The 13 Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
We love these inflatable stand-up paddle boards that are easy to travel with.
Travel + Leisure / Nathaniel Allen
Fact checked by Nick Blackmer
Paddle boarding is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy a lake, river, or ocean. Since some boats and traditional wood paddle boards are less portable due to their bulky nature, an inflatable paddle board is the perfect solution whether you’re traveling by foot, car, or airplane.
We tested 22 inflatable paddle boards to find the best ones that make it easy and hassle-free to get out on the water. From calm lake waters to swift river currents, we traveled both long and short distances to bodies of water and paddled for hours to judge the portability, performance, and quality of each paddle board. Ultra-lightweight, well-made boards that proved to have excellent stability for beginner to advanced paddle-boarders made it to the top of the list. We found other great options for kids and families, as well as hybrid and budget picks, too.
Best Overall: SereneLife Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board With Accessories & Carry Bag
Why We Love It
It has superb stability and portability for beginners, intermediate, or advanced paddlers.
What to Consider
We wish the carrying case was slightly bigger.
SereneLife’s stand-up paddle board comes with everything you need to start paddle boarding on a lake, river, or ocean, whether you’re new to the water sport or a seasoned paddler. The board is 10.5 feet long, and it includes an ankle leash, an adjustable aluminum paddle, one plastic fin, a manual air pump, a repair kit, and a nylon carrying bag. While it took about 10 minutes to inflate the paddle board, once it was ready to go, we were thoroughly impressed with how lightweight and easy it was to carry nearly a half mile down a dirt trail to get to the river. It weighs a mere 13.9 pounds, making it the lightest board we tested, and it proved to have superior portability. Despite its lightweight build, the PVC material has noticeably sturdy drop-stitch seams, and it’s clear how durable the board is after we used it during a four-day river camping trip. The PVC material sustained a few scuffs after over a dozen trips to the river and lake, but overall, it had no issues being left in the dirt, contending with gravel, or going over rocks in a river.
Beginner and advanced paddlers alike tried the board and were shocked by how stable it felt. Even with an angsty dog running around the board and falling in the water several times, we never lost our footing or felt unstable. While we truly love this paddle board, the only inconvenience we found is that the carrying bag is slightly smaller than we liked, so it’s a tight fit to get everything in. It’s not super difficult, but we recommend rolling up the deflated board as tightly as you can for an optimal fit.
Price at time of publish: $250
The Details: Fiberglass, elasticized-fabric | 126 x 32 x 6 inches | 13.9 pounds
Best Value: ROC Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard Pack
Why We Love It
The board comes with plenty of accessories and a kayak paddle for versatility.
What to Consider
It was slightly difficult to fit the board and accessories into the carrying case.
No matter your experience level, the ROC Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board is one of your best options thanks to all of the included accessories for the price. The paddle board has several stand-out features like the inclusion of a dry bag for keeping your phone or keys safe on the water, and there are bungee straps on either end of the board to secure life jackets and towels. If you’re more comfortable sitting instead of standing, the adjustable paddle can be converted into a kayak paddle to make it easier to maneuver the board — an ideal feature for beginners that are still getting the hang of standing up. With a 33-inch width and 6-inch loft, the paddle board offers an abundance of stability, and we liked that it was easy to catch speed while gliding through the water.
Similar to our top pick, the only downside is that it was slightly difficult to fit the deflated paddle board and accessories into the carrying bag. It took a little jostling to get everything in and not bulge out of the bag, but once we secured everything, the case was comfortable to carry and the contents felt lightweight enough to transport without any complaints. The PVC material feels durable and well-made, leading us to believe that this board won’t damage easily with prolonged use.
Price at time of publish: $250
The Details: PVC | 120 x 33 x 6 inches | 17.5 pounds
Best Budget: FunWater Stand-up Paddle Board
Why We Love It
It was exceptionally lightweight both to carry inflated and in the carrying bag.
What to Consider
Setting up the board was a little tricky to get the hang of, but it was easier after the first time.
