Picture this: the sun is shining, the water is calling, and you’re ready to hit the water. There’s a huge choice of inflatable stand up paddleboards. But which one do you use?

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, the right board can make all the difference in your performance and how much fun you have. Don’t worry, you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the joy of paddleboarding. I’ve scoured the market and found the top 8 inflatable SUPs that combine quality and affordability… And they are ready for you!

Looking for our best paddle board product recommendations? Check the Paddleboard Insiders Buyer Guides

So let’s jump into the best inflatable stand up paddleboards for people on a budget (because that’s why you’re here right? 😉 )

Top 8 Budget-Friendly Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards

CATEGORY	BOARD
BEST ALL-ROUND PADDLEBOARD	ISLE Pioneer 10’6″
BEST ALL-ROUND, RUNNER UP	Atoll 11′ iSUP
BEST HYBRID KAYAK PADDLEBOARD	ISLE Switch 11’6″ Hybrid SUP
MOST VERSATILE PADDLEBOARD	Aqua Marina Atlas
BEST PADDLEBOARD FOR KIDS & TEENS	ISLE Grom 8’6″
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY PADDLEBOARD	Roc 10’4″ iSUP
BEST PADDLEBOARD FOR BEGINNERS	MyBoat 11’6″ Extra Wide
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT PADDLEBOARD	SereneLife iSUP

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BEST ALL- AROUND PADDLEBOARD

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iSUP 1: ISLE Pioneer 10’6″

The ISLE Pioneer paddleboard is the original bestselling paddleboard that is designed to be the ultimate all rounder board. This exceptional board features a robust double-layer construction utilizing advanced drop-stitch technology, ensuring unparalleled durability. Combining stability and lightweight design, this inflatable paddleboard is the ideal choice for riders weighing up to 285 lbs. This is an exceptional beginners budget board and you should 100% consider it as one of your next inflatable stand up paddleboards.

For a detailed explainer of some of the best features of this ISLE paddleboard, watch this short explainer video:

PROS	CONS
– Great all rounder board that you can do yoga or fishing on – World-class design and materials – Extra stable and great for beginners – Allows you to paddle with multiple people (or your dog)	– It sacrifices speed for stability so advanced paddlers will prefer the ISLE Explorer

Where To Buy ➡️Amazon

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BEST ALL-AROUND, RUNNER UP

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iSUP 2: Atoll 11′ iSUP

The Atoll inflatable stand up paddleboards are a thing of beauty! It truly is a heavy duty paddleboard that is made of some of the best materials that you can find. Something that I love is the fact that it caters to heaver paddleboarders because they can often struggle with thinner board profiles. It is a high performance board that is great in all conditions and for the price that it comes at – this is a purchase that you will never regret. The only reason that it wasn’t my #1 rated iSUP was because it is a more advanced board than the ISLE Pioneer, but otherwise it is incredible in every way.

PROS	CONS
– Stylish and great to look at – Higher weight limit – Great for all conditions – Firm and fast in the water – Incredibly high material quality	– A bit harder to maneuver than other beginner boards (this is more of an intermediate board)

Where To Buy ➡️Amazon

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BEST HYBRID KAYAK PADDLEBOARD

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iSUP 3: ISLE Switch 11’6″ Hybrid SUP

The ISLE Switch is an innovative hybrid kayak-paddleboard that was designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience if you decide to paddleboard or kayak. This SUP boasts a lightweight and stable design, accommodating one or more riders weighing up to 425lbs. With its effortless conversion feature, you can quickly transform this inflatable board from a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to a kayak in a matter of seconds. This bundle includes everything that you could need to quickly switch between a paddleboard and a kayak and get out on the water.

PROS	CONS
– Gives you the best of both worlds with a kayak and paddleboard in one. – Extremely light considering how big the board is. – High quality & durable materials that will last for a long time – Easy to assemble	– Carries a higher price tag compared to other ISLE paddleboards. – Pump provided is just okay, so look into an electric pump

Where To Buy ➡️Amazon

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MOST VERSATILE PADDLEBOARD

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iSUP 4: Aqua Marina Atlas

The Aqua Marina Atlas is one of the larger and more versatile paddleboards. It’s 12 feet long and great if you’re looking to paddle with your kids, dogs or other family members. It’s roomy, extremely stable and this also opens up other opportunities for things like SUP yoga or touring with paddleboard coolers and stopping to enjoy your surroundings. This board is 34 inches wide so it is very stable and even the most shaky beginners won’t struggle to stand on it and its also a great budget-friendly option for you.

