--- title: "The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2026, Tested and Reviewed" description: "We tested the best inflatable paddle boards for size, weight, cost, accessories, and ease of set up to get you on the water." date: "2023-06-29" modified: "2025-04-28" authors: - name: "Laura Lancaster" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/laura-lancaster/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-inflatable-paddle-boards/" categories: - "Adventure" - "Gear" - "Paddling" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" --- # The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2026, Tested and Reviewed ![We tested the best inflatable paddle boards.]() *Zach Montes, Orijin Media* It’s not just you: Seemingly everyone these days is on an inflatable paddle board. If you’re considering making the plunge yourself, you might wonder how to choose a SUP. With so many brands to choose from and a (very wet) learning curve in front of you, it can be hard to know if you should grab a discount board from Walmart or invest in something more substantial. To help you find the best inflatable paddle board for your needs, we checked out models from Isle, Bote, ROC, iRocker, and Red Paddle. **Best Overall:** [Isle Switch]() **↓** [Jump to Review](<#IsleSwitch>) **Best Budget:** [ROC Polar Outdoors]() ****↓**** [Jump to Review](<#ROCPolarOutdoors>) **Best for Beginners:** [Bote Wulf Aero]() **↓** [Jump to Review](<#BoteWulfAero>) **Best for Fishing:** [Bote Rackham Aero Package]() **↓** [Jump to Review](<#BoteRackhamAero>) **Best Upgrade:** [Isle Explorer Pro]() ****↓**** [Jump to Review](<#IsleExplorerPro>) **Best for Tall People:** [Bote Breeze Aero]() ****↓**** [Jump to Review](<#BoteBreezeAero>) **Best for Hiking:** [Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact]() ****↓**** [Jump to Review](<#RedPaddleCompactMSLPact>) [iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0]() ****↓**** [Jump to Review](<#iRockerCruiserUltra2.0>) ****↓**** [Jump to How I Tested](<#HowITested>) ****↓**** [Jump to the Best Pumps for Inflatable Paddle Boards](<#TheBestPumps>) ## Best Inflatable Paddle Boards: Reviews & Recommendations ### Best Overall: [Isle Switch]() If your primary objective with your standup paddle board is having a good time, then the Isle Switch is the paddle board for you. It was the most versatile paddle board I looked at, and was equally fun no matter what I was doing: standing, sitting, in kayak mode, in tandem mode, on flat water, in mild rapids. ![There is more than one way to ride the Isle Switch thanks to its included kayak seat and footrest.]() *There is more than one way to ride the Isle Switch thanks to its included kayak seat and footrest. Sam Schild* At 35.5 inches, the Isle Switch was the widest board I looked at. With its 6 inches of height, it ends up being a larger volume board, which massively improves its stability, despite being on the lower side of the PSI range. ![Even with the Isle Switch in kayak mode, it was easy to stand up for some gentle river paddling.]() *Even with the Isle Switch in kayak mode, it was easy to stand up for some gentle river paddling. Sam Schild* The first time I stood up on this board I was in the middle of the fast-flowing Colorado River, and I was surprised at how stable I felt, even as small eddies and currents tipped the board. What was even more impressive is that this stability didn’t come with a major weight penalty: at 19 pounds, the Isle Switch is fairly light. I didn’t stay standing for too long because the Isle Switch has a kayak mode. By adding a seat and footrest, you can convert your inflatable paddle board to a sit-on-top kayak. While not quite as stable as the best [sit-on-top kayaks](), it is plenty stable enough for flat water and was an absolute blast to ride through some mild rapids on the Colorado River. ![The stability of the Isle Switch made it a blast to ride through mild rapids on.]() *The stability of the Isle Switch made it a blast to ride through mild rapids on. Sam Schild* A nice feature of the Isle Switch is its linking system, a series of connection points running up the entire length of each side of the standup paddle board. This allows for maximum customization with the kayak seat — no need for taller folk to scrunch up their legs — as well as a wide range of other configurations, including creating a tandem sit-on-top kayak or even connecting multiple SUPs together for the ultimate party boat. ![Small details, like reminders as to whether the pin is supposed to be up or down while you are inflating your paddleboard improves the experience for beginner paddleboarders.]