Best Cheap Inflatable Paddle Boards ($500 and Under)

Paddle boarding is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors, but it can come at a high price. If you’re on a budget and want a good-quality paddle board, you’ve come to the right place. Though the inflatable paddle boards on this list are cheaper, it doesn’t mean they lack in quality. 

The best cheap inflatable stand-up paddle board (SUP) is one that remains durable and performs well on the water. These SUPs are not made for high performance but are perfect for recreational use on the lake, bay, or even in calm ocean conditions. 

I have been paddling and involved in water sports for over 20 years in Ontario and British Columbia. As the founder of Inflatable SUP Authority, I put my extensive knowledge and experience towards writing honest reviews and guides and helping others find the best inflatable paddle boards for their budget. 

In this guide, we’ll be looking at the best cheap inflatable paddle boards by comparing materials, specifications, board design, accessories, and the pros and cons of each product. I aim to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision on the best budget paddle board for you. 

If you have a bit more of a budget check out our best paddle boards for beginners article here.

Best Cheap Inflatable Paddle Boards $500 and Under Tested

It should be noted that the score ratings below are marked based off of the SUP’s perfomance in On-Water Performance, Board Features, Accessories and Set-up. Not in order of rank. We do this so we can have a detailed rating system and not a general number thats made up based on whats the best cheap paddle board.

Here are our top picks for the best budget SUPs and cheap inflatable paddle boards on the market. Keep a continuous lookout for these boards to find some of these inflatable paddle boards for sale. Most under the $500 price point at some point or another with sales etc.

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1. Atoll 11 SUP (Most Stable)

• Dimensions: 11’ x 32″ x 6″
• Weight: 21 lbs
• Max Capacity: 400 lbs
• Materials: Dual Layer Drop Stitch Technology
• Best For: Paddlers who are starting out and crave stability.

Total Score 8.2/10 (Averages of Below Scores) 

• On-Water Performance: 8.5
  • Stability: 9
  • Tracking: 8
  • Speed: 8
  • Maneuverability: 8
• SUP Construction: 9
• Board Features: 8
  • Deck Pad: 8.5
  • D Rings: 9
  • Deck Bungees: 7.5
  • Handles: 7
• Accessories: 7.5
  • Backpack: 7
  • Paddle: 7
  • Pump: 7
  • Fins: 8
• Set-Up/ Take Down: 8

Why is it a Good Budget Paddle Board Pick?

The Atoll 11 is one of the most stable all-around boards we have done on-water testing with. This bodes well for new and experienced paddlers who don’t want to spend a fortune for a board that will keep them confident in the water. 

The Atoll 11 is a truly rugged board that has one of the best life spans for a SUP in its price range. It’s also highly versatile in that it can be used for anything from recreational paddling to yoga, fishing. It’s D-ring set-up also makes it a great multi-day traveling pick once you get some experience under your belt.  At this current moment the Atoll 11 is just above the $500 price point but sometimes it goes on sale.

On-Water Performance

When I tested this board, I wanted to add a bit of spice to the test. So I decided to test this board in the cold March waters of a little lake in the middle of Salt Spring Island. The waters were chilly to say the least! However, when I finally decided to do the make-or-break movement of standing up on the board, I was surprised at just how stable the Atoll 11 was!

I felt fully in control, and there was no side-to-side wobble sensitivity that you may find on other budget boards. Its other onboard metrics, such as maneuverability, tracking, and speed, had good ratings as well, which made this a great all-in-one performance for a board in this price range. 

Board Features and Accessories

The Atoll 11 has 8 free D rings, which allows you to maximise the deck space for anything you want onboard. Items such as coolers, camping gear, fishing gear, or just a small soft cooler with drinks and snacks for you to use, customized bungees. There are also 3 rows of deck bungees at the front, which can hold smaller items. I do find, however, that the bungees are widely spaced, so you have to keep an eye on water bottles that are strapped in. 

The Atoll comes with relatively run-of-the-mill accessories, with the backpack being the highlight. The backpack does have a good amount of back padding, which is ideal for those longer trips to the water. It also comes with a leash, fiberglass paddle, repair kit, and single chamber pump, which are your standard SUP accessories. In this case, I pumped up my Atoll 11 with an electric pump ( Shark II Electric Pump). 

