Best Inflatable Paddle Boards (Beginners)

Introduction

There are several paddle boards, depending on the type of material, size, and shape for beginners and pro paddlers. However, some of the best paddle boards for 2023 that you should consider are summarized in the table below:

Features	iRocker All-Around SUP	Isle - The Pioneer	Thurso Waterwalker 132	Tower - Adventurer 2	Roc SUP	Serene Life SUP
Review	Overall Best	Best for SUP Fishing or Yoga	Best for SUP Touring	Best for Stability	Best for Beginner Stability	Best Bargain
Rider Capacity	370 lbs.	285 lbs.	330 lbs.	400 lbs.	300 lbs.	275 lbs.
Weight	24 lbs.	24 lbs.	26 lbs.	25 lbs.	175 lbs.	19.6 lbs.
Length	10'	10'6"	11'	10'4"	10'	10'6"
Width	32"	34"	32"	32"	33"	32"
Thickness	6"	6"	6"	6"	6"	6"
Material	3 Layer Military-grade PVC	Military-grade PVC	Military-grade PVC w/ Carbon Rails	Military-grade PVC	Military-grade PVC	Military-grade PVC
Volume	Not specified.	326L	300L	300L	Not specified.	Not specified.
Max Pressure	15 PSI	15 PSI	20 PSI	20 PSI	15 PSI	15 PSI
Rank	4.7	4.6	4.3	4.1	4.8	4.8
Check Latest Price	Here	Here	Here	Here	Here	Here

A paddle board, also known as standup paddle boarding (SUP), is a type of watercraft propelled by a person standing on the board and using a paddle to move through the water. Paddle boarding can be done in various settings, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and even on calm, flat water. It is a popular recreational activity and can also be used for fitness and competition.

Some of the best inflatable paddle boards of 2023 we will consider include:

• iRocker All-Around SUP
• Isle’s The Pioneer
• Thurso’s Waterwalker 132
• Tower Paddle Boards’ Adventurer 2
• Roc SUP
• Serene Life SUP

#1. iRocker All-Around SUP [Overall Best]

iRocker is a brand that produces high-quality inflatable paddle boards. They are known for their durable and rigid boards suitable for all skill levels. They offer a wide range of boards for activities such as touring, yoga, fishing, and more.

iRocker uses a proprietary technology that makes their inflatable paddle boards durable and rigid while still lightweight. Their boards are made of military-grade materials that are designed to withstand the elements and rough conditions. They also come with a 2-year warranty.

In addition to paddle boards, iRocker offers a range of accessories and paddles. They are a relatively new brand in the market but have quickly made a name for themselves with their high-quality, affordable products.

The paddle board comes with: a carbon matte paddle, hand pump, repair kit, 4 multi use action mounts, 20 D-rings for gear storage, attachments, and towing, 3 flip lock removable fins (1 center, 2 side), and a 10 foot ankle leash.  The carbon matte paddle that weighs 28.8 ounces and floats when connected with foam that is inserted into each paddle piece.  The manual pump that comes with this board is a triple action pump.  iRocker states that it takes about 7-10 minutes to inflate the board, but they also have an optional electric pump for the board.

This board stands out in the amount of accessories it provides.

Features and Specs

• Rider capacity: 370 lbs.
• Weight: 24 lbs.
• Length: 10 feet
• Width: 32 inches
• Thickness: 6”
• Material: Military-grade PVC
• Volume: Not specified
• Max Pressure: 15 PSI

Pros	Cons
Carbon Paddle	Difficult to inflate
Plenty of accessories for gear storage.	They are not fast enough
They come with a repair kit
They are easy to use
High weight capacity.

#2. Isle’s The Pioneer [Best for SUP Fishing or Yoga]

This paddle board is great for someone who wants a pet-friendly board and extra stability.  At 34 inches wide, this is one of the wider boards on the market.  The board has a pet-friendly traction pad with extra grooves for traction.  On top of that, it has ample room for space and storage with 6-point bungee in the front and 4-point bungee in the back. 

The board includes a rounded includes rounded carry handle – which believe it or not this makes it a great deal more handy.  Carrying a paddle board without a handle can be tough if you have small arms.  Additionally, it comes with a nose and tail handle as well as two Velcro paddle holders on each side. 