Budget-friendly shoppers won’t have to sacrifice price for quality with the durable and sturdy FunWater Stand-up Paddle Board. Like other paddle boards we tested, this one is also made with multi-layered PVC and has a leak-proof air valve that can support 12 to 15 PSI to make the board stable while riding on it. It took around three minutes to inflate the board with the manual pump included, and although it was slightly difficult to read the pressure gauge, we felt like we were still able to get the board inflated enough to be sufficiently sturdy. There was a slight learning curve with placing the fin on the bottom, but after we did it once, it was much easier moving forward. The board provides plenty of stability and it maneuvers decently, and we particularly loved how easy it was to carry either inflated or in the carrying bag. For less than the market average, we think this is a solid pick for beginner or intermediate paddle boarders.
Price at time of publish: $240
The Details: PVC | 126 x 33 x 6 inches | 17.6 pounds
Related: The Best Inflatable Kayaks of 2023
Best Stability: Atoll 11-foot Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board
Why We Love It
The board felt exceptionally stable in calm and choppy waters.
What to Consider
It took nine minutes to manually pump up the board.
One of the longest paddle boards we tested, the Atoll 11-foot Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board has ideal stability for paddling long distances or doing yoga on the board. We were thoroughly impressed. It also felt easy to get back on the board even if you're in the middle of the water. We used this paddle board in still water, and when the weather conditions were windy, the board remained stable. While longer paddle boards can sometimes be difficult to maneuver, that wasn’t the case with this one. We had no issues controlling the direction of the board or turning with the paddle. We liked how the Atoll board was fairly easy to transport around, but we wish there were handles on either end so two people could easily carry it if needed. Still, the carrying bag was comfortable to use thanks to its padded shoulder straps, and the board as well as the accessories can fit into it without any issues.
Price at time of publish: $600
The Details: Polyvinyl Chloride | 132 x 32 x 6 inches | 21 pounds
Best Wheeled Case: Nixy Newport Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board
Why We Love It
The carrying bag has padded backpack straps and three wheels at the bottom.
What to Consider
It comes with three fins that take some time to take on and off the bottom of the board.
The paddle board comes with a carrying backpack with comfortable padded straps, and it has three wheels on the bottom of the bag that proved to be incredibly useful during our tests. Weighing 21 pounds, the board itself isn’t too heavy to carry, but the wheeled bag makes transporting it even more convenient. Once the board is inflated, you’ll find thoughtful touches for adventures like three handles in the middle and ends and a multi-use mount on the front end for a GoPro, phone, or fishing pole. It’s made with layered military-grade PVC and has reinforced drop-stitching designed to hold air pressure up to 15 PSI, which is ideal for stability whether you’re paddling with a dog or doing yoga.
While the striped traction padding had ample gripping, we found that after several hours of paddling, it was slightly less comfortable on the feet. However, it did a good job of keeping us secure on the board. Setting up the paddle board is simple and takes about six minutes to inflate. There are three fins that take some time to screw onto the bottom of the board, but since they help with stability and maneuverability, it’s a minor inconvenience for a lot of benefits.
Price at time of publish: $695
The Details: PVC | 126 x 33 x 6 inches | 21 pounds
Related: The 13 Best Stand-up Paddleboards of 2023
Best Splurge: Hala Gear Straight-Up Inflatable SUP Kit
Why We Love It
This paddle board was exceptionally easy to paddle around and felt well-built with high-quality materials and stitching.
What to Consider
It’s the most expensive option on our list.
Made out of durable PVC material with glued and welded seams, the Hala Gear Straight-up Inflatable stand-up paddle board convinced us it will last for a longtime, even with consistent use. The high-quality materials and standard 10-foot length made this paddle board truly a gem to paddle on both still water and in swift river waters. The board thoroughly impressed us by gracefully gliding through the different water conditions and turning effortlessly with the adjustable carbon paddle included. And when you’re done paddling, the rolling backpack is spacious enough to fit the deflated paddle board and is comfortable to wear as a backpack or roll on the two wheels. We especially liked that the manual pump has single and double inflation settings to speed up the assembly process. While this paddle board is pricier than other options, the premium features included make it well worth the cost for outdoor enthusiasts with a higher budget.