You can see our full Atoll 11 Paddle Board Review here. 

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2. Retrospec Weekender Plus 2 (Value Pick)

• Dimensions: 10’6” x 33″ x 6″
• Weight: 23 lbs
• Max Capacity: 300 lbs
• Materials: Aer-Glide Fusion Technology
• Best For: Paddlers who want a stable board with lots of accessories.

Total Score 7.83/10 (Averages of Below Scores) 

• On-Water Performance – 8.25
  • Stability 9
  • Tracking  8.5
  • Speed 7
  • Maneuverability 8.5
• SUP Construction – 8
• Board Features  – 7.4
  • Deck Pad 7
  • D Rings 8
  • Deck Bungees 7.5
  • Action Mounts: 7
  • Handles 7.5
• Accessories – 7.5
  • Backpack 7
  • Paddle 7.5
  • Pump 7.5
  • Fins 8
  • Kayak Conversion Kit 8.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is it a Good Budget Paddle Board Pick?

The Retrospec Weekender Plus 2 is a board that is value-packed with accessories. The package comes with a comfortable inflatable seat with backing, shoulder strap, kayak conversion paddle attachment, as well as all the other things you expect from a SUP package, like a backpack, pump, board, repair kit, etc. 

When I first tested the board out in the Northern Interior of B.C. I was not expecting much. However, I have to admit it was a very pleasant surprise to paddle! The board was not only very stable on the water, but it also tracked very well and handled well in both kayak and paddleboard formation!

On-Water Performance

The Weekender 2 Plus offered a well-balanced On-Water performance rating, although it should be noted that it’s definitely not the fastest board around. The rounded nose does plow the water a bit when I started putting more powerful strokes in. However, it’s tracking was surprising in that the board comes with 3 slide-in fins, which allowed the board to track very well for a board of its dimensions. 

Lastly, I found the stability of the board extremely impressive in calm lake conditions. I first paddled the SUP in kayak formation and felt that the board handled itself very well. It also felt pretty stable despite the fact that you are uplifted with the inflatable kayak seat. 

When I stood on the board, it felt planted in the water. I could easily go from kayak formation to SUP formation with just one fluid squat movement. Once standing, I could maneuver the board pretty easily while relying on solid tracking provided by the support fins. 

Board Features and Accessories

Perhaps one of the best areas of this SUP is the accessories package. Not only did they include a kayak kit at an affordable price point, but it’s actually a well-constructed one. 

The inflatable seat uplifts your legs, which puts less pressure on your back. While there are other SUPs on this list, like the Bluefin Cruise package, which comes with a kayak seat. The problem with those SUP packages is that they sit on the board and put a lot more stress on your back. When you have an inflatable seat, your legs are elevated, which puts less stress on your knees/ back while paddling. 

While you certainly get a lot with this package, we do wish it included a fiberglass paddle in the package as it would be lighter weight. However, you really can’t be too critical, especially for the price point that this SUP is offered at. 

You can see our full Retrospec Weekender 2 Plus Review here. 

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3. Bluefin Cruise – (Construction Pick)

• Length: 10’8″
• Width: 33″ 
• Thickness: 6″ 
• Material: 1000 denier exo surface lamination PVC & Pro Weave drop stitch
• Weight: 33 lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 287 lbs 

Total Score 8.3/10 (Averages of Below Scores) 

• On-Water Performance – 8.1
  • Stability: 8
  • Tracking: 8.5
  • Speed: 8
  • Maneuverability: 8 
• SUP Construction – 9
• Board Features  – 8
  • Deck Pad: 9
  • D Rings: 7.5
  • Deck Bungees: 7
  • Action Mounts: 8
  • Handles: 8.5
• Accessories – 8.1
  • Backpack: 8
  • Paddle: 8
  • Pump: 7.5
  • Fins: 9
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is it a Good Budget Pick?

The BlueFin Cruise paddle board comes in two sizes: 10’8″ or 12″. For the sake of this review, we looked at the 10’8″ which is cheaper due to its smaller size. It comes with premium features such as a tapered nose shape for paddling through waves, front and rear grab handles, and a high-quality bundle of accessories at an excellent price. 

