The Best Beginner Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Boards
iRocker 10’ ALL-AROUND Package
Red Paddle Co. 2018 Red RIDE Stand Up Paddleboard
ISLE 10’ All-Rounder Package
Sea Eagle Hybrid Pack
Pros
- The Hybrid is a true all-rounder, suitable for many aspects of the sort
- The full-length rocker is perfect for a wide variety of water conditions
- Very rigid, durable design overall
- Padded flooring provides both comfort and grip for longer trips
Cons
- The board comes in only a single size which isn’t suitable for larger riders
- While quick for its size this board is still rather slow due to how short it is
- Kit is overall fairly mediocre, experienced boarders may want to invest in better stuff
iRocker 10’ ALL-AROUND Package
Pros
- The board is extremely stable, especially considering the fairly low price.
- The unique double-locking design of the paddle makes it super sturdy despite it’s light weight.
- It’s quite fast on the water, more so than most cheap inflatable SUPs of this size.
- The board can actually take more than 15psi, particularly good for heavy riders.
- iRocker offers a two-year warranty for manufacturer defects.
Cons
- The short central fin doesn’t improve tracking as much as we’d like.
- The top layer of the plastic seems mostly cosmetic and isn’t as tough as the underlying PVC,
- The backpack is enormous, making it hard to transport for shorter riders.
Red Paddle Co. 2018 Red RIDE Stand Up Paddleboard 10’6
Pros
- The versatility of the RIDE boards is pretty much unmatched
- Thick and versatile
- Comes with everything included and a well-organized backpack-style carrying case
- Great stability on the water, combined with a good amount of glide
Cons
- The board doesn’t track straight at all times due to the three fin setup
- It can be a bit of a trick to get it back in the pack when playtime is over
Sea eagle Inflatable Long Boards
Sea Eagle LongBoard Series
The LongBoard series of inflatable SUPs is designed for all-around use in a wider variety of situations than the Needle Nose boards by sacrificing some of the speed due to the design differences.
These boards come in two models, the 11’ and 12’6”. The boards are pretty much the same all the way around, being 6” thick and having an all-rounder design which is ultra-stable at 30” wide. All of this adds up to the perfect board for touring while still allowing you have some room for real speed.
This board has a nice overall rocker to it, a slight curve along the entire length of the board culminates in a 4” nose rocker and a 2” tail rocker to keep it smooth while you’re in rougher water.
Like all of the boards from Sea Eagle it has an EVA foam Diamond Pattern to allow for great foot-grip and superior control while you’re on the water. Like the Needle Nose, it also has a kick tail to allow for tight maneuvering. In this case, the maneuverability is simply outstanding due to the shorter length of the boards as well as the pitch of the hull.
It also has one super unique feature: the paddle pocket. This is a small flap of material which is placed on the aft of the board underneath the cargo section. You can thread through
This series of board is a standout example of what Sea Eagle has accomplished in just a short time since adapting their technology to inflatable SUPs from their kayak and dinghy models.
The LongBoard is extremely versatile in its usage, making a perfect inflatable for those who like to travel. Whether you’re carving waves on the coast, fishing in a lake, or gliding down a river it’ll perform great, the only thing you probably won’t be doing with it anytime soon is racing. We think it’s a solid trade-off for the average hobbyist.
Things We Like
- This is, by far, the most versatile of the boards put out by Sea Eagle
- The paddle pocket is a nice touch and makes it much easier to launch
- The slight curve of the board is nice in choppy waters
- The rear skeg can be slid out quite easily, allowing for easy storage
Things We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t track quite as well as the Needle Nose boards
- Not quite as stable as the Sea Eagle Hybrid
Sea Eagle long board LB126
| Use | All Rounder |
| Length | 12’6” |
| Width | 30” |
| Thickness | 6″ |
| Weight | 29lbs |
| Load | 250lbs |
| Check Best Price |
Sea Eagle long board LB11
| Use | All Rounder |
| Length | 11’’ |
| Width | 30’ |
| Thickness | 6” |
| Weight | 25lbs |
| Load | 200lbs |
| Check Best Price |
| Image | | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Sea Eagle long board LB126 | Sea Eagle long board LB11 |
| Uses | Fishing All rounder Kayaking | Fishing All rounder Kayaking |
| Length | 12’6” | 11’ |
| Width | 30” | 30” |
| Thinkness | 6” | 6” |
| Weight | 29lbs | 25lbs |
| Load | 250lbs | 200lbs |
| Check Best Price | Check Best Price |
iRocker 11’ Sport Inflatable Paddleboard Review
iRocker 11’ Sport Package
Pros
- The design tracks quite well, and it’s fairly maneuverable for an 11’ board.
