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Historically inflatable stand up paddle boards left a lot to be desired. There were problems with leakage and a distinct lack of stiffness when compared to the standard solid boards. Design features were much more rudimentary and overall performance weak.
On the other hand, inflatables have always been much more portable, light, and convenient, able to be transported in a small bag or backpack.
Today’s inflatable models have bridged the gap with reliable seals, durable materials, and design features that make them strong rivals to the best of the hard-body boards. And the ease of inflation, deflation, and packing have improved, as well.
In order to help you sort out the wheat from the chaff, some of the top models at various price-points have been chosen to help you in your selection process. To start there is a basic comparison table followed by reviews with key features, photos, and videos, followed by a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom.
For other related information, please check out these popular reviews:
SUP Life Vests SUP Boards Surfing Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards in 2020
- Atoll 11 Foot Inflatable Paddle Board
- iRocker Cruiser Inflatable 10’6″ Stand Up Paddle Board
- Red Paddle Co Ride Inflatable Paddle Board
- Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Tower 10’4″ Adventurer II Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- NIXY Newport Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- iRocker All Around 11′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Gili Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Pathfinder Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- SereneLife 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards in 2020 Comparison Table
| Picture | SUP | Capacity | Length | Width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Atoll 11 Foot Inflatable Paddle Board | 400 pounds | 11 feet | 32 inches | $$$ |
  | iRocker Cruiser Inflatable 10'6" Stand Up Paddle Board | 400 pounds | 10 feet 6 inches | 33 inches | $$ |
  | Red Paddle Co Ride Inflatable Paddle Board | 220 pounds | 10 feet 6 inches | 32 inches | $$$$ |
  | Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board | 275 pounds | 10 feet | 32 inches | $ |
  | Tower 10’4″ Adventurer II Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board | 400 pounds | 10 feet 4 inches | 32 inches | $$ |
  | NIXY Newport Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board | 350 pounds | 10 feet 6 inches | 33 inches | $$ |
  | iRocker All Around 11' Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board | 435 pounds | 11 feet | 32 inches | $$ |
 | Gili Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board | 320 pounds | 11 feet | 32 inches | $$ |
  | Pathfinder Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board | 240 pounds | 9 feet 9 inches | 30 inches | $ |
  | SereneLife 10' Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board | 275 pounds | 10 feet | 30 inches | $ |
| Picture | SUP | Capacity | Length | Width | Price |
Atoll 11 Foot Inflatable Paddle Board
The Atoll Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board has durable dual-layer military-grade PVC construction that has a firm deck riders say mimics a hardboard. Atoll publishes a 400-pound capacity but has water tested effectiveness up to 700 pounds. It’s light and quickly inflates with the included dual-action pump. A great platform for touring, fishing, or yoga, it is speedy and easy to control. A quality 3-piece carbon/fiberglass/nylon paddle and heavy-duty backpack for easy portage are part of the package which comes with a generous 2-year warranty.
- Military-grade, dual-layered PVC construction
- Front bungee webbing for storage
- 2 fixed side fins, 1 removable 8-inch center fin
- Textured deck pad
- 15 D-ring mounting points, front bungee cords
- Center and back carry handles
- Choice of desert sand, light blue or green
- Accessories: heavy-duty travel backpack, 10’ poly flex leash, high-pressure dual action pump, 3- piece carbon-fiberglass floating paddle with a nylon blade
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’6 x 32” x 6”
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
iRocker Cruiser Inflatable 10’6″ Stand Up Paddle Board
The iRocker 10’6” Cruiser is smooth-tracking, maneuverable, and stable, great for all levels of paddler including beginners. Extra durable with 4-layer PVC construction, the rigid deck has solid-body performance that can handle paddlers and passengers up to a capacity of 400 pounds. There is ample storage capacity with D-rings and bungee webbing with 2020 bringing the model 4 action mount D-rings, an additional 4 other D-rings, and rear bungee webbing, as well. The textured deck pad provides a firm foothold and the package of accessories includes an efficient triple-action, dual-chamber hand pump, floating fiberglass paddle, and backpack. It comes in a wide variety of colors and sports a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Durable 4-layer PVC construction
- 1 removable center fin, 2 removable side fins
- Textured deck pad
- Front and rear bungee webbing for storage (new in 2020)
- Many D-ring mounting points, 4 action mount D-rings (new in 2020)
- 4 carry handles
- Choice of aqua, blue, grey, 3 shades of green, teal, orange or white
- Accessories: backpack carry bag, triple action, dual-chamber hand pump, adjustable, fiberglass, floating paddle, leash
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 33” x 6”
- 2-year warranty
Red Paddle Co Ride Inflatable Paddle Board
The Red Paddle Co 10’6” Ride is a premium quality, expensive, inflatable. Lightweight, thin, and low volume it performs like a solid model in a range of conditions with a relatively low capacity of 220 pounds. The package is missing a paddle and leash but does include a top of the line hand pump, waterproof phone case, and repair kit to go with the standard backpack. Storage is available with a rear bungee web and a few D-rings. The laminate construction is durable and attractive and the embossed deck pad with a diamond-cut rear section has a comfortable and effective grip.
