Updated September 9th, 2023
Stand up paddleboarding or SUP is a lot of fun. It’s one of the fastest growing watersports today. $500 is a great entry level price point for a paddleboard. It will get you a good performing durable board with high quality accessories. You can spend more on an inflatable paddleboard but $500-$600 seems to be the sweet spot for getting the most value.
See our top picks below along with our guide to help you find the best inflatable SUP for you.
The top 10 best inflatable SUPs under $500 of 2023
1 – iRocker All Around 11
☆ Best Overall ☆
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Carbon paddle and triple action pump
- Big long stable board
- Plenty of room for a large dog
- Roller backpack with many pockets and bungee
- A fun board to paddle around
- Sturdy stiff and durable 3 layer construction
- Many accessory mounts, handles and D-Rings
What we didn’t like:
- It takes a bit of effort to get back into the bag
- The triple action hand pump is difficult to fit into roller backpack and doesn’t make hand pumping much easier or faster
Summary
The iRocker All Around 11 has been our favorite SUP board since we first tried it out. It is a perfect combination of performance and stability. It has enough D-Rings and accessories mounts to be usable for almost any activity. It uses 3 layer PVC construction that is tough, durable, and stiff. iRocker has tried to replace it with their Ulta Series, people love the original so much that they had to bring it back. We are really happy they decided to bring back the original All Around 11.
The AA11 comes with a 3 piece carbon paddle, triple action pump, and roller backpack. The 3 piece paddle is one of the better paddles we have found in inflatable SUP packages. There is an optional blade available to turn it into a kayak paddle. Our one complaint about the AA11 accessories is the triple action pump. It can’t be used to deflate the board. The triple action pumps from NIXY and Thurso can also deflate.
On the water is where the All Around 11 really shines. It is a very stiff board on the water thanks to it’s 3 layer construction. It is stable enough that any beginner can use it. It is long enough to have better glide than most 10’6″ or 10″ inflatable SUPS. The 3 fins give it excellent tracking. A river fin is available for those who want to use the board in shallower water. The board is stable enough to be used for SUP fishing or yoga or any other activity.
Review
See our review of the iRocker All Around 11 to learn more.
Specifications
- Size – 11′ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 435 lbs
- Board Weight – 26 lbs
- Construction – 3 Layer
- D-Rings – 20
- Paddle – 3 piece carbon
- Pump – triple action hand pump
Nautical Go SUP starting at $199 at iRocker
2 – Bluefin Cruise 10’8″
☆ Top Pick ☆
What we liked:
- Very complete package including a kayak seat and 2 blade paddle
- 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 10’8″ Paddleboard is a very stiff sturdy board that comes in a very complete package. It includes everything you need to paddleboard and also a kayak seat and paddle that can be set up with 1 or 2 blades.
This board is one of the stiffest inflatable boards available. Bluefin claims they use the highest thread density in their drop stitch available from any board maker. They use a very thick 2 layer laminate construction. The board feels noticeably thicker and heavier when you roll it out to inflate it. It is much stiffer inflated on the water. This board weighs in at 29 lbs making it one of the heavier inflatable SUP boards.
The fin uses a flip lock fitting. The whole fin box can be replaced if you break the clip on it. People’s experience with customer service hasn’t been great at getting replacement fins. Use some care when attaching the fin to make sure it is fully attached.
The board is 10′ 8″ by 32 inch wide. This gives enough width to be stable and a little better tracking than a 10′ board. It is still easy to maneuver and suitable for a first time paddleboarder. The included kayak seat helps for those who aren’t comfortable standing up on it.
The board has 9 D-ring attachments and a GoPro mount built into it. It has a carry strap in the middle as well. It includes a kayak seat that can attach to the center set of d-rings. The paddle has a 2-3 piece fiberglass shaft and can be assembled as a single blade or 2 blade paddle.
The deck uses a croco-diamond EVA pad that is comfortable and gives good grip and drainage. They include a kickpad at the rear of the board to use for kick turns as a nice added feature.
This board has one of the better backpacks available at this price range. It doesn’t have wheels but it has heavy-duty construction with thick comfortable straps.
