Looking for the best inflatable SUP for beginners? Here, you will discover the best inflatable SUPs suitable for beginners or intermediate paddlers. Whether you're looking for an affordable or high-end inflatable SUP, we've got you covered!
Stand-up paddleboarding has gained popularity over the past few years - it's fun and challenging. Whether you're new to stand-up paddling or want to improve your skills, these inflatable SUPs are perfect for beginners. With so many different inflatables on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. To make things easier, we've compiled the ultimate list of top 11 inflatable SUPs for beginners to try this summer!
One of the best things about the paddleboards on our list is that they all come with great accessibility. They consist of high-quality materials and have been tested by experts. Also, these paddle boards are easy to set up and fold away when not in use. Furthermore, the SUPs mentioned here are designed with beginners in mind, such as easy inflation, adjustable foot straps, low center of gravity, and more.
The best inflatable SUPs for beginners are here! These are the 2022 top picks for beginners looking to start on their first stand-up paddle board.
Get ready to go on a water adventure with these best inflatable SUPs!
iRocker Nautical 10'6″ | Overall Best Inflatable SUP
Product Specifications
Best for: Beginner and Intermediate paddlers
Dimensions: 10'6" x 32" x 6"
Weight limit: 240lbs
Price: Available for $349.99
iRocker is well-known for making high-quality, innovative SUPs. The Nautical line is one of its best-selling boards of all time. The Nautical 10'6" by iRocker is an all-around inflatable SUP ideal for beginners. This versatile all-around board is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and packed with many great features. Also, it provides various paddleboarding activities, including recreational paddling, surfing with a dog or children, etc.
The company uses a double-layer PVC construction to manufacture the Nautical series. It helps in reducing the cost without compromising durability and performance. The Nautical 10'6" SUP is ideal for those who want a lightweight, economical option. Furthermore, this high-quality paddleboard is perfect for all kinds of water activities, such as paddling around the lake, doing some SUP yoga, cruising, and more!
Reasons To Buy: Overall, the Nautical 10'6" is a great performing inflatable paddleboard that is perfect for beginner surfers. Loaded with accessories, this all-around SUP comes with a 2-year warranty and a 90-day friendly return policy.
RedPaddleCo 10'6″ Ride MSL | Best Inflatable Paddle Board Package For Beginners
Product Specifications
Best for Water adventures
Dimensions: 10'6" x 32" x 4.7"
Weight limit: 218 lbs
Price: Available for $1,399.00
The next on our list of best inflatable SUP for beginners is RedPaddleCo 10'6" Rides MSL. If you're looking for stability and versatility, this versatile paddleboard is the perfect option. Also, it offers excellent durability along with superior stability, so you can withstand even the wildest of water adventures. No matter what type of rider you're, this board offers a smooth and fun ride. Moreover, the 120mm/4.7" thickness provides incredible stiffness that doesn't compromise performance. The ergonomic tubular handles give a comfortable grip when carrying your board.
This iSUP has drop-stitch construction, an EVA-textured-grip deck pad, and the brand's proprietary flexible, molded fins called the iFin. You get everything you need – paddleboard, backpack, pump, paddle, bungee leash, and repair kit.
Reasons To Buy: If you want something super packable and light for paddling, RedPaddleCo 10'6" Ride MSL is your best bet. Overall, this is an ultimate award-winning all-around board, perfect for enjoying water adventures. On top of that, the company offers hassle-free returns, free shipping, and a 5-year warranty service.
Bluefin Cruise 10'8" | Best Performance Inflatable SUP
Product Specifications
Best for: Adults and juniors
Dimensions: 10'8" x 32" x 6"
Weight limit: 330lbs
Price: Available for $569.00
Checkout our available discount
So, you need the best performing inflatable SUP that works well in all conditions. Well, look no further! Bluefin Cruise 10'8" is our most popular choice of inflatable SUP for beginners. It is an incredibly rigid iSUP that comes with loaded safety features and high-quality accessories. Thanks to the use of monocoque structural laminate (MSL), this all-around paddleboard is one of the lightest on the market.
