I had always been an avid fan of water sports, and over the years I tried my hand at just about everything. From surfing and kayaking to paddle boarding and kiteboarding.
One of my all time favorite activities was stand up paddle boarding, or SUP, and I have been using inflatable stand up boards for years. Inflatable Stand Up Paddle boards are great because they are easy to transport, lightweight, and very durable, making them perfect for all kinds of water adventures.
After much thought and contemplation, I’ve put together a list of my top picks for the best inflatable stand up paddle boards to buy, so you can be sure you’re getting the best experience out there in the water. Without further ado, here are the best inflatable stand up paddle boards for 2023 –
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Overview
Bluefin Cruise 12
FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light SUP
Atoll 11′ Foot Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
ISLE Pioneer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Questions remain unanswered? Join our Facebook group and ask us everything that’s on your mind. It’s important you know our website works in cooperation with Amazon to get you the best deals, and that the links are affiliate.
The Bluefin Cruise Inflatable SUP Package is the best and safest choice you can go with. Its high quality construction grants one of the best gliding and maneuvering among all other options. The board is steady and stable even in rough water conditions thanks to its carbon fiber flex reduction system.
What’s most fun about this design, is its ability to transform into a Kayak. This ability is much more useful than you’d think – it’s useful for when you get tired of paddling and need to change things a bit, and it also doubles the ways you can engage in water sports with it.
In terms of accessories, you get a great carrying bag with wheels and high quality straps that grants valuable mobility and ease of use. The triple action pump does a great job in inflating the SUP and fits perfectly in the bag. The fins attach to the paddling board with ease, and they are made of durable material, and the additional features such as the action camera mount are well built and add a lot to the experience of the stand up paddle board, especially for intermediate and professionals.
The FunWater ultra-light paddle board definitely offers one of the best performances in the low budget department. Don’t let the small price fool you, while being simple with less features compared to its premium alternatives, this SUP doesn’t fall short on what really matters – Stability, material quality and gliding performance. It’s no wonder it’s Amazon’s top seller, as this SUP really offers great value for a rather small fee.
This stand up paddle board is one of the best when it comes to mobility, as its very weight and size efficient, and can be carried pretty easily compared to similar products. Regardless of the comfortable weight, its material has excellent water resistance aspects, it’s tough, and long lasting.
In terms of related accessories, the stand up paddleboard has an elastic string and a shoulder strap attached. The package also contains 3 adjustable paddles, 3 removable fins, a single pump, a carry bag, and a waterproof phone bag. Overall the package really covers the fundamentals and even has few bonuses which are nice additions that will come in handy on your water adventure.
One of the best stand up paddle boards for 2023 is the Atoll Inflatable SUP. The reason it’s a great buy specifically now is that the SUP kit has recently been upgraded to the latest trends of 2023. The Atoll SUP provides high gliding performance and extra stability thanks to a wider board. Also, the board has a second layer of PVC material for a sturdier experience.
The SUP also comes with newest gen black aluminum alloy adjustable and lightweight 3 piece paddle with nylon blade. The fins are extra durable and long lasting, attach with ease, and can easily be replaced thanks to the universal generic mechanism applied to the SUP. The carrying bag fits really everything perfectly and made out of high quality material that dries fast.
Overall it’s one of the best stand up paddle boards for families, beginners and intermediate who want to prioritize stability over speed.
The ISLE Pioneer inflatable stand up paddle board is the safest option to go for in inflatable SUP. It’s a very popular choice as the price is considerably low while the performance fits almost every casual surfer. Its design is lightweight and durable, with a PVC layer and a thick and wide body that makes the board extremely stable.
With the paddle board you also get a complete package that compound of adjustable nylon blade / carbon shaft paddles, carrying bag, a pump, a coil leash and fins.
What’s best about this board is that it’s so stable, you can do all kinds of water activities with it. You can sit with a friend, have your dog sit while you paddle, or do yoga with your family on it. That’s what makes it so popular for casual surfers who simply look for the best stand up paddle board for mostly fun purposes.
What is Stand Up Paddle Boarding (or SUP)?
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (or SUP) is a water sport where the rider stands on his board using a paddle to propel himself through the water. There are several different types and variations of paddle boarding such as: flat water paddling, sightseeing, recreational, fitness, paddle board racing, river and white-water paddle boarding, paddle board surfing, paddle board fishing, and paddle board yoga.
