While paddle boards were originally made out of wood, there have been a lot of changes when it comes to their design and construction. Plastic and carbon fiber soon replaced wood owing to their lightness and durability.
However, in recent years, a new option has appeared on the market: the inflatable paddle board. These paddle boards can easily fit into a small bag, so you can bring them along for a paddling adventure no matter where you are.
For this article, we checked out the best options available on the market today. Read the following inflatable paddle board reviews so that you can figure out which of these options is the board of your dreams.
Quick Guide
In a hurry? For your convenience, we have curated a condensed list of the best paddle boards for each category. This list is curated from the top features of each of these boards and is guaranteed to help you make the best possible decision.
Best Budget Option:Fitpulse 10 feet Inflatable Paddle Board
“I’m in love with this paddle board. Instructions are easy to follow and set up was done in 10 mins or less. Very supportive in the water while kneeling. Standing up was tricky but I did manage for a few minutes.”
Best for Advanced Paddle Boarders:Fitpulse 11 Feet Inflatable Paddle Board
“I love how I can carry it in the back of my car and take it with me wherever I go! The material is durable and strong! We are having a blast with this purchase and don’t have to worry about storage or transporting! Best Summer Purchase!”
Best Overall:Roc Inflatable Paddle Board
“I am super pleased with the board, ease of use, and most of all the fun that i’ve experienced in the short period of time that I’ve had it. I hope this helps anyone who has the same questions I had when I first started researching.”
Best Balanced Option:FBSport 10 Feet Premium Inflatable Board
“I’m in love with this paddle board. It’s so convenient and portable. I got a really beautiful blue color and it’s outstanding. The board is nice and wide and long! The board has some extra width which really helps to improve stability and balance!”
Best Splurge Option: SereneLife Inflatable Paddle Board
“So to sum it up, as someone who owns 3 inflatables and has used countless others, I can easily say this is the best one I own. It’s great for 1 or 2 people, is highly buoyant, very stable, and comes with a lot of great additional things that really sweeten the deal (2-way pump and leash).”
FAQs
While inflatable paddle boards solve a lot of the same problems that you might face with conventional paddle boards, including price and convenience, there are some factors and questions you need to consider before buying your board.
Question: What should be the length of my board?
Answer: Inflatable paddle boards come in a lot of different lengths. The ones covered here come in 10 feet, 10 feet 6 inches, and 11 inches in length. While the 10 foot boards are more suited to beginners and are easier to maneuver on the water, longer boards like the 11 footers are more stable and offer better balance.
Boards that are 10 feet 6 inches in length deliver the best of both worlds.
Question: What kind of activities can I participate in with an inflatable paddle board?
Answer: Put simply, an inflatable paddle board opens you up to a lot of physical activities on the water. If you’re new to paddle boarding, you can explore the water while kneeling, and experienced paddle boarders can do their thing standing up.
Here are some awesome activities that you can check off your bucket list with an inflatable paddle board:
- Paddle board surfing: If you’re into surfing and you’re somewhere where the waves are not large enough to use a conventional surfing board, you can use your paddle board.
- Fishing: Using a paddle board is a great way to be in the middle of the water while you’re fishing.
- Yoga: You can practice yoga in the middle of the water with the beauty of nature to enhance your meditative state. This will also improve your balance.
- Racing: If you have friends or family who own paddle boards, you can race them on the water for a thrilling adventure.
1. Fitpulse 10 Feet Inflatable Paddle Board
High quality materials have been used in the construction of this paddle board. The board is quite stable on the water and easy to maneuver, as well. There are triple bottom panel fins included with the board.
The non-slip EVA deck also ensures stability and easy turning while on the water. The board can handle up to 330 pounds.
With a good width to it, the board’s light design ensures that it’s easy to carry around and store. You can paddle while sitting or while standing up if you’re comfortable with your skills.
There is a valve tightening tool included with the package. You need to use this tool to tighten the air valve after you’ve finished pumping in air to ensure that no air escapes while you’re on the water.