PROS	CONS
– Great stability and easy to stand on with its 34 inch width – Budget friendly – Can use for a touring SUP to take long and leisurely paddles. – Opens up opportunities for SUP yoga and even fishing.	– Slower on the water because of its size – Consider getting an electric paddleboard pump because this SUP is big and difficult to inflate – Can be challenging to carry if its windy

Where To Buy ➡️Amazon

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BEST PADDLEBOARD FOR KIDS & TEENS

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iSUP 5: ISLE Grom 8’6″

If you’re looking to buy inflatable stand up paddleboards then you will never be disappointed with any ISLE board. They are truly world class – have high quality and durable paddleboards along with amazing customer service. I believe that ISLE is the best paddleboard brand in the world, so if you’re looking for a quality kids paddleboard then grab this one.

Where To Buy ➡️Amazon

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BEST VALUE FOR MONEY PADDLEBOARD

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iSUP 6: ROC 10’4″

Roc’s paddleboards are really good, and that’s the reason why they sell so well. They are one of the best selling boards on Amazon and the reason for this is they combine a high-quality board with all the accessories you need in one set. This is NOT a performance board, but for the average paddler it will be exactly what you need. It is versatile and great in flat water, the only negative is with the rounded nose it might struggle a bit in rough water.

PROS	CONS
– Top seller on Amazon because of its low price and great design – Budget friendly – Includes everything that you need in one set (including a seat) – Extremely high quality materials	– Rounded nose makes this harder to manage in choppy waters (this is great in flat water)

Where To Buy ➡️Amazon

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BEST PADDLEBOARD FOR BEGINNERS

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iSUP 7: MyBoat 11’6″ Extra Wide

I really like this paddleboard for a few reasons, but the major one is that it’s extremely easy to use. If you’re a beginner and you’re just getting your feet wet with paddleboarding then this is a really nice option for you. It is large and wide which makes it extremely stable and easy to get onto. When you’re starting you can expect to fall off a bit, so this is a lifesaver for that reason. The materials are high quality and the board is so inexpensive that it feels crazy that they are selling it for this price. I’d strongly recommend looking at this board.

PROS	CONS
– Extremely stable (it is extra wide) – Great for beginners because of its length and width – Easy to get back on the board if you fall off – Tri-Find set-up makes it easy to paddle in a straight line	– Big and bulky so it isn’t fast and not very maneuverable. – Difficult to pump up because of its size so consider getting an electric pump

Where To Buy ➡️Amazon

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BEST LIGHTWEIGHT PADDLEBOARD

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iSUP 8: SereneLife iSUP

SereneLife’s inflatable stand up paddleboards are nice entry-level paddleboards that come at an extremely competitive price in comparison to other SUPs. The board is stable, with good quality materials and it has an extremely fast inflation time. It is portable with it’s size and creates a nice blend of stability and performance making it a board that is well suited to beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The only issue with this board is that it is difficult to put in the bag because of the small size of the bag.

PROS	CONS
– Really fast inflation time – Stable and easy to use even in windy conditions – Great price – Lightweight design that is easy to transport – I like the grip pad positioning to match how you stand on the board.	– The bag is small so it makes it difficult to back the SUP into it.

Where To Buy ➡️Amazon

Why These Paddleboards Made the Cut

Each of these paddleboards offers a blend of affordability, quality, and performance. They’ve been selected based on factors like stability, durability, user reviews, and value for money.

I have personally used (or have spoken to people that have used) all of the above boards and after searching through dozens of SUPs, these are the ones that were the best.

But how do you know which one to choose?

Choosing The Right Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards For You

Selecting the right paddleboard involves several key considerations. These factors encompass stability, dimensions, weight, composition, and tailored functionalities to align with your requirements. For newcomers, prioritizing stability is crucial. Opting for a broader and lengthier board enhances stability, facilitating balance acquisition and bolstering confidence on the water.

Before delving deeper, let’s look at the different types of paddleboards.

Different Types Of Paddleboards Explained

When looking for the perfect paddleboard, it becomes important to decide what you’re going to be using the paddleboard for. There are many different types of SUPs and they each have different strengths and weaknesses.

So what are the most common paddleboarding activities?

SUP Surfing:

All Around SUP

All-around paddleboards are the most versatile option and suitable for various conditions. They are thicker, wider, and longer than SUP surfboards. All-around boards generally range from 10 to 12 feet in length and 29 to 36 inches in width. For beginners, an all-around board is often the best choice unless there is a specific reason to opt for another type of paddleboard.

