We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Our paddling experts have spent the last 8 years testing over 30 of the best inflatable SUP boards. Most recently, we purchased 15 top models for side-by-side testing to assist you in finding the best option for your needs and budget. Every board was tested in various weather and water conditions as well as a variety of locations. Paddlers of all ages, sizes, and experience levels, and even animals, challenged themselves and these boards to test their stability, maneuverability, and glide. We timed ourselves during set-up to reveal the quickest and easiest to inflate and carried the boards short and long distances to evaluate the ease of transport. We even brought extra equipment on our tours to test which boards are best for longer adventures.
Editor's Note: We updated our inflatable SUP review on March 1, 2024, to remove a discontinued model and to share additional recommendations in our award section.
Beyond being lightweight, the Bote Breeze Aero has been chosen as our tester's favorite all-around inflatable SUP board. This durable and easy-to-transport board earns praise for its overall performance and value by combining high-quality materials without sacrificing weight. This board is ready for a fun day out with a cargo area in the front, multiple handles, and side-mounted D-rings for carrying gear, towing, or tying up. A soft and grippy pad covers three-quarters of the deck, making it ideal for sitting, resting, or yoga. The Breeze Aero weighs only 20 pounds when fully inflated and can support up to 250 pounds. The carrying bag is simple to adjust, padded in the right places, and durable.
The Breeze Aero proved stable in chop and easy to maneuver for paddlers of all skill levels. Because of the gradually tapered nose, longer center fin, and board height, it glides easily through waves and smoothly on flat water. That said, the board could benefit from fully removable fins. Still, the additional features, high quality of construction, and ease of transport make the Breeze a favorite among paddlers looking for a high-performance board at a reasonable price. If you're just looking to get out on the water for the lowest price possible, the FunWater 11 is worth a look, discussed below.
The FunWater 11 impressed our testers with its solid all-around performance and incredible value. Its sleek design with three fins provides respectable glide performance, straight tracking, and enough stability to entice beginner paddlers and timid pooches aboard. Weighing in at just under 19 pounds, it's one of the lightest boards in our lineup, and its list price is pleasingly low. Throw in a simple yet effective backpack, a decent quality adjustable three-piece paddle, and bonus accessories like an ankle leash and a dry bag, and it's easy to see why we consider the FunWater a great value.
The FunWater 11 has a comfortable and sturdy middle carrying handle, but it lacks a front and rear grip, which would allow for better portability once inflated. This board also isn't as stable as others, especially in choppy water. Still, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the overall respectable performance of the board, its solid quality for the price, and its included bonus accessories. Add a life jacket and you'll have everything to get out on the water without breaking the bank. If the FunWater isn't available, we also think the ROC 10' Explorer is a totally decent board on a budget.
With its heavy-duty carbon-reinforced construction and impressive all-around performance, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon gives solid core boards a run for their money. Its 12-foot length and pointed nose provide excellent glide. The 32-inch width and carbon fiber Flex Reduction System (FRS) helps maintain rigidity in choppy conditions and provides a stable paddling platform. The Cruise Carbon also comes with a kayak seat attachment and a convertible paddle that allows you to paddle the board while seated. The included heavy-duty carrying bag has roller wheels and can fit all your accessories if packed carefully. This board has dual cargo tie-down systems, front and back grab handles, and a stomp pad built into the deck pad, as well as one of the best dual-chamber high-capacity pumps we've tested. With high-end materials and construction, this board offers consistently great performance.
The Cruise Carbon 12 is an excellent high-end board, but it is also quite heavy and pricey. The extra features, such as the kayak seat and the extra convertible paddle blade, make it difficult to fit everything into the included carry bag, and the overall load is quite hefty. Additionally, while the convertible SUP/kayak paddle is unique, we found it too flexible in SUP mode for such a rigid and high-end board — so you may want to replace this piece, which is another expense. These things aside, if you're looking for a high-performance board that feels like a solid SUP, this is a great choice. If you want a kayak seat model but don't have the budget for the Bluefin Cruise Carbon, we also like the Isle Switch, which will save you a little money.
High-quality materials and construction, a sleek profile, and excellent glide performance earn the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL high overall scores, and it's the best model in our lineup for touring. Because this board is optimized for advanced users looking for efficient glide and higher speeds, it's not the best all-around option for the family or beginner paddlers. Its long and narrow shape yields excellent glide performance — it's a perfect option for glassy days when you want to cover some distance, but it also holds up quite well in windier or choppier conditions. With an FCS Connect fin and an RSS stiffening system that adds rigidity to the rails, the Voyager+ MSL is a top-of-the-line board with high-end performance. The icing on the cake is the included dual-chamber, universally compatible pump, one of the best in our review.