Something to keep in mind: a few verified customers have claimed that their board lost air pressure after a few hours. One thing that reviewers especially liked about the board is that the material on the deck gives you a lot of traction, so no worries about slipping off the board while you’re on the water and making a quick turn.
Specification
- Brand: Fitpulse
- Color: Blue
- Length: 10 feet
- Items included: Board, bag, fins, phone cover, pump, valve tightener, repair kit, sunglasses strap, paddle
- Package dimensions: 35.9 x 16.6 x 10.4 inches
- Item weight: 28.7 pounds
Pros
- Comes with a lot of accessories including phone case, repair kit, pump, and valve tightener, giving you a complete experience
- EVA material used on the deck ensures that you have traction and will not slip off the board in wet conditions
- Wide design of the board ensures stability and maneuverability
Cons
- Some reviewers have claimed loss of air pressure over time
- The bright blue color might not appeal to everyone
2. Fitpulse 11 Feet Inflatable Paddle Board
A removable balance fin comes with the board, and can be added to the bottom if you’re new to paddle boarding. There are bungee ties on the board, too, that let you tie up your accessories and personal belongings when you’re aboard.
The high quality deck pad comes with padding that’s comfortable on your knees when you’re kneeling. It also provides a lot of traction so that you don’t slip when you’re on the water.
An interesting feature about this board is that it comes with enough space to install a waterproof camera at the back. So, if you want to film yourself with a GoPro camera or something similar on your adventure, you can easily attach it to the board.
Carrying the board once it’s inflated is also super easy, thanks to the handle on the side. Another thing you’ll find helpful is the presence of D-rings on the front of the board. These can be used for attaching anchors or kayak seats while you’re on the water, making your experience safer and more comfortable.
Like the previous product, this one sports all the accessories you could need while you’re paddling around. There’s a pump for inflating the board, a repair kit in case you get into an accident, an adjustable floating paddle, a backpack for carrying the board, a waterproof phone case, a sunglasses strap, and a coiled leash that you can use to attach yourself to the board that won’t drag on the water.
Specification
- Brand: Fitpulse
- Color: White
- Length: 11 feet
- Items included: Board, bag, fins, phone cover, pump, valve tightener, repair kit, sunglasses strap, paddle
- Package dimensions: 34.25 x 14 x 12 inches
- Item weight: 28.65 pounds
Pros
- Long 11 inch length makes it possible for the board to support up to 352 pounds, making it a top option for bigger people
- Adjustable paddle helps you determine the length to suit your fancy
- The hand pump included is double action and comes with a pressure meter so that you can figure out when you’re done inflating the board
Cons
- Might not be the best fit for kids or smaller women because of its size
- Could be too much for newbie paddlers
3. Roc Inflatable Paddle Board
The construction of the paddle board is durable, consisting of triple layer fabric on the upper part, a non-slip EVA deck pad that provides traction and prevent slipping, an airtight first and third layer, and an ultra reinforced composite drop stitch weave that makes the material super sturdy.
Like the previous options on this list, this board also comes with bungee tie downs to let you attach your personal items securely. The middle of the board features a comfort grip handle that you can grab onto while you’re sitting or kneeling on the board. The main fin of the board is removable and can be attached for improved maneuverability.
Accessories included include a collapsible aluminum paddle for a sturdy rowing experience, a coil safety leash for keeping you attached to the board, a hand pump for quick inflation, a storage bag for all those sweet accessories, and a waterproof bag to store anything that might be susceptible to water damage.
A red flag that verified customers noticed with this product was not with the board itself, but with the paddle. The attachment is not of the best quality, and you might need to reinforce it to make sure it doesn’t snap off.
The board claims that it can handle up to 350 pounds of weight, and that there will be no issues while using it. Keep in mind that it sits quite high in the water while paddling.
