Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are looking for an off-beat activity to beat the summer heat, paddle boarding using the best inflatable paddle boards for beginners is an excellent idea. These paddle boards come with a wide anti-slip deck that helps you lie, stand, or kneel on the board while you float on the water. If you want to buy one, scroll down and check out our compilation of the best options available online. We have also listed some buying tips and commonly asked questions, so you can choose the best paddle board and have a great time using it.
Types Of Paddle Boards
Paddle boards can be classified into the following types based on their material.
1. Epoxy
An epoxy board is made of EPS foam with several layers of epoxy resin and fiberglass to give it a strong and lightweight finish. This material helps cut through the water and move around with ease. Some boards made of epoxy may give some drag, but they are widely used as they also help generate more speed. These boards are widely used by professionals.
2. Composite
A composite board is similar to its epoxy counterparts, except they have a soft and spongy finish. They are more suitable for children and beginners. If you plan to take your pet along during your paddle boarding sessions, choosing boards made of this material is a wise decision.
3. Inflatable
These boards have become popular thanks to their high portability. They are made of PVC and require an air pump to inflate or deflate. They are also lightweight, compact, easy to store and carry, rigid, and durable.
Top Picks
12 Best Inflatable Paddle Boards For Beginners
1. Best Versatile: SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Image: Serenelifehome This paddle board from SereneLife is ten-foot long and offers a deck width of 32in, thus ensuring stability and balance for its users. It has three panel fins on the bottom that help keep a check on the overall speed and maneuverability of beginners. It is made of military-grade double-layer PVC, weighs around 14lb, and is available in various colors and attractive patterns. Moreover, the board comes with all needed accessories such as an oar pedal, a manual air pump, and a storage bag. Check out this video to learn more about the paddle board for beginners.
Pros
- Versatile board can be used for fishing and surfing too
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Durable design
- UV-resistant coating
- Thermosealed non-slip deck pad
Cons
- May be wobbly when not fully inflated
2. Best For Ocean Waters: Roc Inflatable Paddle Board
Crafted with premium military-grade PVC material, this paddle board from Roc is not only durable but also lightweight. It weighs almost 18lb and can take up to 350lb of weight. The board is six-inch thick, ten-inch long, and 33-inch wide, thus offering enough room for your pets too. Further, it features a wide and dual-layered non-slip deck pad and comes with a wide range of accessories, including a removable fin, collapsible aluminum paddle, safety leash, and a hand pump. Watch this video to learn more about this board.
Pros
- Suitable for use in ocean waters
- Main fin and side fins for stability
- Available in various colors
- Convenient comfort-grip handle
- Easy to assemble
- Thermosealed deck padding
Cons
- Accessories may not be durable
Quick fact3. Best For Vlogging: Dama Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Image: Dama Outdoors The Dama inflatable stand-up paddle board features a sports camera bracket mount, making it the perfect board for vloggers to enjoy the serene waters. Apart from the extra grip handle, it has steel D rings on the paddle board to help its users carry it around easily. The accessories that come with this paddle board include dual hand pumps, repairing kits, and height-adjustable paddles. This paddle board is available in three sizes and is given a natural wood color to resemble a wooden surface. Watch this video to learn more about this board.
Pros
- Made of lightweight PVC material
- Weight capacity of 330lb
- One-year warranty
- Includes three fins for speed and stability
- Non-slip EVA deck
Cons
- Backpack may not be durable
Quick tip4. Best Shock-Resistant: Run Wave Stand Up Paddle Board
This paddle board offers superior maneuverability and has been designed using a high-intensity PVC layer for superior air holding. Its foot leash reduces the chances of you falling off the board, making it safe enough for use when surfing. The paddle board is 11-foot long and 33-inch wide, giving you ample space for balancing while you use it. Furthermore, the paddle board weighing 25lb can take up to 360lb of weight when inflated. It is available in different attractive patterns.
Pros
- Shock- and impact-resistant PVC
- Reinforced build
- Unique non-slip pattern
- Water-resistant backpack
- Easy to fold and store
Cons
- Quality of the main fin could have been better
5. Best Portable: Aqua Plus Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
The Aqua Plus inflatable stand-up paddle board is built to resemble a hard board, thanks to its durable layers of PVC. When inflated, the board weighs 20lb and can take up weights up to 350lb. It comes as a complete package, consisting of the board and several necessary items such as a paddle, coiled leash, waterproof bag, removable fin, and double action pump. Also, you can choose from a variety of colors and designs.
Pros
- Warranty available
- Rigid design
- Highly portable design
- Suitable for all conditions
Cons
- Foam padding may peel after a few uses
Point to consider6. Best UV-Resistant: Cooyes Inflatable Paddle Board
Cooyes brings you this reliable board made of military-grade reinforced DWF epoxy material with UV-resistant coating. The board is 35% lighter than boards of a similar size and can take a weight of up to 330lb, making it apt for those who want to enjoy activities such as fishing, snorkeling, paddling, and yoga. It comes with three bottom panel fins for keeping a check on the overall speed and is extremely easy to inflate and deflate.
Pros
- Adjustable three-piece paddle
- Quality backpack and hand pump
- High-quality air valve
- Low bending rate
- Anti-corrosion leash
- Anti-slip deck
Cons
- May not be easy to carry
7. Best Stable: Advenor Extra Wide Paddle Board
When buying an inflatable paddle board, it is important to choose one that is durable enough to take on a lot of pressure. This one by Avenor makes a great choice, thanks to the nonslip EVA board made of high-quality material. The board is easy to carry around and comes with detachable bottom fins to improve the overall speed and handling. The board inflates and deflates in minutes and is built to take weights up to 330lb. Along with the board, you also get accessories such as an aluminum paddle, a safety leash, a waterproof bag, three removable fins, and a repair kit.
