Latest news with #inflatablepaddleboard
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
How To Choose An Inflatable Paddle Board
Learn how to choose the best inflatable paddle board : compare stability, size, weight capacity, and materials to find the right board for your skill level and adventures. Whether you're a thrill seeker and want to try out SUP surfing or you're looking for a relaxing way to cruise around your local waterways, an inflatable paddle board is the right way to go. With reliable, high-quality manufacturers like iRocker and Red Paddle Co. creating exceptional boards and accessories, the inflatable paddle board market can be intimidating. For help choosing the right paddle board for you, read on. Questions to Ask Yourself It will be easy to find all of the best inflatable paddle boards online, as there are many buying guides out there that tell you exactly what to look for. But before you jump into the exciting prospect of shopping for your board, you should ask yourself a few questions to help narrow down the market just a little bit. How Much Can I Spend? As always, you can't forget about your budget. Some boards will be fairly affordable at $1,000, but other boards can cost as much as $12,000. Setting your spending limit early will help you find the right board in a price range you can actually afford. Keep in mind that you may also want to purchase a wetsuit, SUP paddle, electric pump or manual pump, or additional warranty coverage. What Type of Paddling Do I Want to Do? There are many, many types of paddle boards out there, and you'll see some variation within categories as well. If you want to help yourself choose the right board, it is a good idea to figure out what you'll be doing with it before you start browsing. If you're interested in paddle board racing, surfing, or other high-intensity water sports, you'll want to look for boards that are fast, maneuverable, and highly responsive. If recreational riding and yoga are more your thing, a more stable all-around board will be better for you. Am I a Beginner or an Experienced Paddler? Your paddle history should be something you think about before you start shopping for a paddle board. While inflatable models are generally more beginner-friendly than solid boards, they can still have some features in place that make them better suited to experienced paddlers. You'll learn more about this below. Features to Consider While inflatable paddle boards may initially come across as quite basic water vehicles, there is a lot that goes into their design and construction. Choosing the right board for you means understanding what each feature is and how it will affect your riding experience and board performance. Hull Type There are two types of hulls (nose designs) that you need to consider when browsing for a SUP board. The first type of hull is a displacement hull. This is the same hull type that you see on most types of boats; it is a V-shaped projection that extends down into the water. Displacement hulls can be easily spotted as they will have a pointed nose rather than a rounded one. These boards will be much faster in the water, but they do sacrifice some stability. They are used mostly for racing and touring boards and are best used by experienced paddlers. Planing hulls are the second and most common type of hull for an inflatable paddle board. They sit on top of the water rather than in the water and have a rounder, wider shape than displacement hulls. They are more stable and turn more easily than boards with displacement hulls, so they are great for first-time paddlers. You'll find this hull type on most all-around and recreational boards. Fin Type The fins on a paddle board are what allow you to travel in a straight line and have control of the board's movement in the water. There are a number of different setups, though, and they each affect the performance of the inflatable SUP board. Thinner fins will offer more maneuverability in the water than thicker versions. The more curvature a fin has, the more stable it will be and the better it will track. However, you'll sacrifice maneuverability here. If you have a stiff fin, you'll have more control of the board, but a softer fin will absorb impacts better and will improve the maneuverability of the board. There are also a number of fin setups to consider. Each board may have only a center fin, two fins placed side by side, or a center fin with two side fins further up the board. Each will offer different benefits, and the type of fin in each location will also have an impact on how the board moves and responds. Some fins will be permanently fixed to the board, and others will be removable from their fin boxes for safer placement on a roof rack or storage in a bag. