The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested SUPs from ISLE, Bote, iRocker, Red Paddle, and Decathlon to help you find the right board for your needs
We tested the best inflatable paddle boards.

Share

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More

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, Decathlon, iRocker, and Red Paddle.

Best Overall: Isle Switch
Jump to Review

Easiest Setup: iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0
Jump to Review

Best for Beginners: Bote Wulf Aero
Jump to Review

Best for Tall People: Bote Breeze Aero
Jump to Review

Best Upgrade: Isle Explorer Pro
Jump to Review

Most Portable: Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact
Jump to Review

How I Tested the Best Inflatable Paddle Boards

My test of the best inflatable paddle boards took me from flat water lake paddling to the more tumultuous waters of Puget Sound to mild whitewater paddling along the Colorado River in southern Utah. While I started as a beginner SUP user, by the end of testing, I was confident enough to head out for an hour or more in various conditions.

Testing two paddleboards on Lake Washington
Taking a break while testing the Bote Breeze Aero and Decathlon Itiwit on Lake Washington.

Jamie Williams

This review focuses on paddle boards that are appropriate for beginner and intermediate paddle boarders, and it is less focused on boards that are appropriate for multi-day adventures or racing.  

Paddle BoardPriceLengthWidthWeightWeight LimitIncluded PumpWarranty
Bote Breeze AeroS: $700
L: $700
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 Pump2 years
Bote Wulf Aero$50010.4 ft34 in20 lbs250 lbsHand Pump2 years
iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0$80010.5 ft33 in21 lbs300 lbsElectric Pump2 years (3 years for side seam leaks)
Isle Explorer ProS: $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
No4 years
Isle Switch$100011.5 ft35.5 in19 lbs425 lbsHand Pump2 years
Red Paddle Compact MSL PactXS: $1800
S: $2000
M: $2100
L: $2200
XS: 8.8 ft
S: 9.5 ft
M: 11 ft
L: 12 ft
XS: 29 in
S: 32 in
M: 32 in
L: 32 in
XS: 17 lbs
S: 16 lbs
M: 20 lbs
L: 22.4 lbs
XS: 209 lbs
S: 222 lbs
M: 240 lbs
L: 265 lbs
Hand Pump5 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 paddleboards tested had a minimum warranty of two years). 

Best Inflatable Paddle Boards: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Isle Switch

Key Features

  • Available Lengths: 11.5 feet
  • Weight: 19 pounds
  • Weight Limit: 425 pounds
  • Also includes a backpack, hand pump, paddle, kayak seat, and foot brace

Pros

  • Very stable
  • Kayak conversion makes for a more versatile setup
  • Linking system allows for a variety of configurations
  • Lightweight for its size
  • Very high weight limit

Cons

  • Somewhat complicated fin system 

If your primary objective with your standup paddleboard is having a good time, then the Isle Switch is the paddleboard for you. It was the most versatile paddleboard 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.

At 19 pounds, the Isle Switch is surprisingly lightweight for its size.
At 19 pounds, the Isle Switch is surprisingly lightweight for its size. Zach Montes, Orijin Media

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 paddleboard improves the experience for beginner paddleboarders. 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. 

Easiest Setup: iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0

Key Features

  • Available Lengths: 10.5 feet
  • Weight: 21 pounds
  • Weight Limit: 300 pounds
  • Also includes a backpack, electric pump, and paddle

Pros

  • Electric pump makes setting up and taking down this paddleboard a breeze
  • Oversize bag easily fits all accessories and parts
  • Paddle and fins are easy to assemble

Cons

  • Slightly less stable than my best overall pick
  • Fewer add-on features than my best overall pick

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 paddleboards inflated out of doors.

My neighbors’ paddleboards, baking in the early morning eastern exposure of Lake Washington.
My neighbors’ paddleboards, baking in the early morning eastern exposure of Lake Washington. Laura Lancaster

Leaving your paddleboard 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 paddleboard 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.

Less energy spent pumping meant more energy for paddle boarding.
Less energy spent pumping meant more energy for paddle boarding. Laura Lancaster

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.

Typically, most paddleboarders 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 paddleboard inflated all summer long, then the iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0 will provide you with one of the better experiences. 

