Best inflatable paddle board: The top inflatable SUPs for every budget
Go for a paddle without breaking the budget: the best inflatable paddle boards you can buy
Stand-up paddle boarding has taken off in the UK, and that’s helped by inflatable designs that make it easier to hit the water for a serene paddle without having to find a way to transport, store and carry a massive 10ft board.
Inflatable paddle boards are not only easy to carry (many come with backpacks for even easier carrying), they’re also cheaper than solid models and ideal for beginners, as they’re softer to stand on and highly stable. While they’ve traditionally been seen as limited for recreational use, the increasingly fast designs of inflatable SUPs mean they’re even being used in races, highlighting how high performance they’ve become.
For a few hundred pounds, you can take a relaxing tour around a calm lake, carve through waves at the beach, or even add a challenge to your yoga practice. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the perfect inflatable SUP for you, regardless of budget.
Best inflatable stand-up paddleboards: At a glance
- Best inflatable paddle board for families: Portofino SUP | £290
- Best inflatable paddle board for yoga: Bluefin Aura Fit 10’8 | £509
- Best lightweight inflatable paddle board: Itiwit Beginner’s Inflatable SUP | £350
- Best all-round inflatable paddle board: Goosehill Sailer Inflatable SUP | £376
How to choose the best inflatable paddle board for you
Why choose an inflatable stand-up paddle board?
Stand-up paddle boards have traditionally been made with a hard body, like a surfboard, and the sport has its origins with Hawaiian surfers pairing their boards with a paddle. The arrival of dropstitch material – fabric that’s tied together by thousands of short threads that hold it in place for more rigidity when inflated – coated with PVC allowed for the creation of inflatable products with a high enough air pressure to support a paddler.
Inflatable boards, also called iSUPs, have a few benefits over hard paddle boards. To start with, they’re usually significantly lighter and can be carried in a bag or backpack, making storage and transport much easier than a 10ft or longer hard paddle board. They’re also softer on the feet – or hands, if you’re into SUP yoga – and more stable, making inflatable boards ideal for beginners or those looking for an easy, reliable paddle rather than speed. Generally, inflatable paddle boards can carry more weight. Traditionally, inflatable models have been slower and harder to paddle than hard-body rivals, but improvements in designs mean they’re even used in racing now.
What to look for in an inflatable paddle board
There are a few key characteristics that differentiate a budget, beginners’ iSUP from a model designed for better performance. Lower-end inflatable paddle boards are made using single-layer dropstitch, which require a thicker board and more inflation to have sufficiently good performance. One solution is double layers of dropstitch, which will have better performance but will be heavier and harder to pack away into your bag.
To address those challenges, inflatable paddle board makers add extra materials and support rods to strengthen single-layer dropstitch, giving a tougher, more stable board without adding the extra weight of a second level of dropstitch.
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What else should you consider?
Size and air pressure (referred to as PSI) will contribute to how much weight the paddle board can easily support. Make sure you consider potential passengers, not just yourself.
Also consider how quickly the SUP inflates and deflates (check video reviews online to get an honest take), as well as the type of deflation valve it uses. Other key features include bungee cords to hold supplies in place and handles for carrying and getting back on the board in case of an unexpected dismount.
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What other equipment do you need?
Many beginner paddle board sets come with everything you need to get started: a pump, a paddle, a bag, a fin and a leash for safety. Paddles can be adjustable, but should be about 15cm to 30cm taller than you. Some iSUPs also come with drybags and a seat to convert into a kayak-style contraption, and others feature a built-in action camera holder. An ankle leash and personal flotation device are key safety equipment for any paddle boarder, while waterproof lights are necessary if you’ll be hitting the water at night.
The best inflatable paddle boards to buy in 2023
1. Itiwit X100 10ft Touring Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board: The best budget SUP
Price: £240 | Buy now from Decathlon
This green-hued model (in Turquoise Green / Caribbean Blue) from Itiwit is easy on the eyes and the budget. The inflatable board is robust enough to take touring for up to half a day, while being stable and supportive enough for beginners to brave. The board can take a single passenger weighing in the region of 60kg to 80kg, and can be used to cruise and to traverse small waves.
The Itiwit X100 debuted at the reasonable price point of £300, but has now seen its price slashed by a whopping £60 over at Decathlon. If you’re looking to dip your toe into the world of inflatable paddle boarding (literally and metaphorically), this vibrant, easy-to-use model is a safe, affordable bet.
2. Goosehill Sailor Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board: The best all-round inflatable SUP
Price: £376 | Buy now from Amazon
The Goosehill Sailor features an extra layer of lamination that the company calls Super Construction Enhancement Technology, which gives additional strength to the single dropstitch layer without much extra weight. That means this all-rounder works for everyone: it’s light enough for a child to carry, stable and easy to manoeuvre, and solidly supports up to 200kg in weight.