Because of this model's sleeker profile, beginner paddlers often felt less stable on it. This isn't an optimal entry-level board, nor the best option for rocky zones or narrow passageways with its somewhat limited maneuverability compared to shorter models. If easy maneuverability is what you're after, we recommend the GILI Komodo. The Voyager+ is also one of the priciest boards we tested, and it doesn't include a paddle, which means you'll have to purchase one separately, adding to the cost. However, we suspect anyone in the market for such a high-end, high-performance inflatable SUP probably already has their preferred paddle or won't have any qualms about the additional purchase of a top quality SUP paddle.
The Isle Switch is a long, wide board that is lightweight and stable for paddlers who like to stand or sit. This hybrid board weighs just 19 pounds, is 35.6 inches wide, has a single detachable fin, and can support up to 425 pounds. This is our favorite inflatable SUP hybrid we've tested, thanks to the comfortable inflatable kayak seat and footrest. Interesting features like the 20 pairs of link loops, carrying strap, and additional straps for connecting to other boards set this one apart from the other hybrids we've tested.
Everything you need to transition between standing to sitting is included with the Switch. The four-piece paddle set, deflated seat, footrest, and seat back can be stored in one of the two cargo nets. When packed up for carrying, the bag weighs 35 pounds. This board doesn't cut through waves as easily when using it as a stand up paddle board, but we think it's a solid choice if you're seeking versatility and a break from being upright. If you're not interested in a kayak seat, our favorite board overall is the more affordable Bote Breeze Aero.
Of all the boards we have tested, the Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 is the board we grabbed whenever we were bringing extra gear or a pet. It features a huge bag that easily fits all the accessories with room for stashing your personal belongings as well. We packed extra clothing, PFDs, dog supplies, and more into the generously sized bag. We tossed it all onto the roof of a Jeep Wrangler and paddled the Waterwalker through boat waves and wind. This board weighs only 23.7 pounds and measures 32 inches wide. The recommended rider weight is 210 pounds, but it has a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds. Inflate it to 20 PSI and the board not only becomes stiffer, but more stable when loaded. The side of the board has two velcro loops that can hold a paddle or fishing rod, and there are plenty of D-rings as well as cargo nets on the front and back. The Waterwalker allows you to carry more to the water and then bring it all with you, too.
The Waterwalker isn't for everyone. The bulky bag was almost as large as some of our testers, and it does not glide as smoothly as some of the other boards we've tested, like the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL. But if you like to travel with your board and want the option to stash all your supplies in one place while doing so, the Waterwalker is a great choice. The paddle and included electric pump are relatively lightweight and reduce the effort required to get out on the water. This board is durable, performs well in most conditions, is easy to transport once inflated, and has plenty of cargo space and attachment rings for all the gear you want to bring along. Additionally, the three detachable fins are simple to attach without tools, and they can be adjusted to increase stability or maneuverability. The extended deck pad is grippy almost to the tail, so stepping back to make a turn is accessible, and your belongings, pup, or kids won't slip off. The handles on the front, center, and rear provide multiple locations for carrying and make it easy to transport this board in and around the water.
Whether you want to get out with just yourself or with a furry friend and extra gear, the Waterwalker is a great choice.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Compare Products
Our crew of testers paddled in all kinds of locations and through all types of conditions.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Why Trust GearLab
We purchased all of the paddle boards in this review and tested them extensively in the Lake Tahoe region and the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Santa Barbara. We loaded them up with beginners, experts, multiple people, dogs, and gear. We even practiced yoga poses on them. A big part of inflatable SUPing is the ease of inflation, setup, and transportation. We paid special attention to these aspects, even packing one board on an international trip to the Maldives.