Isle includes a 2-year warranty for this product, a 60 day return policy if you don’t love it, and a range of accessories that consist of: coiled ankle leash, 3 fins (2 side fins and 1 removable central fin), a 3 piece adjustable aluminum travel paddle, and a hand pump.  One thing to note is to make sure the fins are screwed on tight.  If they are loose, you could have one fall off into the water and it would be difficult to retrieve and fix. 

Features and Specs

• Rider Capacity: 285 lbs.
• Weight: 24 lbs.
• Board Length: 10’6”
• Board Width: 34 inches
• Thickness: 6”
• Material: Military-grade PVC
• Volume: 326L
• Max Pressure: 15 PSI

Pros	Cons
Wide and stable design for balance	Difficult to carve hard turn.
60 days return policy, no questions asked.	Not very fast.
2-year warranty on materials.
6-point bungee in the front and 4 point bungee in the back providing ample room for storage.
Includes paddle holders on each side.
Rounded carry handle along with nose and tail grab handles.

#3. Thurso’s Waterwalker 132 [Best for SUP Touring]

The Thurso Wastewalker 132 is Thurso’s largest all-around inflatable paddle board.  It is 32 inches wide and 11 feet long.  This board is easily maneuverable and comes with a 3-piece carbon hybrid paddles which stands out from other paddles that are typically made of heavier aluminum. 

The board comes with manual pump (dual chamber triple action), a roller backpack, coiled ankle leash, 2+1 removable quick lock fin set, Velcro paddle holders on each side, and even a GoPro mount at the nose of the board.

If you like this paddle board, but want to try a smaller version, Thurso has the Waterwalker 126 that is half a foot smaller in length and 1 inch narrower in the width.

Features and specs

• Rider Capacity: 330 lbs.
• Weight: 26 lbs.
• Length: 11 feet
• Width: 32 inches.
• Thickness: 6 inches.
• Material: Military-grade PVC
• Volume: 300L
• Max Pressure: 20 PSI

Pros	Cons
Carbon hybrid paddle	They have limited color options.
Carbon reinforcement rails on the board.	The bag is not the most durable, prone to ripping.
Easy to maneuver and turn.
Sturdy, supports up to 330 lbs.
Has a smaller similar version.
Two-year warranty.

 #4. Tower Paddle Boards’ Adventurer 2 [Best for Stability]

Tower Paddle Boards is an American brand that produces high-quality inflatable paddle boards. They are known for producing affordable, durable boards suitable for all skill levels. They also offer a range of accessories and paddles.

The paddle board comes with 3-piece fiberglass paddle, manual pump, 2+1 plastic fins with a large removable center fin, a hand hold strap, and a roll-up carrying strap.  Lastly, the paddle board actually comes with a copy of “The Five Hour Workday by Stephen Aarstol.”

According to Tower, when the board is inflated, it holds its rigidity so well that if you put the nose of the board on one chair, the tail on another chair, with a 200 pound person in the middle, the board would hold its own.

Tower also includes a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty; however, do note that this does not apply to included paddle or accessories.

Features and specs

• Rider capacity: 400 lbs.
• Weight: 25 lbs.
• Length: 10’4”
• Width: 32 inches.
• Thickness: 6”
• Materials: Military-grade PVC
• Volume: 300L
• Max Pressure: 25 PSI

Pros	Cons
High quality board.	Limited color options.
Fiberglass paddle.	Limited accessories.
Easy to deflate.
Rigid and sturdy board. Supports up to 400 lbs.

Are cheap inflatable paddle boards bad?

Some certainly are, but not all of them. What makes the difference between the more expensive inflatable paddle boards and some of the cheaper ones on the market? 

Often it comes down to the materials of the board and to the quality and quantity of accessories offered.  Some inflatable paddle boards may be similar quality as the more expensive ones, yet offer less accessories.  For instance, the type of paddle will often be poorer quality for the cheaper boards, but as a beginner this may not be a huge issue.  For context, the quality of the paddle materials can be summarized below.

• Aluminum: These paddles are the most affordable and typically are used with entry level paddle boards.  They are less powerful of a paddle for your strokes.  These paddles may have parts of them that are plastic, but typically always consist of an aluminum shaft.  If the paddle is entirely aluminum, it will be heavier, and typically will not float.
• Fiberglass: Paddles made of fiberglass are lighter than the aluminum ones and typically are stiffer.  This helps in allowing a better stroke through the water.
• Carbon: Finally, carbon paddles are the stiffest and lightest.  They allow for the best stroke and are typically used for longer distances.  As you’d expect, carbon paddles tend to be the most expensive.