- The triple fin configuration is perfect for straight line runs.
- The nose rocker is still here, leaving you with a lot of stability in minor chop.
- Surprisingly agile for the length.
Cons
- It’s not quite as quick as we’d like it to be.
- The coating on the Sport models is particularly vulnerable.
- The valve seems to like to suddenly leak some air when the pump comes off for unwary users.
The board itself is 11’ long and 30” wide, trading off some stability in order to let you get quite a bit faster on the water. While we didn’t find it to be particularly fast for a sports board, it’s a definite improvement over the All-Around boards for those with a need for speed.
The central fin’s length on this board is a bit short, but with the board being a bit less wide it allows you to make sure that you’re moving along quite well.
The grip pad isn’t quite long enough for those who are planning on fishing or doing yoga, however. It’s also not quite as stable as the rest of the boards, but that’s to be expected considering a couple of inches lost in width.
With the needle nose on both ends it ends up being a pretty good ride, however, and we found it to be fairly agile as well. We still think it’s something of a beginner board, but if you’ve never bought a sporting paddleboard before and aren’t ready to commit to one of the higher end brands there’s something to be recommended for this relatively cheap package.
The iRocker Sport, in its 11’ variation has two main uses: it’s good for larger people who want a sportier inflatable SUP and it’s also great for those who want to get into racing and other sporty applications but aren’t ready to sink a ton of money.
iRocker 11’ ALL-AROUND Inflatable Paddleboard Package Review
iRocker 11’ ALL-AROUND Package
Pros
- The board can support almost four hundred pounds. Enough said.
- It’s extremely stable on the water, even more-so than its shorter cousin.
- It tracks very well for its size.
- Long enough pad for almost any calm water usage, including yoga or fishing
Cons
- A little more glide would be expected with a board this size.
- We really wish iRocker put as much thought into all of their accessories as the paddle.
- The outer finish seems to wear off quickly, which is cosmetic but still annoying.
Like all of iRocker’s paddleboards, it’s remarkably stable on the water, sacrificing a little bit of glide in order to ensure that you’ve got a stable platform for whatever you might wish to do. The board is capable of holding up to 23psi for those particularly large folks and makes an excellent entry even for taller riders.
We’re still pretty stoked on their fiberglass paddles, which beat out most of the package competition, but we’ve said enough about the accessories already.
Instead, consider this board if you’re over 5’10” and looking for an affordable all-rounder board. The stability can make up for innately poor balance and while it may not have a ton of glide the triple fins do keep it tracking fairly well.
It’s not the lightest all-rounder out there, and transporting iRocker’s boards is never all that easy, but they continue to impress with the overall build-quality of the boards and their ability to manage even moderately choppy waters without getting too rough on the rider.
If you’re looking for an All-Around board that’ll keep you afloat, and you’re willing to work a little bit harder to get where you’re going, then consider the iRocker 11’ All-Around SUP. It’s a great board suitable for even the largest riders.
Sea Eagle Hybrids ISUPs
Sea Eagle Hybrid Pack
| Length | 9’6” |
| Width | 32” |
| Thickness | 6” |
| Weight | 23lbs |
| Load | 175lbs |
Pros
- The Hybrid is a true all-rounder, suitable for many aspects of the sort
- The full-length rocker is perfect for a wide variety of water conditions
- Very rigid, durable design overall
- Padded flooring provides both comfort and grip for longer trips
Cons
- The board comes in only a single size which isn’t suitable for larger riders
- While quick for its size this board is still rather slow due to how short it is
- Kit is overall fairly mediocre, experienced boarders may want to invest in better stuff
iRocker 10’ ALL-AROUND Inflatable Pabbleboard Package Review
iRocker 10’ ALL-AROUND Package
Pros
- The board is extremely stable, especially considering the fairly low price.
