Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2023
Ranging from 10' to 14', here are 11 of the best inflatable paddle boards from SUP brands like TAHE, Red Paddle Co, and Starboard. Read reviews from your fellow SUP enthusiasts who've been sharing their experience to help you uncover the best of the best!
It comes as no surprise that 2023 brings a myriad of inflatable paddle board options. After all, inflatable SUPs have emerged as one of the most popular paddlesports vessels. Not only are the inflatable and portable, they are stable, durable, and fun. Each model offers different benefits, but you can find an all-around inflatable SUP perfect for cruising lakes or even surfing waves.
But with so many options from familiar and new brands alike, how do you winnow the list down to SUPs that will ensure performance, stability, and safety? And how do you line up the right board for your planned water type, experience level, and performance needs? Fortunately, your fellow paddlers have been paddling inflatable paddle boards and sharing their experiences through reviews. Long before you considered one, the community has been hard at work. By leveraging the reviews and experience that's been shared by thousands of your fellow paddlers, they've helped narrow those dozens upon dozens of options down to the best of the best.
When a 17-year-old paddleboarder was swept out to sea, his survival depended on his cell phone and the voice on the other end of the line.
Tips for Buying an Inflatable SUP
There are tons of things to consider when researching or buying your inflatable paddle board. Before you start shopping solely based on price, you first need to consider:
- Board Length - length plays a huge role in speed. Typically, the longer the board, the faster. Short boards are best for recreational paddling while longer boards are best for touring and covering distances. The list below ranges from 10'-14' with 10'6" being a very common length.
- Board Thickness - thickness helps determine the rigidity and stability of the board. You'll find a lot of boards 5" or 6" thick. Understanding the board material, thickness, and optimal PSI is something to be sure you understand before making your purchase.
- Board Width - depending on your experience and planned water types, board width will be a big factor. The wider the board, the more stable it will be. As they get narrow, they're less stable but better at touring and cutting through choppy water at speed.
- Hull Type - the two hull types are planing hull versus displacement hull. Depending on your water type and SUP style, you may want to favor one. In general, planing hull is good for flat water and displacement for touring and racing.
The best inflatable SUP for you is going to be different than the next paddler. And that's okay. You have to factor in everything from your experience, planned water types, durations, budget, and preferences. So use this list as a starting point. Get some ideas, read some reviews, look through the entire SUP Gear Guide, maybe browse the message boards, talk to your local paddlesports retailer or paddling groups, and get out and try it before you buy it! And, of course, when you're done, be sure to help the next paddler in their search by submitting a review!
11 Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2023
- 10'6" Ride MSL by Red Paddle Co.
- 10'6" Beach SUP-YAK by TAHE
- Waterwalker 11' Paddle Board Package by Thurso Surf
- 12'6" SHUBU Raven by Boardworks
- 12'6" x 30" Touring Inflatable by Starboard SUP
- Breeze Aero by BOTE Boards
- 10'6" Breeze Performer by TAHE
- NeedleNose™ 126 iSUP by Sea Eagle Inflatables
- ISLE Explorer Inflatable Paddle Board Package 11'6" by ISLE
- 13'2" Voyager+ MSL by Red Paddle Co.
- Lotus YSUP by Advanced Elements
1. 10'6" Ride MSL
For an inflatable paddle board that offers super stability and performance, look no further than the Ride series from Red Paddle Co. Here is the 10'6" Ride. With all the same qualities as Red Paddle Co's other Ride boards like the 10'8" Ride or 9'8" Ride, you’ll appreciate the extra stability that comes from its increased volume, especially if you are a slightly larger rider or have a passenger on board.
The Ride inflatable is made from the exclusive MSL material, at 4.7”/120mm thick, this board provides increased stiffness at lower pressure, making it 40% stiffer than a standard 4”/100mm board. The rounded tail makes the board easy to maneuver, so it’s also a great beginner board too.
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner
10'6" Ride MSL Reviews
Decent all around board.…
We tried out several boards…
This is a perfect SUP board…
2. 10'6" Beach SUP-YAK
This Product Has Been Discontinued
The 10’6 BEACH SUP-YAK is a stable, lightweight and easy to use 2-in-1 inflatable paddle board package for 1-person use. With a 300lb/135kg max load there’s plenty of extra capacity for kids, pets and gear! A kayak conversion kit is sold separately (included with item 107252). The innovative design combines comfort and convenience for endless play time on the water with family and friends whether standing, seated or lounging around.
