9 Best Inflatable Paddle Boards to Get You Out on the Water
Durable iSUP boards for secure standing and paddling in oceans, rivers and lakes.
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Stand-up paddle boarding offers a unique activity for a day at a lake, ocean, river, bay or any open body of water. While paddling around, soaking in the sun and taking in the picturesque views are all relaxing, it's also a major ab workout. (Your core needs to be strong to keep you balanced! But storing and transporting a giant plastic board can be a drag. An inflatable paddle board that packs down small and can easily fit in your car is the answer.
The best inflatable stand-up paddle boards, also known as iSUPs, are stable, maneuverable and durable like their hard board counterparts. If you don't have the storage space (or trunk space) for a large paddle board, an iSUP is much more accessible and doesn't fall short on speed or stability. And when you consider how much lighter it is to carry an iSUP from your car to the water, you'll understand why some paddle board enthusiasts actually prefer them. “On rivers specifically, most guides choose and prefer inflatable SUPs over epoxy and plastic just for durability reasons,” says Matthew Gontram, president of New Mexico River Adventures. “You can deflate them, roll them up and throw them in an economy car.”
To find the best inflatable paddle boards for stand-up (or seated) paddling, we conducted independent editorial research and relied on years of SUP and paddle experience to determine our top picks. We also checked in with the outdoors and fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute for insight into what makes a good paddle board.
Hala Straight-Up Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
Pros
- Stable on still water and fast currents
- Rolling backpack makes it easy to carry
- Pump included
Cons
- On the pricier end
When it comes to quality construction in the inflatable SUP category, Gontram recommends the brand Hala. The brand's Straight Up model is made from durable PVC material, a thick synthetic polymer of plastic that is less likely to tear. It also features glued and welded seams, making it a good option for both still lakes and quick-moving rivers.
It inflates to 10 feet in length, which users say offers a strong combination of speed and stability. When you’re done with your adventure, it deflates into a convenient rolling backpack, which we love for storage and transportation. The price includes a pump, oar and repair kit too. Although it's a bit pricey, Hala's famously solid construction and this model's portability make it a win for frequent SUPers.
Dimensions: 10' L x 33" W x 6" H | Weight: 22.5 lbs | Max Capacity: 350 lbs | Material: PVC
FBSPORT Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes all the essential accessories
- Triple bottom fins improve steering
- Floating paddle
Cons
- Air pump can be faulty, according to some online reviews
This paddle board includes all the essentials and extra accessories (paddle, coiled ankle cuff, hand air pump and a carrying bag) for under $200, which is one of the most affordable options out there. While some online reviewers said the air pump was a bit faulty, the board itself doesn't skimp on quality. It's made of durable PVC, can support up to 350 pounds and has a non-slip deck to help you stay onboard. There are also three bottom panel fins to help improve speed and make steering easier.
Online customers reported that this iSUP is stable, easy to carry and deflates quickly. Plus, the alloy paddle floats in the water, so you don't have to worry about it sinking if you drop it. With an affordable price point and features to make paddle boarding easier, this board is the perfect starting point for beginners. We also love the six vibrant color options — it's not often you see a bright pink paddle board!
Dimensions: 11' L x 33" W | Weight: 22 lbs | Max Capacity: 350 lbs | Material: PVC
Pros
- Extra wide for stability
- Two different length options
- Multiple fin options
Cons
- Fins can be hard to attach
For those of us who struggle with balance but still want to stand up and paddle, the GILI Meno is a great option.
It comes in two length options — 10 feet 6 inches and 11 feet 6 inches — with the longer option being ideal for taller paddlers. The 35-inch width allows for better stability — ideal if you're looking to practice SUP yoga. There are several fin attachments designed to help you easily navigate through different types of water (just note that some reviewers say they can be tricky to attach). Constructed of rigid PVC with a carbon fiber rail, it's designed to be durable and secure as well.
Like other inflatables on our list, it compacts to the size of a rolling backpack and comes with a pump and three-piece paddle. It also includes a coil leash and multiple mounts for an action camera and more, with the option to purchase a kayak conversion kit separately. And if you’re worried about buyer's remorse, the brand offers a 60-day guarantee (with a 20% restocking fee) and a two-year limited warranty.
Dimensions: 10' 6” or 11' 6” L x 35" W x 6" H | Weight: 19 or 21 lbs | Max Capacity: 458 lbs | Material: PVC
Roc Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
Pros
- Waterproof bag to hold accessories
- Multiple design options
- Wide for more stability
Cons
- Doesn’t move super fast
Available for under $400, the Roc is one of the more affordable inflatable paddle boards on the market, yet reviewers say it still delivers a solid, supported ride. Plus, Amy Schlinger, NASM-CPT and contributing writer at the GH Institute, recommends Roc paddle boards.