- Durable PVC/polyester/nylon laminate construction
- Rear bungee webbing D-rings, and tie-downs for storage
- 3 fixed 4.5-inch fins in a thruster formation
- Textured deck pad
- Many D-ring mounting points, 4 action mount D-rings
- 4 carry handles
- Paddle and leash not included
- Available with a blue or purple deck pad
- Accessories: backpack carry bag, top quality Titan dual-chamber hand pump, repair kit, water-resistant phone case
- Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
- Weight: 21 pounds 12 ounces
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 32 x 4.7 inches
- 5-year “promise”
Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Durable quad-layer inflatable PVC construction
- Bungee webbing for storage
- Removable center fin, 2 side fins
- Two-layer firm-grip deck pad
- Front bungee webbing
- Center carry handle
- Choice of black, blue, charcoal, green, aqua, desert or pink
- Accessories: collapsible aluminum paddle, leash, hand pump, waterproof bag for personal items, backpack
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
- Weight: 17.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’ x 32” x 6”
- 1-year warranty
- Low-priced
Tower 10’4″ Adventurer II Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Durable quad-layer PVC construction
- 4-inch nose rocker, no tail rocker
- Bungee webbing and 4 D-rings for storage
- 1 removable center fin, 2 side fins
- Diamond grooved deck pad
- Hand-hold strap, roll-up carrying strap
- Center, nose, and tail carry straps
- Choice of blue, grey or turquoise
- Accessories: high-pressure pump, adjustable 3-piece fiberglass paddle
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’4” x 32” x 6”
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
View More From Tower Paddleboards
NIXY Newport Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The Nixy Newport is a high-quality durable inflatable at a moderate price with a great package of accessories. Lightweight at 21 pounds and durable with laminated construction and reinforced rails, it has bungee webbing front and back and 14 D-rings for storage. Accessories include a 3-piece fiberglass paddle, fast action high-pressure pump, hybrid leash, and super labor-saving wheeled backpack with lots of space to store accessories and personal items. It has a versatile, stable design and a fin box with 3 removable fins for good tracking performance. In addition, there is a choice of 3 color combinations and it comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Dual-layer laminated construction
- Carbon fiber reinforced rails
- 2 removable 5-inch side fins and 1 removable 9-inch center fin
- Non-slip traction pad
- 14 D-rings and front and rear bungee cords for storage
- Center and back carry handles
- Choice of desert sand, light blue or green
- Accessories: 3-piece adjustable fiberglass paddle, dual-chamber triple-action high-pressure pump, hybrid straight and coiled leash, 3-wheeled multi-functional backpack, repair kit, shoulder strap
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’6 x 33” x 6”
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
iRocker All Around 11′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The iRocker All Around 11’ Inflatable has many of the same features and accessories as the iRocker Cruiser reviewed at the top. Slightly longer, faster, and more maneuverable, it is a bit less stable. With quad-layer PVC construction, it has rigidity like a solid-body model and a large 435-pound capacity for more baggage and passengers. Front and rear bungee webbing and loads of D-rings provide ample storage options and there is a good foot-grip with the textured deck pad along with safety and carry handles, and a large batch of quality accessories (backpack, high-efficiency pump, adjustable carbon fiber paddle, leash). A 10’ model is also available that is configured much the same with a little more maneuverability and slightly less speed and stability. Many color combos are offered and it carries a 2-year warranty.
- Durable quad-layer PVC construction
- 2 removable side fins, 1 removable center fin
- Textured deck pad
- Front and rear bungee webbing for storage (new in 2020)
- 14 D-ring mounting points, 4 action mount D-rings (new in 2020)
- 1 center and 2 side carry handles
- 2 safety handles
- Choice of blue, gray, teal, 2 versions of green, and 3 versions of white
- Accessories: backpack carry bag, triple action, dual-chamber hand pump, adjustable, floating carbon paddle, leash
- A 10-foot model is available
- Weight Capacity: 435 pounds
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’ x 32” x 6”
- 2-year iRocker warranty
Gili Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The Gili Adventure is another well-built durable inflatable that performs like a solid body paddle board. Unusually lightweight for an 11-footer at 19 pounds, it has lots of storage options with bungees front and back and loads of D-rings. Tracking and maneuverability is enhanced with a 3-fin box that includes a tool-less snap-in 9-inch center fin. With a 320-pound capacity and large traction pad, there is room for you and a pet or child. A nice accessory-pack includes an efficient dual-stage pump, quality carbon hybrid paddle, coil leash, repair kit, and backpack. All of this comes at a moderate price with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Durable dual-layer military-grade PVC construction
- 2 fixed side fins, one 9-inch snap-in center fin (no tools required)
- Large traction pad
- 3-point front and 2-point rear bungee webbing for storage
- 16 D-ring mounting points
- Front, center, and rear grab handles
- Accessories: backpack carry bag, high-pressure, dual-stage pump, adjustable, 3-piece carbon hybrid paddle, coil leash, repair kit
- Weight Capacity: 320 pounds
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’ x 32” x 6”
- 2-year warranty
Check the Price & Details at Gili
Pathfinder Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The Pathfinder is a durable well-made budget model, part of a solid basic package for an individual interested in touring, fishing, or yoga. It provides a stable buoyant platform with good rigidity, a large textured pad for traction, bungee webbing for storage, and a single center fin for tracking. The package includes a high-pressure pump, adjustable aluminum paddle, leash, and carry bag. It comes in your choice of blue or a much more visible orange.