- The unique double-locking design of the paddle makes it super sturdy despite it’s light weight.
- It’s quite fast on the water, more so than most cheap inflatable SUPs of this size.
- The board can actually take more than 15psi, particularly good for heavy riders.
- iRocker offers a two-year warranty for manufacturer defects.
Cons
- The short central fin doesn’t improve tracking as much as we’d like.
- The top layer of the plastic seems mostly cosmetic and isn’t as tough as the underlying PVC,
- The backpack is enormous, making it hard to transport for shorter riders.
The board tapers smoothly at both the front and the back, providing a great platform for a wide variety of uses. In practice, it’s even stable enough for SUP yoga, which is pretty cool if you ask us.
The package is pretty much standard: a backpack, hand pump, paddle, leash, and basically everything that you need to hit the water. None of the stuff particularly stands out, except the paddle, but it’s all serviceable equipment for a beginner.
The paddle is great though. It has a double locking pin design, which seems to keep everything snapped together well while on the water. There’s no noise or creaking like we’ve seen with some of the cheaper paddles out there and it’s pretty lightweight since it’s made entirely of fiberglass.
The fins leave a bit to be desired, however. It’s a triple fin setup, but the central fin is rather short which means it doesn’t improve tracking as much as most would like. On the other hand, it’s not quite at the risk of snapping off if you suddenly end up in shallow rocky water so it’s suitable for an all-rounder style board.
The backpack is also overly large compared to many of the brands we looked at. It’s not a deal breaker, but it makes it a little bit harder for shorter riders to get it down to the water before they inflate it.
Overall, the All-Around package from iRocker is a solid way to hit the water for a beginner. Pros might be a little bit unsatisfied but you’ll get all of the basics right out of the gate for a reasonable price and there’s a lot to be said for the overall stability of the board.
ISLE Inflatable Standup Paddle Boards
Their range of boards isn’t as varied as many of the companies out there, but when it comes to solid touring and beginner all-rounders at a fair price, you’ll be in good hands if you choose to go with an ISLE board.
Let’s step right in and take a look at some of their best inflatable standup paddleboard kits.
ISLE 10’ All-Rounder Inflatable Paddleboard Package
At an even 10’ long and having a 31” base, the ISLE 10’ board is an excellent all-rounder for beginners. ISLE makes a solid product, with military-grade drop stitching and a board which, when charged to 15psi, demonstrates virtually no flexing at all.
The board has a single cargo area in the front and great grip-tape to keep you on it. The rounded design doesn’t lend itself to a whole lot of speed, but it’s of the right length for just about anything you might want to accomplish while on the waves. Surfing, cruising, and exploring are all easily done with this board.
The fin setup is pretty standard: two small trackers and a larger, detachable fin which is optimal for keeping good tracking while you’re in deeper water. It just adds to the emphasis of the board on all-around usage.
It comes with the usual accessories: a pump, a backpack, and a paddle. They’re pretty standard, although they all carry ISLE’s branding. The whole package weighs about 21lbs when it’s all together, with the board only weighing in at 19”.
While advanced paddleboarders probably aren’t going to be overly impressed, the ISLE 10’ package is perfect for beginners. Add in the 30-day return policy and yearlong material warranty and it’s clearly one of the best options for those new to the sport we’ve found.
