Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards on the Cheap (2023)

 

I don’t know about you, but I like to save on costs where possible, be it inflatable stand up paddle boards (iSUPs) for example.

Often times there’s a reason to why they’re cheap (I’ve delved into some of the cost factors in this article). All that makes finding the right one a little tricky. You see, some of them might not have a warranty, they might be poorly documented, poorly constructed, or have no customer support.

However, there are still quite a few gems out there. They just needed to be found.

Along with this SUP buying guide (which I really suggest you quickly skim through), let’s have a closer look at those few high value low-cost iSUPs I’ve come across. See which ones you fancy more and check out their corresponding review.

 

TOP 12 Actually Cheap Inflatable Paddle Boards

Before you go any further, let’s be clear about a couple of things when it comes to cheap iSUPs in general. Wouldn’t want you to make a bad decision.

Although cheap and tempting, these low-cost high value iSUP packages are primarily entry level boards typically aimed at lighter paddlers and not so much for the really big guys nor the highly competitive paddlers (though there are exceptions). These here are more in line for recreational paddling on calmer waters (for the extreme thrill seekers I’d recommend this list of inflatables instead).

They’re good enough mainly for cruising, but also for some river riding, fishing, yoga, some surfing smaller waves, etc (more about types of SUP activities in this article), and not so much for conquering the killer waves, full-on white water river riding nor racing on a competitive level. And thus they’re almost always classified as “all-around” type of inflatable stand up paddle boards.

Some of the cheap ones I’ve come across have turned out to be real gems packing an incredible value on the cheap.

 

#0

Red Paddle Co

or

Bluefin

Just to make sure we’re talking CHEAP… Of course you can get yourself a relatively expensive true all-around from Red Paddle Co or equivalent that can take a beating and perform fairly well even in the more extreme areas of SUP, but that’s going to cost quite a lot.

Something more affordable would be Bluefin iSUP boards, my personal pick in 2023, or equivalent, but which can still be on the heavy side for the wallet compared to these cheap ones here…

My experience tells me it’s much nicer to get into the paddle board game without spending a grand per board package!

 

 

 

#1 

Roc Scout 10′ iSUP

The Roc Scout 10′ iSUP board measures 10′ x 33″ x 6″ (length x width x thickness), weighs 17.5 pounds and has a recommended max weight limit up to 350 pounds. This one too comes with everything you need to get on the water. REVIEW: Roc Scout 10′ iSUP.

Check its price here.

 

Rocky start with some weird shenanigans at the beginning for what I can remember from some years ago… Since then they’ve stepped up their game, basically becoming a reputable brand almost, because the quality has been surprisingly decent and consistent for years now. As such it’s suffice to say that the board feels great and customer support, albeit with a very down to earth stance, is present.

 

#2 

SereneLife Thunder Wave 10’ iSUP

The SereneLife Thunder Wave 10′ iSUP board measures 10′ x 32″ x 6″ (length x width x thickness), weighs 19.6 pounds and has a recommended max weight limit of 275 pounds. The package includes everything you need to get on the water. REVIEW: SereneLife Thunder Wave 10′ iSUP.

Check its price here.

 

 

A very good choice for the price. Their boards have gone through many iterations of “updates” over the years and now at this point it’s starting to become hard to ask for more without upping the price. Customer support still seems to be as active as ever.

 

#3 

Retrospec Weekender 10′ iSUP

The Retrospec Weekender 10’ iSUP board measures 10′ x 30″ x 6″ (length x width x thickness), weighs 17 pounds and has a recommended max weight capacity of 275 pounds. The package includes premium quality accessories, everything you need to get on the water. REVIEW: Retrospec Weekender 10′ iSUP.

Check its price here.

 

A long timer, yet updated almost yearly, one I’d consider from a reputable brand, with their retro themed design along with good quality control and accessible price earns a spot on this list from me. You really can’t go wrong with this one, to be blunt.

 

 

#4 

FunWater Tiki 10’6 iSUP

This FunWater Tiki 10’6 iSUP board measures 10′6″ x 33″ x 6″ (length x width x thickness), weighs 17.6 pounds and has a recommended max weight limit of up to 330 pounds. This package comes with everything you need to get on the water. REVIEW: FunWater 10’6 iSUP Tiki Cruise.

Check its price here.

