Paddle Boarding
Best All Round Inflatable Paddle Boards
By Joli Rumrill March 3, 2023
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Paddle boarding is a terrific way to get outdoors with friends and family. It allows you to affordably get out on the water while getting exercise and enjoying the great outdoors. Paddle boards are great for exploring lakes, rivers, ocean, bays, estuaries, and sand bars. Paddle boards can not only take you to places boats can, at a fraction of the cost, but they also can get you into secluded or protected areas boats aren’t allowed. This opens your opportunities and creates the ability for you to create new and unforgettable experiences on the water.
Inflatable paddle boards offer you the unique ability to take them anywhere. New technologies and developments are creating lighter, more compact, and rigid boards than ever. This enables you to quickly and easily take them anywhere whether traveling by automobile, bike, foot, or plane.
We’ve identified the top six all around inflatable paddle boards that we’ve researched, evaluated, tested, and ranked to make your inflatable all around paddle board decision easy. No matter which board you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these inflatable paddle boards.
1. Top Choice & Compact Design
Irocker Cruiser Ultra 4.0/5.0
Where to Buy:
Ratings:
Capacity 4.0/5.0 | Warranty 5.0/5.0 | Reviews 3.6/5.0 | Price 1.0/5.0 | Portability 5.0/5.0 | Durability 4.0/5.0 | Stability 5.0/5.0 | Attachment Points 3.0/5.0 | Color/Design Options 4.0/5.0
Pros: This inflatable paddle board is extremely portable due to its unique construction allowing it to be folded in half, length wise, to fit in the compact backpack. It’s light weight and compact design and carrying bag make it ideal for getting away when space and weight is an issue. The compact design makes it easy to take along with you on any trip and therefore get the most use possible from your stand up paddle board. Setup is quick and easy with the included electric pump that makes inflating your board even if you don’t have access to an accessory outlet due to the optional battery. Another great aspect of this SUP is the three-year warranty which is the best in it’s class.
Cons: This board has one of the highest list prices but can be found on sale throughout the year at a substantial discount. Customer service has been reported to be an issue with this brand. They stand behind their product but are not the most responsive in getting back to their customers. Additionally, the color options, although extensive, may not be the most pleasing to the eye as some of the other boards in the category.
Summary:
The Irocker Cruiser Ultra is a great choice for a versatile all-around board that will get you and a companion out on the water for years to come. The standup paddle board comes with everything you need to get out on the water and begin enjoying your board from day one. The board comes with an amazing quality 12V electric pump with case, 10’ coil leash with key stash spot, 5-piece carbon fiber adjustable paddle, two tethered flip lock fins, compact backpack, and patch kit. It’s constructed using a cross thread drop-stick design making it durable and rigid while being extremely light weight and compact.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’6” long x 33” wide x 6” thick
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 3 yrs
- Riders: Up to 2
- Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- List Price at Time of Review: $899.99
2. Runner Up
Nixy Newport G4 All Around 3.8/5.0
Where to Buy:
https://nixysports.com/products/newport-all-around-inflatable-paddle-board?variant=41094959104190
Ratings:
Capacity 4.0/5.0 | Warranty 3.0/5.0 | Reviews 4.7/5.0 | Price 1.0/5.0 | Portability 4.0/5.0 | Durability 4.0/5.0 | Stability 5.0/5.0 | Attachment Points 4.0/5.0 | Color/Design Options 5.0/5.0
Pros: The Nixy G4 is an excellent choice for a great looking, stable, versatile, and high-quality, light weight inflatable all around paddle board. The board is wide and stable but is tapered at each end allowing it to perform better than many boards in it’s class. The Newport G4 offers excellent color combinations with great design options. Additionally, it offers 5 attachment points where you can attach your phone, GoPro, fishing pole holder, cup holder, and more.
Cons: This board has a high price but can be found on sale throughout the year at a good discount. The tapered front and rear are great for performance but limit your space on the board when it comes to carrying gear or having an additional passenger onboard.
Summary:
The Nixy Newport G4 is a great choice for a high-quality inflatable paddleboard. The board comes with a high-pressure triple action hand pump, 10’ hybrid coil/straight SUP leash, 3-piece carbon fiber adjustable paddle, three screw in fins, patch kit, and backpack. It’s constructed using military-grade PVC and FusionTech layered woven drop stitch making it durable and rigid. The board is made more ridged and resistant to side punctures due to the integrated carbon fiber side rails. If you choose to go with the Nixy Newport G4, you won’t be disappointed.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’6” long x 33” wide x 6” thick
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 2 yrs
- Riders: Up to 2
- Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- List Price at Time of Review: $895.00
3. Most Capacity
Gili Komodo 3.7/5.0
Where to Buy:
https://www.gilisports.com/products/106-komodo-yoga-paddle-board
Ratings:
Capacity 5.0/5.0 | Warranty 3.0/5.0 | Reviews 4.6/5.0 | Price 2.5/5.0 | Portability 4.0/5.0 | Durability 3.0/5.0 | Stability 5.0/5.0 | Attachment Points 3.0/5.0 | Color/Design Options 2.0/5.0
Pros: The Gili Komodo is a very flexible and durable inflatable paddle board built specifically for multiple riders, pets, and even yoga. The board is wide and stable and comes with paddle attachment straps for keeping the paddle secure. It also comes with three accessory attachment points for your phone, GoPro, speaker, or fishing poles.
Cons: Due to its width and stability, this board is a little less agile than some others in its class and doesn’t come with as good a pump as some of the others reviewed and comes with a fiberglass paddle standard rather than carbon fiber.