It may be more expensive than the other SUPs on this list, but its high-quality construction, reliable accessories, and incredibly useful features are unbeatable at this price. It’s a very stable board for beginners and easy to maneuver on the water.  

For those willing to spend a little more money, the BlueFin Cruise is our choice for a premium paddle board because of its high-performance design, versatile high-quality construction, and advanced duo inflation system.

On-Water Performance

We tested the Cruise 10’8” in both calm lake and wavy ocean conditions. While the board is stable in calm water conditions, it was a little bit trickier to stand on in wavy conditions. However, the board boasts a solid On-Water performance stance that is well blended with solid maneuverability, tracking, and board speed. 

We do like the fact that you can further customize the on-water performance by choosing to include the side fins or not. If you want the board to track better, attach the side fins. If you want more maneuverability, just attach the center fin.

Board Design and Accessories

The EVA foam deck pad features a diamond crocodile pattern and has excellent grip even when wet, allowing you to maintain your footing. The board has a raised kick tail so you can maneuver easier on waves and maintain greater control over your board  for step back turns. The handle in the center of the board includes a Velcro enclosure so you can transport your board easily on land and use the Velcro to hold your paddle on the water. 

Like many newer paddle boards, the BlueFin Cruise includes an action camera mount where you can attach a GoPro camera. There is also a grab handle on the front and rear, so you can conveniently pull your board along or hold something there. 

It’s the perfect board to do recreational paddling on lakes, rivers, and oceans. If you get tired of paddling and decide to kayak instead, the included kayak seat and kayak paddle adapter makes it a more versatile board. 

The BlueFin Cruise comes with a plethora of added accessories. Typical SUP packages include a storage bag, hand pump, a coiled leash, and paddle, and in addition to those, the Cruise also comes with a kayak seat kit, waterproof smartphone case, and repair kit. 

See our detailed Bluefin Cruise Review here!

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4. Thursosurf Water Walker 132 (Versatility Pick) 

• Dimensions: 11’ x 32″ x 6″
• Weight: 25.3 lbs
• Max Capacity: 330 lbs
• Materials: Dual Layer Fusion with/ carbon material side rails
• Best For: Paddlers who want a well-made board in 3 different sizes

Total Score 8.6/10 (Averages of Below Scores) 

• On-Water Performance – 8.4
  • Stability 8
  • Tracking 8
  • Speed 8.5
  • Maneuverability 9
• SUP Construction – 8
• Board Features – 7.8
  • Deck Pad 9
  • D Rings 8
  • Deck Bungees 8
  • Action Mounts: 7
  • Handles 7
• Accessories – 8.4
  • Backpack 7.5
  • Paddle 8.5
  • Pump 9
  • Fins 8.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is It a Good Budget Paddle Board Pick? 

The Waterwalker series is a good budget pick because of the 3 sizes available to meet the needs of just about any-sized paddler. There are the 120, 126, and 132 models. In this case, we tested out the Thursosurf 132 model, which is meant for bigger/taller individuals like myself. 

The board comes with a good quality accessories package, which is one of the best ones on this list. It is also a looker with the wood finish look followed by the different shades on the deck pad. 

On-Water Performance

The board offered solid stability in the water when I went to stand for the first time. Much like the Atoll 11, this too was tested in colder waters and the board handled the test admirably. 

The board also offered good glide and a solid mix of tracking and maneuverability. Making this board a solid choice for longer distance day paddling. 

Board Features and Accessories

As mentioned above, the Waterwalker series has some of the best accessories and features on this list. First off, it’s the only board on this list that has carbon side rails, which gives the board an extra layer on the side. This does two things

1. Protects the side of the board which is its most sensitive point
2. Adds extra rigidity to the board, which keeps it stiff. 

Out of the boards on this list, it is one of the better constructed ones. 

We also really liked the accessories that came with this SUP. One of the things I appreciated was the fact that this board came with a pouch that holds all the fins, rubber pegs for fin instillation as well as extra screws. 

The center fin also offers quick instillation with a snap-in instillation system which means theres no need for screws, washers and the like. The board also has a US finbox, which means you can use other fins with the same designation if you want a longer or shorter fin to improve the tracking or speed of the board. 

You can see our full Thursosurf Water Walker 132 Review here. 

