What is the best Inflatable SUP? If you are into paddle boarding, you may already know about the challenges of bringing a hard Board to and from the place where you will use it. It can be especially challenging if you have a heavy 12-foot long fiberglass paddleboard that needs to be transported from your home to the water. Because of this and with the advancements in technology, inflatable SUPs or ISUPs (standup paddleboards) have finally been designed to solve problems just like this. They are now competing with hard boards in terms of number of users. Here at Outdoor Adventure Geeks we have chosen the best inflatable SUP s:

Is an Inflatable SUP Worth your Money?

Inflatable SUPs are now gaining in popularity among paddle boarding enthusiasts. Originally, there were concerns about their safety, durability and performance compared to hard boards. You may want to check the following advantages of the best inflatable SUP s to see if they are relevant for you.

ISUPs are durable. New technologies were developed which contributed to making ISUPs durable. For instance, there are ISUPs that are constructed using double layers of PVC, making them resistant to scratches. They are also not prone to cracks when subjected to impact.

ISUPs are rigid. Rigidity is a common issue among poorly made ISUPs as they tend to sag in the middle or take on water when handling too much weight. However, some of the best ISUPs when inflated to a certain PSI can become as rigid as hard boards.

ISUPs are compact. Regular hard boards are normally between 7 and 12 feet long. As they do not fold up, transporting and storing them can be challenging. In contrast, inflatable SUPs are compact even if they are as large as any regular hard board when inflated.

ISUPs are lightweight. Inflatable SUPs are generally more lightweight than hard boards, mainly because of the materials used in their construction. ISUPs are usually made of epoxy foam of PVC materials which are lightweight compare to the fiberglass material used in most hard boards.

ISUPs are stable. Stability defines an SUP’s ability to stay upright and keep the user in control. A dependable ISUP is stable enough to let the user enjoy a wide range of activities using the board.

To find the best inflatable sup, check the following criteria to help you choose:

Length - Generally, the length of the ISUP affects its overall performance. That is, the longer your SUP is, the faster you can go but the harder for you to make a turn. Shorter boards are more ideal for beginners as they are easy to control and maneuver. Surfers normally go for boards that are between 8 and 10 feet long, while racers would use longer boards.

Width - Wider SUPs are more stable; however, they are also slower compared to narrower boards. Beginners can benefit from boards that are at least 31 inches wide.

Thickness - The thickness of the board often affects its rigidity. However, one downside of a thick ISUP is that it is also prone to tipping because of its higher center of gravity. For the sake of rigidity and performance, the ideal thickness is between four and six inches.

Hull shape - Selecting the hull shape is a compromise between stability and speed. Boards with a flat bottom are more stable and easily maneuverable; however, in terms of speed, slower. Some of the fastest boards are those with pointed nose displacement hulls because they efficiently cut water, making the board go faster. The downside of this type of hull is increased chances of flipping over. There are also boards with a more rounded nose, also known as planing hull. They are not as fast as displacement hulls but they are suited for beginners because they are easy to maneuver.

Nose rocker - The nose rocker is the paddle board’s angled front. This is a vital part of the board because if the angle is not enough, it will cause the board to submerge instead of to move forward. If you want to use the board on flat waters, there is no need for much rocker. If you are into surfing or plan to use your board on choppy waters, then you’ll need a lot of rocker.

Rails - These are the side parts of a paddle board. They are important for surfers as this feature carves into the waves. This is not as important for those who use paddle boards on flat waters.

For more information how an inflatable SUP works, you can check this video:

1.  ISLE Airtech 12-Feet 6-Inches Touring Inflatable Stand up Paddle Board

When it comes to stability and durability, you can count on this inflatable SUP. Weighing just about 20.5 pounds, it is portable and can easily be transported from one location to another. If you are a rider weighing 275 pounds or less, this is a good option for you. Among its deal-making features are its wide nose and tail for stability and its use of 6 inches of Military Grade PVC for protection against dings and damage. When you buy this item, it also comes with a paddle, a high-pressure pump and a carry-backpack.

2.  PathFinder Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddleboard

The Pathfinder Inflatable SUP is a perfect all-around SUP board, and is worth considering if you are a beginner. This versatile and durable board is 9 feet and 9 inches long and is 5 inches thick. The complete package includes the SUP board, a high pressure air pump, a removable center tracking fin, bungee tie-down, an adjustable aluminum paddle, a valve wrench and a carry bag with shoulder straps. So portable and easy to store! When fully inflated (at 15 PSI), it feels very similar to a hard board. It is ready for an all-day family fun wherever the next water adventure takes you!

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3.  ISLE Airtech Inflatable 11' Explorer Stand Up Paddle Board iSUP Package

The ISLE Airtech Inflatable 11’ Explorer Stand Up Paddle Board is a very portable ISUP, weighing less than 20 pounds. If you are after portability combined with good overall performance, it can be a good option for you. One of its unique features is that it comes with a storage space in case you’d like to go off the beaten path. Apart from the board itself, it also comes with a paddle, a high-pressure pump and a carry backpack.

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4.  Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer Inflatable SUP Package

If you are a large person weighing up to 350 pounds, this is a more suitable option for you. It uses a thick Military Grade PVC material known for durability and toughness when it comes to dealing with potential damage-causing objects on the water. The entire package also gives you three adjustable fiberglass paddles and a pump.

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5.  PEAK Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Adjustable Paddle, Travel Backpack and Coil Leash

Another ISUP that is suitable for large users is the PEAK Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. Is it a versatile board as it works for all skill levels and water conditions. With a 6-inch thick Military Grade material and a wider dimension, it offers stability, rigidity and durability. Together with the main board, you also get three paddles, a repair kit, a high-pressure pump, a coil leash and a carry backpack when you buy this set.

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Conclusion

So what is the best inflatable sup ? The overall winner in terms of stability, portability and durability is the ISLE Airtech Inflatable 11' Explorer Stand Up Paddle Board (6" Thick) iSUP Package. If you are a beginner looking for a budget-friendly option, the PathFinder Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddleboard 9' 9" (5" Thick) should also be a good choice.