Along with comfort, durability, and stability, the Bluefin Cruise modal delivers exceptional glide. Furthermore, advanced manufacturing and materials offer excellent performance. The Cruise 10'8″ board can handle all water conditions. And it can be used for everything from recreational paddling to fishing.
Reasons To Buy: Available in six vibrant colors, this iSUP is suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers seeking a reliable all-around leisure board. The best part is it comes with the industry's best 5-year warranty and friendly return policy. Overall, the Bluefin Cruise 10'8" is a high-performance all-around iSUP focused on the paddling experience.
Gili Sports 10'6 / 11'6 AIR | Best All-Around Beginner Paddleboard
Product Specifications
Best for: Beginner and Intermediate paddlers
Dimensions: 10'6" x 32" x 6"
Weight limit: 280lbs
Price: Available for $439.97
Discount available for 365 days
The Gili AIR is an excellent inflatable paddleboard that works well in all water conditions. Ideal for beginners and intermediate paddlers, it comes with the perfect blend of speed, stability, and portability. Gili Sports uses high-strength military-grade PVC material for a board that easily lasts for years. With its sturdy design, 6" thickness, and snap-in center fin, paddlers of all skill levels will enjoy the ride.
Furthermore, the front-mounted 6-point bungee system allows for quick access to your gear. Moreover, the 10' 6 AIR is also available in 11'6 size. The 11'6 has extra capacity, so you can SUP with a friend or even use this board for SUP yoga! The company offers a complete iSUP package you need to get on the water: iSUP, paddle, pump, leash, etc.
Reasons To Buy: Alongside surprising stability, this inflatable SUP has a good weight capacity, durability, and portability. The Gili 10'6 / 11'6 AIR is one of the best all-around beginner paddleboards that makes paddling convenient. Backed by courteous customer service, it comes with a 2-years warranty and a 60-day generous money-back guarantee.
Honu Fairlight 10'9 All-rounder | Best Beginner-Friendly Inflatable SUP
Product Specifications
Best for Width and stability
Dimensions: 10'9" x 33" x 4.72"
Weight limit: 290lbs
Price: Available $749.00
Buy now and get the best discount on it.
Honu provides high-quality inflatable SUP boards and accessories to consumers. With a minimalistic design, the Honu Fairlight delivers performance along with stability. The Fairlight is a larger volume all-rounder paddleboard for those wanting extra stability. Also, it is wider, which adds stability to the most advanced Yoga pose or family adventure. Also, the extra volume makes it perfect for heavier paddlers.
Beginners will surely love the added width and stability the board offers. The best selling point of this board is its weight/size/performance ratio. This 4.7" thick iSUP keeps riders connected to the water as a fiberglass board does, but without the hassle that comes with them.
Reasons To Buy: Overall, Honu Fairlight is a fantastic choice when it comes to the best inflatable SUP for beginners. The company focuses on paddling performance and beautifully clean design. Moreover, this iSUP comes with a 4-year warranty, free shipping, and easy returns.
Bote Wulf Aero 10′4″ | Best Stable SUP For Beginners
Product Specifications
Best for Touring
Dimensions: 10'4" x 34" x 6"
Weight limit: 250lbs
Price: Available for $476.10
The Wulf Aero is Bote's all-new, entry-level inflatable stand-up paddleboard. The style and superb construction come with a super stable form and an unbeatable price point. Further, the Wulf's 34" width and extra wide tail make it super stable on the water. The AeroUltra single-layer construction reduces weight without sacrificing performance or durability.
Its killer aesthetics combine with innovation to create a stable, lightweight, and, most importantly, easy-to-paddle inflatable SUP. Designed for maximum comfort, the WULF Aero includes a coiled leash to ensure your board never gets away from you.
Reasons To Buy: The Bote Wulf Aero 10'4" is a super stable, super versatile iSUP at an affordable price. The portable, highly durable Aero inflatable technology offers a fun adventure wherever you go. Best of all, the company offers a 2-year warranty service, free shipping, and excellent customer service. And if you're not happy with the purchase, you can return it within 30-days.