Overall this is a great package for someone looking to get a good performing paddleboard. It is suitable for beginners and more experienced paddlers. The kayak seat makes it good for people who aren’t coordinated enough for standing.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 8″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 287 lbs
- Board Weight – 29 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- D-Rings – 9
- Paddle – 4 piece fiberglass convertible
- Pump – double action pump
3 – iRocker Nautical
☆ Best Value ☆
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Fiberglass paddle
- Durable and stiff 2 layer construction
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Lots of D-Rings and carry handles
What we didn’t like:
- Lower weight capacity than other iRocker boards
- Not as stiff as more expensive iRocker boards
Summary
The iRocker Nautical is the best value out there in paddle boarding right now. It is a 10’6″ x 32″ all around board with 2 layer construction and a really nice fiberglass paddle. It comes in at the same price as many single layer boards with junk aluminum paddles. Everything in this package is just better than anything you’ll find in any other $300-$400 paddle board. If you are looking for the best value inflatable SUP under $500 you have found it.
The board has 3 removable fins. The fin use latches to stay in place so there is no plastic tab to worry about losing or breaking.
The board is made of a 2 layer PVC laminate for durability. The deck has a groooved deck pad. The board has 17 D-Rings with bungees and handles at the front and rear. The deck pad is decently sized for standing on extending back into the tail of the board.
Overall, the iRocker Nautical is the best value out there for an entry level under $500 paddle board.
Accessories
The board comes as a complete package including a 3 piece fiberlgass paddle and a dual action pump. Almost every paddle board under $500 has an aluminum shaft paddle so this is a nice upgrade.
The backpack is nice with optional rollers. It has a couple of mesh pockets and bungee on for storing accessories. It has plenty of room for the board and accessories inside. The only complaint I have with the bag is lack of handles. A handle on each side would be nice.
On the water performance
The iRocker Nautical is a 10’6″ x 32″ wide board. It had decent glide. It has plenty of stability for new paddlers. The board has a good all around shape that is easy to turn and maneuver. The 3 fins keep it tracking straight once you get it moving.
Review
See our review of the iRocker Nautical to learn more.
Specifications
- Size – 10’6″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 240 lbs
- Board Weight – 20 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- D-Rings – 17
- Paddle – 3 piece fiberglass
- Pump – Double action
Nautical Go SUP starting at $199 at iRocker
4 – Outdoor Master Swordfish
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Low cost
- Lightweight overall package that is easy to carry around
- Board feels light and nimble on the water. It is stable enough for beginners
- Choice of hand pump or electric pump
- Bag has rollers and a pocket for storing an electric pump
- Improved fit and finish compared to older Outdoor Master paddleboards
What we didn’t like:
- The aluminum paddle feels cheap and wobbly at the joints
- Dolphin electric pump needed a replacement H3 fitting to work with the Swordfish
- The 2 small fins were bent from shipping and needed to be straightened out before using the board.
- No repair kit included
Summary
The Outdoor Master Swordfish is the new inflatable paddleboard from Outdoor Master. It brings with it a lot of bang for the buck and the option to get it with an electric pump. It is a 10’6″ x 32″ all around shaped board that is good for beginners or experienced paddlers. It’s lightweight design and overall package make it easy to carry around or travel with.
Accessories
The Swordfish comes with a roller backpack that is made from heavy feeling material. It has a side pocket sized for carrying an electric pump. The board is available with either a double action handpump or an electric pump for $50 more. I hate hand pumping and so I like seeing the option to get it with an electric pump.
A basic 3 piece aluminum floating paddle is included. It works and will get you on the water. If you like paddleboarding you’ll eventually want to get a better paddle.
On the water performance
The Outdoor Master Swordfish is a 10’6″ x 32″ board with a wider tail shape. It is very stable for beginners in calm waters. It feels light under your feet. It’s easy to turn. It glides well in flat water. It’s not the stiffest board so you will feel some flex and bending when you paddle through chop or with a heavier paddler.
Review
See our review of the Outdoor Master Swordfish to learn more.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
- Board Weight – 20 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer PVC
- D-Rings – 18 D-Rings
- Paddle – 3 Piece Aluminum
- Pump – Electric Pump or Double Action Hand Pump
Use the Coupon Code SALE15 for up to 15% off or code SALE20 for 20% 2 items at OutdoorMaster.com during their Clearance Sale
5 – Bluefin Cruise Lite
What we liked:
- Good board stiffness for a small portable board
- Low profile twin fins don’t need anymore water depth
- Small overall package
- Carbon fiber paddle in a low cost package
- Has the same shape and stability as the original Bluefin Cruise
What we didn’t like:
- Mini hand pump takes a ton of effort to inflate board up to 15 psi
- No D-Rings for attaching a kayak seat
Summary
The Bluefin Cruise Lite retains almost everything good about the original Bluefin Cruise in lighter weight and smaller package. The board has the same shape and dimensions as the Cruise 10’8″ which means you get a good performing board that is stable enough for beginners.
They used softer material for the Cruise Lite. This makes the board lighter weight and more compact when folded. The original Cruise uses high density drop stitch that was one of the stiffest boards available. It was also one of the heaviest boards as well. This is a good change.
