in anything more than a mild wind if you are a beginner. If you are paddling in the sea, it’s also important to check the tidal forecast.
  • What to wear: If you are going to be out for long, always wear sunscreen and a hat. When planning your outfit, take into account sun, wind and possible unplanned dips. If you are paddling in cold water, you might want to wear a wetsuit. If the weather has a nip, it’s important to pack some extra warm clothes in case of capsizing.
  • Don’t fly solo. It is not recommended to go SUP boarding alone, even if you are experienced. In addition, always tell someone else where you are planning on going and how long you will be out. This is especially important for extended trips.
  • Know your limits. Beginner SUPers should stick to calm, sheltered waters. However, don’t let your experience make you overestimate your ability or stamina.

Choose The Right SUP Board

If you are reading this article, you probably already know this, but it is important to choose your SUP board wisely. Find one that is mentioned in reviews as being ideal for beginners. As a beginner, you want something that is stable and yet easy to maneuver, as well as optimized for your body type.

Find The Correct Grip

Paddling correctly will take practice, and it’s important to nail the technique for the best SUP experience. To achieve the ideal grip, hold your paddle above your head, and then bring it down on top of your head. The shaft should be parallel to your shoulders and both arms should make perfect 90 degree angles.

Engage Your Core

Using your core is essential for effective paddle boarding performance. That is what makes it such a great core workout! Without engaging your core, your arms will get tired way too quickly and balancing will be harder too.

Keep Your Head Up

As a beginner, your temptation may be to look down at the board and where you are paddling. However, it’s important to keep your head up and look at where you are headed. Not only will this prevent you going the wrong way, it is also very important for stability.

Fall Away From The Board

As a novice paddler, falling is inevitable. That’s why it is essential to always wear your foot leash. It’s also a good idea to actually practice falling away from your SUP board so that when you actually lose your balance, you won’t fall flat on your face on the deck.

How Much Weight Can A Paddle Board Hold?

Most paddleboards can hold between 200 and 300 lbs (90-135kg). However, if you have gone through our list of the best inflatable stand up paddle boards, you will see that many of the best boards can take more weight, sometimes up to 450 lbs (205kg).

It’s important to think about how much weight you want your board to take before deciding which inflatable SUP board to buy.

Also consider that if you are smaller and don’t plan to take lots of gear, you might not want a board with so much weight capacity, as these can be a bit harder to maneuver for smaller riders. Most boards will specify on their sales page what their weight capacity is.

How Do You Transport A Paddle Board?

Inflatable stand up paddle boards are easier to transport than the solid versions, as they can be folded into a relatively compact bag. If you’re driving somewhere, you can simply bring along your paddleboard in your car trunk. Quality of the backpack is an important factor when choosing a paddleboard. Some have wheels, which makes them super easy to bring on a plane. Weight might also be an issue if you are planning to carry your board around by hand.

It is possible to transport your inflatable SUP board after inflating on a roof rack, though it’s a good idea to use pipe insulation to prevent damage to your board.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best inflatable paddleboard is the Atoll 11 inch iSUP. It provides the best combination of stability, maneuverability and speed, and feels great to paddle. It is a fantastic quality and durable board, and it is optimized for all kinds of adventure activities. It is super lightweight, yet can hold an impressive 400 lbs with ease.

You can leave your paddleboard inflated, provided you store it in a cool, dry area, away from the elements and out of direct sunlight. Ideally, you should store it off the ground. Also, note that if left inflated all day, your paddleboard will lose some of its air pressure, so check this before taking it out again.

Inflatable paddle boards are good for beginners if you find the right one! As with any SUP boards, some of them are more suited to beginners and some to more experienced paddlers. Be sure to read our reviews to find the best inflatable SUP for you. In fact, for comfort, convenience and versatility, an inflatable SUP may be better for beginners than a solid one.

All else being equal, taller paddlers should go for slightly larger sized inflatable paddle boards and smaller paddlers for slightly smaller ones. Taller people have a higher center of gravity, so may want a more stable board, which tends to be achieved by width. However, height is probably not the best factor to consider when choosing a board. Paddler weight and what you want to use it more are much more important.

Inflatable paddle boards last for 2-3 years of regular use on average. Some paddle boards can last much longer, particularly the kind that are built for durability. How long it lasts depends on a number of factors, such as appropriate care and storage as well as frequency of use. Be sure to look at our tips on taking care of your inflatable stand up paddle board to lengthen its lifespan.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have determined that the best inflatable paddle board is the Atoll 11 inch iSUP, due to its durable yet lightweight construction, its combination of stability, maneuverability and speed, and its versatility. The Gili Sports Adventure iSUP is a close runner up. But whatever stand up paddle board you choose, you are sure to have a blast.

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