Best Inflatable Standup Paddle Boards 2019
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After personally paddling, weighing, and thoroughly testing 150+ boards, our expert staff has selected the best inflatable stand up paddle board 2019 models. These are designated by the "A" grade and organized by categories (inflatable, all-around, touring, etc). The Supconnect team traveled across 3 states and spent 8 months individually assessing each one of the inflatable SUP boards below, counting a total of 23 metrics per board and consistently applying them across all products. The end result: simply the most comprehensive, consumer-friendly, value-added review platform in the standup paddle world. Click through each one of the reviews and find a consistent, in-depth assessment of each product listed.
Quick Answer:
The Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards 2019
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A Comparison
The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards 2019
| Picture | Board | Weight | Price | Use | Skill |
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Surftech Alta | 30.5 lbs | $999 | All Around | Beginner |
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Body Glove Navigator + | 22.12 lbs | $999 | All Around | Beginner |
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Red Paddle Co Voyager | 25.3 lbs | $1,599 | Touring | Intermediate |
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Body Glove Oasis | 24 lbs | $999 | Yoga/Fitness | Beginner |
Inflatable Paddle Boards 101
3 Things to Consider to Find the Best Inflatable SUP
1. BUILD
Inflatable paddle boards usually fall into 1 of 3 categories of construction: Single Layer, Double Layer, and Double Layer with reinforced rails.
Least Rigid: Single Layer construction is exactly how it sounds: it’s a single layer. Advantages of the single layer construction are that it is lightweight and easy to carry. Disadvantages of this construction are that it is not very durable and also it becomes very flexible, which is not ideal for an inflatable.
More Rigid: Double Layer construction is the next step above the single layer and adds an extra layer of reinforcement allowing for the board to not only be more durable but also more rigid and stiff. As expected, adding the extra layer does help with rigidity and durability but it causes the board to be heavier which is an obvious disadvantage. This construction is the standard used in the SUP industry and most boards are built with the double layer.
Most Rigid: Double Layer with reinforced rails are the best quality inflatable paddle boards on the market. The added reinforced rails help keep the board really stiff and also give the board better durability. Added material means more weight so the reinforced rails are adding weight to the board which is the only bummer.
2. USE
The beauty of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is that there are so many ways and situations where you can participate. Here at Supconnect we break down the different uses of a paddle board into 7 categories: All Around, Touring, Yoga, Fishing, Race, Surf and River. Each category has their own specific purpose and thus, a different shape/design is necessary for each. There are boards that fit into multiple SUP disciplines and can be used in a variety of ways. A brief breakdown of each category is as follows:
- All Around: For multiple purposes but primarily for recreation
- Touring: For cruising paddles beyond the shoreline and for expedition paddling
- Yoga: For optimal stability as a floating yoga mat
- Fishing: For stability to cast the line, with plenty of accessories
- Race: For speed, coming with lightweight build
- Surf: For maneuverability and wave handling
- River: For rapids, river eddies and river wave riding
3. ADD ONS
Add-on’s are accessories for a paddle board that add to your experience on/off the water. The quality of the bag/backpack and the air pump tend to be directly related to the board’s price points. Aside from your paddle, bags and pumps are the most important add-on’s to your board and can drastically improve your overall experience with the board, such as helping you more easily carry the board and/or pump it up more quickly. Other popular add on’s include bungee cords, a minimalist way to haul things; Connexsup, which allows for all sorts of attachments, even fishing rods; and FCS II/Connect, for easy fin instal. Other add on’s could be upgraded handles like the Liftsup & EZgrab and paddle holders for when you aren’t using your paddle.
Best Inflatable Paddle Board Reviews
SURFTECH ALTA
If you’re looking for an inflatable paddle board that is under $1,000 and is geared towards the women’s market then the Alta from Surftech is a solid contender. At $999 the Alta inflatable is offered in two unique set of graphics that have matching paddles and leashes and partner with prAna for matching apparel. The board is 32 in wide and utilizes BLOOM foam, giving it an eco-friendly twist. The board is best suited for recreational paddling that paddlers of all skill levels will enjoy.
| Price: $999 | Build: Inflatable | Weight: 30.5 lbs |
| Use: All Around | Skill: Beginner | Sizes: 10' |
BODY GLOVE NAVIGATOR+
This board is hands down one of the best inflatable standup paddle board models for 2019. The construction is very strong with reinforced rails and stringer and feels stiff. This inflatable has the perfect amount of rocker so it glides incredibly well for an inflatable. The board is also very stable with the square tail helping add to that stability as you cruise along. The board features some really nice add on's as well with a comfortable handle that is nice when carrying the board but it also features as a paddle holder when you want to be hands free. The graphics are beautiful and have a really nice color coordination that is attractive to both guys and gals. The board also comes with a full setup, a paddle, leash and pump and a nice portable carry bag. The paddle blade also has nice graphics adding a nice touch to the overall package.
| Price: $999 | Build: Inflatable | Weight: 22.12 lbs |
| Use: All Around | Skill: Beginner |
Sizes: 10'6" |
RED PADDLE CO VOYAGER
The Voyager from Red Paddle Co is an inflatable touring board best suited for intermediate paddlers. At 25.3 lbs, the Voyager is lightweight and relatively easy to carry, despite its size. The Voyager is offered in three sizes (12’6”, 13’2”, 15’), giving paddlers a nice range to choose from. The board also utilizes Red Paddle Co’s MSL technology which makes the boards very rigid and durable, ideal for an inflatable SUP. Starting at $1,599, the Voyager does sit in the premium-tier market in terms of affordability but does offer free shipping and a 2-year warranty.
| Price: $1,599 | Build: Inflatable | Weight: 25.3 lbs |
| Use: Touring | Skill: Intermediate |
Sizes: 12'6", 13'2", 15' |
BODY GLOVE OASIS
At $999 this inflatable is simply one of the most beautiful mid-price point inflatables that you can buy. The graphics are gorgeous and have a very thoughtful coordination of color scheme all throughout the board. The construction is just remarkable. In fact, it’s quite surprising that at this price point you can find a carbon stringer with reinforced rails, comfortable handles on the nose and center of the board. The board is fairly stable. It’s not the most stable on the market but is fairly stable and pretty average in terms of stability and it would make for an incredible gift for your wife, girlfriend, daughter, etc. who is looking for a board in the yoga space and wanting to have fun on a board that is at an affordable price point that looks good.
| Price: $999 | Build: Inflatable | Weight: 24 lbs |
| Use: Yoga/Fitness | Skill: Beginner | Sizes: 10' |
To look through the 150+ boards reviewed click HERE.
Photo Gallery
A Look at Imagery from our SUP Reviews
More Resources
- Best Paddle Boards 2019
- Best All Around Stand Up Paddle Boards 2019
- Best Beginner Stand Up Paddle Boards 2018
- Best Non-Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards 2018
- Best Touring Stand Up Paddle Boards 2018
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