() *Small details, like reminders as to whether the pin is supposed to be up or down while you are inflating your paddle board improves the experience for beginner paddle boarders. Laura Lancaster* The only somewhat tricky part about this otherwise straightforward board was its fin design. Isle provides you with two ways to install the fin, one with a super bolt pin and one with a small knob insert. The former is more complicated to install than other options I looked at, and the latter requires more force to secure into place. However, both work just fine and are only minor considerations if you plan to leave your SUP inflated for the duration of the season. ### Best Budget: [ROC Polar Outdoors]() While paddle boarding is wicked fun, realistically what I most often see people using them for is hanging out in the middle of a lake, drinking a seltzer (or beer). If that sounds like what you are most likely going to be doing with a paddle board, then don’t waste your money on the more expensive picks on this list. This budget pick from ROC is what you want. I tested the ROC Polar Outdoors in spring, when glacial runoff turns every body of water near me into an ice bath. The swimmers were all wearing wet suits when I slid the board out into the lake; this time, I really didn’t want to fall off. Fortunately for me, the water was perfectly still. Unfortunately for me, the ROC Polar Outdoors is an unusually tippy paddle board. This is in part due to its somewhat narrow, more aerodynamic profile. While all paddle boards handle a bit better with a little speed, and this one was no exception, I found that it wasn’t enough of a difference to offset the lack of balance. I ran a few laps near the dock and then decided to switch to a seated position for the rest of the outing. When seated, this paddle board is virtually indistinguishable from the others in this test, and I had a great time. ![pump gauge for the ROC Polar Outdoors]() *Photo by Laura Lancaster* ![warning label on the ROC Polar Outdoors pump port]() *Photo by Laura Lancaster* There were some pros and cons to the setup of the ROC Polar Outdoors. The pump, for instance, shows a different PSI green zone than indicated by the paddle board itself, which can be confusing. I also found that, at its lowest setting, the paddle was too long to comfortably use from a seated position. But I did like that it came in only two sections (as opposed to four), and I similarly appreciated that the fin was easy to install, and the backpack sufficiently roomy to fit a paddle board that wasn’t perfectly deflated. ![ROC Polar Outdoors stuffed in its sack next to a car]() *Photo by Laura Lancaster* If all you want from your paddle board is to chill and have fun on the water, this is the pick for you. If you are even slightly ambitious with what you’d like to get out of your paddle board experience, go with something else on this list. ### Best for Beginners: [Bote Wulf Aero]() If you’re looking for one of the best inflatable paddle boards for beginners, the Bote Wulf Aero is one of the best values you’ll find. It’s a high-quality SUP that’s very stable and easy to use — you’ll be hooked on paddle boarding after a few afternoons on this one. It’s also fun, with some of the best color and design options of anything I looked at. Even better: It’s half the price of my best overall pick. The stability of this board was so top notch that I ended up paddle boarding over a mile the first time I took it out. Whereas with other boards, I frequently feel the shake in my legs start to creep up after 20 minutes or so on the water, after an hour of paddle boarding with the Bote Wulf Aero they still felt fresh. Which was great, because I wasn’t getting to my destination terribly fast. While this board tracked well, even on a day with a strong breeze, it wasn’t as fast as other SUPs I tried for this test. ![The Bote Wulf Aero had great designs but I found the deck material (here, in brown) irritated my bare feet when I was out for long periods of time.]() *The Bote Wulf Aero had great designs but I found the deck material (here, in brown) irritated my bare feet when I was out for long periods of time. Laura Lancaster* I also found that the slight indents on the deck of the SUP started to bother my feet, which wasn’t an issue with inflatable paddle boards with smoother decks (note that you won’t notice this detail if you SUP in shoes or sandals). If you’re touring, these quibbles might mean you look at a different board; if you’re just trying to get into the middle of the lake to chill with your friends, it’s a non-issue. Get this one to start your paddle boarding journey, and then plan to hand it down to your kid when they’re ready to join you out on the water. ### Best for Fishing: [Bote Rackham Aero Package]() At 45 pounds, the Bote Rackham Aero is a hefty beast. I couldn't haul this one very far from the parking lot, at least not by myself. The packed size is also substantial. It stands 41 inches from roller wheels to handle and has an advertised packed weight of 79 pounds. With some effort it rolls over dirt and gravel, but maneuvering through sand gets tricky and requires some extra muscle. But, considering all the extras and amenities, I found the extra weight worth the tradeoff. ![pulling the Bote Rackham Aero into the water]() *Launching the Bote Rackham Aero is a two-person job. Photo by Alice Jones Webb* Setup is relatively straightforward, and took me less than 20 minutes from unpacking to on the water, which includes attaching a ton of accessories. I swapped out the included hand pump