Specification
- Brand: Roc
- Color: White
- Length: 10 feet
- Items included: Board, bag, fins, phone cover, pump, paddle
Pros
- Military grade construction of the board offers enhanced durability and protection against environmental factors
- Can handle 350 pounds of weight
- All accessories included with the board
Cons
- Paddle is not of the highest quality and might need some reinforcement to ensure it won’t snap
- A 10-foot board might not be the best fit for bigger people who need more stability
4. FBSport 10.6 Feet Premium Inflatable Board
When it comes to the features of the board, you get a non-slip deck on top that gives you traction even while wet, bungee cords on top to help you attach your bags and personal belongings, and 3 bottom panel fins that improve both stability and maneuverability.
The wide design of the board comes with 31 inches of deck width. An interesting thing to note about this paddle board is that it’s 10 feet and 6 inches in length, which makes it a good midway size for those of us who find 10 feet is too short while 11 feet is too long.
Though the board is 10.6 feet long, the max load available on it is only 280 pounds. This might pose a problem for tall or heavy people, since the board might sit low on the water and be difficult to steer.
The materials used in the construction are military grade, making the board both durable and lightweight to deliver an excellent paddling experience.
A decent number of accessories are also included with the board, including a floating alloy paddle, a coiled ankle cuff safety leash, a pump, and a carry bag. While other options on the list come with more accessories, this should provide you with the necessary stuff to enjoy a proper paddling day without buying anything separately.
Some verified customers pointed out that you’ll need to dry it off properly as soon as possible. If you put it in storage while it’s wet, you might have to deal with a funky odor.
Specification
- Brand: FBSport
- Color: White and blue
- Length: 10.6 feet
- Items included: Board, bag, fins, pump, paddle, leash
Pros
- 10.6 feet length makes the board a good fit for both beginners and advanced paddle boarders
- Extra wide for improved stability on the water
- Great design on the deck
Cons
- Can handle a max load of only 280 pounds
- Can smell bad if stored wet for too long
5. SereneLife Inflatable Paddle Board
The material used in the construction of the board is made out of top notch, military grade items, providing durability and stability. This board is 10 feet and 6 inches long, and 32 inches in width, giving it impressive balance and stability on the water. This means that the board can be used on any body of water you’re in the mood for, including oceans, rivers, and lakes.
The maneuverability of the board is stellar, thanks to the triple bottom fins. These little guys improve handling, speed, and steering, making it easy to use by not just adults but also by kids and teens.
The entire kit that you would need while paddle boarding is available with the product: a stylish bag that matches the design of the board, along with a coiled ankle leash, a sturdy aluminum paddle for reliable rowing, a manual double action air pump that can quickly inflate the board, a waterproof cover for your phone and other belongings, a detachable main fin for better handling, and a bag that can fit all of these along with the deflated board easily. Whew, that’s a decent haul!
The paddle included with the package is foldable, making it easy to store and use. The military grade material makes sure that there is no scuffing or puncturing anywhere on the board.
One thing you need to keep in mind about the board is that you have to inflate it more than the other boards on the list. You might think that the pressure gauge is not working, but you have to put more air in than you’d usually expect. Something else you need to keep in mind is that manually tightening the air valve on the board might not work properly and will cause pressure loss over time. Make sure you use the included valve wrench to tighten it properly.
Specification
- Brand: SereneLife
- Color: Black/Blue/Multicolored design
- Length: 10.6 feet
- Items included: Board, bag, fins, pump, paddle, leash, waterproof cover
Pros
- Complete with all the accessories needed for an fantastic paddling experience
- Great design on both the board and the bag
- Wide 32 inch design ensures stability and easier navigation on the water
Cons
- Most expensive item on the list, might not be a good fit for anyone on a budget
- Might need a lot more air than expected
Inflatable Paddle Board Reviews: Final Thoughts
Paddle boarding is a fun and exciting sport that delivers a fabulous mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and exercise. But it might not be accessible to everyone because conventional paddle boards are expensive and bulky. Inflatable paddle boards solve the problem affordably and conveniently.
Most of the boards in our guide also come with complete accessories to make sure that you have a blast on the water without having to buy anything separately.
This article outlines inflatable paddle board reviews for the best options available on the market today. We hope that this has helped you make an informed decision about which of these great boards is the optimal fit for your next weekend getaway. If you’re interested in similar topics, take a moment to check out our other articles!