 

Before you hiss at this board, hear me out! Rather than outsourcing the manufacturing to some Chinese company, they themselves are the Chinese manufacturing company! This makes them not just a knock-off but an actual dedicated iSUP brand.

And here’s the kicker: as they’re dealing with Western markets here, they’ve got an image to uphold. It’s not just some random no-name temporary company trying to sell a knock-off for a quick buck in the West to then disappear with profits and a trail of whining customers. These guys obviously care and have been in business for already 12+ years.

So far the appointed customer support is pretty good in terms of solving problems.

 

#5 

Aqua Spirit Barracuda 10’6 iSUP

The Aqua Spirit Barracuda 10’6 iSUP board measures 10’6” x 31” x 6” (length x width x thickness), weighs 18 pounds and has a recommended max paddler weight limit of 330 pounds. The package comes with everything you need to get on the water.

Check its price here.

 

The board itself is nice, but the package comes with a lot of goodies that aren’t of the highest quality, to put it gently, given the price (such is the curse of cheaper iSUP packages in general, otherwise they wouldn’t be so cheap, so you might want to go in with realistic expectations). However, I’m way more impressed by the brand behind it. Everything’s very well documented, something of a rarity in this market, and customer support seems to be very much on top of things.

 

#6 

Runwave 11′ iSUP

The Runwave 11′ iSUP board measures 11′ x 33″ x 6″ (length x width x thickness), weighs 24 pounds and has a recommended max weight capacity of 352 pounds. The package comes with everything you need to get on the water. REVIEW: Runwave 11′ iSUP.

Check its price here.

 

Although I wouldn’t consider Run Wave a “reputable” brand per se, their customer support kind of insists on being on top of things, if that makes sense, and that sets them apart from the rest of newer brands on this market. They’ve been on my radar for over a year now and I’d say you’d be in good hands with them as long as they don’t go through a drastic change for the worst all of a sudden.

 

#7 

Highpi 10’6 iSUP

The Highpi 10’6 iSUP board measures 10’6 x 32″ x 6″ (length x width x thickness), weighs 18.5 pounds and has a recommended max weight limit of 300 pounds. The package comes with everything you need to get on the water.

Check its price here.

 

This one took a higher spot by storm. I can’t yet fully vouch for their support nor really the quality, even though it’s been a year that they’ve been on my radar now… Where they came from, who they are, I honestly don’t have much of an idea. But the reason they’re here is to do with the design which I really liked. I mean, so far things don’t look out of the ordinary, and hopefully things hold up merrily into the next year as well.

 

#8 

Dama Adventure 10’6 iSUP

The Dama Adventure 10′6 iSUP board measures 10′6 x 32″ x 6″ (length x width x thickness), weighs 19.8 pounds and has a recommended max weight limit of 330 pounds. The package includes everything you need to get on the water.

Check its price here.

 

Dama is similar to FunWater in that they’re not afraid to be honest with where they come from and have shown consistency. I’ve seen so many fishy untrackable brands come and go over the years, some I’ve traced back to Dama being their manufacturer, but at the time Dama themselves didn’t seem to offer their own boards here in the West. Now that they do, much like FunWater, they too have an image to uphold.

It has taken them some time to adjust to Western market standards in terms of quality, I’d say they’re still not quite there yet, but they’ve clearly improved their craft, still are improving, and so when a new quality issue shows up they’re kind of obsessed with fixing the issue and working on implementing a fix for it even at manufacturing level.

Again, they have come a long way already and it’s clearly a better option than some fishy brands selling stuff coming from Asia.

Admittedly a rather long winded explanation, but there you go.

 

#9 

Goosehill Sailor 10′6 iSUP

The Goosehill 10′6 iSUP board measures 10′6 x 32″ x 6″ (length x width x thickness), weighs 20.5 pounds and has a recommended max paddler weight capacity of 440 pounds. The package comes with everything you need to get on the water. REVIEW: Goosehill Sailor 10’6.

Check its price here.

If you dig the very vanilla look then the Wowers of a construction quality is only a bonus (something akin to a higher end board).

 

#10 

Aqua Plus 10’6 iSUP

The Aqua Plus 10’6 iSUP board measures 10’6 x 33” x 6” (length x width x thickness), weighs 20.3 pounds and has a recommended max paddler weight capacity of 350 pounds. The package comes with everything you need to get on the water.

Check its price here.

