Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Beginners (SUP)

You’ve decided to go SUP paddle boarding. The very first thing to have is the best SUP paddle board for you. Long-time paddlers would definitely recommend an inflatable paddle board. They also highly suggest getting a board worth at least $700. Don’t get a sub-standard one just for the heck of getting one! But the main challenge is there are a lot of SUP inflatable boards in the market. How can you pick the best one? 

Why are inflated SUP paddle boards best for beginners?

SUP paddling enthusiasts attest that inflatable boards are more durable than a solid board. Yes, you heard it right! They are because of their construction. They have the drop stitch construction wherein two layers of materials are entwined and tied together using a large number of super-thin threads inside the board. Then it has PVC for its outer layer. The PVC is glued or laminated both on the top and the bottom of the stitching. Although it’s not airtight hence that is why there is the PVC outer layer to it.

Inflatable paddle boards usually boast of 5 to 6 inches of thickness. This quality provides a safer, secure, and more stable board. Paddlers recommend the best PSI range of 17-22 PSI.

They can give you a very good performance in this range. Always check the PSI range before deciding what to buy.

What should I take into consideration when looking for an Inflatable SUP board?

Check the weight of the inflatable paddle board

Since an inflatable SUP board is known for its transportability, do check on how much they weigh. See the pros and cons. Why get a heavier board when a lighter board will serve you the same functions or even better?

Check the activity/activities it offers

Get familiar with the features. Are you paddling to go fishing? Or to do yoga? Are you going to use it on flat water? There are different features for every activity usage. Be sure to know this aspect.

Check the fins that you need

This is another area to look into. Fins are very important for your board’s maneuverability. They will help you to where you need to go, and which direction. There are numerous kinds of fins and fin set-up. There are removable fins, side fins, center fin which can be detachable. There are fins for gentle paddling, for surfing, for touring, and for all paddle boarding activities. Familiarize what fins and set-up you will need.

What to expect the first time of Paddleboarding?

It is your first time to go paddleboarding and you don’t know what to expect. There are things you have to know and be prepared for. Here are basic things you have to know first:

1. Definely expect to get wet especially you are a first timer. Better be in your swimwear or your rash guards. Bring a waterproof small bag for your phone and wallet. Also wear a life vest. It’s better to prepared just in case you fall in the water.

2. It is better to wear an aqua shoes. Maybe as you progress you can do it barefoot. Each place has a different footwear policy.

3. Stuff can be strapped on your boards. Bring only the essentials.

4. You don’t have to stand up the whole time. You can paddle at kneeling position. You can sit on a relaxing position too. If you are worried of falling, you can kneel anytime! You can just sit down if you get tired. Good thing about this sport is you can have it in your own pace. No pressures.

5. Your paddling will be a whole body exercise. You will use your upper and lower body muscles. You will exert effort on your arms and shoulders down to your legs. You use your ab and back muscles to complete that paddling routine.

6. After getting the hang of it, you will develop your technique. You will be able to paddle in just one side.

What is the Basic Progression in Paddleboarding?

There are three basic progression in SUP. 

1. Prone Paddling - There are two positions on prone paddling, laying down or on your knees. This is usually the first position you do when going on your board. This will help you go off the shore and head to the distance you desire.

2. Knee Paddling – When you find your balance, you can now do the kneeling paddling. Stay on the center of the board.

3. Stand Up Paddling - This the next step, you can now stand up and maneuever your way through the water.

What are the top tips for beginners in PaddleBoarding?

When you’ve decided to give paddleboarding a try, these tips will be very useful. Making the most out of something you like SUP can be a very rewarding and worthwhile experience.

1. Have a leash and don’t forget to use it

Safety is very important in any sport or activity that anyone will engage in. Having a leash on will save you from a lot of dangers, and troubles.

Being your main equipment, your board with a leash attached to you can be your saving grace when you get lost, or even when tired or worst if you get too far from the shore or your companions.