Price at time of publish: $799
The Details: PVC | 120 x 33 x 6 inches | 23 pounds
Best Maneuverability: High Society Wolf Inflatable SUP Package
Buy at Highsocietyfreeride.com
Why We Love It
It’s lightweight and can turn easily with the paddle.
What to Consider
It might be easier to carry in the bag rather than when it’s inflated.
One of the best lightweight options we tested, the High Society Wolf paddle board impressed us both in and out of the water. We love how easy it is to set up or deflate the paddle board to pack it into the sturdy carrying bag. The board is ideal for all types of paddle boarders thanks to its standard 10.5-foot length that makes it easy to turn quickly without having to paddle vigorously. Plus, the aluminum paddle has a plastic handle designed to mimic the natural grip of a hand for the most comfortable fit. While one person will have no issues carrying the paddle board when it’s inflated, there is only one handle in the middle of the board, so if you’re planning on hiking into a lake or river, the carrying bag might make it easier to transport.
Price at time of publish: $399
The Details: PVC | 126 x 32 x 6 inches | 19 pounds
Related: The 16 Best Sunscreens of 2023
Best for Families: Decathlon Itiwit Ultra Compact Inflatable Touring Stand-up Paddle Board
Why We Love It
It has a 35-inch width that helps with stability.
What to Consider
The carrying bag is a little smaller than we wished.
Families with children or teenagers will appreciate the versatility of Decathlon’s Itiwit Ultra Compact Inflatable Touring stand-up paddle board. While a child-sized paddle board might be ideal for frequent paddlers, we like that this one works well for all experience levels and sizes. We had several adults try out the paddle board who raved about the sturdy feel of the board while using it on a lake, and with a 485-pound weight limit, this is the perfect board for an adult and a child or two adults. It was easy to inflate, however, we wish the carrying bag was slightly bigger as we had some issues getting the deflated board and accessories to fit. We still think the board has excellent value for the price and overall good performance.
Price at time of publish: $499
The Details: PVC | 120 x 35 x 5.9 inches | 17.6 pounds
Best Design: ISLE Pioneer Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board
Why We Love It
The board has a timeless nautical aesthetic and includes thoughtful accessories.
What to Consider
It weighs 24 pounds, and the heftiness was slightly noticeable during testing.
We love the simple designs on the Isle Pioneer 2.0 paddle boards boasting earth-toned colors or a subtle palm tree leaves pattern. Besides having superior style, the paddle board impressed us by being incredibly easy to set up and deflate. It’s easy to unpack, inflate, and get on the water, and we love the oversized bag where you can easily fit the board, pump, and accessories with no problem. Once you’re out on the water, the board has exceptional maneuverability and plenty of stability, especially in choppy waters, thanks to its sturdy 6-inch loft and 34-inch width. The only downside is that the board itself weighs 24 pounds, which can feel noticeably heavy when it’s being carried. However, we appreciate that the board comes with a durable carrying bag that makes it incredibly easy to pack everything up after you’re done paddling. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced paddler, the Isle Pioneer 2.0 is ideal for all types of use — and it doesn’t hurt that it’ll look nice in photos, too.
Price at time of publish: $495
The Details: PVC | 126 x 34 x 6 inches | 24 pounds
Related: The 12 Best Swimsuits for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Kids: iROCKER Nautical Kids Stand Up Paddle Board
Why We Love It
The board is smaller, so it took just a few minutes to pump it up.
What to Consider
It could be slightly heavy for a kid to carry.