for the AeroPump Mini Rechargeable Pump, which definitely saved me time, sweat, and arm fatigue. With a weight limit of 400 pounds, I was able to pack all my favorite fishing gear on board with no worries. I highly recommend upgrading the setup with BOTE’s [Apex pedal drive and rudder system](). The system allowed me to keep moving, even when my hands were occupied with important tasks like casting and catching fish. ![testing the Bote Rackham Aero out on open water]() *The Bote Rackham Aero handled well on open water in its kayak configuration. Photo by Alice Jones Webb* The board is 12 feet, 4 inches long and 38 inches wide, providing a sturdy, stable platform — a must if you’re casting rods and lipping largemouths from the deck. I paddled around North Carolina’s Pamlico River at [Goose Creek State Park]() to get a feel for how this rig handles wind and slightly rougher water conditions. Even as an inexperienced SUPer, the board was relatively easy to maneuver, although the sit-on-top kayak feature was nice when the waves picked up. — *Alice Jones Webb* ### Best Upgrade: [Isle Explorer Pro]() If you’ve already got one of the best inflatable paddle boards and are looking to upgrade, you have a couple of directions you could go. You could get something with lots of accessories: kayak seats, tandem seats, electric pumps, rod holders, coolers. Or you could start increasing your distance, and your speed. If the latter sounds more appealing to you, then the Isle Explorer Pro would be a great option for your paddle board upgrade. It was the longest, narrowest, and most rigid inflatable paddle board that I tried and the difference in speed and smoothness was immediately apparent. But despite the comparative lack of volume, this was still a surprisingly stable SUP — I didn’t fall off once. While the Isle Explorer Pro also comes with the linking system, if you’re looking to upgrade to a kayak setup or tandem setup, you’ll likely be happier with the roomier and even more stable Switch. Note that this paddle board doesn’t come with a paddle or pump as the assumption is that you either already own these or that you would prefer the option to customize your purchase rather than have it included as a package. ### Best for Tall People: [Bote Breeze Aero]() The first time I had my 6-foot-3 husband try a paddle board, it didn't go very well. The model he tried was less than 10 feet long, so when he gamely tried standing, he ended up back in a sitting position almost immediately. That experience turned him off of paddle boarding for years. Turns out that the taller you are, the longer paddle board you need. But given the already hefty price tag of standard paddle boards, it's understandable that most people don't want to shell out a couple of hundred extra dollars to get an extra foot of length. So while there are many things I appreciate about the Bote Breeze Aero, at the top of the list is the brand's decision to set the same price point for both the 10-feet, 6-inch length and the 11-feet, 6-inch length. If you're looking for a great deal on an intermediate-level paddle board, that alone makes this one a no-brainer. But there were other details I appreciated, too. Despite the extra length of the 11-foot-6 model I tested, it was still easy to pull the paddle board out of the water and onto the dock while I was testing. And the [MAGNETumbler]() locked right into place on top of the paddle board; finally, I don't have to worry about losing my beer when a speedboat sends a wave careening toward me. That being said, I have a few quibbles with the Breeze Aero. This package doesn't include a leash, which is a must for me. I also had some issues with the included paddle. While some people stay standing or sitting the entire time they are out on the water, I'm often shifting between a kneeling and a standing position, depending on the weather and what the boaters are up to. And that means I'm constantly changing the length of the paddle to match. There isn't a guide on the top adjustment portion of the paddle, so if you aren't paying attention it's easy to twist it ever so slightly such that the top handle and bottom paddle are no longer aligned. ### Best for Hiking: [Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact]() Having written thousands of words about backpacks, everything from the [best ultralight backpacks]() to the [best hiking daypacks](), I’m here to say that most of the photography of SUPs at remote pristine mountain lakes is misleading. I could not carry most of these more than a hundred feet without discomfort, let alone miles into the backcountry. It’s not even that they are heavy; the backpacks just aren’t designed well enough to do more than get you from your car to the beach. ![If you need to hike into your paddleboarding destination then having a great backpack can be game-changer.]