Touring or Racing SUPs:

If your paddleboarding adventures involve long-distance cruising or racing, touring or racing SUPs are the way to go. Touring boards are longer than all-around boards, typically measuring 12 feet 6 inches or 14 feet in length. They have a pointy nose and minimal rocker. These boards are excellent for leisurely exploring lakes, rivers, or even open ocean touring.

Yoga and Fitness SUP:

The growing trend of Yoga-on-Water (YOW) offers a unique and engaging fitness experience. Practicing yoga or pilates on a stand-up paddleboard not only challenges your balance but also strengthens your core muscles. Yoga SUP boards are generally wider to provide better stability and balance during yoga sessions.

SUP for Kids:

Other Key Considerations:

In addition to the type of paddleboarding, there are a few other factors that you want to consider when choosing a paddleboard:

Length & Weight	Consider your own weight and height when selecting a board to ensure that you have the correct buoyancy without your board constantly sinking.
Rocker	The rocker refers to the curve of the board’s bottom surface. A flatter rocker provides better speed, while a bigger rocker improves maneuverability.
Construction Material	Paddleboards can be made from various materials, including inflatable and solid options. Each has its own advantages and considerations.
Width	Wider boards arebetter for stability, which is beneficial for beginners or those looking for a more chilled out experience on flat water.

When you consider the type of activities you’ll be doing on your paddleboard, you will be closer to finding the right SUP for you. So it’s definitely worth considering these factors.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind When Buying A Paddleboard

Now, let’s dive into a few more things you should know when you’re on the hunt for beginner paddleboards.

Quality Construction

Making sure your paddleboard is built to last is a big deal. Paddleboards can be either solid or inflatable. Solid ones usually come in materials like carbon fiber, plastic, fiberglass, or wood. On the flip side, inflatable stand up paddleboards are put together using PVC and Dropstitch technology. Both types have their pros. Carbon fiber boards are light and tough, fiberglass ones vary in quality, and wooden boards have that cool classic vibe. Inflatable boards are known for being durable and standing up to a beating. When checking out how well a board is made, think about the layers, materials used, and what kind of warranty you’re getting.

Steadiness

Especially if you’re just starting out, having a stable paddleboard is like having a best buddy on the water. Stability depends on how long, wide, and buoyant the board is. Longer boards give you more balance, but they might be a bit trickier to maneuver. If your board is around 30 inches wide or even wider, you’re in for some solid stability. Buoyancy, which is how well the board floats, depends on its volume. You want it to stay on the water’s surface without a hitch. So, think about getting a paddleboard that’s not too short, at least 30 inches wide, and can float you comfortably.

Versatility

If you’re new to all of this, a paddleboard that can do a bit of everything might be your best bet. These all-around paddleboards are like the Swiss Army knives of the water world. You can use them for yoga, exploring, or just chilling out. They’re made to be beginner-friendly, with decent width and medium length that’ll keep you steady. The cool thing is they come at different price points, so you won’t break the bank. But remember, super-specific boards might be awesome for experienced riders, even though they can be pricier.

Why Inflatable Paddleboards Are Amazing To Own

Inflatable stand up paddleboards are perfect for beginners, and they’ve got some really big perks to owning them. First up, they aren’t close to as expensive as solid boards. And don’t you worry about their quality – they’re made from this tough PVC stuff and something called Dropstitch technology that’s all about staying strong.

Another awesome thing is that inflatable paddleboards often come in a package deal. That means you get all the goodies like a paddle, leash, and that floaty thing (PFD) all bundled up which is really convenient. Plus iSUPs can fold up and deflate which makes them really nice if you plan to travel 🙂

Selecting The Right Size Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards

Choosing the appropriate size paddleboard is crucial to ensure optimal performance and stability. The length and width of a paddleboard play key roles in determining its suitability.

For adult beginners, a medium-length paddleboard ranging from 10’6″ to 12′ is recommended. The specific length should depend on the individual’s size and skill level. It is advisable to opt for a board that is easier to handle, especially for smaller individuals, within the 10’6″ to 11′ range.

Width is also an important consideration. Paddleboards that are 30 inches or wider provide better stability, which is particularly important for beginners. Those on the larger side may benefit from a width of 33 inches or more. Smaller beginners can find stability with a paddleboard that is 31 to 32 inches wide or wider if practicing yoga.