There are two different styles of leashes:

• Coil:  designed to stretched out when under tension and it ensures your board is at safe distance just in case you fall off. It functions to coil up compactly when paddling. This will prevent the leash from dragging in the water.

• Standard:  regular cord leash similar to surf board leashes. These are most likely to get entangled if you move around on the board. They have the tendency to be dragged in the water but are they are lighter than a coil leash.

Proper Length of the leash

Generally, the leash should be as long as your board. For SUP that can be pretty long. Depending on your expertise and paddling style this can variable. A leash that is a couple of feet long in the length of your board will usually be the best!

• Longer: it allows the board to float far away and hence it reduces the risk of hitting the board. Applicable and very useful in choppy or surfing situations.

• Shorter: it keeps the board at bay just I case you fall off. Preferably in flat water because of the lesser risk it poses on waves pushing the board.

One more thing, make sure the leash you buy is of high quality. Never compromise your safety!

2. Have the right gear

In every sport, having the right gear is the topmost consideration to be taken. Two factors to put in mind: the right gear for your skill level, and where or in what environment you plan to paddle. 

Coming from the experts that it is better to start with an all-around board since it’s thicker, and wider. It can be easier to maneuver on flat water as well as wavy water. Next option can be a touring SUP for faster cruising, and longer distance. This SUP is good for beginner level as well as for the advance level.

For the paddle, also get the right paddle length. This help you not stoop or bend-over.  You be preserving a lot of energy and aids you maintaining your balance and your stability on the board.

For further security, settle for the right thickness and volume of the board basing on your body.

3. Always check the wind direction

It would be normal for your body to be swayed and steered by the wind. Especially if it means strong winds conditions. One of the basic skills to be accustomed and to be learned is to be able to sustain balance and stability amidst the waves and strong winds. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to check the wind direction. Remember it would be harder to paddle and navigate yourself if the wind condition is stronger. Check before hitting the water. Double check the water condition and the weather for the day. Just in case, you are on the board and there is sudden change and the wind’s speed and direction is too much for you to take, move to get low and lie on the board. With your belly down, put your paddle on your side and start paddling using your arms and head back to the land.

Word of advice, if you are a beginner, it is not advisable to go board paddling alone. Have a certified instructor with you or be with a group that somehow has advanced or expert paddler in them.

4. Learn how to paddle correctly

A lot of mistakes are committed because of an incorrect way to hold the paddle. In SUP the best way to hold the paddle is to flip it over so that the part that is bent is facing opposite you. Its direction should be away from you. Another good pointer is not to have your hands so close at each other on the paddle. This will put limit on the power of your strokes hence making you tired faster.

Tips to position your hands properly:

• You have to stand up straight and grip the paddle on its non-blade end.
• Be sure to hold the paddle with horizontal orientation right  over your head with both hands, then the shaft should be resting on the top of your head.
• The shaft must be parallel to your shoulders and that the arm that holds the grip should be creating a perfect 90-degree angle.
• Move the other hand that’s free towards the shaft and you must create a perfect 90-degree angle with that arm too.

5. You must engage with your Core

The secret to better paddling is not to paddle using your arms strength but your core muscles.

The core muscles have so much power as compared to the arm muscles.  Engaging using your core will help you become more efficient in paddling and permits you to maintain balance on the board. Another good advantage in using your core is you will be able to get a low-impart exercise that will definitely increase the strength of your core and will help you have defined muscles in your mid-section.

6. Facing the Right Direction always

One of the common mistake for beginners is facing the wrong direction. The front part might not be familiar to first time paddler. Most especially when using an all-around board that has a larger round nose. You will know the front part when you look where the fins are. They are usually on the back part. The part without the fins follows that it’s the front. Another indication that you are facing the right direction is when you can paddle straight.

7. Keeping Your Head Up

As a beginner, you have to train yourself to keep your head up and be able to look straight to what’s ahead. Avoid looking downwards because it can destabilize you. You can have short glances from time to time.