() *If you need to hike into your paddle boarding destination then having a great backpack can be game-changer. Kaia Chessen* The one exception to this is the Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact. Compared to the others, this backpack distributed weight well, was comfortable on my shoulders, and fit everything securely inside. It even has some lower back padding that helps to keep the weight from settling too much on your shoulders. It’s not a perfect backpack, but it is doing the work of a true load hauler. It’s even well-organized, with straps on the interior for each paddle segment (stenciled drawings show you which one fits where), and zip pockets for the fins and repair kit. And the shape of the backpack is designed to fit the paddle board rolled around the handpump. It’s a well-thought-out design. During testing I noted that, for its size and shape, the Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact had outstanding tracking, even in the stiff current off Spencer Spit State Park on the San Juan Islands. In many ways it handled like a SUP a foot longer than it was while still packing down into a surprisingly small size. The last thing to note is that this was far and away the most expensive paddle board I looked at. If you don’t dream of hiking into a remote paddle board destination, then I’d recommend checking out the Bote Wulf Aero or the Isle Switch over the Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact. ### [iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0]() After a month of testing inflatable SUPs, I was getting pretty tired of inflating and deflating the paddle boards over and over again. At one point, I even started just leaving the one I was testing set up in the hallway of my apartment building (until I got a text from my building manager to knock it off). A glimpse next door revealed how my neighbors were handling this dilemma: They were just leaving their paddle boards inflated out of doors. ![My neighbors’ paddleboards, baking in the early morning eastern exposure of Lake Washington.]() *My neighbors’ paddle boards, baking in the early morning eastern exposure of Lake Washington. Laura Lancaster* Leaving your paddle board inflated long-term is typically fine; however, leaving it inflated in the sun is not. That’s because the heat can actually cause the internal PSI of your paddle board to increase — if that happens too much, your inflatable paddle board will burst. So I was relieved when I opened the box of the iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0 and found that it came with an electric pump instead of a hand pump. This thing is a game changer. Instead of struggling to move the needle on the PSI reading from 5 to 7 while pumping by hand, I could spend the time assembling my paddle, putting on my life vest, and just chilling. Even better, the electric pump was so small that it fit directly into the generously sized carrying case for the iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0. While the pump is small, it does not come with its own power source; instead it is designed to be plugged into the cigarette lighter port of your car. It would be nice if this pump came with an integrated battery, or if it could be plugged into a USB-C or even AC outlet (which are more common on the [best power banks]()). However, iRocker sells a [battery]() to use with this pump that is small and convenient. The rest of the iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0 setup was similarly easy, with the paddle snapping together quickly, and clear attachment points for both the fins and the ankle strap. All this meant that my experience actually using this SUP — which at 33 inches had plenty of stability for even windy lake conditions — was much improved. ![the iRocker paddleboard packed away in its backpack]() *I appreciated the small packed size of the iRocker paddle board. Photo by Laura Lancaste* Typically, most paddle boarders last about a season with a hand pump before upgrading to an electric pump; I say, why wait? If you’re not planning to leave your paddle board inflated all summer long, then the iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0 will provide you with one of the better experiences. ## How I Tested the Best Inflatable Paddle Boards If you’re new to paddle boarding, the first thing to know is that there is a wide level of skill and excellence in this space. Some people are using their paddle boards in lieu of kayaks for backcountry camping. Others are doing complicated yoga routines. And still others are competing in races, navigating difficult obstacles courses. ![Testing two paddleboards on Lake Washington]() *Taking a break while testing the Bote Breeze Aero and Decathlon Itiwit on Lake Washington. Jamie Williams* But most people are enjoying a more relaxed version of paddle boarding. Traveling a half mile or so then turning around and heading back. Ferrying their kids or dogs around for fun. Leisurely fishing from a seated position. Packing out a beer or two to enjoy with a friend in the middle of the lake. This story is more in the second camp than the first. | **Inflatable Paddle Boards** | **Ease of Use** | **Stability** | **Paddle Functionality** | **Packed Size** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **[Bote Breeze]()[ ]()[Aero]()** | Good | Excellent | Good | Large | | **[Bote