Updated August 21st, 2023
Stand up paddle boards and kayaks are both really fun. They offer different challenges and different ways to enjoy the water. Are you tight on space and have nowhere to store a full size paddle board or kayak? An inflatable SUP kayak hybrid might be the perfect thing for you.
See our top picks below along with our guide to help you find the perfect SUP hybrid for you.
The top 7 best inflatable SUP kayak hybrids of 2023
- TOP PICK: ISLE Surf & SUP Switch
- TOP PICK: BOTE Deus Aero
- BEST VALUE: Bluefin Cruise
- Freein Kayak SUP
- BOTE Rackham 12’4″
- Tahe Beach Sup-Yak
- Sea Eagle LB11
1 – ISLE Surf & SUP Switch
☆ Top Pick ☆
Specifications
- Size – 11’6″ x 35.5″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 425 lbs
- Board Weight – 19 lbs
- Construction – Woven PVC
- Paddle – Carbon Convertible
- Pump – Double Action Hand Pump
What we liked:
- Very light weight board that is easy to carry around
- Comfortable inflatable seat
- Webbing loop ISLE-Link system that makes it easy to adjust seat position and attach accessories
- Carbon convertible paddle with extra blade
- Foot rest for more efficient kayak paddling
- Wide large board is very stable
- Works as a single or tandem kayak
What we didn’t like:
- For the price we would like to see a triple action pump
- Bag doesn’t have wheels
Summary
The Switch is the latest offering from ISLE Surf and SUP. It is a lightweight paddleboard with an inflatable seat and footrest. The Switch not only gives you kayak functionality but makes it comfortable too.
The board is 11’6″ x 35″ making it a very stable and beginner friendly stand up paddleboard. This stability helps make the board feel stable with the inflatable seat. The seat raises you a couple inches higher than the typical thin foam seat which can make narrow boards feel out of balance. With a 35.5 inch width this boards feels great. With this size it can also easily be used as a tandem with a second seat attached.
My biggest complaint about many kayak/SUP combos is the seat. The generic thin foam seat just isn’t that comfortable. It’s nice seeing a company other than BOTE take notice and offering an inflatable seat cushion.
A convertible carbon paddle is included allowing you to use the board both as a kayak and stand up paddleboard.
2 – BOTE Deus Aero Inflatable Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board
☆ Top Pick ☆
Specifications
- Size – 11′ x 33″ x 14″
- Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
- Board Weight – 41 lbs
- Construction – Double Layer PVC
- Paddle – Not included
- Pump – Double Action Hand Pump
What we liked:
- Excellent performance on the water
- Very comfortable to sit on
- Stiff construction that feels like a rigid kayak
- Stable and easy to paddle
- Lots of room for gear, coolers, and accessories
- Very versatile. Can be used as a kayak or SUP
What we didn’t like:
- The bag is too small and needs more handles.
- It is very difficult to put back into its carry bag
- High cost
- No paddle included
Summary
The BOTE Deus Aero is a unique kayak hybrid. It comes from BOTE which makes a wide variety of innovative kayaks, paddleboards, and watercraft. The Deus features full drop stitch construction. It has a removable seat which lets it change from a kayak to stand up paddle board.
The board/hull is 11′ x 33″ and 14″ tall. It is made of 3 air chambers giving it a 3 dimensional hull shape. It has a rubber keel molding giving it more shape that runs from the nose to half way back the board.
It feels and acts more like a rigid kayak than any other inflatable we have tried. It is stable and solid feeling. It does a great job cutting through chop.
It does not come with either a kayak or SUP paddle. You will have to choose which one you want or a convertible paddle that can do both.
We really enjoy our Deus and recommend it to anyone looking for an inflatable kayak.
See our review of the BOTE Deus to learn more.
3 – Bluefin Cruise SUP Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board
☆ Best Value ☆
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 8″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 287 lbs
- Board Weight – 29 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer PVC
- Paddle – 3 piece fiberglass convertible
- Pump – Double Action Hand Pump
What we liked:
- 3 piece fiberglass shaft paddle with 2 blades
- Croco-diamond EVA deck pad with kick pad at the rear
- Very stiff and durable board
What we didn’t like:
- The board is a bit heavy carrying around
- Fin attachment can be tricky to use and replacement fins are hard to get
Summary
The BlueFin Cruise is a great hybrid paddleboard that comes as a complete package. It has several nice upgrades over the typical inflatable SUP board.