Below we’ve provided two inflatable paddle boards that are great value and don’t sacrifice board quality for price.  You’ll notice they both come with aluminum paddles and are a bit lighter weight.  However, the quality of the boards doesn’t disappoint and are quite popular options for someone just getting started for their first-time paddle boarding.

#5. Roc SUP [Best for Beginner Stability]

This is Roc’s premium inflatable paddle board.  The board is extra wide, coming in at 33 inches instead of the normal 30- or 32-inch paddle board, providing extra stability.  However, that extra stability makes it a bit more difficult to maneuver around.  This is certainly beneficial for someone looking to paddle with their pet onboard, but may be a drawback for someone looking to paddle by themselves. 

The paddle board comes with a collapsible aluminum paddle, a hand pump, 3 fins (2 side, 1 center), a coiled ankle leash, a waterproof accessory bag, and a backpack.

Roc provides a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty at no extra cost.

Features and Specs

• Rider capacity: 300 lbs.
• Board Weight: 17.5 lbs.
• Length: 10 feet
• Width: 33 inches
• Thickness: 6”
• Material: Military-grade PVC
• Volume: Not specified
• Max Pressure: 15 PSI

Pros	Cons
Quite affordable	Manual pump
1 year warranty	Very light weight board
Extra wide for stability
They are easy to use

#6. Serene Life SUP [Best Bargain]

For those looking for an affordable inflatable paddle board, but don’t need the extra stability that Roc’s inflatable paddle board does, Serene Life is a great option.  It is 32 inches wide and half a foot longer, making it easier to maneuver. 

This board is one of the more popular inflatable paddle boards on the market.  It is our personal favorite when it comes to paddle boards for someone starting for the first time.  It is affordable, yet differentiated from some of the other boards in the similar price range.  For instance, their fins are screwed into the board for stability, as opposed to some secured through pins. 

The paddle board comes with an adjustable aluminum paddle, 10-foot coiled ankle leash, a manual hand pump, a waterproof bag, backpack, three removable fins (1 center, 2 side), and a repair kit.

We recommend using the dual action pump where it inflates on the up and down motion and switching to single pump action when the PSI starts to get heavy and difficult to pump.

Features and Specs

• Rider capacity: 275 lbs.
• Weight: 19.6 lbs.
• Length: 10’6”
• Width: 32 inches
• Thickness: 6”
• Material: Military-grade PVC
• Volume: Not specified
• Max Pressure: 15 PSI

Pros	Cons
Quite affordable	Manual hand pump
Easy to maneuver and steer	Warranty is only for US customers.
1 year warranty
Great customer service
Waterproof bag & waterproof phone case
Easy to carry
Comes with a repair kit

Frequently Asked Questions: Inflatable Paddle Boards

Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Pop?

It is not a common occurrence and very unlikely for an inflated paddle board to pop while in use.  They can pop if they’re overinflated and left out in the sun for a long period of time.  However, often what will happen is the board will instead deflate, rather than pop.  Make sure if you don’t deflate the board after use, to stow it away in a well ventilated and temperate spot. 

Can I Use an Electric Pump on an Inflatable Paddle Board?

While some of the inflatable paddle boards only come with manual pumps, it is possible to use an electric pump to save you the time and convenience of pumping.  However, if you do this, we recommend either going with the optional electric pump recommended by the specific paddle board company, or double checking that the electric pump is compatible with the board. 

Electric Pump for Inflatable Paddle Board

If you’re planning on getting a compressor for the sole purpose of inflating the paddle board, you may want to buy one of the cheaper pumps out there that range between $50-$100.  However, these burnout pretty fast so we’d recommend getting one with a warranty on it.  Additionally, if you have a single-phase compressor, use the manual pump till the board gets its shape, then connect it to the compressor to finish the job.  Otherwise, it’ll take a while to fully inflate the board from start to finish, as single-phase compressors are meant for higher PSI’s, not starting from scratch.

Conclusion

However, before choosing a suitable standup paddle board, you need to consider how you will use it, the fit with your body, and its purpose. Hence, the shape, volume, rider capacity, length, price, width, and thickness of the board are factors you need to consider when buying your paddling board.