It’s very essential to stand straight when you’re paddle boarding. You will achieve maximum stability in doing this. Having to stand up on the board can already be pretty challenging and the next feat is staying on top of it! Maintaining stability is a must!  Be consistent in maintaining a good body posture by having your back straight, legs must be slightly bent, shoulders should be pulled back, and by holding your body weight on the balls of your feet.

8. Enough Space should be given to Yourself

Don’t crowd alongside other paddlers. Establish your own spacing. You need all the space that you can get. This will avoid both beginners to bump into each other and waves can destabilize you. Just in case someone falls off, they wouldn’t get hit by other boards that can be hurtful and dangerous. Have enough room for yourself and for everyone. The bodies of water is vast enough for everyone!

9. Falling from the board is inevitable

Any level of paddlers are susceptible in falling off the board. This will make you aim to be able to stay on your board. It’s part of the experience. Always make sure to fall away from the board. No injuries like smacking your face, bumping yourself, or cutting yourself will occur. Riding on waves ad currents could really test your skill. As long as you have your leash on, you don’t have to worry for your board floating away from you.

10.Riding only waves that you’re capable of

Take your time and start with smaller waver and smoother ones. Don’t be in a hurry. In any water sports there will be challenges along the way. If you’re a beginner, it’s not wise to go up against those big waves. Gain more experience and skills first and connect and understand how water flows and the power it has. You will feel if it’s time to SUP the big way!

How long do inflatable paddle boards last?

If this pertains to the life span and durability of an inflatable paddle boards then it’s a sure thing that it will last for a lot of years. Actually an inflatable stand-up paddle board is more durable as compared to a hard or solid paddle board. It’s more especially to the inflatables of late. They are more rugged, durable and constructed to take beatings without causing any damage at all.

Another basis of the longevity of the life span of stand-up inflatable paddleboards will depend of how often it’s used and how well it’s being taken-cared of.

How long can an inflatable SUP stand-up paddle board hold and keep the air?

There are long time standing paddlers who would leave their boards inflated for months and they are shared to have never lose air at all! A lot of people might think that inflating and deflating their inflatables is the best thing when in actuality, most paddlers just keep it inflated. Inflatables are nearly indestructible and a force to reckon with in stand up paddle boarding.  An edge really is to be able to deflate it, roll it and it’s very easy to transport thus making it a perfect choice.

How long does it take for a SUP board inflatable to be inflated?

The amount of time to inflate any inflatable SUP stand up paddleboard will vary depending with the type of pump you will use. If you’re using a regular hand pump or a K pump, it will take you around four to eight minutes to do so. On the other hand, with an electric pump, it can only take you faster from thirty seconds to a minute. A SUP board inflatable really is very easy to inflate. Just make sure you reach the recommended desired PSI of your board.

How to inflate my Paddle Board?

A lot of stand-up paddle boarding enthusiasts generally inflate their boards upon reaching their paddling destinations. It’s understandably easier to do so. Transporting your board deflated from your home to your place of paddle boarding is more convenient.

It’s advisable to learn how to inflate using a hand pump and eventually shifting to an electric SUP pump. It’s best that one knows how to inflate the board in both ways. 

Although in the long process, most will pick an electric pump since it’s less time consuming and a lot easier.

1. Take out the inflatable board from the bag and unroll it down. Set the board in an upright position with the yellow pin of the valve showing. The valve is closed and in this upright position it will be ensured that the air will not rush out when you start and end pumping.

2. A pump with a 7/8th valve adapter will work on almost all boards. 

3. If you’re using an electric pump, make sure to set it to stop before reaching the recommended PSI.

4. For a hand pump, insert and twist the hose into the valve before you begin to pump. The gauge will not read it until it reaches to 7 PSI. It would take 10 minutes for you to totally inflate your board.

5. Upon nearing your board’s recommended PSI, you need to remove the cap of your pump so that inflating your board becomes much easier.