The Cruise Lite manages to fit in a small compact bag without having a split deckpad that other brands use.
A twin fin setup is used with normal depth fins. This means less catching weeds or digging into the bottom.
The Cruise Lite comes with a carbon paddle, mini-hand pump and compact sized bag. The bag is about half the height of the normal Bluefin Cruise bag that makes it easier to store and travel with.
The 5 piece carbon paddle allows it to fit in the smaller compact bag. It does have the same clunkiness that we have felt with other 5 piece paddles. There are more joints so more places to get a little bit of wobble.
The only thing we don’t really like about the Cruise Lite is the mini-hand pump. You have to bend down so far to use these pumps. They are not comfortable to inflate a board up to 15 psi with. I prefer electric pumps in compact packages over reduced height hand pumps because of this.
The Bluefin Cruise Lite performs very much like the original Bluefin Cruise 10’8″. The Cruise Lite has closer to average stiffness for an inflatable SUP where the original Cruise was very stiff. There isn’t much compromise with the Cruise Lite. It is a very stable board that any beginner can handle. It still works okay for heavier paddlers.
The twin fin setup gives good tracking without catching too many weeds. The deckpad feels good and doesn’t have a split in the center.
The Cruise Lite doesn’t have any D-Rings around the middle of the board. You can’t make a kayak conversion with it. This is one miss. Most of the other compact boards like the iRocker Ultras and Nautical GO’s have enough to add a seat.
Specifications
- Size – 10’8″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 240 lbs
- Board Weight – 21 lbs
- Bag Size – none included
- Bag Weight – 29 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer PVC
- Paddle – 5 piece carbon
- Pump – Mini double action hand pump
6 – NIXY Newport G4
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Very stiff and light woven 2 layer construction
- Slightly faster board shape that is still stable enough for beginners
- Carbon paddle, 3 wheeled bag and double barrel pump
- Loads of D-Rings and action mounts with front and rear bungees for gear storage
What we didn’t like:
- Front bungee cord is a bit small
- Price is a stretch above $500 but worth it
Summary
The Nixy Newport G4 All Around is a step up from most under $500 paddle boards. It has several advanced features such as a woven construction, carbon paddle, and lots of D-Rings. It has a slightly performance oriented board shape. At 33 inch wide it is still stable and easy to paddle making it great for beginners too. The NIXY G4 paddleboards have the best construction and accessory package out there right now for $700.
The board is made from woven 2 layer PVC laminate. This is one of the stiffest inflatable paddleboard construction methods available. We have tested a few boards with woven construction and they are very stiff boards. The board also has carbon fiber reinforced rails for even more stiffness.
The board has 16 D-Rings and 5 action mounts built in. This is plenty for attaching a seat, fishing rod holders or cameras. This makes it a very versatile board.
The board has the traditional 3 fin setup. The middle fin is larger with 2 small side fins. All 3 fins on the latest version are removable with finger bolts. The center fin uses a standard US fin box allowing you to customize board performance.
The board tracks very well with 3 fins. It floats well up to its maximum weight. The narrow tail lets it turn easily and gives it a little extra speed.
The paddle has a 3 piece hybrid carbon shaft with nylon blade. The Nixy G4 paddle is the nicest paddle we have seen included in a paddleboard package for any manufacturer. The bag has 3 wheels and a ton of webbing loops and D-Rings. It is also the winner for nicest bag we have seen for under $1000. The double barrel pump is the best hand pump we have seen.
The price of this board is a stretch above $500. It is worth the extra money. You get a really stiff light board, excellent paddle and bag and a geat double chamber pump. If you want to stretch a little above $500 I would highly recommend checking out the Nixy Newport G4.
Review
See our review of the NIXY Newport G4 to learn more.
Specifications
- Size – 10′6″ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
- Board Weight – 21 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer Woven with Carbon Reinforced Rails
- D-Rings – 16
- Paddle – Carbon 3 piece
- Pump – Triple action pump
7 – Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP
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 SUP Kayak is a good value kayak SUP combo that comes with eveything you need for both. It has a seat and convertible paddle good for any adventure. The board uses single layer PVC construction with carbon reinforced rails. This gives it extra stiffness beyond the normal cheap 1 layer PVC boards. It is available in several colors as well. The board is 10’6 x 31″ so it will glide faster than a wider board but gives up a little in stability. It will still work well for most beginner paddlers.
Accessories
The board comes with a complete package including the board, double action hand pump, bag and convertible paddle. It also includes a coiled leash and an H3 to Schraeder valve converter. The paddle works well both ways and has drip rings which is a nice touch. The double action pump works well for inflating the board. The backpack easily fits everything inside.