The company says it works well on lakes, calm rivers and even in waves at the beach, but for more advanced conditions, it may not be suitable. Handily, the paddle board comes with all the key accessories you need to hit the water, including an adjustable paddle. It’s now on sale over at Amazon, with the offer of a £70 voucher bringing it down from £376 to £306.
Key specs – Total weight: 9kg; Length: 323cm; Width: 81cm; Height: 15cm; Air pressure: 12-15PSI; Volume: 300L; How much can it carry? 200kg; Accessories? Includes adjustable paddle, pump, leash, fin and carrying bag
3. Portofino 10ft SUP Inflatable: The best inflatable SUP for families
Price: £290 | Buy now from Amazon
The Portofino is super lightweight, but adds stability with a bit of extra width. It’s a bit thinner than budget rivals, which not only slashes the weight but should make it faster to inflate, with the company claiming you’ll be ready to hit the water in less than five minutes. Made of a single dropstitch layer, the Portofino is strengthened by a toughened external shell and internal rails.
All that makes it particularly good for children to use, as it’s easy to manoeuvre and paddle, while still remaining suitable for adults weighing less than 120kg. The adjustable paddle, kayak conversion seat and suitability for a range of people of all shapes and sizes mean this kayak is a good flexible option for families: let the kids play on it at the beach, and take it out yourself for a sunset paddle when they’ve gone to bed.
Key specs – Total weight: 8kg; Length: 305cm; Width: 84cm; Height: 12cm; Air pressure: 15PSI; Volume: 300L; How much can it carry? 120kg; Accessories? Includes adjustable paddle, pump, leash, fin, and carrying bag; kayak conversion seat available at extra cost
4. Aqua Marina Wave Surf: The best inflatable SUP for catching waves
Price: £459 | Buy now from Wiggle
Aqua Marina has an entire line of well-built and equally well thought-out inflatable paddle boards that cover everything from your very first experience on an iSUP to more advanced craft. The Wave Surf has been conceived and manufactured with SUP-surfing in mind, so is fantastic for those who like to play around in the waves.
This is aided by a square tail, which aids faster and snappier turns, a three-fin set-up for increased speed and responsiveness, and a narrower nose with increased rocker so the board doesn’t “bog down” when trying to catch larger waves.
Like most of Aqua Marina’s line-up, this great little board comes with a bag, pump, leash, and the required fins to get you going – although you’ll have to provide the paddle.
The only downside to all this maneuverability is the size (it’s only 265cm long) and the maximum payload (just 95kg). This makes it not so user-friendly for those very new to the world of iSUP or for heavier riders.
Key specs – Total weight: 17kg; Length: 265cm; Width: 75cm; Height: 10cm; Air pressure: 18psi; Volume: 161L; How much can it carry: 95kg; Accessories: Pump, bag, leash and fins.
5. Red Paddle Co 15ft Voyager Tandem: The best tandem SUP for couples
Price: £1,699 | Buy now from Red Paddle Co
If you’re looking for the perfect wedding gift for the couple that has everything, look no further. This 15ft whopper from Red Paddle Co, a company which has had miscellaneous other models featured on this round-up, is a roomy model designed with duos in mind.
Measuring up at 34in wide and 8in thick, the dependable Voyager Tandem will see you and your adventure partner gliding along waterfronts in no time, with some extra space and adjustable bungee straps for touring essentials. It’s built to withstand considerable weight, and its ergonomic tubular handles make for excellent maneuverability. You can purchase the Voyager Tandem sans paddles if you already have some, although if you want to opt for either of the Hybrid Tough or Prime models available, they will set you back £100 or £200 respectively.
6. Shark 12’6 Touring iSUP: The best inflatable SUP for long days on the water
Price: £649 | Buy now from Cotswold Outdoor
When it comes to covering big distances on an inflatable paddle board, length and a sleek outline are your closest allies. The Shark 12’6 is one of its longest models but the razor sharp outline and smooth gliding nature means this is a board that rewards every paddle stroke.
What’s more, it boasts cargo carrying areas at both the front and rear, while the additional length in the nose means it stays perfectly balanced even when loaded up with a dry bag or a picnic at the front.
Shark also cleverly offers most of its boards with either 5in or 6in rail heights, which allow riders to make a judgement call on how much buoyancy and stability they need for their height and weight. The shorter the rail, the lighter (and often shorter) the rider should be.
In its 5in guise, the Shark Touring iSUP is suited to those who weigh 75kg or less, while the 6in version will work better for those over that weight. Don’t fret: both boards can handle a maximum payload well in excess of 180kg, which should be more than enough for a full day’s worth of supplies.