It has a 3 piece paddle with a fiberglass shaft. It has 2 blades so can be assembled SUP or kayak style. The paddle is stiff enough and performs well on the water with a good feel. It includes a hybrid kayak seat that attaches to the D-Rings on the board.
The board is very stiff when inflated. Bluefin claims a higher thread density drop-stitch than any other iSUP maker. This produces a much stiffer board for similar weight. They use a heavy 2 layer laminate that also makes the board stiff and durable.
4 – Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP
☆ Best Cheap SUP Kayak Combo ☆
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 31″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 286 lbs
- Board Weight – 18 lbs
- Construction – Single Layer PVC with carbon reinforced sides
- Paddle – 4 Piece aluminum convertible
- Pump – Double Action Hand Pump
What we liked:
- Convertible paddle has drip rings
- Low cost for a complete package
- Carbon reinforced rails make board stiffer than most single layer PVC boards
What we didn’t like:
- Seat could use a little more support
- Not as stable as wider 32-34″ boards
Summary
The Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP is a great value complete package. It includes a seat and convertible paddle that actually has drip rings. You won’t get water all over yourself on every paddle stroke. The board is a single layer PVC board with carbon fiber reinforced rails. This makes it a little stiffer than the average single layer board.
The board is 10’6″ x 31″ x 6″. It’s not as stable while standing as a 33 or 34 board. It helps it glide through the water a little faster. The included seat works well but could use a little more back support. It is fine for spending a couple hours on the water.
Get $30 off using coupon code FS30 at Freeinsup.com
5 – BOTE Rackham Aero 12′4″
Specifications
- Size – 12′ 4″ x 38″ x 7″
- Weight Capacity – 400 lbs
- Board Weight – 45 lbs
- Construction – Double Layer PVC
- Paddle – 3 piece composite
- Pump – Double Action Hand Pump
What we liked:
- Super versatile board that can do anything.
- Optional APEX pedal drive that gives you one more option for paddling
- High quality heavyduty construction
What we didn’t like:
- High cost
- The board is 45 lbs making it one of the heaviest paddleboards or kayaks out there
Summary
The BOTE Rackham Aero 12’4″ is all new and features the optional APEX Pedal drive system. The Rackham Aero might be the ultimate paddle board and kayak combo. You can paddleboard, sit down and kayak or sit down and use the pedal drive. It is has so many available accessories it will make your head spin. This is the hands down winner for paddleboard kayak hybrid. No other product really comes close right now.
The board is 12’4″ and 38″ wide making it one of the most stable inflatable paddle boards out there. It can carry up to 400 lbs. It will be great for kayak fishing, SUP yoga, or touring. It has good glide thanks to it’s length. You may have to work to push it over chop and waves thanks to it’s length.
The most unique feature of this board is the optional APEX pedal drive. It is inserted into the board and lets you sit down and pedal it instead of paddling with your hands. There is an optional rudder steering system available to go with it. No other inflatable has this feature.
6 – Tahe 10’6″ x 34″ Beach SUP-Yak & Kayak Package
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 34″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
- Board Weight – 23 lbs
- Construction – Single layer PVC with stiffening stringers
- Paddle – 3 Piece Aluminum Convertible
- Pump – Double Action Hand Pump
What we liked:
- Daisy chain attachment system gives lots of flexibility for mounting seat and accessories
- Extra thick padded upgraded kayak seat
- Stringer design gives board added stiffness
What we didn’t like:
- 1L construction
- Extra wide board takes a little more effort to paddle into chop and waves
Summary
The Tahe 10’6″ x 34″ Beach SUP-Yak is a great complete package for those wanting a good all around SUP they can kayak too. Tahe Outdoors took over the Bic brand in 2017 and the new combined company is known as Tahe. Bic was a very popular producer of windsurfing boards and later kayaks and SUPs. Bic products have always been known for great performance at an affordable price. I had a lot of fun windsurfing days on a Bit Techno 160. Tahe continues that tradition with the 10’6″ Beach SUP-Yak.
This board has a couple of unique features that set it apart from other SUP boards or hybrids. The most noticeable is the daisy chain attachment system that runs down the 2 sides of the board. It is a series of webbing loops that you can use to attach the seat or other accessories. It gives you a lot of options for placing the seat. It has 3 fixed fins so you don’t have to worry about attaching a fin when setting it up.