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to the fin type of an inflatable paddle board. Rocker Style The rocker of a board describes the lift at the nose or tail of the board. It can vary in placement and angle depending on the desired performance characteristics of the board. Almost every board you look at will have some type of nose rocker, as this is what allows you to glide smoothly over the water and ride over choppy water easily. A board can have a high, moderate, or low nose rocker. A high rocker is really only used for river running or extreme white water paddling, and a low nose rocker increases the performance of racing SUPs and long-distance touring boards, since there is more board in contact with the water. A moderate rocker is the most commonly found nose rocker type for SUPs due to its versatility. Some boards will have a tail rocker, and this helps the board turn more easily. However, it also slows the board down, so it isn't a very common addition to inflatable boards. It is worth noting, though, that some boards will have a tail rocker and a nose rocker combined, called a banana rocker style. This continuous curvature of the blade is excellent for white water paddling, as the paddler can stay above the waves and shift the board with only their weight. Board Size Inflatable paddle boards come in many, many sizes, both between and within categories. For example, multi-person boards can carry anywhere between 2 and 8 people, so there will be a lot of variation in size just within that board type. Depending on whether you buy a board for SUP yoga, racing, or white water paddling, the board length will also vary. You can have a board as short as 9 feet or longer than 12 feet. Longer boards can reach faster speeds with less paddling effort when compared to a medium or short board. Board width can also vary; wider boards will offer more stability but won't have the same maneuverability as a racing board or one designed for paddle board surfers. Narrower boards are therefore not recommended for newbies. Weight Capacity The maximum carrying capacity of an inflatable paddle board can be comparable to hard boards, averaging between 300 and 350 lbs at the high end. However, there are smaller boards with weight capacities of less than 200, and even some large enough to support as many as 8 people. No matter what type of board you're looking at, you'll be able to find one that can carry the weight of you and any gear you're bringing along. Durability Durability for an inflatable paddle board is important, especially if you'll be using it more often on rougher water than flat water. Unlike hard boards and surfboards that can be made of materials like epoxy, fibreglass, carbon fibre, and other materials that can alter their durability, all inflatable paddle boards are made of drop stitch material enclosing the air chamber and military-grade PVC on the outside. As a result, the main factor that affects the durability of an inflatable SUP board is the number of layers of PVC. A single layer of PVC will be much less durable than two, and a board can have up to four layers. Deck Pad Style Believe it or not, there are actually three different styles for a deck pad alone. Some boards will only have a traction pad on a portion of the board where you spend your time standing to paddle. Other boards will extend that traction pad from the tail to the tip. With other SUP boards, you may even see that the traction pad wraps around the rails of the board as well. In general, longer deck pads will offer more versatility, and those that wrap around your rails will increase the durability of the board. Storage Capabilities The storage capabilities of an inflatable stand-up paddle board will usually be determined by its overall type, but there can be some variation within a category as well. Some boards may have two sections of bungee storage, one at the nose and one at the tail, whereas other boards will only have storage at one end. Certain boards will also be longer in order to accommodate any gear that you may be travelling with. Our Top Picks for an Inflatable Paddle Board Our Guide To The Best Paddle Boards In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them) 21 Genius Golf Accessories To Level Up Your Game This Summer 18 Genius Pickleball Accessories To Level Up Your Game This Summer Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
Forbes
28-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Of 2025 Pack Small And Play Big
While some form of standup paddle board (SUP) has existed for thousands of years, the popularity of paddle boarding as a recreational activity has exploded in recent decades. And what's not to like? Whether you use them standing, on your knees or seated, the best inflatable paddle boards, like our top pick, the Isle Pioneer Pro, provide a stable platform for workouts, fishing, yoga, meditation or maritime fun. As someone who owns two inflatable paddle boards and has tested many more, they serve as one of the best ways to get out on the water. Paddleboards can be used for recreation, fishing, fitness, yoga and so much more. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers Paddle boards are an investment, which is why I made sure to look beyond my own experience when finding models for this guide. I also checked in with Forbes Vetted editor and SUP enthusiast McKenzie Dillon, and I spoke to several outdoor experts in the water sports space to gain additional insights. Based on my findings, these are the best paddle boards of 2025. Our Top Recommendations Best Inflatable Paddle Board Overall: Isle Pioneer Pro Best Portable Inflatable Paddle Board: Red Paddle Co. Compact MSL Pact Best Inflatable Paddle Board For Fishing: iRocker Blackfin Model V 6.0 Length(s): 9 feet 6 inches, 10 feet 6 inches, 11 feet 6 inches | Width(s): 32, 34 and 36 inches | Weight(s): 20, 23 and 26 pounds | Capacity: 195, 300 and 450 pounds The Isle Pioneer Pro is essentially a standup paddle board, sit-on-top kayak, fishing platform and more. This is one of the most stable paddle boards I have ever used, and I have been atop more SUPs than I can count at this point. I've used this paddle board while standing, kneeling and seated, and it handles well in all configurations. It also tracks well (it moves in the direction you propelled it) thanks to an included fin and the