On the water performance
The Freein SUP kayak is an all around shaped board that is 31 inches wide. It will have better glide and tracking than a wider board. It will go through chop easier. It won’t be as easy to balance as a wider 33-34 inch wide board. It is a nice compromise since it is meant to be used as a kayak also where the extra width and stability aren’t needed. Tracking is good with the 3 fin setup.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 31″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 18 lbs
- Board Weight – 286 lbs
- Construction – Single Layer PVC with carbon reinforced sides
- D-Rings – 9
- Paddle – 4 Piece aluminum convertible
- Pump – Double action
Get $30 off using coupon code FS30 at Freeinsup.com
8 – iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Heavy duty stiff woven construction
- Big stable board on the water with good performance
- Compact bag that you can easily take anywhere
- Carbon paddle and electric pump
What we didn’t like:
- Costs a little more than $500
- Big easy to use stable board needs a little more effort paddling into chop
Summary
The iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0 is one of the best beginner paddleboards out there and a great value at just a little over $500. The Ultra Cruiser is the latest version that fits in a bag half the size of the old Cruiser. It has a very easy to paddle relaxing shape that any paddler will enjoy. It comes with a carbon paddle, electric pump and roller backpack.
The Cruiser 2.0 is 10’6″ x 33″ with a wider tail section giving it some extra stability. It is a great board when you just want to go for a relaxing paddle and not have to work hard to stay balanced. It is easy to paddle and turn. The only downside is that it takes a little more effort to paddle into chop when the wind picks up.
The board has 2 removable fins that use flip locks and tethers so you will never lose a fin. The board tracks very well with this design.
The board uses 2 layer woven PVC construction that gives it good stiffness and good durability. iRocker woven boards perform very well in our bending test.
The board comes as a complete package including a 5 piece carbon paddle, and compact backpack. The Cruiser Ultra comes with an electric pump so you won’t have to wear yourself out inflating the board with a hand pump.
Overall, the iRocker Cruiser Ultra 2.0 is a great package that is worth it’s extra cost above $500.
Review
See our review of the iRocker Cruiser Ultra to learn more.
Specifications
- Size – 10′6″ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
- Board Weight – 21 lbs
- Construction – 2 layer woven
- D-Rings – 21
- Paddle – 5 piece carbon
- Pump – electric pump
Nautical Go SUP starting at $199 at iRocker
9 – GILI AIR 10’6″
What we liked:
- A portion of every GILI board sold goes to charities that support ocean health and marine life
- Stable board good for beginners
- Lots of D-Rings, action mounts and handles
- Good bag design with pockets and molle loops
- Racing/touring center fin and removable side fins
- Lightweight board that is easy to carry
What we didn’t like:
- Only comes with an aluminum paddle
- Board has noticeable flex in it for heavier over 225 lb paddlers
Summary
The GILI Air is their entry into the very competitive budget inflatable SUP market. It goes in guns blazing with lots of features such as action mounts, diamond groove deck pad and nice bag. A portion of every GILI SUP goes towards charities supporting ocean cleanup and marine animals.
The GILI AIR is available in 2 sizes. The 10’6″ and 11’6″. The 11’6″ is the better choice for larger paddlers over 200 lbs. The board is 32 inches wide with plenty of volume at the nose and tail for stability. The board is good for beginners and new paddlers looking for a stable board.
The AIR uses 2 layer PVC construction. It has okay stiffness. Paddlers over 200 lbs will be able to feel the board flex more than stiffer woven or 3 layer boards. Overall the construction looks and feels high quality and above what you expect for a $500 SUP.
The board has a standard 3 fin setup with fliplock removeable fins. The center fin is a 9 inch racing/touring design which is a little upgrade over the standard dolphin fin that most boards come with. The board will perform well on flat water without the side fins with some paddling practice.
The board has a 18 D-Rings and 3 action mounts for mounting seats and accessories. GILI sells a wide range of accessories to use with thsi board including a kayak conversion and fishing rod holders. There are also 7 handles making it easy to carry. At 19 lbs it’s already a very easy board to carry.