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• Dimensions: 10’6” x 32″ x 6″
• Weight: 14 lbs
• Max Capacity: 350 lbs
• Materials: MSL Double Layer Fusion Construction
• Best For: Paddlers who want a Lightweight board

Total Score 7.75 /10 (Averages of Below Scores) 

• On-Water Performance – 8
  • Stability 8
  • Tracking  8.5
  • Speed 7.5
  • Maneuverability 8
• SUP Construction – 7.5
• Board Features  – 7.6
  • Deck Pad 8
  • D Rings 7.5
  • Deck Bungees 7
  • Handles 8
• Accessories – 7.1
  • Backpack 7.5
  • Paddle 6
  • Pump 7
  • Fins 8
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8.5

Why is It a Good Budget Paddle Board Pick? 

The Maddle SUP is a solid, affordable SUP that’s ideal for smaller paddlers who don’t want to lug a giant package around. The Maddle is the lightest board on our list and can be carried by just about anyone, including little ones!

Maddle is also a Canadian board company, which is something to keep in mind for Canadians who want to save on duties!

On-Water Performance

The Maddle board will be more stable for smaller paddlers as it has a 32” width and can be a bit more rocky for those bigger/ taller paddlers. If you have at least some level of experience wish SUPs, standing on this board will be fine. 

The board offers fair on-water performance metrics in maneuverability, tracking, and glide capabilities, which makes it a middle-of-the-pack kind of board. 

Board Features and Accessories

The Maddle board is better designed than many Amazon-style boards I have tested, but its accessories package does leave something to be desired. 

In my testing, I somehow managed to snap the paddle when I was doing harder paddling strokes. Now, to be fair, the paddle was sitting in the sun for a while, but still, I have never had that happen to me. So they should probably get a more reinforced paddle. 

Despite the accessories being okay, the board did not let me down at all as it was easy to paddle with a clean board design for those who just want a simple layout. The board also comes in different varieties, with the one I tested being the Free Spirit Signature SUP.

You can see our full Maddle Paddle Board Review here. 

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6. Gili Air 11’6” (Tall Paddler Pick)

• Dimensions: 11’6” x 32″ x 6″
• Weight: 21 lbs
• Max Capacity: 295 lbs
• Materials: Single Layer PVC Construction
• Best For: Taller Paddlers who want a stable board

Total Score 7.5 /10 (Averages of Below Scores) 

• On-Water Performance – 7.6
  • Stability 7.5
  • Tracking  7.5
  • Speed 8
  • Maneuverability 7.5
• SUP Construction – 7
• Board Features  – 7.7
  • Deck Pad 8
  • D Rings 8
  • Deck Bungees 8
  • Action Mounts: 7.5
  • Handles 7
• Accessories – 7
  • Backpack 7.5
  • Paddle 6.5
  • Pump 6.5
  • Fins 7.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is it a Good Budget Paddle Board Pick?

The Gili Air 11’6” is a great board for taller paddlers who want more stability on the water.

 Now this wouldn’t be my top pick for bigger guys/ gals because of the limited weight capacity and the board’s layer PVC construction, but it is a good pick for taller or medium-sized paddlers who want a longer board to feel more stable on when paddling in calm lake conditions.

Gili makes good paddle boards, and this board, despite having a single-layer construction, does come with a 2-year limited warranty and lots of glowing customer reviews. 

On-Water Performance

While the Gili Air 11’6” is the longest board on the list, I felt it was a bit more floppy. It lacks the rigidity of some of the other top picks on this list. And this is primarily due to the single-layer PVC construction instead of the standard fusion dual layer, which is the standard for inflatable paddle boards today. 

The board scored okay in other sections, but once again, because it is a single-layer board, its floppiness interferes with the board’s glide. The maneuverability will be less compared to other boards due to it being 1 foot to 6” longer.

Board Features and Accessories

The board does offer a good amount of onboard features, including 5 rows of bungee deck webbing (3 in the front, 2 in the rear). It also offers action mount holders for when you want to document your journey and a paddle holder that’s conveniently located to the side. The paddle holder allows you to stop, take a break, or perhaps even a lie down without having the paddle be in the way onboard.  