Things We Like
- Length is suitable for a wide range of purposes, from surfing to touring
- Detachable long fin to improve tracking, or let you ride in shallow water worry-free
- Extremely lightweight and durable construction
- Wide enough to keep stability even with small waves despite shorter length
Things We Don’t Like
- ISLE’s pumps aren’t overly impressive, it takes a good amount of time to inflate
- The board is a little bit slow for some people’s taste, even compared to other inflatable
ISLE 10’ All-Rounder Package
| Model | ISLE 10’ package |
| Uses | All Around, Fishing, Surf |
| Length | 10' |
| Width | 31'' |
| Thikness | 6'' |
| Weight | 21lbs |
| Load | 240lbs |
| Check Best Price |
ISLE 11’ Explorer Inflatable Paddleboard Package
If you’re looking for something suitable for touring that isn’t going to break the bank, then the 11’ long, 32” wide Explorer board is right up your alley. It represents a large price increase over the 10’ package but the specializations on the board make up for it if touring is what you’re after.
There are a lot of little things that make this board stand out from its competition. The first thing the astute viewer will note is that there are two areas to tie down cargo, making it particularly suitable for exploring.
The package comes with everything you need, including a leash, pump, and backpack. There is also a paddle with it, although experienced paddleboarders are likely to want to switch it out fairly quickly for something a little bit lighter.
This board isn’t quite suitable for surfing, so you may want to go smaller if that’s your pleasure on the waves. On the other hand, the stable platform is great if you’re looking to get some fishing done and the double cargo compartments make it easy to haul all of the gear you need.
Add in the fact that the entire package weighs less than twenty pounds, and you’ve got a clear picture of why this is one of our favorite boards to get on the waves with.
The only real drawback is that the board is quite a bit slower than you’d think despite its length. This is a problem with all inflatable SUPs, but it’s particularly pronounced with this rounded and wide board.
For exploring, fishing, and touring it’s hard to beat the ISLE 11’ Explorer. It’s a functional all-round board, with just enough extras to make it particularly suitable for longer trips.
Things We Like
- The Explorer is extremely stable due to its length and width
- Two cargo compartments make this board ideal for longer trips
- The kit comes with everything you need
- Very light board and equipment
Things We Don’t Like
- The board could track a bit better, even with the detachable fin it can be a bit of a pain to keep straight
- This board is quite slow, even for an inflatable
ISLE 11’ Explorer Package
| Model | ISLE 11’ Package |
| Uses | Explorer, Touring, Fishing |
| Length | 11' |
| Width | 32'' |
| Thikness | 6'' |
| Weight | 19.1lbs |
| Load | 275lbs |
| Check Best Price |
ISLE 12’6” Touring Inflatable Paddleboard Package
Serious touring needs a serious inflatable SUP, and this board shines there. It’s 12’6” long and 30” wide, with the standard 6” thickness accompanying all of ISLE’s inflatables. Owing to its superior length it is also capable of a good cruising speed, and the entire platform is quite stable while going through mildly rough waters.
Like the other boards we’ve taken a look at so far, it has a simple fin system: two outriding fins and a single longer one which improves tracking if you’re not at risk of hitting the bottom or debris in deeper water.
The length of this board makes it pretty much solely for touring usage. As a suitable platform for longer adventures it really stands out from the competition and it’s found an unexpected niche usage for Yoga but it’s a bit unwieldy for shorter jaunts.
That’s definitely not due to the weight but is more of a limitation which comes with the fact that most of ISLE’s boards simply aren’t super good when it comes to tracking. They’ll fly a straight course, but the rider is definitely going to be heavily involved in doing so.
Apart from that minor limitation, however, it’s a serviceable and affordable SUP which stands out in its category.
Those looking for a cost-effective inflatable SUP for touring will find themselves right at home with the 12’6” Touring board from ISLE, but for all-around usage, it’s a bit unwieldy and it’s not be the go-to board for beginners.
Things We Like
- This is one of the most affordable touring boards we’ve found
- Extremely stable platform with good grip
- Kit comes complete with everything but leash
- Extremely lightweight and portable despite the large size
Things We Don’t Like
- The board is a bit slow for the size
- Lack of rocker in the profile makes this board hard to recommend for ocean usage
ISLE 12’6” Touring Package
| Model | ISLE 12’6 Package |
| Uses | Touring |
| Length | 12'6'' |
| Width | 30'' |
| Thikness | 6'' |
| Weight | 20.5lbs |
| Load | 265lbs |
| Check Best Price |
ISLE 10’6” Airtech Inflatable Paddleboard Package
If you’ve been looking for a board to get into SUP yoga, then you’ll be quite pleased with this 10’6” board from ISLE. It’s one of the most stable inflatable boards around and the cost isn’t very high despite the specialization included.