NRS Thrive 10'8" | Best Compact SUP Great For Beginners
Product Specifications
Best for Adventure touring
Dimensions: 10'8" x 34" x 6"
Weight limit: 250 lbs
Price: Available for $1,245
The NRS Thrive comes in 9'10" to 11′ sizes and is one of the top-quality inflatable paddleboards available. With a beginner-friendly design, the Thrive can easily handle touring, fitness paddling, and light river running. The company uses a heavy-duty PVC drop-stitch technology for its construction. The double sidewalls increase durability to handle the abrasion of an adventurous lifestyle.
Furthermore, the proprietary Axis Technology improves stiffness and performance without adding weight or making it harder to fold and store. The package includes a pump, three Allwater fins, one Touring fin, a carry bag, and a repair kit.
Reasons To Buy: Overall, we've found it to be one of the best inflatable SUP for beginners in 2022. NRS Thrive offers extreme versatility in a well-priced package. In addition to innovative features, this inflatable SUP comes with a 3-year warranty and an easy return policy.
Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 | Best For Intermediate Paddlers
Product Specifications
Best for: Beginner and Intermediate paddlers
Dimensions: 11" x 32" x 6"
Weight limit: 210 lbs
Price: Available for $749.00
Click here and get the best deals.
Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 is a great paddleboard for beginners. The brand's Waterwalker is the best-selling all-around board. It carries you and your gear on your next adventure, whether you're new to paddling or are a pro paddler. The best part is that the Waterwalker 132 comes in three sizes to match your body type and paddle style.
The woven drop-stitching technology delivers performance at a lighter weight than standard inflatable SUPs. Further, it is a great choice for larger paddlers or paddlers who will have kids or pets on board. For anyone who wants a versatile all-around board for yoga or fishing, this is the best option.
Reasons To Buy: The Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 is one of the best all-around SUPs for intermediates. It feels great to paddle, is user-friendly, and is also great for beginner paddlers. Besides this, this inflatable paddleboard comes with 2-year warranty service, free shipping, and a generous 30-day return policy.
South Bay Board Verve 8' | Best Affordable PaddleBoard For Beginners
Product Specifications
Best for Beginner surfers
Dimensions: 9'6" x 23" x 3"
Weight limit: 200lbs
Price: Available for $389.00
If you're looking for a wallet-friendly option, then South Bay Board Verve 8" is a perfect choice! This inflatable beginner paddleboard is a high-quality option for the perfect SUP experience. With unique board features, the board offers a stable paddling experience, making touring enjoyable. The board's dimensions and innovative design make it exceptionally stable and easy to maneuver.
Furthermore, it is a phenomenal board for beginners to learn with and enjoy. And also exceed the expectations of experienced and advanced surfers. This iSUP features a rounded nose for easier paddling and wave-catching ability. Additionally, the rounded wide tail improves buoyancy and stability when catching waves.
Reasons To Buy: Best of all, this paddleboard excels at providing a budget-friendly option. It is one of the most versatile paddleboards on this list, and its lightweight makes it easy for anyone to use. Verve 8" comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, free shipping, and friendly returns. Moreover, the company prides itself on the quality of its products and offers excellent customer service.
Swonder 10' iSUP | Best Durable Inflatable SUP
Product Specifications
Best for Touring and fishing
Dimensions: 10'x 32" x 6"
Weight limit: 275 lbs
Price: Available for $339.99]
If you're a beginner who is looking for durability and stability without sacrificing speed, this is your board. Wonder 10' inflatable paddle board is ideal for all-skill level paddlers. With 10' x 32" x 6" size, this board is extremely stable on the water. Combined with the soft non-slip deck, elastic bungee design, and up to 275 lbs capacity, it is great for fishing, touring, or recreational paddling in all weather conditions.
Besides this, the board weighs only 17.2 lbs, much lighter than other boards on the market. It features durable military-grade PVC construction, double layers, high-density drop-stitch technology, and a massive EVA deck.