Schlinger is an avid SUPer and loves this board for its beginner-friendly qualities: "The board is extremely lightweight, so it’s easy to carry and maneuver into the water, and it's extra wide, which provides a decent amount of stability that a beginner is looking for," she says.
This model comes in seven different colors and patterns to suit your fancy. It also comes with everything you need to get paddling, including a pump, tightening valve, waterproof dry bag and carrying backpack that makes it easy to transport. The included paddle also breaks down into three pieces for even easier storage. You can also opt to upgrade to a version that comes with a removable seat that turns your SUP into a one-person kayak.
At 33 inches wide, it’s one of the wider paddle boards on this list, which allows for more stability. Because of its width, it won't glide through the water as quickly as thinner boards, but that does make it a great choice for beginner SUPers.
Dimensions: 10' L x 33” W x 6” H | Weight: 17.5 lbs | Max Capacity: 350 lbs | Material: PVC
Pros
- Bungees for storage
- Lightweight
- Secure foot padding
Cons
- Oar can be wobbly
Beginner paddle boarders should look for a wider board that allows for more stability and one with multiple handles in case a tumble does occur. The Feath-R-Lite offers both, with a 32-inch width and three handles as well as ribbed EVA padding for extra grip.
The solid PVC material will help you feel secure, and we appreciate the extra features like bungees on the front for storage and D-rings to attach a kayak-style seat (that must be purchased separately). It also includes a pump, an oar, a leash, a waterproof phone bag and fins. Some reviewers note the oar can be wobbly and the paddle lock could be more solid, but all in all, this is a lightweight, packable option.
Dimensions: 10' 5” L x 32" W x 6" H | Weight: 18.9 lbs | Max Capacity: 330 lbs | Material: PVC
Pros
- Beachy aesthetic
- Velcro straps to hold your paddles when not in use
- Quick inflation
Cons
- Lower max capacity weight
Schlinger also recommends Isle's inflatable paddle boards. Reminiscent of a surfboard, the brand's best-selling Pioneer model comes in five bright color options.
But it's not all about the looks: The construction is thoughtful as well, with front and back bungees for storage, a wide base and for added stability, a large traction pad to help prevent slippage and a carrying handle for easy portability. There are even Velcro straps to hold your paddle secure while you carry the board.
All of the included accessories from the pump to the travel bag match this beginner-friendly board's beachy aesthetic, and the brand claims it can be inflated and deflated quickly, thanks to a high-pressure valve. Made with military-grade PVC material, it's designed to be sturdy and rigid enough to SUP on a variety of waterways, while also being lightweight. If you're looking for something that can hold a bit more weight, opt for the brand's Pioneer Pro model.
Dimensions: 10' 6” L x 34" W x 6" H | Weight: 19 lbs | Max Capacity: 285 lbs | Material: Nylon, PVC, EVA
Pros
- Two people can use one board
- Converts from paddle board to kayak
- Easier to stand up
Cons
- Need a source of power for the electric air pump
Although paddle boarding is usually a solo activity, this board from Body Glove is designed to hold up to 450 pounds, making it a SUP built for two. It also comes with two paddles and two seats to make it a convertible kayak, as well as an electric pump, cell phone dry bag, water bottle holder, backpack and repair kit.
To handle the additional weight, it’s longer than most SUPs at just under 14 feet, but it can still be maneuvered by one intermediate paddler if needed. The larger size also makes it a bit easier to balance on while standing up. Note that you need to separately purchase a manual pump if you plan to inflate the paddle board in an area where power is not an option.
Dimensions: 13’6" L x 34” W x 5.4” H | Weight: 22 lbs | Max Capacity: 450 lbs | Material: EVA and Wood grain ClearTekTM drop-stitch
BOTE Breeze Aero 10'6" Classic Mangrove Inflatable Paddle Board Essentials Package
Pros
- Magnetic base for metal water bottles
- Secures a cooler for fishing
- Wide
Cons
- Low max weight capacity
Although most people use paddle boards to leisurely paddle down rivers, you can get some action by fishing on one too. This paddle board is specifically designed to do so with a place to secure the brand's KULA 5 MAGNEPOD Cooler for catches and a magnetic base to better hold a drink tumbler (just note that while the pump, repair kit, travel bag, coiled leah and BOTE Inflatable Belt are included, other accessories are sold separately).
There are bungees at the front and rear of the board for securing your essentials, and it's made with durable, single-layer PVC. Aside from these bells and whistles, the board is also designed to be very stable at 34 inches wide — good if you find yourself wrangling a fish. Just note that the max weight capacity is the lowest on our list.