The package accessories are decent, with the bag being the best addition. The bag offers a good amount of padding on the back and shoulder straps. Something you don’t always find on budget SUPs. It also has a good amount of compartments and pockets, including a labelled fin pocket at the top for all 3 fins that comes with the board. 

You can see our full Gili Air 11’6” Review here. 

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7. Body Glove Performer 11

• Dimensions: 11’ x 34″ x 5.4”
• Weight: 24 lbs
• Max Capacity: 320 lbs
• Materials: Triple Layer PVC Construction
• Best For: Paddlers who want a decent quality SUP at a good price

Total Score 7.5 /10 (Averages of Below Scores) 

• On-Water Performance – 7.75
  • Stability 8
  • Tracking 7
  • Speed 7.5
  • Maneuverability 8.5
• SUP Construction – 7
• Board Features  – 7.7
  • Deck Pad 8
  • D Rings 6.5
  • Deck Bungees 8
  • Action Mounts: 7
  • Handle 9
• Accessories – 7.5
  • Backpack 7
  • Paddle 7.5
  • Pump 8
  • Fins 7.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 7.5

Why is it a Good Budget Paddle Board Pick? 

Chances are, if you are visiting a local lake, beach swimming spot, you will come across a Body Glove Performer 11 paddleboard. Folks usually buy these boards at a cheap price point at Costco. And after testing one in the Okanagan Lake I have to say they aren’t too bad!

Despite the Body Glove Performer 11 having a pointed nose, it’s more of a recreational board that is good for at least 80% of paddlers out there. I also see a lot of models from years gone by, which tells me they are able to last at least a few good seasons of use if properly taken care of. 

On-Water Performance

The Body Glove Performer 11 actually surprised me with its stability. One thing I didn’t realize when I initially tested the board is that it’s 34” wide, making it the widest board on this list. 

These extra 2 inches make a difference (where have I heard that before?) when it comes to stability. Having said this, much like the Gili Air 11’6”, it is a more floppy board, especially when I compared it to the Gili Meno 11’6”. 

I will say for an 11 foot board, it is pretty maneuverable. But with that maneuverability comes decreased tracking (ability for board to go straight). When I tested both the Meno 11’6” and Nixy Monterey SUPs against the Performer 11, the Performer 11 had the worst tracking of the bunch. Meaning you would get 3-4 strokes a side before you had to switch sides, compared to the other 2 SUPs, where you would get 5-6 strokes a side. 

For recreational paddling, this isn’t a big deal. Howeve,r when paddling longer journeys of over an hour or 2, this 3-4 strokes reduces your paddling efficiency. 

Board Features and Accessories

The Performer 11 is made of a triple-layer PVC construction. As teased in the on-water section, the PVC seemed to be of a softer quality compared to the higher-end SUPs tested that day. But for just paddling around for a few hours, it’s not a massive deal. And the fact that I see a lot of different generation Body Glove boards out on the water shows they do last a few years. 

One of the noteworthy features of this package is the fact that it comes with an electric pump. This is usually a feature reserved for SUPs in the middle to high price range point but in this case, it’s included, which is a massive bonus. 

An electric pump is an investment I highly recommend for newer paddlers, especially if, like me, you have back issues to boot. Instead of expending all the effort pumping, you have the pump do it for you while you set up your SUP. 

Another cool innovation I like about the Body Glover Performer 11 is the fact that the handle also acts as a water bottle holder. This is actually a very smart feature, as most of the time you have to 

1. Either buy a drink holder attachment
2. Stash it in your SUPs bungees, which is not overly secure

You can see our full Body Glove Performer 11 Paddle Board Review here. 

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8. Serenelife Free Flow – (Best Amazon Board)

Serenelife Free Flow is our choice for Best Amazon Board because of its affordable price on Amazon, lightweight and durable construction, and features perfect for beginners. 

• Length: 10’6″
• Width: 32
• Thickness: 6″  
• Material: Double OVC 
• Weight: 19.6 lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 275 lbs

Total Score 6.5/10 (Averages of Below Scores) 

• On-Water Performance: 7
  • Stability: 8
  • Tracking: 7
  • Speed: 6
  • Maneuverability: 8
• SUP Construction: 6
• Board Features: 6
  • Deck Pad: 6
  • D Ring Placements: 6.5
  • Deck Bungees: 7
  • Handle: 5
• Accessories: 6
  • Backpack: 5
  • Paddle: 6
  • Pump: 6
  • Fins: 6
• Set-Up/ Take Down: 7

Why is it a Good Budget Paddle Board Pick?