6. Continue to pump until you reach the appropriate PSI for your board.

7. Moving on next to twisting off your pump’s hose.

8. Now, you can put the cap of your valve and you’re set to use your board! Enjoy!

How can I properly deflate my inflatable SUP paddleboard?

It’s also easy deflating your paddle board just like inflating it. These are easy steps to do it.

1. The first thing is to be sure that the valve area is totally dry. By doing this, the water will not get inside when you open the valve of your board.

2. Next is to press down the valve and turn its stem clockwise to get it to lock while its down. The air will go out so quickly.

3. When the valve stem is down, make sure all the air was released. 

4. You can now roll your inflatable.

5. Roll it like you roll a sleeping bag.

6. Strap your board and put it in its bag.

7. Store your inflatable paddle board properly.

How do I care for my ISUP?

Proper care for your paddle board is very important like with any other gadget, thing, equipment or gear to prolong their lifespan. There are only a couple of things you should practice to ensure proper care for your inflatable paddle board.

1. It should be totally dry every time you pack it in your bag. Molds and mildews build-ups will be prevented.

2. The best place to store them is in a closet or in a covered garage.

3. Use 303 Aerospace protectant spray regularly on your board. It will protect it from the harmful UV rays. Check the link below.

How do I store my ISUP correctly?

Ideally, the best place for you to store your inflatable paddle board is in a covered area like I mentioned earlier. The list can go on, it can be in your closet, covered garage, large drawer, shed and the like.  The place should be of room temperature. Keeping it rolled and in a bag during off season is good. If you otherwise would want your paddle board inflated while in storage, the best place would still be indoor. 

Have it stand with its bottom part and not sideways. Ensure that the room has regulated room temperature.  There are two things you have to remember: Direct exposure to sunlight for a long period of time is not good for your board as well as salt water and although a cold weather will not diminish the longevity of your board, it’s better to be kept in average room temperature.

Inflatable stand up paddle board (SUP) reviews

Let’s go and find out what are the best inflatable boards for beginners. This will enable would be paddler to have a glimpse of what they can purchase for their great paddling adventure of a lifetime!

1. Atoll Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board 11' Foot

A very fresh new iSUP with super-light construction. It has a dual-layer PVC that makes it 40% lighter versus the other boards. Despite of that it maintains its extra rigidity. It comes with: dual-action hand pump that are high pressure, bungee tie downs in the front, and at the back, backpack bag, 4th generation carbon fiber floating paddles with nylon blade. It’s a floating one as well.  The package also includes a detachable sturdy fin that is a no lost screw kind. This 11 feet, 32 inches wide, and 6 inches thick board make it deserving of its reputation as the hard board mimicker. Very good for all water conditions, and kids, and adults can have fun in this board. It has a maximum capacity of up to 350 pounds.

Special Feature

• Tri-fin design for more efficient tracking
• Has 15 D-rings on the deck to tie everything you need
• Made from dual-layer material
• The universal fin box can be used for of almost all aftermarket fins.
• The fin box allows for 3 inches of movement, to the center of the board and to the rear, for different paddling situations
• You are no longer stuck using only the stock fin that comes with your board. 
• Has a US fin that is extra durable and designed to be super-sturdy not to break
• Has the Korean style drop stitching technology
• It comes with a heavy duty super-strength Velcro leash for the paddle
• Has a very stylish travel backpack big enough even for the accessories

2. Tower Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

It has a wide design and is 9 feet and 10 inches long. The board’s thickness is 6 inches. It only has a large single fin but has good speed, easy handling, and maneuverability from kids, teens, and adult alike. It’s very durable, and made from thick military-grade PVC and has a drop stitch construction and it’s built to last. It’s a board for beginners to experts. The quality is good and includes a non-slip soft top deck. A complete package that comes with 3-PC fiberglass paddle, high-pressure SUP pump, high-end Tower branded diamond grooved deck pad, removable center fin, a handhold strap, and a roll-up carrying strap.