Key specs – Total weight: 11kg; Length: 385cm; Width: 76cm; Height: 12cm; Air pressure: 20-25psi; Volume: 280L; How much can it carry: 180kg; Accessories: Pump, bag, leash, paddle, fins and waterproof phone holder.
7. Itiwit Beginner’s Inflatable Touring Stand-up Paddle board: The best lightweight inflatable SUP
Price: £350 | Buy now from Decathlon
If you’re going to have to carry your SUP, this is the one to get: it weighs just 6kg and folds up incredibly small into the included backpack, making it easy to take on your travels or to access more remote lakes and rivers. Because it’s so tiny, the Itiwit has a more restrictive weight limit, although larger – and therefore heavier – models are available.
This is unquestionably a beginner’s board for calm water, but if you’re looking for a small, lightweight iSUP to get started with, the Itiwit could be the one for you. Paddling gets harder the closer you are to the weight limit, so beginners may want to upgrade to the 10ft model for an extra £50 to ensure easy manoeuvrability.
Key specs – Total weight: 6kg; Length: 244cm; Width: 76cm; Height: 12cm Air pressure: 15PSI; Volume: 187L; How much can it carry? 60kg; upgrade to the larger models for higher weight limits; Accessories? No paddles or pump, but includes backpack, fins and leash
8. Bluefin SUP Voyage: The best inflatable SUP for everything else
Price: £699 | Buy now from Amazon
Bluefin has a wide range of specialist boards: there’s the Aura for yoga, the Tandem for two paddlers, and the Mammoth to carry all your friends and family, alongside SUPs focused on touring and beginners. The Voyage piles together everything into one board, making it a water-based platform for all your lake activities.
The board itself is 20% wider than standard, so it’s more stable for paddling and yoga. But that also means there’s more space for all your kit, including an attachable cooler box that features a seat back, and mounts for kayak seat, fishing rods, and an action camera. Paddle this board out to the lake for fishing, practise a bit of yoga, take the kids or dog out for a spin, use it as a base to keep your drinks cold: the Voyage is the ultimate all-rounder, but all that comes with extra weight and size, so it might be difficult for children to paddle themselves.
Key specs – Total weight: 17kg; Length: 330cm; Width: 99cm; Height: 16cm; Air pressure: Two chambers at 3.5PSI each; Volume: 382L; How much can it carry? 130kg; Accessories? Comes with pump, two paddles, carry bag mount, fin, leash, cool box and more
9. Red Paddle Co 11’0 Compact: The best compact inflatable SUP
Price: £1,449 | Buy now from John Lewis
Red Paddle Co has a wide range of inflatable boards, but the “Compact” range is particularly intriguing as a portable solution for those without a car to ferry about their kit. The Devon-based company says it’s been working on the “Pact” technology for more than a decade, creating a new weaving process that’s strong but easy to pack away.
The full package is around 13.4kg in weight, but it also folds down to half its total size, making it ideal to take on the bus or your bike. To help lug the board, Red Paddle Co has developed a specialist backpack – All Terrain – that’s adjustable for people of different heights and fortified with concentrated shoulder padding. The backpack’s dimensions are reasonably compact too, measuring up at 56cm x 42cm x 32cm, and it’s handily included in the price of the bundle.
This model also sports two integrated ifins, making them faster to paddle than those with three ifins in tow, and serving to enhance agility and movement while on the board. Plus, their durability means they’ll survive a few knocks and bumps, and can be rebent into shape if required. Perfect for navigating public transport, then. All-in-all, a great model for mobility, whether you’re on the board or carting it about.
Key specs – Total weight of bundle: 13.4kg; Length: 335.28cm; Width: 81.23cm; Height: 12cm; Air pressure: 16-22psi recommended; How much can it carry? 95-110kg; Accessories? Comes with backpack, pump, leash, paddle and fin
10. Bluefin Aura Fit 10’8: The best inflatable paddle board for yoga
Price: £509 | Buy now from Amazon
The Bluefin Aura Fit’s extra-wide 91cm width makes it particularly amenable for yogis and pilates-heads alike, providing room for manoeuvre and stability for balance (Bluefin’s boards can hold up to 28 PSI, making them extra rigid). But the Aura Fit is not just for the flexible of mind, body and spirit; the board’s durable materials and sturdy design make it a hardy and versatile all-rounder, even for novices. Meanwhile, earth-conscious yogis will appreciate Bluefin’s added touch of planting a tree for every purchase, the cherry on top of their mission to use recycled materials in manufacturing processes.
Key specs – Length: 325cm; Width: 91cm; Height: 15cm; Air pressure: 28PSI (max), 15-18PSI (recommended); Volume: N/A; How much can it carry? 160kg (max), 90kg (recommended); Accessories? Comes with fibreglass paddle, backpack, pump, waterproof smartphone case and fins