The board is 31” wide, making it suitable for more acrobatic aquatic activities. It actually maneuvers quite well and has decent tracking for such a short inflatable SUP as well, but the main usage for most people is going to be yoga or Pilates.
Unfortunately, it’s not particularly well suited for a lot of things: it lacks attachment points and cargo areas and while it’s serviceable for short jaunts it’s also a bit slow on the water.
If you’re looking to do shorter treks, or you’re planning on doing yoga on the water, however, there’s a lot to be recommended in the Airtech.
Things We Like
- Perfect, stable platform for those who are into SUP Yoga
- Low cost for a niche usage board
- Comes with everything you need in the package
- Very lightweight while supporting up to 255lbs
Things We Don’t Like
- This board is quite slow on the water
- There really aren’t any attachments for much other than the paddle, making it less useful for many purpose
ISLE 10’6” Airtech Package
| Model | ISLE 10’4 package |
| Uses | Yoga |
| Length | 10'4'' |
| Width | 31'' |
| Thikness | 6'' |
| Weight | 18.2lbs |
| Load | 255lbs |
| Check Best Price |
Isle Inflatable Standup PaddleBoards 2018
| Image | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | ISLE 10’ package | ISLE 11’ Package | ISLE 12’6 Package | ISLE 10’4 package |
| Uses | All Around, Fishing, Surf | Explorer, Touring, Fishing | Touring | Yoga |
| Length | 10' | 11' | 12'6'' | 10'4'' |
| Width | 31'' | 32'' | 30'' | 31'' |
| Thikness | 6'' | 6'' | 6'' | 6'' |
| Weight | 21lbs | 19.1lbs | 20.5lbs | 18.2lbs |
| Load | 240lbs | 275lbs | 265lbs | 255lbs |
| Check Best Price | Check Best Price | Check Best Price | Check Best Price |
Conclusion
ISLE shines in bringing the best inflatable SUPs for the price. You shouldn’t expect this brand to work miracles on the water, and most of their boards are primarily suited for all-rounder usage for beginners, but the price is amazing for the quality of ride you’ll get. If you’re in the budget market for an inflatable SUP and don’t want to buy used, ISLE deserves a serious look.
Red Paddle Co. RIDE Stand Up Inflatable Paddleboards
Red Paddle Co. RIDE Boards
RIDE boards come in three different sizes, ranging from a shorter 9’8” board to 10’8” depending on the size of the rider. These boards are all-rounders for the most part, great for those who are just beginning in the sport and not quite sure what their final destination is going to be. And these ISUPs will definitely get you there, they’re suitable for pretty much anything other than competition. The different sizes are a major plus since you can use a smaller board for surfing or a larger one for more leisurely long distance rides. With these boards, it’s all up to you when it comes to where you want to go and how to get there. Along with the board, you’ll also receive a great little pump and a bag which holds everything together. The smallest model weighs only 18lbs, with the larger ones still being rather modest in weight at 21lbs a piece. The board ends up being super tough and durable due to the composite design. They still weigh enough to keep to board predictably in rougher water as well, which is highly desirable for those who are going to use theirs in the ocean. It also has a RAM mount, which will let you put specially made bracket accessories on the board without any difficulty. The biggest problem we found was that it doesn’t glide as straight as many touring boards do. For advanced riders, it’s hardly a problem, but beginners will find themselves having to pay a lot of attention to which side they’re paddling on to keep on the right path. In our humble opinion, the RIDE line of boards is a great way to get started for beginners and still a solid option for experienced paddleboarders who want a great board with versatile usage. Things We Like
- The versatility of the RIDE boards is pretty much unmatched
- Thick and versatile
- Comes with everything included and a well-organized backpack-style carrying case