Special Feature

• Very rigid and stable
• Performs like a hard board
• Durable enough even if you run over it
• Very easy to handle and learn
• Superior manueverability
• An all-round SUP, for flatwater activities such as fishing, yoga, touring, or even getting a tan

3. ISLE Airtech Inflatable Explorer Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)

The lightest inflatable SUP around. Weighs only 22 pounds! It comes in two sizes, the 11 feet and 12 feet models. It’s 32” wide, and 6” thick. The maximum capacity is from 275 pounds – 300 pounds. Can be used for all-around paddling, touring, fishing, and will come in handy in traveling. It is also pet friendly. It has an Airtech construction which is a high pressure inflation system.  Can you believe it only takes 5 minutes to inflate and deflate? Great for that paddling adventure. Package includes: hybrid travel paddle which is an adjustable carbon shaft with a nylon blade, carry backpack, high-pressure pump, coil leash, sticker pack, and snap in travel fin.

Image source: islesurfandsup.com

Special Feature

• Has ample room up front for another passenger.
• Has soft EVA traction pad for a comfortable ride.
• It has an expandable bungee system and D-rings for easy gear reach plus can easily go into the water
• Can load extras like a cooler, sunglasses, camera, snacks 
• Inclusive of the Coast Guard-required life vest for paddlers on waterways
• The Explorer has a pointed nose to help you go through water on those longer expeditions.
• It is ideal in all bodies of water
• Its three-fin setup allows for great tracking in small waves.
• Good for yoga, fishing, or paddling because of its wide traction pad
• Has neoprene comfort-grip front handle for better portability
• Very durable

4. iROCKER All-Around Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

This very rigid board is made from quad layer PVC construction. They’re tough and suitable for any water condition.  The board weighs 24 pounds and it is 11 feet long, 32” wide, and 6” thick. It’s great for tall paddlers and can accommodate multiple passengers. Comes with adjustable fiberglass paddle that is capable of floating as well. It includes the revolutionary full- throttle dual chamber, triple-action pump exclusively by iROCKER. It is 100% faster and 50% easier. This board has a maximum weight limit of 435 pounds! Comes with all the accessories including a very comfortable backpack carry bag.

Image source: irockersup.com

Special Feature

• Has a paddle blade with edges constructed from a strong rubber material
• Has a sporty-shaped board allows great and fast tracking
• Its full-throttle dual chamber triple-action pump is only 4 pounds
• Has a comfortable crocodile texture deck pad
• Three removable fins that can withstand any water conditions
• Has a front area cargo storage
• Perfect for more than 1 rider
• Performs well and very stable

5. Slingshot Crossbreed Inflatable SUP Board

Considered as one of the best paddle boards for beginners. The dimension of this board is as follows: 11 feet height, 34 inches wide, and 6 inches thick. It’s wide enough to accommodate another person or a doggy friend! Has a PSI capability from 15-18 PSI. It really gives that hardboard feel and performance. This is a board for everyone that has a great shape! From kids, families, beginners, experts, and even a dog can enjoy its ride here. Also has the drop-stitch construction.

Image source: slingshotsports.com

Special Feature

• Very rigid board
• Super-durable
• Super lightweight at 36 pounds
• Has a carbon shaft, durable nylon blade, and even sturdy clamps for quick and easy adjustment.
• Great for families and everyone
• Maximum inflation at 18 PSI which is comparable to a hard board
• Large and versatile

Inflatable stand up paddle boards have what it takes for every beginner to continue their love for paddle boarding. You can never go wrong with an inflatable especially if you’re just staring out with this sport. Inflatable SUP paddle boards are definitely great for beginners because they offer durability, safety, stability, portability, easy storage, and great quality. Higher quality inflatable SUP paddle boards have lesser expensive prices and you will sure get your money’s worth!

Quite a tall order to follow. Who can beat that?