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.
The contents of this article include:
- Best Cheap Inflatable Paddle Boards
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Correct SUP for Your Budget
- FAQ
- So What’s the Best Cheap Inflatable Paddle Board?
Best Cheap Inflatable Paddle Boards
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.
1. iRocker Nautical 11’6″ – (Top Pick)
Our top pick for the best cheap inflatable paddle board is the iRocker Nautical 11’6″ for several reasons, including its practical and solid design, plenty of new and useful features, and solid performance on the water.
Specifications
- Length: 11’6″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Material: Drop-stitch core covered by two layers of PVC material
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 265 lbs
Why is it a Good Budget Pick?
The iRocker Nautical 11’6″ is the best affordable inflatable paddle board for entry-level paddle boarders. It comes at an affordable price and is made of good-quality materials and construction. It has useful features and includes the necessary accessories that are reliable and fashionable.
It also has a great weight capacity for a budget board and provides solid performance on the water. Though some of the accessories, like the pump, could be improved.
On-Water Performance
The Nautical 11’6″ paddle board balances stability with speed for recreational fun on the water. It’s a great board for beginners at an affordable price and maneuvers easily. It may not track as straight as some other models, but the Nautical 11’6″ performs well overall for all skill levels.
Though it’s not designed for speed, it is stable enough for beginners to learn on. This is a great paddle board for flat water, recreational, and light ocean paddling at coastal bays.
Board Design
Two of the cool new features of this board are the child safety grab handles and the action mount point. The side handles are removable and allow small children to hold on in the front as you paddle with them. The action mount point allows you to attach a GoPro camera or fishing rod holder to your paddle board.
An EVA foam traction pad covers the top deck of the board, making it comfortable and soft on your hands and feet. If you like to do SUP yoga or other fitness workouts, the grip pad adds better traction with a grooved pattern. The center of the board includes a carrying handle, allowing you to carry it to the water with little effort.
Accessories
The Nautical 11’6″ comes with a basic bundle of accessories that many cheaper paddle boards do not include. It comes with a fashionable SUP backpack, a travel-friendly fiberglass paddle, a dual-action hand pump, repair kit, 10-foot coil leash, user guide, and a Nautical sticker pack.
What Customers Think
Many users loved how durable and sturdy the iRocker paddle board was in various water conditions. Others found it took little effort to inflate and was easy to transport. Many also found the removable fins convenient and easy to attach and remove.
However, some users found the pump-valve difficult to keep connected to the pump and the pump itself is a single pump.
Pros
- Solid quality construction
- Rear cargo area and action mount point
- Great accessories
- Child safety grab handles
- Three removable fins
Cons
- Only one-year warranty compared to 3 years for other iRocker boards
- Does not track as well
- Pump quality could be better
2. 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.
Specifications
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 32
- Thickness: 6″
- Material: Double OVC
- Weight: 19.6 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 275 lbs
Why is it a Good Budget 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
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.
Accessories
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.
What Customers Think
Most users found the board just as strong and durable as advertised. It performed well on the water even with heavier people right at the maximum size capacity. Several users also found that the board didn’t suffer from damage, scuffs, or rips when it accidentally made contact with objects in and out of the water.
However, some users found that this board was difficult to transport in windy conditions due to its weight. It also took a long time to inflate and grew tired after pumping for around 15 minutes. Users found it more time-consuming and took more effort than they were willing to spend.
I found this to be true setting up my friends Serenelife Free Flow board with the single pump. My advice, save your back and get an electric pump!
Pros
- Great budget price
- Features made for beginners
- Solid construction and universal build
- Easy to carry and store
- Useful accessories
Cons
- Not designed for advanced users
- Long inflation time
- Higher risk of damage
3. BlueFin Cruise – (Premium Pick)
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.
Specifications
- 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
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.
On-Water Performance
As mentioned above, the BlueFin Cruise is easy to maneuver due to its square tail. It feels solid and stable no matter where you’re paddling and can cut easily through choppy waters. The three fins at the bottom also allow the SUP to track well. Though it is not designed for speed, its excellent maneuverability allows for more advanced turns in the water. Like the sweep stroke and J stroke.
Board Design
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 yoga or 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.
Accessories
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.
Unlike the other boards on this list, the BlueFin Cruise comes with a kayak seat kit so you can convert your paddle board into a kayak. The seat gives your paddle board more versatility, and it is easily attachable to the convenient D-rings along the SUP rails and adjustable straps.
What Customers Think
Most users reported that the Blue Fin Cruise was easy to maneuver and turn in the water. They found it very durable and made of good-quality construction as well. Users also liked how versatile it was with the included kayak seat kit.