- Durable multi-layer PVC construction
- Removable center fin
- Large deck traction pad
- Front bungee webbing for storage
- Leash D-ring
- Center handle
- Accessories: tote bag with shoulder straps, high-pressure pump, adjustable aluminum paddle, leash, valve wrench
- Weight Capacity: 240 pounds
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Dimensions: 9’9” x 30” x 5”
SereneLife 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The Serenelife 10’ Inflatable is another budget-priced model that gives you good durability and quality features that might surprise you for the price. With dual-layer PVC construction and a large traction pad, it is lightweight at 19.6 pounds yet provides a stable, rigid platform suitable for beginners or those with long experience. The tri-fin set-up aids in handling and maneuverability and front bungee webbing and 9 D-rings provide substantial storage options. The package also includes an upgraded aluminum paddle, pump, leash, repair kit, and backpack storage bag, and comes in marine blue, black and gray, aqua or olive green
- Durable dual-layer military-grade PVC construction
- Removable center fin and 2 side fins
- Large traction pad
- Front bungee webbing for storage
- 9 D-ring mounting points
- Center carry handle
- Comes in marine blue, black and gray, aqua or olive green
- Accessories: upgraded aluminum paddle, coiled ankle leash, manual air pump, patch repair accessory kit, and backpack storage bag
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
- Weight: 19.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’ x 30” x 6”
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards in 2020 Buying Guide
Pros of Inflatables
- Portability and Storage – When uninflated they are lightweight and easily packed into a backpack or carry bag that can be kept in a closet or car trunk.
- User-Friendly – If you fall or get hit by the board it is much softer than a solid model. Children and beginners thereby can avoid getting hurt or suffering painful bumps.
- Durability – Top manufacturers increasingly use high-grade, even military-grade PVC in construction. It responds well to bumps, scrapes, and drops and still is easily foldable into a portable bag.
- Price – There is a range in pricing but many quality models have budget to moderate levels.
Cons of Inflatables
- Setup – When you get to the launch site you will need to spend some time inflating your board as opposed to just launching it right away if you have a solid body model. On the other hand, the efficiency and quality of the pumps provided or available is usually pretty high allowing you to inflate in 5 to 10 minutes in many cases.
Length – Longer boards generally can move faster through the water but don’t maneuver or turn as easily.
Width – Generally, a wider board is more stable but slower.
Thickness and Volume – A thicker board will hold a greater volume of air than a thinner one. This higher volume displaces more water allowing the board to ride higher on the water. In many cases, depending on the hull design, this will create a more stable platform.
Weight – Compared to solid-body SUPs, inflatable models are lightweight but there can be significant differences between boards. Nonetheless, in terms of portability, they are all light enough and small enough in volume when uninflated to pack up in an easily carried bag.
In terms of use on the water, heavier boards don’t maneuver as easily but tend to be more stable. This is a bigger factor for small and inexperienced paddlers.
Accessories – When you buy an inflatable SUP there are many items that are often included in the package that are necessary or will enhance the experience. Consideration should be paid when comparing prices as some of these items can be pretty expensive when purchased separately.
- Hand Pump – A quality high-flow pump will more efficiently and quickly fill your inflatable and save time.
- Paddle – An adjustable, collapsible paddle can adapt to different paddlers, conditions, and styles. There is large variability in the price of models based mainly on materials used like carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aluminum. Check out this article for further information: SUP Paddles.
- Leash – Many beginning paddlers, especially, use a leash that keeps the board from getting away. Leashes with coils and other special features are available.
- Repair Kit – Although PVC material is usually very durable, a repair kit for patching a leak or tear can save a trip.
- Storage Bag – Most top inflatable models pack into an easy to carry bag with shoulder straps or set up as a backpack. There are models with wheels to further lessen the load.
For other related information, please check out these popular reviews:
SUP Life Vests SUP Boards Surfing Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles
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