SUP surfing is a variation of traditional surfing. Instead of lying prone on the surfboard and paddling with arms to get out to the surf zone, SUP surfing allows the participant to stand on the board from the shore and paddle out to the surf zone using a SUP paddle. The best way to move forward is to stand hip-width apart on the board with your knees slightly bent. The paddle should be held in the water perpendicular to the board so that you do not unintentionally steer while driving.
Who is Stand Up Paddleboard for?
I was first introduced to this amazing sport about 10 years ago and since then I go at least once a week to paddle along the beaches of Greece, Cyprus, Tel Aviv or elsewhere in the world where I am near a lake or a seashore. Apparently, over the past several years, paddleboarding has experienced a surge in popularity as individuals from all over the world are being exposed to the sport for the very first time. What made this sport so popular? well, there are quite a few contributing factors that I will describe below:
First and foremost, SUP is a family-friendly activity that all ages and skill levels can enjoy. It’s an incredibly easy sport to pick up and something that children love just as much as adults and seniors. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with the family friends or even alone with your thoughts. Compared to wind waves or kite surfing, Stand up paddleboarding is much more accessible to people anywhere and the culture is comparable. If you’re within driving distance of water, you can enjoy SUP’s fun lifestyle. Additionally, SUP is much easier to get started than surfing which takes lots of practice.
Is Stand Up Paddle Boarding Expensive?
SUP is an affordable activity that anyone can enjoy. SUP doesn’t require expensive lift tickets, high-priced travel arrangements or costly gear to participate. Inflatable paddle boards are not expensive and can pack down to a fraction of their size, you don’t need a roof rack or any special equipment to travel with them.
With a travel bag you can literally paddle anywhere in the world. There are an endless number of local paddling clubs where you can rent a SUP on a one-time basis or by subscription if makes sense, the costs are very reasonable, and you do not have to buy drive and carry any equipment.
What are the Benefits of Stand Up Paddle Board?
SUP provides outstanding physical health benefits and great for mental health. Physically, paddleboarding gives you a great full-body workout. It’s an excellent activity for cardiovascular health and core strengthening and is a fantastic activity for burning fat and losing weight. Plus, it’s far more enjoyable than spending the afternoon in a crowded gym. If you get tired you can take a rest and lie on your back on the board, you can’t do this with any other type of surfing. Mentally, it provides an effective outlet for stress management. Paddleboarding allows you to unplug from the stresses of daily life and gives you access to scenic, serene paddling spots. There’s no better way to refresh and recharge.
SUP will give you unparalleled access to some of the most amazing spots in existence. A paddle board will allow you to explore stunningly beautiful areas that would be otherwise inaccessible. The sights you’ll experience while paddling are simply breathtaking. An experienced SUP paddler will be able to carry a smartphone or a camera to capture the moment.
How to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
The best way to start paddling is simply by getting on a board and start paddling with an experienced friend or instructor from the nearest surfing club. Your friend or instructor will lead you through the basic techniques of standing up, balance and most important, how to get up on board after falling into the water. After that, if you decide you love to SUP and want to do more of it, consider buying your own equipment or use a rental one from your favorite surfing club.
From personal experience, I recommend starting by renting at the club so that you can try out a wide variety of surfboards of different types sizes and shapes so when you decide to purchase, you will know exactly which surfboard suits your personal requirements.
How to Choose the Best Stand Up Paddleboard
The board choice is determined by a combination of paddler weight and skill, intended use and the local conditions. Different boards excel at different disciplines, such as recreational paddling, surfing, touring, racing and SUP yoga.
A SUP paddle looks a bit like a stretched-out canoe paddle with a tear-drop-shaped blade that angles forward for maximum paddling efficiency. The correct length paddle will reach up to your wrist when you stand the paddle up in front of you and raise your arm above your head.
What More Accessories you Need for Stand Up Board Paddling?
Proper clothing is essential to keep you from the sun during the summer months and from the cold water during wintertime. A swimsuit, UV protection gloves (We included a pair in our best hiking gloves article), board shorts, and a short or long-sleeved rash guard for sun protection. For cool conditions where hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or dry suit. I also recommend wearing anti-slip aqua shoes for better safety. If you’re going with your family, here are our suggestions for some cool beach bags and bags for kids.
1 comment
[…] don’t have to travel all the way to Alaska to enjoy Kayaking. Here are the best inflatable SUPs that can be transformed into […]