Construction updates over the past few years mean that you can get an inflatable stand-up paddle board (aka SUPs) that\u2019s easy to store in your garage or stick in the trunk of your car without sacrificing much performance\u2014especially if you\u2019re a beginner<\/a> who\u2019s just looking to get out on the water and have a little fun. The hardest part? Picking a board.<\/p>\n To help you get on the water easily and often, we chatted with Les about what to look for in the best inflatable paddle boards and tested several ourselves to find the top 10 that you\u2019ll want to take the plunge on.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re on the hunt for the best inflatable paddle boards, Les says there are five key things to keep in mind.<\/p>\n Although boards can range from just six feet long (for kids) to 16 or more (for group paddling), Les says most range between 10.5-12 feet, with 11-footers being the most popular. \u201cThat is the sweet spot,\u201d he says. But smaller people might prefer a shorter board so it\u2019s lighter and easier to transport, while bigger riders might prefer something longer to better support their weight. Width matters, too: A wider board (around 32 inches or more) will be more stable than a narrower one.<\/p>\n Paddle boarding evolved out of surfing, so most SUPs are shaped like surfboards, Les explains. \u201cBut as the sport evolved in the mid-2000s, everybody realized that, actually, a surfboard-shaped board doesn’t really plow through the water as efficiently as a board that has more of the hull in the water and is more pointy-shaped,\u201d he says. These longer, narrower, pointy boards are called displacement paddle boards and are best for people who want to paddle fast and far in a straight line. A wide hull with a slight upward curve at the front, on the other hand, is called a planing board, and is more beginner-friendly\u2014it won\u2019t travel as quickly or easily but it\u2019s more stable for leisurely floating around or doing some yoga.<\/p>\n Remember: You need more than just a board to paddle board. Most inflatable boards today are sold as packages with pumps, carrying bags, a collapsible paddle, a leash (to strap the board to your ankle), and a small repair kit. Higher-quality accessories like an electric pump or carbon fiber paddle will mean a higher price point. Not all boards come as complete packages, however, so be sure to look up exactly what\u2019s included to consider the full cost of what you\u2019ll need to get on the water.<\/p>\n Most paddle boards come with a variety of clips, velcro straps, and bungee cords on top so you can stash your flip flops, drinks, or fishing gear, or keep your paddle secure if you want to put it down for a while. Many also let you attach a seat so you can sit down and kayak. Think through how you plan to use your board to make sure it has what you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n A paddle board you love the look of is a paddle board you\u2019ll want to get on over and over again. \u201cColor is really important,\u201d Les admits. \u201cThis is your limited amount of recreational time that you get. When you’re standing on this thing, are you like, \u2018Yeah, I really like looking at this\u2019?\u201d Hopefully, you are.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 25 pounds With a wide 34-inch base, this board offers a great mix of stability and maneuverability for beginners. It\u2019s easy to get up from sitting or kneeling to standing (or even into downward dog<\/a>\u2014SUP yoga, anyone?) without worrying too much about your balance. And with a 435-pound weight capacity, it can accommodate multiple riders or pets, if yours are adventurous. The relatively short length does mean it\u2019s meant for riders just 5\u20198\u201d and under, although one of our 5\u201910\u201d testers felt super comfortable on it out on the Charles River in Boston. Just know that this board is sold as a basic package with only the board, fins, repair kit, and leash, so you\u2019ll need to bundle it with your preferred paddle, pump, and carrier for a complete setup.<\/p>\n Max capacity:<\/strong> 435 pounds Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 19 pounds For a sturdy, beginner-friendly board that comes with all the accessories you need, look no further than Isle’s best-selling Pioneer 3. The board itself is extra sturdy and features a full-length traction pad so you can get a great grip on the deck. The Pioneer 3 comes with an adjustable carbon paddle, hand pump, touring fin,\u00a0 and six-foot leash, all packed in a wheeled backpack. Our testers were particularly impressed by how easy it is to fit multiple people (or dogs!) on board at one time. There’s also ample storage plus velcro loops for your paddle to store it when it’s not in use. All in all, the Isle Pioneer 3 is an excellent bang-for-your-buck deal worth a spot in your gear closet.<\/p>\n Max capacity:<\/strong> 285 pounds Also available at Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 20 pounds Smaller riders sometimes struggle to maneuver a long SUP into and out of the water. At just 10 feet long and only 20 pounds, this compact board makes things more manageable. Permanently-attached fins even make the setup one step shorter. Just know that the max rider weight is 165 pounds, so this is definitely designed for smaller, solo paddlers. And we definitely got a workout for all our little stabilizer and <\/span>core muscles<\/span><\/a> in order to stay upright on it\u2014although it\u2019s super stiff for a smooth ride, it\u2019s just 29 inches wide, so it will challenge your balance.