 

#11  

Fbsport iSUP

The Fbsport 10’6 iSUP board measures 10’6” x 31” x 6” (length x width x thickness), weighs 22 pounds and has a recommended max weight capacity of 280 pounds. The package comes with everything you need to get on the water. REVIEW: Fbsport 10’6.

Check its price here.

 

#12 

Aquaplanet Allround Ten 10’ iSUP

The Aquaplanet Allround Ten 10’ iSUP board measures 10’ x 30” x 5” (length x width x thickness), weighs 22 pounds and has a recommended max weight capacity of 265 pounds. The package comes with everything you need to get on the water.

Check its price here.

 

 

Going Cheap – FAQ

iSUP Accessories: Manual or Electric Pump?

First up, the additional items in the package are usually of lower quality when it comes to cheaper iSUPs. They all come with a manual handpump, some better than others. That’s not common for just the cheaper packages, most if not all inflatable paddle board packages tend to include a manual handpump only.

It would take roughly 300 pumps or 5 to 30 minutes to get a typical inflatable paddle board up to around 12-15 PSI. It can be quite a workout, but there is an alternative option out there.

An electric pump can be bought separately and in most cases is compatible with all the inflatable paddle boards on the market today as they tend to use a universally fitting inflation valve (Halkey-Roberts, a.k.a HR valve) and the pump itself tends to come with multiple adapters.

Explore all the inflatable SUP accessories.

 

What’s the Difference Between the High Priced and the Low Priced Inflatable SUP Packages?

Assuming we’re talking about the ALL-AROUND type of iSUP board packages, the difference between the high and low priced SUP packages comes down to the quality of its contents.

• quality of the construction of the board
• quality of the accessory items in the package

Overall, a higher quality board (usually higher priced as well) is more reliable as it can take a beating and thus lasts longer when compared to a lower quality board. You can take a cheap board a long way by simply doing a little maintenance every now and then – most people simply don’t bother with that and so they simply get a board that lasts exactly as long it takes for certain critical parts to degrade enough over time…

Note that a higher priced board does not necessarily mean it was higher quality.

Usually the sellers mention how many layers of what quality PVC layers there are in their inflatable board and in what way they’re constructed. Some of the well-known brands have upped the price by having the layers connected in a more efficient way or by having more layers of PVC whereas the cheaper and smaller brands usually always have just a single layer PVC (even when cheaper ones say they’ve got 2, they mean they’ve got 2 PVC tapes at the rails but not around the entire SUP… Just another way of deceiving you). More layers usually make the board more sturdy (like a hard board) and last longer in the more rough conditions. For general use, a single layer PVC can do just fine.

Have a look: how much do inflatable SUP cost in general?

But then comes the additional items in the package like the paddle, pump, ankle leash, backpack, etc. Apart from the board itself, the paddle is another absolutely necessary and the more expensive item in the package. The lower priced packages usually have a lower quality paddle, pump, and backpack. The paddle and the backpack can do the job, but the pump is often what people want to replace entirely by buying an electric pump separately.

 

How Do I Find a Cheap Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board That Best Suits My Needs?

The first question you must answer is what it is you want from paddle boarding. All-around iSUP boards can vary a little bit.

Are you looking for stability to simply just cruise around calmer waters? Maybe you’re looking for speed to feel the sea breeze or what have you. Perhaps you’re looking to ride the waves or to travel some longer distances instead. What if yoga or fishing were the things you sought after from the start? Perhaps you’re not sure and simply want to do a little of it all (all-around), because that’s an option too! Click here and let this post quickly guide you through the process of finding you your board.

 

Is Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Something I Can Do?

It’s actually a relatively common question.

The answer is something you probably already knew: of course you can, probably… I mean, what’s to stop you? This sport is suitable for people of almost all ages and in almost all water and weather conditions. I say “almost” because the cheap ones aren’t exactly good for all out whitewater river riding or surfing and the like.

Otherwise just take a deep breath – I’m well aware that there’s more of water than there is of you, but you’re smarter than water and that’s what puts you on top! “RAAR!” (a little silly, I know, but…) That’s to say you probably very likely can take up paddle boarding.

 

Where Can I Use My Cheap Inflatable Paddle Board?

Any body of water will do as long as it doesn’t have some mad currents and/or isn’t filled with some creepy creatures from Amazon Rainforests. I hope that it goes without saying that you should know the water before going anywhere near it in the first place (article on SUP Safety).