However, many users wished there were more bungee cords to bring cargo. Others found it heavy and a little more difficult to transport compared to lighter weight SUPs.
Pros
- High-quality performance and construction
- Very stable and durable
- Raised kick tail for more control
- Includes seat to convert into a kayak
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy to carry
- More expensive than other budget picks
- No rear bungee for cargo
4. Isle Pioneer 10’6″ – Stability Pick
The Isle Pioneer 10’6″ is one of the most stable SUP for those on a budget, making it our top pick for stability on this list. Its stability is thanks to its width and sturdy construction, making it great for beginners.
Specifications
- Length: 10’6″
- Width: 34″
- Thickness: 6″
- Material: Drop stitch fused with machine-laminated, higher-density PVC
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 240 lbs
Why is it a Good Budget Pick?
For those looking for a very reliable beginner board, the Isle Pioneer is a great affordable choice. It is 34 inches wide, wider than most other boards on this list, which makes it very stable to stand on for the first time. It is made from dual-layer military-grade PVC, meaning it holds its composition against rocks and other sharp objects.
It also comes with basic accessories such as a travel backpack, a 3-piece carbon paddle, and a dual-action hand pump. The dual action hand pumps make a massive difference in terms of pumping as they save you some work and time.
Overall, it is a sturdy and reliable board for entry-level paddlers that comes at a cheaper price and performs well on the water.
On-Water Performance
The Isle Pioneer is lightweight and tracks very straight thanks to the large center fin, which is removable. The stability of the board is close to unbeatable for those who weigh less than the maximum capacity, It’s easy for beginners to quickly learn how to balance standing up. It is also easy to maneuver in lakes and rivers with the two small side fins.
The Pioneer works well for yoga and recreational fishing due to its width and stability. Though it may not be the fastest paddle board, this recreational SUP tracks straight and maneuvers well.
Board Design
This lightweight and extra stable paddle board is designed for all-around paddling. It has a more ergonomic design with a rounded nose and square backend. This gives the board much more overall stability and a stylish look.
This SUP includes lots of storage space with a front and rear bungee to hold cargo or other supplies. The center handle is padded and adapts to your grip to make transportation easier and more comfortable. On the rail of the board, there are two Velcro straps to securely attach your paddle while you’re carrying it or floating on the water.
The Isle Pioneer a great board to cruise with other passengers or pets with you as well!
Accessories
This comes with a basic set of accessories including a 3-piece travel paddle, made with a nylon blade and carbon fiber shaft, a hand pump, backpack, coiled leash, and repair kit. The paddle has an anti-rattle and anti-twist lock so it stays firm while you paddle.
The hand pump is a single-chamber pump, which is harder to use than a dual-chamber one. A single chamber pump requires more time and arm strength to inflate your SUP. The backpack is made of high-quality materials and comfortably carries accessories along with the compact paddle board. As you go further into the budget category you will find quality backpacks are rare.
What Customers Think
Most users found the Isle Pioneer 10’6″ to be a solid and durable paddle board. A few reported using it for more than four years with no issues. They found it highly stable on the water and that it tracked straight.
Some users found the paddle wasn’t the best accessory, though it was still good for the price value. Others found it slower than expected on the water, and for a few the seam on the paddle board broke down after several years.
Pros
- Excellent stability and durability
- Includes a paddle holder on the board rail
- Tracks well in the water
- Removable center fin
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
Cons
- Single-chamber hand pump
- Fixed side fins
- May be difficult to maneuver through waves
5. ROC SUP – (Budget Alternative)
Another good choice for a budget inflatable paddle board is the ROC SUP. It comes in several different colors and is much lighter compared to the other inflatable boards on this list.
Specifications
- Length: 10′
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Material: Military-grade PVC and Advanced DuraWeld Technology
- Weight: 17.5 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 250-300 lbs
Why is it a Good Budget Pick?
This lightweight SUP is a great choice for beginners and families for its price value. More expensive paddle boards may provide a better experience for intermediate and advanced paddlers, but for those just getting into the sport, this board package provides all that you need.
It’s a fun and very stable board that performs well on the water comparatively. It is also easier to inflate compared to other boards on this list because of its slightly smaller volume overall. It is one of the lightest inflatable SUPs on this list, which means transporting it is a breeze.
On-Water Performance
On the water, the ROC SUP is a very sturdy pick for rivers, lakes, and oceans. The rounded nose and lightweight design make this board easy to maneuver even in moderate waves. It is stable, but may not track as well as others with a more pointed nose and narrower shape. It is not fast or made for speed, but it is fun to paddle on recreationally for beginners, families, and children.
