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Find Your ‘Float’ State With the 8 Best Inflatable Paddle Boards for Beginners
By Jennifer Heimlich,
3 days ago
When stand-up paddle boarding first grew popular in the ‘90s, it required a hard, fiberglass board that took up 12 feet or so of storage space and was a major hassle to actually get to the water. The only inflatable options on the market “felt soggy, like standing on a pickle,” says Kris Les, a merchandiser for L.L. Bean. That’s not the case anymore. “We're at a point now where inflatable paddle boards are pretty good, they’re pretty darn rigid,” he says.
Construction updates over the past few years mean that you can get an inflatable stand-up paddle board (aka SUPs) that’s easy to store in your garage or stick in the trunk of your car without sacrificing much performance—especially if you’re a beginner who’s just looking to get out on the water and have a little fun. The hardest part? Picking a board.
To help you get on the water easily and often, we chatted with Les about what to look for in the best inflatable paddle boards and tested several ourselves to find the top 10 that you’ll want to take the plunge on.
When you’re on the hunt for the best inflatable paddle boards, Les says there are five key things to keep in mind.
Size
Although boards can range from just six feet long (for kids) to 16 or more (for group paddling), Les says most range between 10.5-12 feet, with 11-footers being the most popular. “That is the sweet spot,” he says. But smaller people might prefer a shorter board so it’s lighter and easier to transport, while bigger riders might prefer something longer to better support their weight. Width matters, too: A wider board (around 32 inches or more) will be more stable than a narrower one.
Shape
Paddle boarding evolved out of surfing, so most SUPs are shaped like surfboards, Les explains. “But as the sport evolved in the mid-2000s, everybody realized that, actually, a surfboard-shaped board doesn't really plow through the water as efficiently as a board that has more of the hull in the water and is more pointy-shaped,” he says. These longer, narrower, pointy boards are called displacement paddle boards and are best for people who want to paddle fast and far in a straight line. A wide hull with a slight upward curve at the front, on the other hand, is called a planing board, and is more beginner-friendly—it won’t travel as quickly or easily but it’s more stable for leisurely floating around or doing some yoga.
Accessories
Remember: You need more than just a board to paddle board. Most inflatable boards today are sold as packages with pumps, carrying bags, a collapsible paddle, a leash (to strap the board to your ankle), and a small repair kit. Higher-quality accessories like an electric pump or carbon fiber paddle will mean a higher price point. Not all boards come as complete packages, however, so be sure to look up exactly what’s included to consider the full cost of what you’ll need to get on the water.
Storage space
Most paddle boards come with a variety of clips, velcro straps, and bungee cords on top so you can stash your flip flops, drinks, or fishing gear, or keep your paddle secure if you want to put it down for a while. Many also let you attach a seat so you can sit down and kayak. Think through how you plan to use your board to make sure it has what you’ll need.
Inflatable paddle board design
A paddle board you love the look of is a paddle board you’ll want to get on over and over again. “Color is really important,” Les admits. “This is your limited amount of recreational time that you get. When you're standing on this thing, are you like, ‘Yeah, I really like looking at this’?” Hopefully, you are.
With a wide 34-inch base, this board offers a great mix of stability and maneuverability for beginners. It’s easy to get up from sitting or kneeling to standing (or even into downward dog—SUP yoga, anyone?) without worrying too much about your balance. And with a 435-pound weight capacity, it can accommodate multiple riders or pets, if yours are adventurous. The relatively short length does mean it’s meant for riders just 5’8” and under, although one of our 5’10” testers felt super comfortable on it out on the Charles River in Boston. Just know that this board is sold as a basic package with only the board, fins, repair kit, and leash, so you’ll need to bundle it with your preferred paddle, pump, and carrier for a complete setup.
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