For beginner or intermediate paddlers looking for a solid board, the Serenelife Free Flow is a great choice. It is ultra-lightweight and easy to maneuver on the water with the three removable panel fins on the bottom. 

The 3 rows of tie-down bungees at the top allow you to strap down any items you want to take with you on the water. It also comes with several necessary accessories included. 

On-Water Performance

The Serenelife Free Flow has excellent maneuverability because of the three-panel fins at the bottom. The fins make steering and paddling much easier on rivers, lakes, and small waves. The board tracks straight for a budget board, although speed is lacking. 

The 32″-wide board is stable so beginners have an easier time learning how to stand, but it doesn’t take away from its performance for intermediate casual paddlers. Overall, I found it was steady and stable in the water and maneuvers well. See the On-Water performance video I did on the Free Flow above!

Board Design and Accessories

For those trying stand-up paddle boarding for the first time, the deck features an anti-slip surface. It is also 32″ wide to provide more stability and give you room to stand with your feet further apart for balance. The tapered nose in the front insures stability but does plow the water. while the square tail allows greater steering control. 

The shape of the board provides great stability, allowing you to do yoga or stand up with ease. You can even go fishing or take a quick lie down on it in calm waters. It is a very stable board and comes at a reasonable price for the design and accessories package. 

The Serenelife Free Flow comes with your standard accessories package. It contains a storage bag, a foldable aluminum paddle, an ankle safety leash, the three bottom panel fins, and a hand pump. The quality of the accessories is about average compared to other budget SUP packages on Amazon or other big box stores. 

See our detailed Serenelife Free Flow Review here!

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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Correct SUP for Your Budget 

Stand-up paddle boarding is a fun water activity for everyone. Whether you’re surfing, doing yoga, fishing, or just relaxing on the water, there are several things to consider when finding the right SUP for your budget. 

What Are You Using it For?

One of the first factors to consider is how you’re planning to use your board. If you want it simply for the occasional recreational paddling, then settling with a cheaper inflatable paddle board is the right choice. The cheaper models are typically constructed of slightly lower-quality materials and last only one to two years with regular use. 

However, if you plan to get more use out of it and want to surf waves or go paddling frequently, you should increase your budget and purchase an inflatable paddle board that will last you much longer and remains durable regardless of the conditions. If you can expand your budget range for a longer-lasting inflatable SUP, take a look at some higher-budget paddle boards. Many of which I’ve tested.

What to Look for in Board Design

There are a few different board designs for certain individuals and skill levels. For beginners, a wider board is ideal because it provides more stability. Thinner boards with wide tails will also enhance significant stability if they do not exceed the maximum weight capacity. 

Longer boards will also glide better than shorter ones. If the board is narrow, it will also pick up more speed than a wider one. A narrow tail will be easier and quicker to maneuver as you increase your SUP skill level. 

For the board’s construction, you want it to be made of higher-quality material. PVC covers almost all inflatable paddle boards, but the number of layers makes it more rigid. If a board only has a single layer of PVC, it will typically be cheaper, lighter, and thicker but less rigid. 

When you get into the $500 and above range, you will find inflatable boards made with more reliable and sturdier materials like double layered or fusion laminated layered PVC.

Stability is Key

A stable board is essential if you plan on standing or learning on it. As mentioned earlier, the board’s shape adds to its overall stability, not just the width. A wider tail, larger width, and thinner board will create a more stable experience on the water. 

For beginners, inflatable SUPs between 32-34 inches wide are good sizes to start with to get comfortable standing. A board with a larger volume will feel more like a hardboard in terms of rigidity.

A Company that Backs Its Board and Has Great Ratings

You always want to look for a company that will back its board with some kind of warranty. Many inflatable SUP companies will provide at least a one-year warranty, but those that offer a 3-5 year warranty will most likely construct SUPs from more durable materials and provide excellent customer service. 

Buying from a reputable company is always important so you don’t end up with a low-quality product. Make sure you look at reviews before making your purchase, which you can find on a variety of sources such as Facebook, BBB, Review Meta, paddling.com, and Amazon.com. 