rigid construction of the board. In fact, the Pioneer Pro is so rigid when fully inflated that it's almost hard to believe this is an inflatable paddle board, and not one made of a solid material. The accessories you can use to effectively convert this SUP into a kayak are pretty pricey, but they're also purpose-built for the board and create a comfortable and supportive seating system. It would be great if Isle included a pump and a paddle with the board, but you'll have to pick those up yourself. A series of attachment points that run the length of the deck allow you to secure everything from a cooler to a PFD. Length(s): 10 feet 6 inches | Width(s): 33 inches | Weight(s): 19 pounds | Capacity: 450 pounds There's a lot to unpack with this paddle board from Niphean—literally. It comes with so many accessories, including multiple fins and skegs, a paddle, a pump, a leash and more, that you'd expect this to be a pricey SUP based on the kit alone. And yet, it is far and away the lowest priced standup paddle board featured in this guide. But don't worry, it's not a cheap knockoff; with thousands of online reviews, this board achieves a 4.5/5-star rating. The board weighs 19 pounds and has a weight capacity of 450 pounds, which is impressive at this price. The 10 foot, six inch deck length and 33-inch width are great dimensions for riders of various heights, so it's perfect for families or rentals when different people will be using it. Be a bit wary with the included pump as it seems to be cheap—a number of verified buyers report that its gauge is inaccurate. Length(s): 9 feet 6 inches | Width(s): 32 inches | Weight(s): 15.9 pounds | Capacity: 210 pounds This compact SUP is light enough that you can carry it for a day hike, along with water, snacks, a change of clothes and a first aid kit. The board weighs less than 16 pounds, and it packs down to about the size of a suitcase. Of course, a lightweight board is going to support less weight, which is why it has a capacity of only 210 pounds, but it remains capable and easy to control if you're light enough. Being well under 10 feet in length, it's ideal for use on rivers or rocky coasts where maneuverability is key. You'll pay pretty handsomely for this compact SUP, but you'll also get a surprisingly durable board in spite of its smaller size. The 'MSL' in the name comes from proprietary 'Monocoque Structural Laminate' material that offers excellent stiffness and resists the scrapes, scuffs and bumps it might pick up on the water. Length(s): 11 feet | Width(s): 34 inches | Weight(s): 19.8 pounds | Capacity: 420 pounds This 11-foot-long paddle board from Airski can support a couple of average-sized adults, and it easily accommodates one adult practicing yoga on its wide, stable deck. That deck is coated with a layer of foam for added comfort and textured with thousands of small raised dots that add grip. Tie-down bungees on the front of the board can secure some gear, while multiple attachment points along the sides of the board can be used to strap on a seat or connect other accessories. The board has a center handle for solo carrying (and it weighs less than 20 pounds) and handles at the front and back for toting it in tandem. Given its size and stability, it's impressive that this SUP costs less than $220. The included pump is pretty slow to inflate the board, but you can always use your own pump—ideally an electric one—to speed up the process. Length(s): 12 feet 6 inches | Width(s): 32 inches | Weight(s): 30 pounds | Capacity: 485 pounds Fishing can be a lot of sitting around and waiting, but it can also involve quite strenuous physical activity and a lot of motion. The 12-and-a-half-foot-long Blackfin Model V 6.0 provides space and stability for an active angler, yet it's only 32 inches wide and therefore plenty swift. When set up with accessories like fishing rod holders, a comfortable and supportive seat and other modifications, this is a highly functional platform for fishing. And of course, it's a great SUP for other uses as well. Given its length and generous weight capacity, it's also a good tandem inflatable paddle board. It's also on the heavier side and is cumbersome even when deflated, so make sure you have the space to store it. Length(s): 10 feet | Width(s): 32 inches | Weight(s): 17.5 pounds | Capacity: 275 pounds This 10-foot paddle board from Roc weighs well under 20 pounds and comes with just about everything you'll need to get out on the water, from a pump to a paddle to a leash to a carrying bag, all at a great price. Those extras make it a great paddle board for a newcomer, and so too does the fact that it handles well on the water. The board tracks and turns efficiently, and it can be comfortably used while standing, kneeling or seated. What's more, this inflatable paddle board has over 18,000 reviews on Amazon and an impressive 4.8/5-star rating. Just keep in mind that the accessories are not necessarily the highest quality: There are often issues with the strength of the fins and the quality of the included paddle, but you can always replace these as you progress. The team of editors and writers at Forbes Vetted has extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing outdoor gear and apparel, from pocket knives to coolers to kids water shoes. This article was written by Forbes Vetted staff writer Steven John, who has more than 13 year of experience as a journalist and owns two inflatable paddle boards, two kayaks and a canoe. He frequently plies the waterways around his home on the north shore of Long Island. This