If paddle boarding is one of your family’s favorite outdoor activities, consider purchasing the iRocker Nautical Kids Board for children. While the board has the same width and height as an adult-sized board, it has a length of about 9 feet — a foot smaller than the typical length of a paddle board. We found that this board could be inflated in minutes thanks to its smaller size, and it fits easily in the carrying bag included. Weighing a little over 17 pounds, the board was lightweight enough to carry with ease, but it could be slightly heavy for small children. However, the carrying bag has comfortable padded straps that make carrying the deflated board less cumbersome. While standing on the board was a little wobbly for adults, we think the 32-inch width still provides plenty of stability for children. The PVC materials feel high-quality like other iRocker boards we tried, and it feels made to last with prolonged use.
Price at time of publish: $399
The Details: PVC | 108 x 32 x 6 inches | 17.2 pounds
Best for Beginners: Gili Air Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package
Why We Love It
The board is easy to maneuver and stable in the water.
What to Consider
Attaching the fins and adjusting the paddle height can be fairly time-consuming.
This board is perfect for anyone looking to jump into the world of paddle boarding. It's made with durable, high-quality PVC and is easy to maneuver. It only takes about four minutes to set up using the hand pump, but you may need a helping hand to attach all of the fins. We like the wide base of this board, which feels solid (almost like a regular paddle board), making it feel very stable while gliding over the water. While it may be pretty heavy when folded up inside the bag, the carrying case is high-quality with heavy duty straps and plenty of zippered pockets to store fins and other gear. We really appreciate that the main compartment zippers almost all the way around, so it's super easy to get the board back inside at the end of a long day. We also really like the look and feel of this board — it feels more high end for this price-point and comes in four different colors.
Price at time of publish: $415
The Details: PVC | 126 x 32 x 6 inches | 19 pounds
Best Hybrid: Isle Pioneer Pro Kayak Hybrid
Why We Love It
The board comes with a chair and paddle so it can be used as a kayak or a stand-up paddle board.
What to Consider
It can be difficult to set up and break down the board and accessories.
Isle’s new Pioneer Pro paddle board comes with a kayak conversion kit so you get a two-in-one paddle board and kayak. The kit comes with one seat, a foot rest, and extra parts to turn the regular paddle into one designed for kayaking with double-sided paddles. It can be a bit overwhelming at first to set up the paddle board with all of the kayak accessories, so you’ll want to allot extra time for learning to hooking in the seat. We used both an electric and manual pump to inflate the board, and while the electric pump was, of course, the fastest option, it wasn’t too cumbersome to pump it up by hand.
After testing the board as a kayak in a lake, river, and ocean, it definitely won’t replace the sturdiness and maneuverability of a regular kayak, but it’s a great option for leisurely paddling or activities like fishing or yoga. The board itself is quite large, but, thankfully, it comes with a sturdy bag with backpack straps and wheels, which makes it easy to pack the deflated board and accessories. Another thing to note is that the board can be difficult to roll up. We found the easiest method is to roll it with the bottom facing upwards.
Price at time of publish: $995
The Details: PVC | 126 x 34 x 6 inches | 20 pounds
Best Portability: Bote Breeze Aero Classic Cypress Inflatable Paddle Board
Why We Love It
It folds up into a compact size and fits in the backpack carrying case for easier transportation and storage.
What to Consider
The board is on the heavier side and could include more accessories.
Bote’s Breeze Aero paddle board was super easy to bring on a long road trip thanks to its compact carrying case that could fit in the trunk of a small car without any issues. When we carried it from the car down the river to be inflated, the padded backpack straps, hip belt, and adjustable chest strap were game-changing for comfort and support. It took under 15 minutes to inflate the paddle board by hand with the included manual pump, and then we were out on the water. The board comes with a paddle that is simple to adjust out on the water and a removable fin that adds lots of stability on the lake and ocean with larger waves. We do wish it came with an ankle strap or a few other accessories — especially with the new magnetic “magnepod” feature to attach accessories — instead of Bote selling everything separately. It’s on the heavier side at 20 pounds, but when it’s inflated or deflated, we didn’t find it too cumbersome to carry. Best of all, after summer is over, the compact carrying case and board are small enough to fit in a storage closet or under the bed for even easier storage for next season.