Board Design
ROC is somewhat shorter than other budget inflatable boards, but it is wide to give it great stability for beginners on the water. It is both stiff and lightweight, making it rigid on the water but easy to transport. Due to its slightly shorter but wider size, it can accommodate heavier paddlers or larger cargo.
It is more stable than the average paddle board, which is typically around 30″, so beginners can learn how to stand comfortably on calm waters. However, it’s somewhat harder to do advanced turning than other boards because it lacks a kick pad in the back.
You can use this inflatable SUP on lakes, rivers, and calm ocean conditions to do yoga, paddle recreationally, or surf mild waves.
Accessories
The accessories that come with the ROC SUP are pretty standard for a budget board. It comes with an adjustable paddle, a high-capacity hand pump, one detachable fin, a coiled safety leash, a waterproof bag, and a travel backpack. Unlike some other packages on this list, it does not include a repair kit.
What Customers Think
Several users loved how lightweight the board was and how easy it was to carry to the water. They found the included paddle to float well in the water and easy to paddle with. Many also found the board to be very stable and rigid enough to stand on comfortably. Others liked the extra accessories such as the dry bag and storage backpack.
However, some users weren’t satisfied with the one-year warranty, while others received a damaged product. Many found the pump gauge didn’t work and the pump itself was of poor quality.
Pros
- Lightweight design at only 17.5 lbs
- Lots of color options
- Very stable on the water
- Stiff but lightweight design
- Capable paddle
Cons
- Only one-year warranty
- Low-quality accessories
- Unstable in rougher waters
6. Drift SUP
The Drift SUP is a great board for all levels of paddle boarders made by the same people who make Bote boards. It is constructed of high-quality materials and can carry up to 250 lbs without a problem. One of the best features is how lightweight it is and its excellent quality of construction.
Specifications
- Length: 10’8″
- Width: 33″
- Thickness: 6″
- Material: Military-grade PVC with inner drop stitch support system
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 250 lbs
Why is it a Good Budget Pick?
The Drift is well-constructed for a budget inflatable paddle board. Like many of the boards on this list, it is made of heavy-duty PVC and has an inner drop stitch support system. The construction is of excellent quality and will last for several years with the right care as a recreational paddle board.
It has a PSI inflation pressure of 15, making it feel rigid enough to rival a hardboard. Its rigidity gives the SUP more stability on the water for paddlers of all skill levels to feel comfortable using.
On-Water Performance
On the water, the Drift SUP can build enough speed for cruising. However, the wide width makes it lose some momentum, so it does not do well for racing or long-distance travel like most of the paddle boards on this list. However, it is very stable thanks to the width and the square tail.
It is rather long and wide but still turns well. It may not maneuver as easily as some of the shorter boards on this list, but it is great for beginners to learn how to stand in calm waters. Intermediate and advanced paddlers may want something with a little more control over maneuverability and speed. In that case they should look at the parent company Bote for more advanced boards.
Board Design
The Drift only weighs 19 lbs, making it a very lightweight SUP. It makes it much easier for most people to carry and transport. Though the board is lightweight, it can still hold a significant amount, up to 250 lbs. That means you can use this SUP if you are taller or take with you a small passenger or a pet.
The deck features an EVA foam pad for comfort below your feet or knees. It prevents slippage and helps you feel more secure as you paddle either standing or sitting. It’s stable enough to even do yoga. The elevated nose is another great feature that helps the board cut through rougher waves easier to make your SUP glide seamlessly.
The Drift is perfect for any flatwater activities, such as yoga, fishing, cruising, and other recreational paddling.
Accessories
The bundle of accessories includes a removable fin, a high-pressure hand pump, a 3-piece aluminum paddle, a repair kit, and a heavy-duty SUP backpack. It’s a pretty standard package for budget inflatable SUPs. I do feel they could have included a carbon hybrid paddle in the package though.
What Customers Think
Many users found the Drift SUP to have a great construction quality to make it feel rigid and last a long time. Others said it was very stable on the water and almost felt like a hardboard. They also loved the padded handles that made it easier to carry.
However, some found it took a lot of effort to inflate and were not satisfied with the quality of the included paddle and other accessories.
Pros
- High-quality construction for a longer lifespan
- Easy to transport at 19 lbs
- Comes with a decent accessories package
- Excellent value for the price
- Relatively easy to inflate
Cons
- Average tracking ability
- Lower-quality paddle and accessories
- Only one-year warranty
7. Tower Yachtsman/ Adventure 2
The Tower Yachtsman, also known as the Tower Adventure 2, is a very rigid inflatable SUP that comes at a great price. Its design mimics hardboard SUPs and is perfect for recreational solo or tandem paddling.