- Great stability on the water, combined with a good amount of glide
Things We Don’t Like
- The board doesn’t track straight at all times due to the three fin setup
- It can be a bit of a trick to get it back in the pack when playtime is over
Red Paddle Co. 2018 Red RIDE Stand Up Paddleboard 9’8
| Use | All Rounder |
| Length | 9’8” |
| Width | 31” |
| Thickness | 3.93" |
| Weight | 19lbs |
| Load | 175lbs |
| Check Best Price |
Red Paddle Co. 2018 Red RIDE Stand Up Paddleboard 10’6
| Use | All Rounder |
|---|---|
| Length | 10’6” |
| Width | 32’ |
| Thickness | 4.75” |
| Weight | 21lbs |
| Load | 220lbs |
| Check Best Price |
Red Paddle Co. 2018 Red RIDE Stand Up Paddleboard 10’8
| Use | All Rounder |
| Length | 10’8” |
| Width | 34’ |
| Thickness | 4.72” |
| Weight | 21lbs |
| Load | 265lbs |
| Check Best Price |
Red Paddle Co. 2018 RIDE Stand Up Paddleboards
| Image | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Red Co RIDE | Red Co RIDE | Red Co RIDE |
| Use | All Rounder | All Rounder | All Rounder |
| Length | 9’8” | 10’6” | 10’8” |
| Width | 31” | 32’ | 34’ |
| Thickness | 3.93" | 4.75” | 4.72” |
| Weight | 19lbs | 21lbs | 21lbs |
| Load | 175lbs | 220lbs | 265lbs |
| Check Best Price | Check Best Price | Check Best Price |
Red Paddle Co SPORT Inflatable Paddleboards
They range from 11’ to 12’6”, while maintaining good width. In fact, the 11’3” model is actually slightly wider, at 32” and is designed for heavier riders. They come in fairly thick, as inflatable standup paddleboards usually do, 4.72” for the shorter two sizes and the longer one coming in at 5.9”. This leaves them a bit unsuitable for surfing but keeps them nice and stable in heavier waters. The whole thing is topped off with a single fin, keeping the board tracking well at high speeds and allowing for quite a bit of maneuverability on the water.
They also have a shocking amount of glide for the length of the board, we found them almost effortless in smooth water. The whole package fits in a backpack style carrier which ends up weighing roughly 29lbs. Not bad, considering the length of the board and they’re also quite a bit lighter than the older Sport models. You’ll also receive the pump with the package, which is the standard for the company: a dual-barreled Titan pump that reduces inflation time considerably when compared to their competitors.
The Sport model is perfect if you’re looking for something… well, sporty and quick. They’re a bit thin for beginning riders, but if you’re willing to put up with the lack of thickness then they’re a good board to learn on if speed is your thing. Things We Like
- These boards have really impressive glide, even for their length
- Lightweight for the length
- Comes with an awesome Titan pump
- Great tracking while paddling along
Things We Don’t Like
- A little bit harder to maneuver than the RIDE boards
- Not suitable for surfing
Red Paddle Co. Sport Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard11′
| Use | Sport |
| Length | 11’ |
| Width | 30’ |
| Thickness | 4.72” |
| Weight | 22lbs |
| Load | 195lbs |
| Check Best Price |
Red Paddle Co. Sport Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard11’3″
| Use | Sport |
| Length | 11’3” |
| Width | 32’ |
| Thickness | 4.72” |
| Weight | 21lbs |
| Load | 242lbs |
| Check Best Price |
Red Paddle Co. Sport Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard12’6″
| Use | Sport |
| Length | 12’6” |
| Width | 30’ |
| Thickness | 5.9” |
| Weight | 21lbs |
| Load | 330lbs |
| Check Best Price |
Red Paddle Co. Sport Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards
| Image | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Red Co Sport | Red Co Sport | Red Co Sport |
| Use | Sport | Sport | Sport |
| Length | 11’ | 11’3” | 12’6” |
| Width | 30” | 32’ | 30’ |
| Thickness | 4.72” | 4.72” | 5.9” |
| Weight | 21lbs | 21lbs | 22lbs |
| Load | 195lbs | 240lbs | 330lbs |
| Check Best Price | Check Best Price | Check Best Price |