piece was reviewed and edited by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, an outdoorsman with years of experience testing and reviewing outdoor equipment. John also received input from Forbes Vetted staff writer McKenzie Dillon, a paddle board enthusiast who has used multiple SUPs, including inflatable and hard-sided models. To gain additional insights and learn more about paddle boards, John spoke to several standup paddle boarding experts, including: Paddle Canada (PC)-certified SUP instructor Diana Lee; professional windsurfer and SUP instructor Ilya Chaika; and a representative from Backcountry. We know new SUPS hit the market all the time, and brands may discontinue product lines as well, so we regularly revisit and update this article to ensure it's accurate and relevant. It was published July 2025. With a few exceptions, inflatable paddle boards are expensive purchases, which is why we made sure to select models are well worth your money. We consulted with paddle board experts within the Forbes Vetted team and beyond, gathering general paddle boards insights along with specific brand and product recommendations. John drew on his own years of experience using paddle boards, kayaks and canoes in the bays of Long Island and the lakes of upstate New York. We performed extensive research and created different categories of inflatable paddle boards (for fishing, yoga, beginners and so on). Then, we set about finding specific paddle boards that would be ideally suited to each category. We read scores of reviews and checked the ratings of every board we considered for each category, and made sure to select SUPs that came highly recommended among the experts we spoke with. All inflatable paddle boards are going to share a few common traits, but depending on how you plan to use your paddle board, some of these factors will be more important than others. Consider the following variables as you shop. Stability Paddle board stability is how well the board stays level and resists side-to-side rolling motions in various water conditions. Wider boards create a larger surface area, making them more stable and easier to balance on, which is especially good for beginners or paddlers who want a more relaxing paddling experience. You will sacrifice some speed and maneuverability to gain enhanced stability, however. 'Yoga and fitness enthusiasts are finding that inflatable boards excel at stability and comfort, making on-board exercise both accessible and enjoyable,' says the rep from Backcountry. Weight Capacity You want a paddle board that can hold significantly more weight than you'll need—not one rated for a few pounds more than your gear and body weight. 'Plenty of boards are big enough for relaxed cruises through scenic coves with the family,' says Chaika, while others are only suitable for one adult. The higher the weight capacity, the heavier the board itself, so be sure to strike a balance. Length When it comes to length, a longer board is usually going to be a faster board—especially if its narrow—. Shorter boards are slower but much easier to maneuver. 'Dimensions play a pivotal role,' says the representative from Backcountry. 'A length of 10 to 12 feet suits most beginners and intermediate paddlers.' Width The wider the board, the more balanced and stable it will be, though it sacrifices speed. That width also has the simple benefit of adding more deck space, which the Backcountry rep says is ideal for 'those bringing along kids, pets or cargo.' Accessories A basic paddle board will often get the job done, but these boards can offer so much more than that. 'Consider the features of board design—non-negotiable features for me include D-rings for strapping down items,' says Lee. With the right accessories and compatibility, you can convert a standup paddle board into a sit-on-top kayak, a mobile fishing post, a floating yoga studio or a great place for a picnic on the water. Safety Think beyond the board itself when it comes to safety. 'Always wear a lifejacket—don't just tuck it under straps or just have it on board' says Lee. 'And wear a leash, which keeps you from losing your board if you fall off.' She also advises paddlers to always check the weather before going out and to paddle within their abilities. And if you're paddling on a river where any rapids are possible, considering bringing a helmet and PFD. How Do I Choose The Right Paddle? Find one that's light, sturdy and a bit taller than you. 'For the paddle, I suggest a one‑piece, non‑folding model cut roughly five inches above your height,' says Chaika. Paddles that ship with boards are often of middling quality, so you might want to upgrade as you improve. Are Inflatable Paddle Boards As Safe As Hard Paddle Boards? Generally speaking, an inflatable paddle board is just as safe as one made from wood, fiberglass or any other material. Inflatable boards might be a bit slower than their hard-bodied siblings, but they are every bit as stable and balanced. The one area in which an inflatable paddle board can present more risk is in the event of an air leak. Be sure to carefully inspect your paddle board before each use, and thoroughly and properly patch any leaks you detect, no matter how small. Are there Any Laws Governing Paddle Board Use? Several, actually, as the Coast Guard classifies most paddle boards as vessels. Depending on where you are paddling, you may be required to use a personal flotation device, carry a safety whistle or airhorn, and after dark, you may be required to have some sort of highly visible light.