Specifications
- Length: 10’4″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Material: Military-grade PVC with drop-stitch technology
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 400 lbs
Why is it a Good Budget Pick?
For those who want a cheap inflatable paddle board for two, the Tower Yachtsman has the weight capacity to handle it. It comes at a great price and provides good-quality accessories. It is very compact and can easily be transported.
The board itself provides the utmost comfort while paddling on the water. It maneuvers well and picks up a decent amount of speed thanks to its lifted pointy nose. It’s a great budget choice for those wanting to paddle with friends or family on flat water.
On-Water Performance
On the water, the Tower Yachtsman is stable compared to other inflatable SUPs at this price. It’s fairly rigid, making it somewhat easy to stand on. Although of the SUP’s I tested it was on the more wobbly ones. While it remains stable on flat water, it may lose some stability in harsher conditions or when you are trying to turn as seen in my video below.
Unlike some other paddle boards, the Tower Yachtsman has a high level of maneuverability. Although it’s not the most stable board to be on when you are making those turns. It tracks well in flat water, but it may have a little more trouble maintaining its direction in waves.
Board Design
Thanks to the 4-inch rocker-style nose, this paddle board can cut through small waves easily and remain stable. You can also stand comfortably on the EVA pad that features parallel grooves for a sturdier grip. The triple-fin panel on the bottom gives you more control to maneuver and turn in calm waters or small waves.
It’s the ideal size and weight for tandem paddle boarding, and you can use this board for yoga, cruising, and other recreational flat water activities.
One thing that really gripped me about this board was the lack of any bungee deck lacing whatso ever. Meaning you can’t take anything with you while you paddle.
Accessories
Compared to other SUP packages on this list, the Tower Yachtsman only provides the bare essentials. The accessories include a 3-piece adjustable aluminum paddle and a dual-action high-pressure hand pump. Both accessories are of good quality, but it lacks what other budget SUPs provide for a similar price.
What Customers Think
Users loved how easy it was to maneuver and turn the Tower Yachtsman. They found it tracked well in flat water and was easy to stand on. Many loved that they could stand firmly on it and take another passenger with them.
However, many users were dissatisfied with the paddle, and some lost it in the water when it sunk. Others found the accessories package lacking and said the board was difficult to inflate using the included pump.
Pros
- Excellent maneuverability
- Features a comfortable EVA deck pad
- Picks up decent speed
- Easy and light to transport
- Carries up to 400 lbs
Cons
- No bungee deck for storage
- Lacking accessories package
- No ankle safety leash included
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 on it (Duh). 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.
On-Water Performance
The three main areas to look for before purchasing an inflatable paddle board are stability, tracking, and maneuverability.
Stability
If you are a beginner or plan to ride on moving water, having a stable paddle board is crucial. Having one large fin and two smaller fins on the bottom provides more stability in slightly harsher conditions.
It’s important to make sure the board’s maximum capacity can handle the weight you plan to put on it. Most cheap inflatable paddle boards can hold around 250 lbs to 275 lbs, but some like the Tower Yachtsman can hold up to 400 lbs.
Tracking
Tracking or gliding is how well the paddle board stays in place as you paddle. Longer boards typically glide better than shorter ones. A good-quality large center fin helps keep your board glide straight. However, due to their lightweight design, inflatable boards can get pushed around easier in windy conditions.
Speed
You won’t find very fast cheap inflatable paddle boards, but some may still pick up a good amount of speed on flat water. Removing the two side fins and just using the tall center fin can increase the speed of your board, but you will sacrifice its stability.
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 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.
How Long do Inflatable SUP’s Last?
The lifespan of an inflatable SUP depends on its durability, how well you take care of it, and how often you use it in various conditions. However, the general answer is that the average inflatable paddle board will last for about five years with regular use.
There are various factors to consider when looking for a more durable board, and you can find tips to make your inflatable board last for as long as possible.
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?
Our choice for the best cheap inflatable paddle board is the iRocker Nautical 11’6″. It’s a great budget option for beginner paddlers. For the construction and performance, it comes at a great price value. Some of the accessories could be improved, but overall it’s one of the better “cheaper but good-quality” SUP boards on the market.
However, it’s important to find an inflatable paddle board that fits your needs and criteria. Make sure to look at these factors to make an informed choice:
- What You’ll Use the Board For
- Board Design
- Stability
- Reputable Company Brand
- Good Accessories
- Great Reviews from Users
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