Summary:
The Gili Komodo is a great looking stable paddle board that’s great for additional passengers, gear, or dogs. The board comes with a double action hand pump, SUP leash, 3-piece fiberglass adjustable paddle, three fins, repair kit, and backpack. It’s built using triple layer fusion construction. If you are looking for an affordable, durable inflatable board that is light weight and able to carry additional cargo or passengers, this is the board for you.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’6” long x 33” wide x 6” thick
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Capacity: 340 lbs
- Warranty: 2 yrs
- Riders: Up to 2
- Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- List Price at Time of Review: $730.00
4. Best Value
Bote Breeze Aero 3.3/5.0
Where to Buy:
https://www.boteboard.com/collections/breeze-aero-inflatable-paddle-boards/products/breeze-aero-108-classic-teak-inflatable-paddle-board
Ratings:
Capacity 2.0/5.0 | Warranty 3.0/5.0 | Reviews 4.3/5.0 | Price 4.0/5.0 | Portability 4.0/5.0 | Durability 3.0/5.0 | Stability 5.0/5.0 | Attachment Points 2.0/5.0 | Color/Design Options 3.0/5.0
Pros: The Bote Breeze Aero is a great looking inflatable standup paddle board with a strong brand reputation. It has the lowest price of the boards evaluated and is a great entry level board for anyone wanting an affordable great looking board to get out on the water.
Cons: The board is a little longer than others in its class making it a little tougher to navigate and turn in tight spaces. The capacity is also the lowest of the boards evaluated but is still adequate for an average size paddler, a child or pet, and some gear and you’ll need to add a leash to get started.
Summary:
The Bote Breeze Aero is an overall solid entry level board that priced right. The color options are limited but the designs are terrific looking. The board comes with a double action hand pump, 3-piece adjustable paddle, three fins (1 removable), repair kit, and travel bag. It’s built using AeroULTRA technology and military-grade single layer PVC making the hull of the board durable and rigid once inflated. If you are looking for an affordable SUP with a great brand reputation, this is the board for you.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’8” long x 33” wide x 6” thick
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Capacity: 250 lbs
- Warranty: 2 yrs
- Riders: Up to 2 (adult and child/pet)
- Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- List Price at Time of Review: $699.00
5. Most Stable
Isle Pioneer 2.0 3.1/5.0
Where to Buy:
https://www.islesurfandsup.com/products/pioneer-isup?color=Aqua%2FNavy
Ratings:
Capacity 3.0/5.0 | Warranty 3.0/5.0 | Reviews 4.6/5.0 | Price 2.0/5.0 | Portability 2.0/5.0 | Durability 3.0/5.0 | Stability 5.0/5.0 | Attachment Points 1.0/5.0 | Color/Design Options 3.0/5.0
Pros: The Isle Pioneer 2.0 is the widest board evaluated making it super stable for beginners or those not wanting to worry about feeling a little tippy when paddling. The front deck provides ample space for carrying gear in the bungees.
Cons: The width of this board makes it a little more difficult to carry and its weight makes it the heaviest of the boards evaluated. There are limited attachment points, and the design is very simple.
Summary:
The Isle Pioneer 2.0 comes with all the necessities to get on the water and is a good choice if you want some extra stability and no frills. The board comes with a double action hand pump, 3-piece adjustable carbon hybrid paddle, three fins (1 removable), repair kit, 8’ leash, and travel bag. It’s constructed using double layer drop-stitch. If you are looking for a very stable board and don’t mind the additional weight and simplistic design, this it the right board for you.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’6” long x 34” wide x 6” thick
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Capacity: 285 lbs
- Warranty: 2 yrs
- Riders: Up to 2 small/medium sized riders
- Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- List Price at Time of Review: $795.00
6. Light Weight and Stable
Roc Kahuna 2.9/5.0
Where to Buy:
https://rocpaddleboards.com/collections/inflatable-paddle-boards/products/10-6-kahuna-royal
Ratings:
Capacity 4.0/5.0 | Warranty 1.0/5.0 | Reviews 4.8/5.0 | Price 2.0/5.0 | Portability 5.0/5.0 | Durability 1.0/5.0 | Stability 5.0/5.0 | Attachment Points 1.0/5.0 | Color/Design Options 1.0/5.0
Pros: The Roc Kahuna is the lightest board evaluated making it very easy to transport for those concerned about lugging around a heavy board or having to carry it over long distances. The front deck is wide and has a lot of space for carrying gear in the bungees and the large size and capacity make it good for carrying extra passengers, pets, gear, or yoga.
Cons: The shape of the board limits it’s speed due to the wide nose and tail. The styling is simple but does offer multiple color options with the same design. Another drawback is that it comes with an aluminum paddle where many of the others evaluated come with lighter carbon fiber paddles and only offers a 1-year warranty.
Summary:
The Roc Kahuna is another no-frills inflatable paddle board that is light, has a large cargo capacity and comes with all the basics to get on the water. The board comes with a double action hand pump, 3-piece adjustable aluminum paddle, three fins (1 removable), waterproof accessory bag, 8’ coil leash, 4 D-rings to attached items to the deck, and backpack. It’s constructed using triple layer military grade duraweld PVC. If you are looking for a lightweight basic board that is easy to carry distances, this it the right board for you.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10’6” long x 33” wide x 6” thick
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Capacity: 300 lbs
- Warranty: 1 yr
- Riders: Up to 2
- Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- List Price at Time of Review: $799.95