7 – Sea Eagle LB11 SUP Deluxe Package
Specifications
- Size – 11′ x 30″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 200 lbs
- Board Weight – 25 lbs
- Construction – 3 Layer PVC
- Paddle – Includes 2 Aluminum Paddles
- Pump – Double Action Hand Pump
What we liked:
- Board has built in rocker with rise at the bow and stern for easier maneuverability
- Great performance in waves or flat water
- Very durable 3 layer PVC laminate construction
What we didn’t like:
- No ankle leash included
- Narrow 30 inch width makes board less stable than 32 or 33 inch width boards. Not for beginner paddleboarders
Summary
The Sea Eagle LB11 Deluxe package comes with a high quality board, 2 paddles and an inflatable seat. Sea Eagle specializes in inflatable boats including several versions of their popular sit inside kayak and whitewater kayak. They are known for producing high quality durable products. Their kayak paddleboard combo has typical Sea Eagle construction and quality.
This board is 11 feet long and 30 inches wide. It will not be as stable as a 32 or 33 inch board. It has a rockered shape to it with rise in the tip and tail. It will turn easier than most 11 foot boards making is more suitable for SUP surfing in waves. It still tracks very well for distance paddling. The weight capacity is 200 lbs which is light for an 11 foot board but reasonable given it’s not as wide.
The Sea Eagle LB11 is a great choice for those who want board performance and durability. You’ll pay a bit more for this board but you won’t be disappointed. It is available from Sea Eagle in several other packages. If you are more interested in a fishing kayak or rowing, there is an LB11 package for you.
Inflatable SUP Kayak Hybrid guide
So you’ve decided to buy an inflatable stand up paddleboard and Kayak package. What should you look for? Lets take a look at the most important factors to consider when trying to find the perfect one for you.
Limitations of a hybrid paddle board
A SUP yak hybrid watercraft won’t be quite as good as a kayak. There aren’t many inflatable sit on top kayaks made specifically as a kayak. Inflatable recreational kayaks are almost all sit inside. If there were inflatable sit on top kayaks they would look like an inflatable SUP. The main thing you are going to miss are places to brace your feet. This is very easy to mold into a sit on kayak but how do you do it with an inflatable? There are some options out there. You won’t get as solid feeling foot braces as a conventional recreational kayak.
The other area that will be not as good is the hull shape. Molded kayaks have a lot of grooves and shapes to help them track through the water. That is why they don’t need fins. For an inflatable kayak conversion, you are stuck with a flat bottom and adding a removable fin for tracking. Will your paddle board kayak work as well as a traditional kayak? No. Will it work almost as good? Yes. Will it be fun to use? Yes!
Size and weight capacity
The first thing to consider is the size of the paddleboard. You need one big enough to float your weight. If you are over 200 lbs or over 6feet tall you should look for a board that is at least 10′ 6″ long. If you are smaller than that you can use a 10 foot board. The bigger the volume of the board, the more it can float. The wider the board is the more stable it will be. A beginner should look for a board that is at least 32 inches wide. An experienced paddler can use a narrower board.
Cost
After you’ve decided how big a board you need, the next thing to decide is how much your going to spend. Most well made inflatable paddleboard or kayak will run $400 to $600 or more. There are a few well made iSUP boards for less but you have to be very careful with reviews. You will be giving up something to get a board at the lower price points. You simply can’t make an inflatable SUP with 3-ply PVC, carbon paddle and a tripple action pump for $200.
My recommendation if you are really serious about paddle boarding or kayaking is to spend at least $400. If your not sure and you just want to try things out first, go for a $200-300 board. If you like it you’ll most likely replace it soon with a more expensive board.
Materials and construction
All inflatable SUP boards are made from PVC with drop-stitch construction. This means they are 2 sheets of PVC with many threads connecting them. When you inflate it, the threads pull tight and it creates a rigid structure. You will see terms like Military Grade PVC thrown out a lot. This just means heavier, thicker PVC.
A better inflatable paddle board will be made of a PVC laminate with 1 to 3 layers. Making it multi-layer gives it more stiffness when inflated and more durability. You have to scratch or puncture 2-3 layers instead of 1.
Paddle
As you move up in cost, you will go from an aluminum to a fiberglass to a carbon fiber paddle. Carbon fiber paddles are stiffer and lighter than aluminum paddles. More of your effort goes into moving your boat and less into flexing the paddle.