BIC Sport is now TAHE! New Brand, Same Great Company and Products – Learn More
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
10'6" Beach SUP-YAK Reviews
This board is so light,…
3. Waterwalker 11' Paddle Board Package
Thurso Surf Waterwalker is an All-around inflatable paddle board designed for all paddlers, skill levels, and water conditions. By uniquely incorporating a touring shape to the conventional all-around contour, the Waterwalker offers the best of both worlds: it is extremely stable and forgiving in most water conditions, and can travel effortlessly for long distance paddling trips.
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Waterwalker 11' Paddle Board Package Reviews
I have this board in the…
Love the look. Love how rigid…
This is the first board that…
4. 12'6" SHUBU Raven
Shubu Raven was designed as the ultimate touring and expedition inflatable, for longer distance paddling and open water conditions. The inflatable touring board is well designed for holding gear with multiple secure points, it can inflate up to 22psi to improve its performance.
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Additional Attributes
- Ultra comfortable honey comb deck pad
- Stow your gear quickly and easily
- Comfortable neoprene carrying handles
12'6" SHUBU Raven Reviews
The inflatable Raven is my…
This board is a must-have.…
This is the durable and…
5. 12'6" x 30" Touring Inflatable
The overall balanced glide experience and premium features are what have made Starboard’s Touring paddle boards become the world’s highest-rated by magazines and customers’ favorite worldwide. The wider nose and squarer tail make the Touring board more stable, especially for harsh conditions like side chop and moderate wind. Experience the Starboard difference even before entering the water, these lightweight paddle boards feature the trademark Starboard shoulder carry strap which allows you to effortlessly carry it to the water, with both hands-free!
- More information about 12'6" x 30" Touring Inflatable
- View all products from Starboard SUP
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Additional Attributes
- Heat welded rails
- Wider nose and squarer tail
- Outline shape
- 2-in-1 Shoulder carry strap
- Extra carry handle
- Rail edge technology
- Magnetic bottle holder
- Bungee tie-down
- FCS Insert
- Cover bag included
- Lightweight leash included
- Pump included
- Windsurf option available
12'6" x 30" Touring Inflatable Reviews
Amazing touring inflatable!…
6. Breeze Aero
With a 33” width, the Breeze Aero 10'8" provides ample stability to ensure whether you are learning to paddle or an avid paddler looking for the lightest paddle board, you will have a great time.
- More information about Breeze Aero
- View all products from BOTE Boards
Breeze Aero Reviews
The Breeze is a great…
This inflatable is eveything…
Most amazing inflatable, had…
7. 10'6" Breeze Performer
The 10’6 Performer AIR complete package is the ultimate all-water board for both flat-water cruising with family and friends as well as surfing ocean waves. The 10’6 works great for novice riders up to 200lbs/90kg. This COMPLETE PACKAGE includes rigid inflatable board, adjustable paddle, safety ankle leash, backpack, high-pressure pump with gauge, repair kit, deck bungee for gear storage, carry handles at center, nose and tail, tie down o-rings at nose and tail, “yoga-mat” style traction pad for comfort and grip.
Our unique SUP AIR construction technology features a dual layer stringer and side rails for rigidity combined with rugged drop-stitch panels to reduce weight without sacrificing durability.
BIC Sport is now TAHE! New Brand, Same Great Company and Products – Learn More
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Additional Attributes
- Versatile for all-around use and surfing
- 10" removable dolphin center fin
- Carry handles at nose, tail and center
- Deck bungee storage area
- 4.75" thickness for a thinner rail profile
- 2X permanent side-fins
- Soft EVA embossed traction pad
10'6" Breeze Performer Reviews
I absolutely love this…
I had the opportunity to use…
I am very impressed by the…
8. NeedleNose™ 126 iSUP
Now featuring a New Full Length Electric Pattern Diamond Deck EVA Foam Pad, convenient built-in paddle saving PaddlePocket™ holder and a low profile slide in Swept Back Skeg! This is the world's best tracking inflatable SUP ever! Sea Eagle's NeedleNose 126 offers an even larger stable platform with increased floatation, rigidity and even more stability! Larger than its little sister the NN116 but smaller than its big brother the NN14 - the NN126 puts you right smack in the middle. So you get the best of both worlds!
Breakthrough Design features: straight-line hull, patented wave piercing bow, touring shape, NEW FULL LENGTH ELECTRIC PATTERN DIAMOND DECK PAD with custom performance kick tail and the ability to paddle faster, further and easier! At 6" thick there's no need to worry about rigidity or flotation any more! Sitting or standing the NN126 does it all!