Thickness should not be overlooked when selecting a paddleboard. Thicker boards offer increased buoyancy, allowing for better performance and weight support. A thickness of 6 inches is recommended for inflatable paddleboards, ensuring rigidity and minimizing flex during use.

By taking into account these factors and choosing the appropriate size, beginners can enjoy a stable and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.

Essential Accessories for Stand-Up Paddleboarding

After selecting your beginner SUP, it’s time to consider the accessories that you want to use to make your SUP experience better. These accessories range from essential safety gear to optional items for added convenience and enjoyment.

Here are some of my favorite accessories:

Paddle:

A high-quality paddle is a must-have for any paddleboarder. Look for a paddle that is comfortable, durable, and adjustable to your height. While some beginner SUPs come with a paddle included, you may choose to invest in a separate paddle for better performance.

Here is more information about the best paddles for beginners: The 11 Best SUP Paddles For A Paddle Board In 2024

Pump:

If you opt for an inflatable SUP, you’ll need a pump to inflate and deflate it. Most inflatable SUPs come with a manual pump, which gets the job done but can be labor-intensive. For a more efficient inflation process, consider an electric pump that connects to your car’s power source. Electric pumps save time and energy. Explore reliable electric pump options tailored for inflatable SUPs.

Here is more information about the best electric pumps for paddleboarders: The 9 Best Electric Paddleboard Air Pumps Of 2024

Leash:

A leash is a vital safety accessory that connects your ankle to the SUP, preventing it from drifting away if you fall off. It’s especially crucial in windy or choppy conditions and when paddling near other people or in open water. Additionally, a leash makes it easier to get back onto your board after a fall. Ensure you choose a leash suitable for your board and intended paddling conditions.

Looking for more accessories for your paddle board? The 23 Best Paddleboard Accessories That You Need In 2024

Personal Flotation Device (PFD):

A PFD is essential safety gear that helps you stay afloat in case of an emergency. It may be mandatory in certain areas and waterways, so be aware of local regulations. Look for a PFD that fits comfortably and provides ample buoyancy.

Here are the best paddleboarding PFD’s and life jackets: The 8 Best Paddleboarding Life Jackets Of 2024

Dry Bag:

A dry bag keeps your belongings protected from water damage, ensuring they stay dry during your paddling adventures. It’s useful for storing essentials like your phone, keys, wallet, snacks, or extra clothing. Look for a waterproof dry bag that can be attached to your board’s bungee cords or carry handles, or one that can be worn as a backpack or waist pack. Discover recommended dry bags for beginner paddleboarders.

I’ve included my favorite dry bags along with other gifts for paddleboarders here: 22 Awesome Gifts For Paddleboarders In 2024

Cooler:

While optional, a cooler can enhance your paddleboarding experience by keeping your beverages and food items cold and fresh. You can secure a cooler to your board using bungee cords or carry handles, or choose one that doubles as a backpack or shoulder bag.

Here are my favorite paddleboard coolers in 2024: 11 World-Class Paddleboard Coolers That You Need In 2024

These accessories are just a starting point, and you can explore additional items based on your preferences and needs. Optional accessories may include a waterproof speaker, waterproof phone case, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water shoes, gloves, or a wetsuit. Customize your paddleboarding experience with accessories that align with your personal style and requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing budget-friendly inflatable stand-up paddleboards doesn’t mean compromising on quality or fun. With the options I’ve highlighted, you can confidently hit the water without worrying about your wallet. Remember, the right paddleboard can open up a world of adventure and relaxation, so make your choice wisely and happy paddling!

Looking for insider guides to some amazing paddle boarding locations? Check the Paddleboard Insiders Location Guides

FAQs

Can I use these budget inflatable SUPs for yoga on the water?

Absolutely! Many of these boards offer stable platforms, making them great for paddleboard yoga.

Are inflatable SUPs suitable for rough waters and waves?

While most of these boards are designed for calm waters, some like the iRocker Nautical and Peak Expedition can handle small waves with ease.

What’s the difference between an inflatable SUP and a hardboard?

Inflatable SUPs offer greater portability and storage convenience, while hardboards tend to provide slightly better performance in terms of speed and responsiveness.

Do these paddleboards come with warranties?

Yes, most reputable brands offer warranties ranging from 1 to 2 years for their inflatable SUPs.

Can kids use these budget-friendly paddleboards?

Absolutely, just make sure to choose a board with an appropriate weight capacity for the rider.

Happy paddling, and may your budget-friendly SUP take you on countless memorable journeys across the water!