A paddleboard kayak hybrid should come with a paddle that can be assembled as either a SUP or kayak paddle.
Some like the Sea Eagle LB11 come with 2 separate paddles. A convertible paddle won’t have drip cups and may not have offset blades when in kayak mode. Be aware, that all paddleboard kayak packages do not come with a paddle that can be used for both. The low end Funwater Lyrebird only has a SUP paddle even though it comes with a kayak seat.
Hand Pump
Your inflatable SUP package will come with some kind of air pump. Most have a double action pump. This means it pumps air in on both the up and down stroke. On higher end boards you will find triple action pumps. These have 2 air chambers which can both pump on the up and down stroke. These can inflate the board much faster. A higher end pump will get the job done faster.
Paddle boards need to inflate to higher pressures than other inflable boats. 15-20 psi instead of 5 psi. It can take some strength to inflate them.
Now that you’ve seen that you probably think inflating a paddleboard is going to suck. You would be correct. It does. The way to make it better is to get an electric pump to turn it into an easy 8 to 10 minute task while you do other things. See our guide to electric paddle board pumps to learn more.
We use the Outdoor Master Shark 2. See my review of the Outdoor Master Shark 2 to learn more.
Outdoor Master Shark 2 Electric Pump
Use the Coupon Code ERO2022 for up to 20% off at OutdoorMaster.com
Kayak seat
No paddleboard kayak hybrid would be complete with a seat to turn it into a kayak. On lower end boards you will find seats that only have one set of attachments. The seat can slide around on the board. You hold it in place by pushing back with your feet. On higher end boards you will find that the seat has 4 attachment points. These will hold the seat in place without you pushing against the straps with your feet.
All seats are not created equal. Some have more back support and better cushioning. Some may have metal frames to give more support.
Convert your own stand up paddle board into a kayak
What if you find a paddle board you really like but it doesn’t come with a kayak package? No problem. You can buy a seat and either kayak paddle or convertible paddle. You’ll have something just as good as any hybrid SUP Kayak you could have bought. See our guide to the best under $500 inflatable SUPs for some good recommendations.
See our article on Converting a SUP into a Sit On Top Kayak to learn more.
Below are a good seat and paddle to consider if you want to convert an iSUP into a kayak.
YVLEEN Alloy SUP Paddle – Adjustable SUP or Kayak Paddle
- HEAVY-DUTY – 4-pieces combination paddle board paddle – It can be separated freely.This paddle is made of high quality aluminium alloy, light in weight, easy to carry, and the aluminium rod is strengthened so that the force will not deform.
- TOP-RATED – Equipped with two durable PP + fiberglass paddle blades, the blade has excellent material quality, strong endurance, strong stroke will not soften.
- PURCHASE INCLUDES – We offer 2 Piece Paddle blades, 1 intermediate connecting shaft and 1 T-handle for a total of 4 pieces.
SereneLife Detachable Universal Paddle-Board Seat
- DURABLE MODEL FOAM – Made of durable EVA foam interior and polyester exterior.
- EXCELLENT HOOKS – High-grade copper metal hooks are used in our kayak seats, which are different from most of the hooks in the market.
- ADJUSTABLE STRAPS – 2 straps in front, 2 straps in the rear allowing the seat to be fixed in place according to different needs.
- BETTER DESIGN – High back design and padded supports your back and butt and provides incredible comfort in your water trip
You might also like:
- Can You Sit On A Paddleboard? 8 Fun Easy Ways To Enjoy Your Paddleboard Without Standing
- Do You Need A Life Jacket To Paddle Board? Stay Safe On The Water
Doug Ryan
Co-Founder & Chief Editor
I grew up back east in Pennsylvania and learned to ski on a family trip to Killington, Vermont when I was 6. I immediately fell in love with the mountains and outdoors and have been skiing across the US and Canada ever since. I went to school for Mechanical Engineering, and have a Master’s Degree in Material Science and Reliability.
I am a total gear nerd and love learning how things work and thinking about how they could be improved. Nothing excites me more than trying out new gear. I’d rather spend 3 hours taking my bike apart and learning how to change something than go to a bike shop. These days I reside in Michigan by the Great Lakes and go skiing, biking, and boating as much as possible.
doug@adventuregearinsider.com