Price at time of publish: $744
The Details: PVC | 128 x 33 x 6 | 20 pounds
Other Inflatable Paddle Boards We Liked
Bote HD Aero 11-foot: Another large Bote paddle board, this model could get going fast quickly. Unfortunately, its weight is cumbersome and both zipper handles broke on the carrying bag.
Bluefin Cruise Carbon: This board had excellent performance and comes with a kayak conversion kit, but it weighs a whopping 31 pounds, which isn’t ideal for portability.
Our Testing Process
Travel + Leisure / Nathaniel Allen
We sent our T+L product testers 20 inflatable paddle boards to test out in lakes, rivers, and oceans to find the best ones on the market. After several trips to the water and multiple hours of paddling, each board was rated on a scale of one to five based on portability, ease of use, performance, and quality.
Travel + Leisure / David Lee
First, we unboxed each paddle board, paying close attention to the accessories included like a pump, paddle, carrying bag, ankle strap, and other additional items. Then, we used the included pump to inflate the board, timing how long it took to get to the recommended air pressure it needs to support the weight capacity. The paddle boards scoring the highest for ease of use had a hassle-free inflation and deflation process, and the accessories proved to be helpful for using the board. To test portability, we carried the inflated paddle boards out to the water to get a feel for their weight and the handles' grip. Our favorite boards for portability were exceptionally lightweight and easy to carry whether the board was inflated or folded into the carrying bag. After using the paddle boards on the water in various conditions, (windy, calm, etc.) the best paddle boards we tried for performance provided a solid amount of stability and glided over the water smoothly. Finally, our top-performing paddle boards appeared to be made with high-quality PVC materials and drop-stitch work to ensure durability with prolonged use, and the included accessories like the paddle and carrying bag felt sturdy and well-made, too.
Our testers were unaware of the cost of each paddle board and only learned the price after testing was complete. They then judged the overall value of the board based on its performance.
Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Tips for Buying an Inflatable Paddle Board
Consider the size for stability and maneuverability
For paddle boarders looking for the best portability and maneuverability, consider a board with a length of 10 feet or shorter for the best performance. If you’re looking to paddle long distances quickly, a 12-foot board will be better geared for that. Any length in the middle (10 to 12 feet) is ideal length for all types of paddlers. And if you’re new to paddle boarding, the width can help with stability, so be sure to look for boards with a 30 to 32-inch width.
Portability is crucial
If you’re looking to hike or walk long distances with a paddle board, it’s important to check the weight of the board and ensure the carrying bag has padded straps for added comfort. We tried paddle boards weighing 13 to 24 pounds and found that the boards weighing over 17 pounds were noticeably harder to carry and slightly unwieldy. While it ultimately depends on the activity you plan on using the paddle boards for, the weight and carrying case can make a huge difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to stand up paddle board?
While it may be hard to get your footing on the paddle board at first, once you start to get a feel for the balance needed to paddle, it gets easier. If you’re more comfortable paddling on your knees or while sitting, those are two great options for getting out on the water without standing.
What should I wear on a stand up paddle board?
When you’re paddling in a large body of water, it’s smart to wear a swimsuit or quick-drying clothes. Paddle boarding has a balance learning curve, so you might end up in the water, even if you’re a seasoned paddler. For safety purposes, you’ll want to either wear a life jacket or keep one on board when you’re out on the water.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
T+L commerce writer Anna Popp grew up on a river where she started white-water rafting with her dad as soon as she could swim. Anna has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021, and she now writes most of T+L’s tested product roundups. Anna tested three paddle boards on this list and worked with our outdoor gear editor to comb through detailed testing insights to put together our list of the best inflatable stand up paddle boards.
Related: Oru Kayak Review: The Lake+ Foldable Kayak Is Perfect for Traveling Paddlers
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