Reasons to Buy: Overall, the Swonder inflatable fishing SUP provides an incredibly stable paddling experience. It comes with a variety of premium accessories creating a competitive paddle board package. Besides this, Wonder 10' iSup comes with a one-year warranty, free shipping, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Saltie Sports Pro Plus 10'6" | Top-Selling Beginner Paddleboard
Product Specifications
Best for Adventurous activities
Dimensions: 10'6" x 32" x 6"
Weight limit: 350 lbs
Price: Available for $414.99
Additional discount on saltie sports
The Saltie Sports Pro Plus 10'6" is a great inflatable SUP for beginners. Equipped with the brand's proprietary high-end double fusion layered technology, the board is incredibly easy to store and transport. Additionally, it is durable, stiffer, and easy to handle at any location or rider. The Pro Plus, laminated double layer drop stitch technology, is the best on the market, making it lighter than alternatives. The package includes a paddle, backpack, leash, double action pump, fins, repair kit, and more.
Reasons To Buy: This is a reliable and sturdy iSUP that is durable, making it an excellent investment. Stable, versatile, portable, paddles well, lightweight, and most importantly, great for beginners. Besides this, Saltie Pro Plus 10'6" comes with unmatched warranty service, 30-day hassle-free returns, and free shipping.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards
When you're looking for an inflatable SUP, there are many factors to consider. These factors will determine which paddleboard is suitable for you. Read on to learn about these considerations!
Type Of Paddleboard:
One of the most important factors to consider is whether you want a solid or inflatable board. Each SUP comes with its advantages and disadvantages. However, inflatable SUPs are much better due to durability, portability, weight, versatility, and more.
Paddleboard Hull:
The performance of SUP on the water, as well as its stability, is determined by the shape of the hull. The two major types of shapes are planing and displacement hulls. A planing hull paddleboard is wide and flat and is easily maneuverable. If you're looking for yoga, surfing, or recreational paddling, this one is perfect for you. On the contrary, a displacement hull board has a pointy nose and glides through the water at a fast speed. So, if your priorities are touring, camping, or racing, go for this one.
Length, width, And Thickness:
The length of a paddleboard plays a crucial role in determining how the board handles. Generally, longer boards are faster than shorter boards. Shorter boards (under 10') are great for kids or surfing. Medium boards (10’-12') are suitable for all-around use, and most of these have planning hulls. Long paddleboards (above 12') are ideal for long-distance touring and fast paddling. The majority of boards in this size are displacement-hull iSUPs
Another important factor in determining how the board handles is SUP width. SUPs have widths ranging from about 25 inches to 36 inches to accommodate rider's needs. After the length and width, consider a third factor: board thickness. The reason to consider the thickness of iSUP is that it affects the overall volume and weight capacity.
Volume and Weight Capacity
Volume and weight capacity are mainly influenced by your weight. However, the board width, height, and thickness will also influence these factors and will determine the board's performance. The higher the volume, the more stable and buoyant it will be on the water. Measured in pounds, the weight capacity determines how much weight the board can take and remain efficient on the water. I
Inflatable SUPs Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best inflatable SUP for beginners?
When choosing the best inflatable paddleboard for beginners, the key factor is to choose the one on which you can stand up easily. The best inflatable SUPs should offer stability, durability, and comfort. Moreover, the paddleboard should also provide enough buoyancy so you won't sink when paddling. These inflatable SUPs are perfect for beginners who want to enjoy their first paddleboarding out on the water.
What are inflatable SUPs made of?
Inflatable SUPs are made by "drop stitching" two layers of polyester fabric together with thousands of polyester threads. Then, an air-tight coating goes over the outside surfaces. Furthermore, the SUP sidewall material is made of polyester fabric that's coated on both sides. Lastly, the wide-seam tape is glued over each seam to make an air-tight board.
Are inflatable SUPs worth it?
The most common reason for wanting an inflatable board is they are extremely easy to transport. They are compact when deflated and fit nicely into a large carry bag. Additionally, iSUPs are more stable than a hard-shell board. Moreover, inflatable SUPs are ideal for river paddling and rocky shores. Overall, inflatable paddleboards are totally worth it!
Which is better: inflatable or solid paddle board?
In all-around paddling, inflatable paddleboards are much better than solid ones. iSUPs are more durable than epoxy SUPs. Inflatable paddleboards require less storage, whereas hardboards take up a lot of storage space. Besides this, an iSUP will weigh less than an equivalent-sized solid paddleboard. In simpler words, inflatable SUPs offer various benefits, including better stability, better portability, better durability, more comfort, and easier storage.
Enjoy the next-level adventure on these inflatable SUPs!