- More information about NeedleNose™ 126 iSUP
- View all products from Sea Eagle Inflatables
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Additional Attributes
- Patented NeedleNose™ design
- Straight-line hull design
- Large, removable, rear, center, skeg
- Two leading side skegs for better tracking
- Conveniently located front grab handle
- Elastic cords and multiple D-Ring attachments at bow
- Center seat D-Ring attachments
- Large rear D-ring attachment for leash, towing, etc...
- Proper carrying position balanced middle carry handle
- 15 PSI max air pressure capacity
- Deluxe recessed Halkey Roberts style air valve
- NEW EVA foam ELECTRIC PATTERN DIAMOND DECK PAD
- NEW EVA foam kick tail
- NEW built-in paddle saving PaddlePocket™ holder
NeedleNose™ 126 iSUP Reviews
I do not need a car top rack…
Easy to store, setup,…
We ordered 2 boards and it…
9. ISLE Explorer Inflatable Paddle Board Package 11'6"
Adventurers meet your match. The Explorer was crafted for those who are constantly seeking new adventures. It has a pointed nose which is designed for longer, more fast-paced flat water paddle boarding. It’s great for all types of water conditions and paddlers of all skill levels. For the past few years, the Explorer has been the most popular stand up paddle board in our inflatable collection. Customers have ridden the Explorer across some of the most beautiful bodies of water on our planet. The Explorer will continue this legacy. The Explorer is constructed with military-grade PVC making this board rigid enough for optimal performance and durable enough to drag against rocky coastlines. This inflatable paddle board is six-inches thick keeping you and all your gear dry while paddling. The Explorer has a six-point bungee system on the nose and a four-point bungee system on the tail giving you ample room for everything you need for your adventure.
- More information about ISLE Explorer Inflatable Paddle Board Package 11'6"
- View all products from ISLE
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Additional Attributes
- Nose, center & tail grab handles
- Front & rear bungees
- Brushed EVA traction
- Center & tail-mounted D-rings
- Hish-pressure valve
- Snap-In fin
ISLE Explorer Inflatable Paddle Board Package 11'6" Reviews
SUPER STABLE, Tracks Super…
Very stable. Easy to inflate…
10. 13'2" Voyager+ MSL
Calling all life’s adventurers… The 13’2” Voyager+ inflatable SUP was created with epic adventures in mind and is the board of choice of many extreme explorers around the world. High sides, large volume and narrower width make it a high-speed cruiser, designed for competent paddlers. It’s got a 6 point cargo tie-down system at the front and 4 point cargo tie-down system at the back for all your gear and an extra-grippy traction pad to help keep your kit in place at the rear. Like the 12’6” Voyager, it has a RSS battens for increased stiffness and glide when loaded with gear, a removable fin from world leading surfboard fin creators FCS, which slots into the fin box easily by hand and are secured in place with a finger bolt. 5 embroidered carry handles on the board make portaging easy and comfortable while also being soft under foot. The Red embossed diamond cut deck pad offers unrivaled grip so you can focus on paddling.
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
- Skill Level: Intermediate
13'2" Voyager+ MSL Reviews
This is a unique ISUP…
I tried this board out on…
5/5 Would buy another
11. Lotus YSUP
The Lotus YSUP™ Inflatable SUP is 10 feet long, 32 inches wide, and utilizes 6 inch thick drop-stitch material making it perfectly sized for a stable ride and a balanced yoga session. The Lotus YSUP™ features a convenient removable shoulder carry strap which eliminates the need for a bulky carry handle in the middle of the board. This provides a clear deck surface and a nearly full-length traction pad for maximum comfort. The Lotus YSUP™ is simple, light, and compact; perfect for travel anywhere! Accessories included are: Single-action Pump with Gauge, Duffle Bag, Shoulder Carry Strap, Repair Kit, 3 Removable Tracking Fins and 2-part Paddle.
- More information about Lotus YSUP
- View all products from Advanced Elements
- Structure: Inflatable
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Additional Attributes
- Extra wide for increased stability
- Large traction foam area for improved grip and comfort
- Double layer outer skin for superior durability
- Durable Single-action Hand Pump with Gauge for high-pressure inflation
- Detachable shoulder carry strap for easy transport
- High quality duffel bag
Lotus YSUP Reviews
I love this board! I was on…
One of your ambassadors (Yoga…
The Lotus is stable, yet…
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