Here’s a handy take on where to travel and explore on your SUP in and around Britain.

 

What Do I Need in Order to Start With Stand Up Paddling?

All you need is equipment and a body of water (+ courage and knowledge).

When it comes to equipment, usually an iSUP package includes everything you need to get on the water:

• Inflatable stand up paddle board + fins,
• Paddle,
• pump,
• backpack carry bag,
• ankle leash,
• instructions,
• repair kit,
• (+ extra gadgets).

Be it lakes, rivers or seas, I’d say courage comes most in handy for when you start off on white water, knowledge for when you think you remember the river having a 60-feet waterfall somewhere about… *falls down* …And of course you need the right equipment (in the case of white water, a paddle is sufficient) to function properly in cases like that, for example. From here it’s all just fun because you knew there to be that waterfall, so you prepared and used your paddle to paddle towards safety, and you fell only in your imagination.

See? It didn’t take much to get started. White water was the more difficult one to start with anyway… Usually people start on lakes or calm rivers, and for that you really don’t need much at all.

 

What Difference Does It Make What Paddle I Use With a Cheap Board?

For general use, an aluminium shaft paddle will do you just fine, it’s when you’re going to put some real effort into paddling you might want to invest in a paddle that has more suitable attributes. Here’s a handy take on what the djfferent SUP paddles are about so as to make sense of them.

 

What Are the Benefits of Stand Up Paddle Boarding?

There are plenty of benefits to stand up paddle boarding, whether you go cheap or not.

• It’s for all ages and various activites.
• SUP can be therapeutic and calming or exciting and exhilarating.
• It’s a great full body workout and fresh air in the outdoors is good for your body, mind and spirit.

 

Is Inflatable SUP Safe?

Are you perhaps immortal? I for one am not. So with that in mind, as long as you know yourself and the water, stand up paddle boarding is pretty darn safe. For more details, for there are ways for things to end up really bad, simply glance over this SUP Safety post. And in an effort to bring clarity to some things, check out this video about sharks.

And remember. Cheaper inflatable stand up paddle boards aren’t so much meant for the more rough water conditions but rather for calmer waters.

 

Do I Need to Be Fit for Paddle Boarding?

Not necessarily. It helps when you’re already fit, but it’s not a requirement as there are plenty of iSUP boards meant for everybody even among the cheap iSUPs.

 

Are There Any Age Requirements?

Depends on what you’re looking to do with your paddle board. Essentially, there’s no real age requirement unless you’re looking at the more extreme types of paddleboarding (whitewater, surfing and racing).

There should be no problems with the more calmer types of paddle boarding like recreational paddling on calmer waters or touring, cruisng, yoga, fishing, etc when it comes to one’s age. I really don’t see a problem there at all. Be it somebody in their 10’s or below, and up in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s and perhaps even in their hundreds! But of course old age will no doubt bring with it its own set of additional challenges…

 

Can My Dog Ride With Me?

Your dog can ride with you on your inflatable SUP board, yes.

The reason for that is simple. Inflatable SUP boards aren’t that easily damaged when compared to hardboards. That’s why inflatables are often, if not always, used in whitewater river riding where bumping into rocks is inevitable. Inflatables don’t scratch, ding or scar like hardboards. But I personally wouldn’t really use a cheaper one for the whitewater river riding where there is absolutely no way to avoid bumping into rocks, I’d go straight for something more specialized designed to handle those circumstances in that case. And since we’re on the topic of river riding, I’d recommend you to quickly check out this SUP safety article I’ve written.

 

What Is an Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Made of?

In short, an inflatable SUP board has drop-stitch material for inner core where the air is pumped into also, one or more PVC layers laminated around it with one or more layers of PVC rails connecting the bottom and top half of the laminated pvc layers together. On top of all that is usually a non-slip EVA foam deck pad for people to comfortably stand on when paddling. With everything pretty much the same, the cheaper iSUPs usually have just 1 PVC layer instead of multiple. Learn more about SUP construction and materials here.

The next question, after hearing that an inflatable SUP board is filled with air, would be whether it can pop like a balloon? …Since it’s filled with air and all. In short: it can pop like a balloon if the build quality is good. It can happen when you leave the board outside under the sun for many days on a super hot and sunny month fully inflated. The pressure inside would increase due to the heat and the sturdy PVC material would simply be stretched out to its absolute limits. Avoiding the popping is as easy as letting some air out of the board when you store it inflated in such conditions. However, with cheaper boards, instead of popping, they are more likely to just slowly deflate once the pressure busts a seam.