Dimensions: 10′6″ L × 34″ W × 6″ D | Weight: 20 lbs | Max Capacity: 250 lbs | Material: PVC
SereneLife Stand up Inflatable Paddle Board
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Suitable for flat and rough water
Cons
- Slim design is less suitable for beginners
Boasting over 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, users love this inflatable paddle board for its durability and sturdiness. This SereneLife iSUP comes with a coiled ankle cuff safety leash, paddle, hand air pump, storage bag and waterproof bag — all for a hard-to-beat cost.
"I have been so impressed with the quality of all the boards I have gotten from [SereneLife]," wrote one online customer. While reviewers reported that the board is stable while standing, it's a bit slimmer and thinner than other options. This means it may not be the best option for a beginner learning how to balance. This iSUP is also lighter in weight than its counterparts, which makes it more suitable for flatter waters like a lake or sound, rather than rough waters like an ocean or a choppy river.
Dimensions: 10.5' L x 32" W | Weight: 13.9 lbs | Max Capacity: 300 lbs | Material: PVC
How we chose the best inflatable paddle boards
To choose the best inflatable SUPs, we conducted independent research while also tapping the expert opinions of paddle board guides to narrow down the options. When choosing inflatable paddle boards, we considered factors such as:
✔️ Inflation mechanism: The main thing keeping you from getting on the water faster is how long your board will take to inflate. We considered the quality of the included pump as well as how easy it is to store, knowing that you'll likely have to bring it along on your ride if you can't stash it near the dock.
✔️ Stability: Stand-up paddle boarding requires a bit of balance to master but a more stable board can make it easier. We researched the width of the boards, knowing that wider options allow for more stability; we also took note of any material that allows for better grip on the board itself.
✔️ Durability: Even the calmest of waters can be filled with rocks and sticks that your paddle board is likely to hit. To reduce the chance of deflation accidents, we looked for inflatable SUPs made of strong PVC or EVA material with durable stitching methods. We also considered SUPs with multiple air chambers to ensure continued flotation if a nick does happen.
✔️ Weight: We considered both the weight of the board as well as how much weight the SUP is designed to hold. Since you’ll likely be walking your board to the water, we recommend a board that's at most 20 pounds to ensure it's not too heavy.
✔️ Portability: In addition to weight, we considered how easy it would be to store and transport the SUP. Many inflatable paddle boards can be rolled up into a carrying case, but some include a rolling backpack case as well as additional handles on the board to get it into the water.
What to look for when shopping for the best inflatable paddle boards
When choosing a board, Gontram says the most important factors are where you’ll be using it, the size of the board, the amount of stability and your level of experience. You’ll also need to consider how easy it is to get from your car to the water.
These are the most important factors to think about:
✔️ Size: Good portability and maneuverability on the water come down to the size of the board. Most people will be comfortable with a board around 10 feet long and 30 to 32 inches wide, which can help with stability. However, if you’re taller or want more speed, a 12-foot board may be better — just note that it will be less stable and take longer to inflate. When choosing your first inflatable paddle board, Schlinger says the wider the better. "The wider the board is, the more stable it is on the water, which is ideal for someone just starting out with SUP. The board will feel more stable under your feet when you try to stand on it versus a more advanced skinnier board," she explains.
✔️ Anti-slip grip: Maintaining a good grip on the board can be difficult once it gets wet. Boards with striped or patterned traction padding help provide ample grip so you can stay secure even if the wake of a boat strikes.
✔️ Material: Inflatable paddle boards need to be strong enough to handle rough waters and debris and last through long paddling sessions. Gontram says to look for “dropstitch, PVC boards that are extremely durable.” To double-check the strength of the material, you can look at the denier of the fabric, a.k.a. how thick it is. Usually, fabric that's 100-denier or higher is heavy-duty, but anything too high may feel overly heavy and dense.
✔️ Pump: Inflatable SUPs usually come with a standard manual pump to inflate the board. Some boards also feature high-pressure valves that make inflation easier. Other boards include an electric air pump, which is easier and faster but requires a source of power to use.
✔️ Inflation and deflation time: The quicker the inflation the better, so you can hit the water as soon as possible. Most SUPs should only take around five minutes to inflate, but longer boards tend to take a little more time. You also need to factor in the ease of deflation, especially if you’ll be tired after a long day on the water.
✔️ Accessories: Almost every iSUP comes with a paddle, but a few include accessories like ankle safety cuffs, air pumps, phone cases, magnetic decking, floatable paddles and even seats to convert it to a kayak. Consider what items make the price worth it for you.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Our writers, editors and analysts are experts when it comes to researching, testing and recommending outdoor gear. This roundup was written by contributor Courtney Campbell, a longtime product reviewer who selected these SUPs based on extensive research and interviews with professional paddle boarding guides.
This story was most recently updated by Isabella Cavallo, the Assistant Commerce Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She researched popular brands for SUPs, compared online reviews and consulted Amy Schlinger, NASM-CPT to find the best inflatable stand-up paddle boards.
Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).