<\/span><\/p>\n Max capacity:<\/strong> 165 pounds Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 21 If you’re looking for a do-it-all board, the NRS Jukdo has got you covered. Slightly wider than other boards on this list and incredibly hardy, the Jukdo is designed with tons of thoughtful touches (slightly raised deck rails, a die-cut EVA foam deck, and a grippy stomp pad for your back foot) to maximize rider balance on the water. Whether you’re looking to mindlessly float on for a few hours or want to endeavor on a sweaty, speedy paddle, it’s all you need for a day out in the sun.<\/p>\n “I’m super impressed with its versatility,” says our tester, W+G Commerce Editor, Francesca Krempa. “I’ve had first-timing SUP friends get on this thing and feel totally secure, while I’ve been able to take it out for longer, more intense tours and it kept up just fine. It’s a splurge, but it’s worth it if you’re getting into SUP and want a premium product that will be able to grow as you do.”<\/p>\n The Jukdo is currently available in three lengths: 10′, 10’8″, and 11′. We tested the 10-foot board and found it to be balanced and maneuverable, even for taller paddlers. But if you prefer a little more board under your feet, you may want to size up.<\/p>\n Max capacity: <\/strong>190 pounds Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 14.9 pounds If you ever dreamed of <\/span>hiking out<\/span><\/a> to your favorite paddle-boarding destination, this super compact inflatable lets you pull it off. \u201cThe whole shtick is it\u2019s an extra lightweight, extra small one that you can backpack remotely,\u201d Les says. Once deflated, the Solo rolls up to about half the size of a typical inflatable SUP, and fits into a backpack about as big as your average sleeping bag. Even the paddle features a unique breakdown design that lets you roll it up for easy packing\u2014however, some users report that makes it less efficient in the water.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Max capacity:<\/strong> 350 pounds Pros:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Cons:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 30 pounds Some days, you’re in the mood to SUP. Others, you want to kick back and kayak. With the Bote LowRider Aero, you can do both. This sporty inflatable paddle board includes an inflatable kayak seat you can attach to your board and hybrid paddle for days you want to kayak.<\/p>\n It’s also loaded with features that make it a great paddling companion. The extra wide, 36-inch base is covered in a full-length deck pad for easy, comfortable grip, while the bungee cords at the front and back allows for maximum storage. It’s also compatible with the full line of Bote accessories (sold separately), including the brand’s Magnepod line<\/a> of magnetized tumblers, coolers, and speakers that attach to the board and stay put while you paddle.<\/p>\n “This is the second Bote board I’ve tested and it’s my new favorite toy,” says Krempa. “I love that I can kick back and relax with the kayak seat on days when I don’t feel like standing. But most of all, I love how customizable Bote boards are\u2014you can basically build out your board exactly how you want, which is key for anyone who spends a lot of time on the water.”<\/p>\nBest inflatable paddle boards, at a glance: <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What to look for in an inflatable paddle board<\/h2>\n
Size<\/h3>\n
Shape<\/h3>\n
Accessories<\/h3>\n
Storage space<\/h3>\n
Inflatable paddle board design<\/h3>\n
Shop 8 of the best inflatable paddle boards<\/h2>\n
\n ![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Commerce-Templates-40.png?w=1460\")
\n <\/a>
\nLength:<\/strong> 10\u20196\u201d
\nWidth:<\/strong> 34\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPump:<\/strong> Not included
\nCarrier:<\/strong> Not included<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n ![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Commerce-Templates-41.png?w=1460\")
\n <\/a>
\nLength:<\/strong> 10\u20196\u201d
\nWidth:<\/strong> 34\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPump:<\/strong> Manual
\nCarrier:<\/strong> Roller backpack<\/p>\n\n
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\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n ![\"man](\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Commerce-Templates-42.png?w=1460\")
\n <\/a>
\nLength:<\/strong> 10\u20190\u201d
\nWidth:<\/strong> 29\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPump:<\/strong> Manual
\nCarrier:<\/strong> Roller backpack<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n ![\"NRS](\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/NRS-Jukdo-.jpg?w=1460\")
\n <\/a>
\nLength:<\/strong> 10\u20190\u201d
\nWidth:<\/strong> 31″<\/p>\n
\nPump:<\/strong> Manual
\nCarrier:<\/strong> Backpack<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n ![\"Pau](\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PauHana_Solo_Backcountry_All-new_af5cfc0a-5638-4479-ac60-882e03707707_2000x.jpeg?w=1460\")
\n <\/a>
\nLength:<\/strong> 10\u201910\u201d
\nWidth:<\/strong> 30\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPump:<\/strong> Manual
\nCarrier:<\/strong> Backpack<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n \n<\/li>\n
\n Shop Now <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n ![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Commerce-Templates-43.png?w=1460\")
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\nLength:<\/strong> 10′ 6″
\nWidth:<\/strong> 36″<\/p>\n