An inflatable SUP popping would make a great story though. I remember my neighbor’s inflatable make quite a mess in his shed with all the dust coming out of it when his inflatable SUP popped in his poorly ventilated super hot shed. Something to learn from. Though an inflatable SUP popping is rather rare as it involves serious luck/unluck (need a really hot environment and direct sunlight) and takes an effort on your part as well (to leave it in some place like that).

 

Other Cheap iSUP Boards

Having researched 2023’s inflatable SUP market situation, there are loads more that unfortunately, for one reason or another, I didn’t quite include in this best budget inflatable SUP article. Some of them can still be a great option for you, most however tend to be not so great…

 

• A&BBOARD
• Abahub
• Abysup
• Acooday
• Acotop
• Acoway
• Advenor
• Aksport
• ALanber
• Aleur
• Alifun
• Amor Aqua
• Ancheer
• APISTIDE
• Aqua Marina
• Aqubona
• Aukai
• Awards
• Besportble
• Bessport
• Bestway
• Betond Marina
• Bifanuo
• Blue Water Toys
• BlueWater
• Bornway
• Bradem
• Bright Blue
• CADALENE
• Calmmax
• CapitalSports
• Caroma
• Ciays
• COOLWAVE
• Cooyes
• CORALSEA
• Crew Axel
• Drariver
• Dreizack
• Eggory
• Everymile
• FaaFuu
• Famistar
• Fayean
• Fbsport
• Feath-R-Lite (a brand of FunWater)
• Fostoy
• Fotoron
• Freein
• Funbase
• Funpeny
• Genreen
• GHT
• Gikpal
• Googo
• Goplus
• Gymax
• Hapfan
• Happybuy
• Hijofun
• HOEXISUP
• Homde
• Homech
• Ibatms
• Intey
• iS UNLIT
• ISPNZH
• ISSYAUTO
• Jasonwell
• JC-ATHLETICS
• JoyFountain
• Kicode
• Koetsu
• Ksports
• Leader Accessories
• LEDGE LIFE
• LetsFunny
• Lucear
• Luxmars
• Malisu
• Marnur
• Maxflo
• MaxKare
• MEETCLAN
• Merax
• Miageek
• Minetom
• Mousa
• Murtisol
• MYBOAT
• Nalanda
• NARATA
• Oarlike
• OddPaddle
• Pexmor
• Portal
• Pulse
• Quest
• RANGALii
• Redder
• Riber
• Rolimate
• Rumlad
• Säkee
• Shaofu
• Shridinlay
• Simple Paddle
• Skatinger
• Smooth
• Soarrucy
• Soopotay
• Spsupe
• Streakboard
• Sudoo
• Surfroll
• Surfstar
• SURFTORRENT
• Surfwave
• Susiebay
• Swonder
• Telesport
• Tuexedo Sailor (a brand of FunWater)
• Tusy
• Uboway
• Uenjoy
• UICE
• Umami
• Underice
• UPWELL
• Valwix
• Venandy
• Vilano
• Vit Sport Sup
• VWB
• Water Live
• Wavestorm
• Wavey Board
• WelandFun
• WGCC
• Wild Origins
• Wolf Armor
• XQ Max
• Xspec
• Xylove
• Yaska
• Yusing
• Zenacross
• Zoetime
• Zupapa

 

EXTRA READING

(Links open in a new tab)

The TOP 13 Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards in 2023 | post | sunsetpaddler
Exploring Inflatable SUP Accessories & Their Uses | post | sunsetpaddler
Pink Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards in 2023 | post | sunsetpaddler
Magnificent stand up paddle board Stickers | post | sunsetpaddler
How much do inflatable SUP boards cost? | post | sunsetpaddler
Is a cheap inflatable SUP worth it? | post | sunsetpaddler
How to choose a SUP paddle? | post | sunsetpaddler
iSUP care & maintenance | post | sunsetpaddler
SUP buying guide | post | sunsetpaddler
SUP boards list | post | sunsetpaddler
What is PVC? | post | sunsetpaddler
SUP safety | post | sunsetpaddler