UPDATE: Looking for the latest inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board review?
Checkout out our new post on the Best 2016 Inflatable SUP Boards.
Best 2016 Inflatable SUP Boards
Here’s the situation – you want to buy a stand up paddle board but you don’t have 12 feet to spare or a way to transport the board. The solution is simple, get an inflatable stand up paddle board! Convenience is only one of the reasons you will fall in love with these versatile boards. Inflatable SUP boards are just as performance-oriented as any other SUP board on the market.
Inflatable stand up paddle boards are a great idea for so many different types of riders.
- Does your family have a boat? An inflatable rolls up into a easy-to-store bag that you can tuck away easily for storage.
- Interested in SUP yoga or SUP pilates? Inflatable boards feel much softer and are way more comfortable for any exercises where you are laying on your back.
- Don’t like the idea of having to lift an 11-foot paddle board up onto the roof of your car every time you want to go out? Inflatables roll up and fit perfectly into a large backpack that you can toss into the trunk of your car, that way you’ve always got your board with you.
- Travel frequently? Check your inflatable SUP at the gate along with the rest of your luggage.
- Get the idea? Versatile, lightweight, super easy to store and transport, and fun for any skill level – we’re about to help you find the perfect inflatable stand up paddle board.
Basic Construction Info
Let’s be clear about this – there is a huge difference between a blow up raft and an inflatable stand up paddle board. There may be some inflatables on the market with smaller price tags but remember that you get what you pay for. Since you are trusting this board to keep you afloat it’s wise to do your research and make sure the board you are buying is strong, highly durable and well constructed.
Most high quality inflatable SUP boards will be made using heavy duty pvc or hardened rubber materials and have multiple layers of urethane, polymer and possibly UV protection to create a protective barrier around a dropstitch core. (Take a look at the two diagrams above, the left is supplied by Bic Sport and the right is from Naish.) This process creates a highly durable, and extremely rigid inflatable – offering a ride very similar to a regular hard-topped board.
BIC Inflatable Air Stand Up Paddle Board 10’0 & 10’6
With a brand new design for 2013, BIC’s inflatable 10’0 and 10’6 boards have a great new look and are packed with all the tech you would expect from a brand with such deep history in water sports. The 10’0 is a perfect, compact size with a 30″ width and max weight limit around 190 lbs. Cruising around the harbor, small waves and chop – the 10’0 can do it all. Next up is the versatile 10’6 that can hold a rider up to 220 pounds, and the 33″ width will offer a wide platform for a comfortable stance for a rider of any skill level. Both boards have a tri-fin set up that will help you track nice and straight, and the center fin is removable to help the board pack down easier. Other features include built in handles at the nose and tail for easy grab and go and the elastic tie-downs at the nose are great for storing a life vest, small cooler or anything else you want to bring along on your next SUP adventure.
Naish Nalu Air Stand Up Paddle Board 11’0
If you are looking for a slightly more narrow inflatable sup board that is fast thru the water, perfect for cruising, touring or longboard-style surfing, then the Naish Nalu Air is the board for you. The 30″ width creates a more narrow platform for a tighter stance yet the 6″ thickness makes the board feel very stable overall. The long, thin profile is perfect for the more performance-oriented paddler looking for a versatile, fun board to do it all. Tri fin set up with a removable center fin for easy packing and tie downs at the nose so you can pack your gear for longer treks. The 11’0 size can easily hold a rider up to 210 pounds!
Naish Mana Air Stand Up Paddle Board 10’0 & 11’6
Two of the most stable, rigid, performance oriented (and big bodied in the 11’6) boards on the market, the Mana Air series from Naish are boards that any rider, of any skill level, can jump on and really enjoy the ride. For smaller riders, the 10’0 is a great option. Short, maneuverable and stable thanks to the 6″ width, this board is perfect for the ladies or any rider looking for a more compact ride. (but don’t worry, the 10’0 can still handle the weight – up to 240lbs) For the bigger paddler or the family looking for a board to go tandem on, the 11’6 is the way to go. Super rigid, with a long side rail for easy tracking – anyone can get onto this board, first time paddlers or pros, and appreciate the versatile shape and durable feel.
Red Paddle Company 10’6 Ride
UPDATE: View the 2015 Ride Here
Red Paddle Company was started back in 2007 and they had one goal in mind – to produce the highest quality inflatable SUPs on the market. They wanted their boards to be durable, extremely rigid and easy for riders of any skill level to use. The 10’6 Ride is their jack of all trades. A perfectly sized do it all board that (thanks to their killer construction) can hold a rider up to 220 lbs! With a slightly wider tail, the 10’6 has incredible float and is very stable throughout. With their signature Tech Air technology, Red has made it easier and faster than ever to inflate this board up to it’s max of 15-20 psi. Red also has one of the most convenient bags, with the zipper opening all the way around the bag, making it easier than ever to pack your sup!
Red Paddle Company 10’8 Mega
UPDATE: View the 2015 Ride 10’8″ Here
Red Paddle Co knew they needed a board for the big boys and the 10’8 Mega is just that. Perfect for larger riders, tandem paddling or room for your dog to sit up front, the Mega is in a class all it’s own. With a whopping 36″ width (!) this board can hold a rider up to 250 lbs and will feel extra sturdy to a paddler of any skill level. But don’t worry – just because this board is big doesn’t mean it’s any slower than their other inflatables. Using the same Tech Air technology, this board will be extra rigid and will in turn paddle smoothly and effortlessly thru the water. This is a great family board for those looking to pile the kids onto the nose and head out for a nice paddle. Or – for our yoga and pilates enthusiasts – the Mega will offer a wide, comfortable platform, much more so than a traditional hard SUP board. Just like the rest of the line the Mega comes with their easy to load bag, pump and fin.
C4 iSUP XXL 10’9
UPDATE: View the 2015 C4 XXL
For the adventure paddler looking to hit some serious whitewater, or simply the bigger SUP fanatic looking for a board to support their weight, the C4 XXL iSUP is a dream come true. Sturdy and stable with a plus-sized tail, this board is not afraid of anything. It’s 10’9 length and 34″ width can handle the rapids, beginners looking for an extra-wide and stable board or your great big cousin Larry who wants to start paddling. Big dudes up to 250 will find this board stable and easy to maneuver and lighter riders can go tandem. Bungee attachments up front for longer adventures and a permanent vinyl thruster fin setup for added control.
C4 iSUP BK Pro 10’11
UPDATE: View the 2015 C4 BK Pro
For the paddler looking for a killer surf-inspired shape, the C4 BK Pro is the only way to go. Inspired by Brian Keaulana’s pro model, this winged swallow tail will turn on a dime and move quickly thru the water even in flat conditions. A beefy 33.5″ width thru the middle offers a ton of stability in surf or choppy conditions while the narrow nose and tail offer minimal drag, allowing you to move quickly and smoothly in waves. Despite the surfy shape, this board is super fun to paddle in flat conditions as well and makes for a perfect beginner board thanks to the extra width. More accentuated rocker keeps your nose up out of the chop on rougher days and the swallow tail shape will keep spectators drooling over your setup.
Hopefully this list planted a few good reasons for you to start considering your own inflatable stand up paddle board. The versatility and packability alone sold us here in Chicago. We are sure if you get a chance to get on one, you will be sold too.