Rackham Aero]()** | Fair | N/A | Good | Large | | **[Bote Wulf Aero]()** | Good | Good | Good | Large | | **[iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0]()** | Great | Good | Good | Medium | | **[Isle Explorer Pro]()** | Good | Good | Great | Large | | **[Isle Switch]()** | Good | Excellent | Great | Large | | **[Red Paddle Compact]()** | Good | Fair | Fair | Medium | | **[ROC Polar Outdoors]()** | Good | Poor | Fair | Large | I’ve tested inflatable paddle boards in a number of environments, from lakes to rivers to the ocean, and attempted everything from whitewater paddling to hanging out two feet off the dock with a beer. (Both are a lot of fun.) I’ve also tested a number of accessories, from seats to clipping multiple paddle boards together to magnetized drink holders. | **Paddle Board** | **Price** | **Length** | **Width** | **Weight** | **Weight Limit** | **Included Pump** | **Warranty** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [**Bote Breeze Aero**]() | S: $780 L: $780 | S: 10.5 ft L: 11.5 ft | S: 34 in L: 34 in | S: 20 lbs L: 22 lbs | S: 250 lbs L: 315 lbs | Hand Pump | 2 years | | **[Bote Rackham Aero Package]()** | $1850 | 12.4 ft | 38 in | 45 lbs | 400 lbs | Hand Pump | 2 years | | [**Bote Wulf Aero**]() | $560 | 10.4 ft | 34 in | 20 lbs | 250 lbs | Hand Pump | 2 years | | [**iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0**]() | $850 | 10.5 ft | 33 in | 21 lbs | 300 lbs | Electric Pump | 2 years | | [**Isle Explorer Pro**]() | S: $1000 L: $1100 | S: 12 ft L: 14 ft | S: 31.5 in L: 31 in | S: 23 lbs L: 27 lbs | S: 325 lbs L: 375 lbs | No | 4 years | | [**Isle Switch**]() | $1000 | 11.5 ft | 35.5 in | 19 lbs | 425 lbs | Hand Pump | 2 years | | [**Red Paddle Compact**]() | S: $1500 M: $1500 L: $1700 | S: 9.5 ft M: 11 ft L: 12 ft | S: 32 in M: 32 in L: 32 in | S: 16 lbs M: 20 lbs L: 22.4 lbs | S: 222 lbs M: 240 lbs L: 265 lbs | Hand Pump | 5 years | | **[ROC Polar Outdoors]()** | $200 | 10 ft | 33 in | 17.6 lbs | 350 lbs | Hand Pump | 2 years | I assessed the paddle boards on several criteria, including ease of setup and takedown (including inflating with the provided pump), packed size, portability (both packed and unpacked), stability, tracking (how easily a paddle board kept to a straight line), and versatility as I moved from a seated to a kneeling to a standing position and then back again. Finally, I considered price and warranty (all paddle boards tested had a minimum warranty of two years). ## The Best Pumps for Inflatable Paddle Boards Inflatable paddle boards are a lot of fun. Inflating them is not. While I pumped up almost every paddle board in this test with the provided pump, I think you can do better. Instead, I recommend upgrading to the best pump for inflatable paddle boards. These are designed to work from the cigarette lighter port in your car, but can also be charged using the [best portable power stations](). While I was hoping that a budget brand would be able to compete with the more expensive pumps made by the paddle board brands, that turned out to not be the case. The biggest issue is that the provided nozzles do not reliably latch into the paddle board port, a small detail that can make your life difficult if the hose keeps popping out from the pressure as you inflate it. If you’re ponying up for a paddle board pump to make your life easier, don’t skimp on one that will end with up you being frustrated in the parking lot. I also found that several of the budget brands, including Kosmegal and Swonder, struggled to stay on when connected to the power station I was using for testing, often switching off in the middle of testing. ![5 paddleboard pumps sitting on a dock]() *The lineup for my test of the best paddle board pumps. Photo by Laura Lancaster* While I appreciated the iRocker pump for the level of control it gave me, I ultimately found that what I gravitated toward was the simplicity and reliability of the Bote Aeropump Mini. This one, while pricey, is petite, reliable, and simple. Check, check, and check. Go with the regular version, rather than the rechargeable version. These days, investing in one of the [best portable power stations]() is a no-brainer, and saves you the trouble of remembering to check whether the internal battery of the pump is charged before every outing. | **Electric Pump** | **Bote Aeropump Mini** | **Bote Aeropump Mini Rechargeable** | **iRocker SUP Electric Air Pump** | **Kosmegal** | **Swonder** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Buy It** | [![Bote Aeropump sitting on a dock]()]() | [![Bote Aeropump rechargeable sitting on a dock]()]() | [![iRocker pump sitting on a dock]()]() | [![Kosmegal pump sitting on a dock]()]() | [![Swonder pump sitting on a dock]()]() | | **Price** | $170 | $230 | $130 | $60 | $60 | | **Pros** | ◦ Easy to use ◦ Inflated a paddledboard in 6 minutes ◦ Small packed size ◦ Great carrying case | ◦ Easy to Use ◦ Inflated a paddledboard in under 6 minutes ◦ Small packed size ◦ Great carrying case ◦ Don’t need a power station or car port to use | ◦ Power cord nests in pump ◦ Ability to control how fast or slow the pump works | ◦ Affordable | ◦ Affordable | | **Cons** | ◦ Expensive ◦ Need to be careful when you remove the valve that you don’t unscrew the hose and deflate the paddle board | ◦ Very expensive ◦ Need to be careful when you remove the valve that you don’t unscrew the hose and deflate the paddle board | ◦ More complicated to use ◦ Doesn’t securely latch into the paddle board port | ◦ Doesn’t securely latch into the port ◦ Inexplicably switched off during testing ◦ Carrying case doesn’t fit the cords or hose | ◦ Doesn’t securely latch into the port ◦ Inexplicably switched off during testing ◦ No carrying case ◦ Large packed size | ## How to Choose an Inflatable Paddle Board ### Inflatable Paddle Board Length and Width As a fairly short person with a low center of gravity, I could test fairly short (in the 10-foot range) inflatable paddle boards without too much difficulty. But if you are on the taller end of the spectrum, you’ll want to opt for a board that is both longer and wider — something I learned the hard way when I had my 6-foot 3-inch husband test a paddle board. But, conversely, shorter individuals can find longer and wider paddle boards more difficult to maneuver and more awkward to carry. Before you purchase an inflatable paddle board, identify the right length and width based on your height and weight. | **User Height** | **5’2” and under** | **5’2” to 5’7”** | **5’7” to 6’** | **6’ to 6’6”** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Minimum Inflatable Paddle Board Length** | 9’ | 10’ | 11’ | 12’ | If you feel unstable on your paddle board, opting for a longer and wider option will help improve your experience. ### Inflatable Paddle Board Weight Because I am a smaller person, some of the larger and longer boards I tested were sometimes difficult for me to maneuver around. The exception to that was the lightweight Isle Switch. If you expect to be walking a long distance with an inflated board, look for something on the lighter end of the spectrum to maximize its maneuverability. ### Cost Inflatable paddle boards can range in cost from as little as a couple of hundred dollars to over two thousand dollars. But, as with other high-end pieces of gear, you get what you pay for. Consider your aspiration level (do you plan to head out for several miles of paddle boarding at a time, or do you just want to lounge a few hundred feet offshore?) and budget before making a final purchase. ### Accessories While plenty of serious paddle boarders use inflatables, there are also plenty of reasons to invest in one for more casual reasons — or even as part of another sport, like fishing. When choosing your inflatable SUP consider the different activities you’d want to do with it and choose a board that is compatible with the different accessories you’d choose for that purpose. ### Hand Pump or Electric Pump After pumping up and deflating several inflatable paddle boards by hand, I’m here to say it can be done. Even by a person of average strength. ![Pumping by hand can be done, but it gets old fast.]() *Pumping by hand can be done, but it gets old fast. Adam Tycaster* But you don’t want to. I recommend investing in an inflatable paddle board pump — and a portable power unit that is compatible with it, so you don’t have to lug the inflated board from your car to the beach. ### Conditions In my testing, it’s become clear that weather and water conditions often matter more than the paddle board you are using. The wake from a boat is going to knock you off even a steady paddle board, while a fast-moving wind can make it virtually impossible to make progress toward your destination. If you’re new to inflatable paddle boards, go easy on yourself and pick calm conditions to start your journey out on. ## FAQs ## Final Thoughts on the Best Inflatable Paddle Boards If you’re ready to jump on the inflatable paddle board train (you won’t regret it), there are a number of great SUPs to choose from at a wide range of price points. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks here and described what use we think each board is best for. **Best Overall:** [Isle Switch]() **↑** [Jump to Review](<#IsleSwitch>) **Best Budget:** [ROC Polar Outdoors]() ******↑****** [Jump to Review](<#ROCPolarOutdoors>) **Best for Beginners:** [Bote Wulf Aero]() ****↑**** [Jump to Review](<#BoteWulfAero>) **Best for Fishing:** [Bote Rackham Aero Package]() ****↑**** [Jump to Review](<#BoteRackhamAero>) **Best Upgrade:** [Isle Explorer Pro]() ******↑****** [Jump to Review](<#IsleExplorerPro>) **Best for Tall People:** [Bote Breeze Aero]() ******↑****** [Jump to Review](<#BoteBreezeAero>) **Best for Hiking:** [Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact]() ******↑****** [Jump to Review](<#RedPaddleCompactMSLPact>) [iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0]() ******↑****** [Jump to Review](<#iRockerCruiserUltra2.0>) ## Author Laura Lancaster is an Outdoor Life's gear writer where she focuses on in-depth testing of backpacking and camping gear, with a particular interest in lightweight and ultralight gear. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()