Best Value: Bote Wulf Aero

Key Features

  • Available Lengths: 10.4 feet
  • Weight: 20 pounds
  • Weight Limit: 250 pounds
  • Also includes a backpack, hand pump, and paddle

Pros

  • One of the more affordably priced options I looked at
  • Very stable for its size
  • Colorful design

Cons

  • Kind of slow and poky
  • Surface is somewhat less comfortable to stand on long-term in bare feet 
  • Somewhat lower weight limit

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 Bote Wulf Aero is the complete package for inflatable paddle boards.
The Bote Wulf Aero is the complete package for inflatable paddle boards. Laura Lancaster

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 Tall People: Bote Breeze Aero

 Bote Breeze Aero

Bote

Key Features

  • Available Lengths: 10 feet 6 inches and 11 feet 6 inches
  • Weight: 20 and 22 pounds
  • Weight Limit: 250 and 315 pounds
  • Also includes a backpack, hand pump, and paddle (but not leash)

Pros

  • Same price for the long length as for the short length
  • Magnetic drink holder is a game changer

Cons

  • Less comfortable backpack than others that I looked at
  • Package doesn’t include a leash
  • Easy to twist the paddle out of alignment when changing the height

The first time I had my 6-foot-3 husband try a paddleboard, it didn’t go very well. The model he tried was less than ten feet long, so when he gamely tried standing up it didn’t go very well and he ended up back in a sitting position almost immediately. That experience turned him off to paddleboarding for years. Turns out that the taller you are, the longer paddleboard you need. But given the already hefty price tag of standard paddleboards, 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′ 6″ length and the 11′ 6″ length. If you’re looking for a great deal on an intermediate-level paddleboard, that alone makes this one a no-brainer.

But there were other details I appreciated, too. Despite the extra length of the 11’6″ model I tested, it was still easy to pull the paddleboard out of the water and onto the dock while I was testing. And the MAGNETumbler locked right into place on top of the paddleboard; finally, I don’t have to worry about losing my beer when a speedboat sends a wave careening toward me.

Bote Breeze Aero on dock
Despite its long length, the Bote Breeze Aero was light enough for me to pull up on the dock at the end of testing.

Laura Lancaster

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 Upgrade: Isle Explorer Pro

Key Features

  • Available Lengths: 12 feet and 14 feet
  • Weight: 23 and 27 pounds
  • Weight Limit: 325 and 375 pounds
  • Also includes a backpack

Pros

  • Quite stable for its comparatively narrow width
  • Faster than other boards I looked at
  • Four-year warranty
  • Fewer seams mean that the long-term odds of leaks are reduced

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a paddle or pump

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.  

Most Portable: Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact

Key Features

  • Available Lengths: 9.5, 11, and 12 feet
  • Weight: 16.3, 20, and 22.4 pounds
  • Weight Limit: 210, 240, and 265 pounds
  • Also includes a backpack, hand pump, and paddle

Pros

  • Best carrying case of anything I looked at
  • Great tracking for its size
  • Best hand pump I used

Cons

  • High recommended PSI is hard to get to with a hand pump
  • Very expensive

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 paddleboarding 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.

The Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact was easy to carry across slippery terrain while still handling well out in the open water.
The Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact was easy to carry across slippery terrain while still handling well out in the open water. Eric Rogge

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 paddleboard I looked at. If you don’t dream of hiking into a remote paddleboard destination, then I’d recommend checking out the Bote Wulf Aero or the Isle Switch over the Red Paddle Compact MSL Pact. 

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—aim for twelve feet if at all possible.

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 paddleboard 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.  

FAQs

Q: Can I leave my inflatable SUP outside?

You can leave your inflatable SUP outside, but try to avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, especially if it’s a darker color. As SUPs heat up, the internal PSI can increase. If it increases too much, the SUP can explode. 

Q: Are inflatable paddle boards worth the money?

Inflatable paddle boards are definitely worth the money: significantly easier than surfing and way more fun than sit-on-top kayaks. Whether you are looking for new ways to enjoy the outdoors or just to add a new activity to your car camping routine, it’s hard to go wrong with an inflatable paddleboard. 

Q: Should I roll or fold an inflatable SUP?

While rolling is generally going to help extend the life of your SUP, in practice they tend to fold even when you are trying to roll them. To avoid this you can try rolling your inflatable paddle board around the hand pump it came with.

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. 

Laura Lancaster Avatar

Laura Lancaster

Staff Writer

Laura Lancaster is Outdoor Life’s gear staff 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.

WHY YOU CAN TRUST OUTDOOR LIFE