The accessories are what you expect at this price point. The bag has good padding and some molle loop for attaching things. The bag doesn’t have wheels or an option to add them. The board comes with an aluminum paddle which is the biggest negative of the whole package. A standard double action pump is included which gets the job done.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 280 lbs
- Board Weight – 19 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- D-Rings – 18
- Paddle – 3 piece aluminum
- Pump – double action pump
A portion of every GILI Paddleboard goes to charities that support ocean reefs and endangered sea animals
10 – Freein Overall 11
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Double layer PVC construction makes board stiff and not bouncy
- Fun and easy to paddle board
- Fiberglass paddle
- Good double barrel triple action pump
What we didn’t like:
- Difficult to get back into the bag
- Not many handles or accessory mounts on board
Summary
The Freein Overall is a solid basic paddleboard with good performance and good accessories. The board is 11′ x 33″ making it very stable and forgiving for newer paddlers. It’s length gives it better glide than shorter boards.
The board comes as a complete package with one of the better accessory packages available under $500. The board comes with a fiberglass paddle, roller backpack and double barrel, triple action hand pump. The hand pump is one of the better double barrel designs I’ve seen. It can inflate and deflate. The dial for switching modes is easy to read and operate. The paddle is several notches better than a cheap aluminum paddle.
The board uses double layer PVC construction and performed well in our stiffness test. The board itself is a bit plane without a lot of extra handles, D-Rings or accessory mounts. They had to cut corners somewhere and decided to give you good stiffness and a good paddle instead of extra handles.
On the water the board is easy to paddle and fun to use. It is very beginner friendly and easy to stand on. It’s stiff enough to not feel bouncy or wobbly. The 3 fins give it good tracking. When you are ready you can leave off the 2 small fins for a faster board.
The board is a little tricky to get back into it’s bag with the large pump. This is one area that could use a little improvement. After you have done it a few times you’ll figure out how to roll it and make it happen.
Review
Read Freein Overall 11 Full Review
Specifications
- Size – 11′ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 265 lbs
- Board Weight – 23.8 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- D-Rings – 15
- Paddle – Fiberglass 3 piece
- Pump – Triple action pump
Inflatable SUP Guide – What should you look for when buying a paddle board?
Now that you’ve decided to get an inflatable SUP, what should you look for when buying a paddle board? What size paddleboard should you get? Let’s take a look at the most important things to look for when buying an inflatable paddleboard.
What size inflatable SUP should I get?
The heavier you are, the bigger a board you need. A board with more volume can float a heavier weight. If you are over 6′ or over 200 lbs you should look for a board that is at least 11′ long. If you are under that a 10’6″ board will be fine for you.
Materials
A $500 paddleboard should be made from a 2 or 3 layer PVC laminate. 3 layers better. 99% percent of inflatable SUPs are made from PVC drop-stitch construction. It is the only way to make a stiff thin inflatable structure. Go here to learn more about drop-stitch construction. 2 layers will be stiffer and more puncture resistant than 1 layer. 3 layers will be even better. Using a higher density of threads in the drop-stitch will also make a more rigid board.
It should have an EVA foam deck pad that covers all the area you might stand on. You won’t find a fully padded deck. You should have enough pad area for standing, sitting any normal activity such as SUP yoga. Textured or grooved EVA pads give your feet better traction and are usually preferred over smooth EVA pads.
D-ring attachments
D-Ring attachments are nice for attaching accessories. You need a set of them across the middle of the board if you want to add a kayak seat. You can use them for paddle holders or attaching bungees. More D-Rings is better. Some boards may have as few as 7. Some boards may have as many as 17. If your board doesn’t have them, you can buy D-Rings to glue on so it’s not a must have feature. It does save you some effort if you need them.
Paddle
Almost every inflatable SUP under $500 comes as a complete package including a paddle. The paddles are not all created equally. When it comes to paddles, carbon fiber is the best, fiberglass is next and aluminum comes in last. A carbon fiber paddle will be stiffer and lighter. An aluminum paddle will have much more flex and be heavier. Fiberglass will be somewhere in the middle.
You are not likely to find a carbon fiber paddle in an under $500 SUP package. The better under $500 packages do come with fiberglass paddles. All the paddles are 3 pieces so they can be put in the bag for carrying with the board.
Accessories
Almost all inflatable SUPs come in a package with accessories such as a carrying bag and pump. In the under $500 price range, you should expect the following:
- Carrying bag – A backpack that will hold the board, pump and paddle. Better bags will have more padding on the straps and be made from heavier materials. They will have more pockets and compression straps.
- Pump – A dual action, single chamber pump. This pump will be able to pump on both the up and down strokes.
- Leash – This is a safety item for keeping yourself attached to the board.
- Repair kit – A small repair kit containing a tool for replacing the air valve and some PVC patches to fix punctures or scratches.
Inflatable SUP FAQ
You might also like:
- WindSUP – Windsurf And SUP With One Board Helpful Guide
- OutdoorMaster Shark ii Electric Pump Review – The Best iSUP Pump
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