Look for Good Accessories

When it comes to buying a budget paddle board, the accessories can vary depending on the price point. Most paddle boards will come with a paddle, pump, storage bag, and a safety leash. It’s important to ensure that these accessories are of good quality so they will last for several years. 

All inflatable paddle boards will come with a paddle and manual pump, but they can be different in reliability and ease of use. You want a paddle constructed of reliable material, and a dual-action pump is the most effective tool to inflate your SUP about twice as fast compared to a single-action pump. 

Places to Look for More Unbiased Opinions

If you want to hear more unbiased opinions about the best cheap inflatable paddle board, it’s best to read reviews and watch videos made by other users. You can find product reviews on Amazon.com. There are also forums and threads on Quora where you can find other users talking about their experiences with paddle boards. 

Reddit is another great source of unbiased opinions and recommendations. You can talk to users looking for their first paddle board or read threads about good inflatable SUP brands. 

FAQ’s

Here are some of the answers to the most common questions about the best value inflatable paddle board.

How Cheap is Too Cheap for an Inflatable Paddle Board?

When looking for the best inexpensive paddle boards, it’s important to remember that most times you will get what you paid for. Cheaper SUPs made of quality material will fall around the $300-$800 range. Added accessories or extra features will factor into that price. 

Cheaper boards in the $100-$250 price range might seem worth the money at first, but they are often constructed poorly and not designed to last for several years. They are much less durable and will fall apart after a few uses. Over time, a slightly more expensive inflatable paddle board will maintain its value compared to a cheap board. 

What Size Paddle Board do I Need?

Paddle boarding is a fun sport, but different people need different boards. A good rule to remember is that your board should be at least 9 inches taller than the paddler. 

Make sure to look at the maximum capacity and see if it can hold your weight and, if you plan to ride with others, the weight of your passenger or cargo. Take a look at the right size inflatable paddle board for you to see what other factors to consider. 

What Extra Things Do I Need to Get with a Paddle Board?

Though paddle boards include several necessary accessories, some extra things can enhance your paddle boarding experience. 

A PFD, or a personal floatation device, is a crucial piece of equipment to take with you if you are new to the sport and/or exploring more remote areas with deeper water. It’s effective in keeping you afloat if you fall off your board and can’t get back on right away. A whistle is also important to bring just in case you need help in a more remote area. It will bring attention to you if boats or other people pass by. 

Water is a must as well when you are paddle boarding. Paddling in the sun takes a lot of energy and dehydrates your body. Make sure to bring water with you so you don’t suffer from heat stroke or dehydration. 

Though it’s not an essential piece, I highly recommend bringing a cooler or dry bag with you to carry any supplies or electronics that aren’t waterproof. It’s a good way to store your valuables and protect them from the sun or heat. 

When Are Paddle Boards Cheapest?

It’s common knowledge that SUP boards are not cheap regardless of how great the price value is. However, waiting for the right time to buy a paddle board is key to finding a better price. Wait for discounted prices from SUP stores and brands. Look at what coupons, price drops, or sales they have available or coming up either online or in-store. 

Many paddle boards also go on sale during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. It’s the best time to find the best deals on inflatable paddle boards, but make sure to check if the board you want is available. With the mass appeal of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you may need to settle for another discounted board than the one you want if it goes out of stock. 

So What’s the Best Cheap Inflatable Paddle Board?

We rated the Atoll 11 as the Best Budget SUP under $500 for a few different reasons.

1. It is a supremely stable board, which bodes well for most paddlers looking in this range
2. It is a very durable board that can even be used in backcountry conditions
3. The brand has been around for a while and has solid customer ratings
4. Has a great life span. It’s not uncommon to hear that this board has had over 5 years of continuous use. 
5. The price point to quality construction is very good. The board is constructed well for its price point. 

When looking for a budget inflatable SUP It’s best to consider the following:

• Where are you paddling
• Looking for the best board design to meet your needs (wider/ longer = more stability)
• A board that offers good on-water stability 
• A SUP package that offers quality accessories 
• A brand that has a solid track record and good customer ratings

What are some of your experiences with budget paddle boards? Let us know on our Facebook or Reddit.