Pros
- Offers great stability
- Safety leash
- Premium high-pressure valve
- Portable design
- UV-resistant and lightweight material
Cons
- Bag may not be durable
8. Best For Tall Riders: Yaska Inflatable Paddle Board
Purely hand-crafted for optimized usage, the Yaska inflatable paddle board with drop-stitch construction features an EVA layer that helps take on a lot of pressure without developing any deformities or being prone to bursting. The paddle board is stable and is perfect for doing yoga too. It is available in green and pink and comes with a one-year warranty. Moreover, it comes complete with accessories such as a sup paddle, a coil leash, a detachable center fin, and a backpack.
Pros
- Suitable for tall riders
- Sports-friendly
- Centered carry handle for portability
- Less friction
- Quality air valve
Cons
- May be thinner than you expect
9. Best Stylish Design: Feath-R-Lite Stand Up Paddle Board
Feath-R-Lite brings you this paddle board that is known to be 35% lighter than other boards of similar sizes. When inflated, the board weighs 20lb. It is made of military-grade double-walled PVC material and is sturdy enough to carry weight up to 350lb. The paddle board features a unique ergonomic handle for portability. It comes with accessories such as a waterproof phone bag, a leash, three fins, and a SUP pump.
Pros
- Stylish design with UV digital print
- Anti-slip EVA deck pad
- Easy to fold and store
- Suitable for adventure sports
Cons
- Paddles may not be floatable
10. Best Unisex: Retrospec Weekender Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
This paddle board comes with a double-layer PVC to offer you a stable and sturdy ride, and its textured and non-slip deck pad ensures you use the board confidently. The board inflates in less than five minutes, and the board’s six-point front bungee helps you keep your gear safe and secure. The accessories that come along with this board include a dual action pump, a paddle, and a removable safety leash. This board can hold weights as high as 300lb and weighs only 20lb.
Pros
- Unisex design
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to store
- Offers maximum stability
- Suitable for all-around paddling
Cons
- Seams may not be durable
11. Best Versatile: redder Stand Up Paddle Board
The inflatable stand-up paddle board for beginners by redder is built to hold weights up to 243lb and is versatile enough to be used for activities such as touring, wave surfing, exploring, and fishing. It comprises two layers of tarpaulin fabric and is backed by a strong layer of double-walled drop stitch structure. Besides, the board offers extra durability and stiffness and comes with a hand pump, a three-piece resin blade made of fiberglass, a travel backpack, and a ten-foot telephone line leash.
Pros
- Hexagon-textured deck pad
- Central handle for portability
- Quality valve and side fins
- Lightweight yet durable
- UV-resistant deck
Cons
- Width may be smaller than you expect
12. Best Stable: Atonon Stand Up Paddle Board
Atonon brings you this inflatable paddle board made of military-grade PVC. The paddle board with a double deck is lightweight, and its surface has been given a non-slip finish to help enhance your performance and reduce your chances of falling off the board. The board has a weight capacity of up to 352lb and is about six-inch thick. Further, its 33-inch deck offers improved stability and balance, making it one of the best inflatable paddle boards for beginners.
Pros
- Removable fin and high-pressure valve
- Quality D-rings and tie-down bungee cords
- Central handle for portability
- Travel-friendly
- Non-slip texture design
- Easy to inflate and deflate
Cons
- Pressure indicator on the pump may not be durable
How To Choose The Right Inflatable Paddle Board For Beginners?
Here are some key pointers one needs to remember when buying an inflatable paddle board.
1. Material
Ensure the paddle board you choose is made of quality PVC material and features a textured and non-slip EVA deck.
2. Accessories
The paddle board should include quality accessories such as a paddle, high-pressure pump, waterproof travel backpack, leash, removable fins, and repair kits to make your trips more convenient.
3. Weight capacity
Every paddle board has a weight capacity. When choosing a paddle board, you must consider your weight and the things you would generally carry on your trips.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, the author of this article, is a product writer who specializes in reviewing products related to sports, adventure, and games. He does in-depth research to find the best products available in different categories. In this article, he has listed the best inflatable paddle boards for beginners after considering hundreds of user reviews and comparing the features of several products. He has also included a buying guide and answered some frequently asked questions to help the readers make an informed buying decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of paddle board is best for beginners?
Paddle boards that are wide enough are apt for beginners as they offer stability and balance. And if you are uncomfortable standing on the board, fret not, as some paddle boards come with straps to let you place a small chair.
2. Are inflatable paddle boards hard to use?
With regular practice, it becomes easy to master paddle boarding. One needs to prioritize balancing while using the board, which can be learned with regular practice and guidance from an instructor. If you find it hard to use a paddle board on waves or moving water, you may start by using it on still water bodies, such as lakes.
The best inflatable paddle boards for beginners exist in different sizes, weights, and colors. They are versatile enough for a wide range of water activities such as surfing, paddling, and even paddle board yoga. These paddle boards are also easy to inflate or deflate and come with several accessories to give you a seamless time while using them. Invest in a board that is easy to use and carry and one that suits your weight category. And while you enjoy the waters, do not forget to follow all safety precautions.
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