We tested inflatable SUPs using five performance metrics:
Stability (35% of total score weighting)
Glide Performance (25% weighting)
Maneuverability (15% weighting)
Ease of Use (15% weighting)
Construction Quality (10% weighting)
Our experts responsible for testing these inflatable SUPs are Nick Bruckbauer, Leslie Yedor, Shey Kiester, and Jenay Aiksnoras. In addition to paddling year-round in sunny Santa Barbara, CA, Nick can be found skiing, hiking, biking, or running anywhere from California to Colorado to Alaska. Leslie can be found skiing, rock climbing, practicing gymnastics, or working with patients at her private integrative medicine practice, which had its beginnings in Yosemite's legendary Camp 4. Shey has tested numerous paddle boards for GearLab, and has also written for Alpinist, the American Alpine Journal, and Backpacker, among others. Jenay has been guiding paddle yoga practices and tours on Lake Tahoe since 2011; she can be seen cycle commuting, running trails, and jumping in the lake every chance she gets.
The Isle Explorer is a joy to paddle and provides great all-around performance with high-end features and materials.
The Atoll provides great all-around performance in a simple and lightweight package, earning our Best High-Performance Buy Award.
The Thurso Surf Waterwalker is stable enough for headstands, friends, and furry buddies.
Analysis and Test Results
Whether you plan to spend your day touring around the lake with friends or want to take your love of surfing to the river, these specialty watercraft are built to do it all, but some are better than others. We tirelessly tested and retested these boards for months, with our beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers all keeping careful notes along the way. We paddled out in a variety of conditions on flat, flowing, and choppy water, as well as in windy conditions. After that, we rated each model through various performance categories, including stability and glide performance, ease of transport and inflation, and maneuverability. Below, we dive into the details of each test and discuss which models shine and which fail to impress in each metric.
Value
Looking for a good deal? Two boards that stand out with their noteworthy performance for a reasonable price are the Bote Breeze Aero and the FunWater 11. The FunWater provides surprisingly capable performance at a ridiculously low price. The Bote offers durability and stability, the ability to accessorize, and higher-end performance, all for a price much lower than the top-tier options.
Our other top scorers, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12 and Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL, provide impressive top-notch performance but have premium price tags to match. While most general paddlers will find a better value with the more affordable options, advanced paddlers will appreciate the high-end performance of these top choices.
Our special sauce is side-by-side, comparative testing to help you find your perfect piece of gear.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Stability
Stability is the most important metric in our review. The Bluefin Cruise Carbon brings home the top score, thanks to a heavier-duty touring design with carbon-fiber reinforcements. While advanced users may be willing to sacrifice stability for improved glide performance or maneuverability, a board's stability typically enhances its efficiency, even amongst touring models.
Your height and weight should be considered when determining which board will be the most stable. As a general rule, longer and wider boards, like the Isle Switch, equal a more stable feel. That said, the dimensions that affect stability the most are the thickness and the sidecut. Thickness is particularly important for inflatable models as thinner boards tend to feel floppy, even when inflated to their maximum recommended pressure. Most inflatable boards are at least 6 inches thick. We don't recommend getting a thinner board unless it is wide enough to compensate.
The Isle Explorer is a great all-around board with a reasonable price. It handles well in most paddling conditions.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
The width of a board is measured across at its widest point. The sidecut describes how gradually the sides curve towards the tip and tail. Boards with a less aggressive side cut offer superior stability compared to those that narrow more dramatically. A wide, gently tapering sidecut is one reason the Bluefin Cruise Carbon scores so well in this metric compared to other models. The Bluefin, Isle Switch, and Tahe Beach SUP-Yak include convenient kayak conversion kits for more comfortable and efficient paddling when conditions get really rough.
Some SUP boards, like the Tahe Beach SUP-Yak shown here, come with a conversion kit to allow paddlers to sit and paddle kayak-style.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Deck padding is also something to consider here. This is the covering on the top of the board. The texture of the deck can affect how comfortable your feet, knees, or hands feel while paddling. For longer days, a smoother and softer deck is desirable. The length of the deck pad is also an important consideration for those practicing paddle yoga or spending time resting on their board. We particularly like the feel of the pads on the Isle Explorer and GILI Komodo because of the simplicity of the texture.
The shape of the Isle Explorer gives it decent stability and we like the deck padding.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Stable boards are helpful if you're planning to have multiple passengers aboard, need to haul excessive amounts of gear, or plan to practice SUP yoga. For an all-around board, the Bote Breeze Aero provides an excellent blend of stability, maneuverability, and glide, earning respectable scores in each rating category as a result. Every board will have a weight capacity listed to help you decide how much gear you can pack for your tour.
A stable board allows you to bring along pets and gear, or strike a pose.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Glide Performance
No matter how you cut it, inflatable SUPs don't glide as well and aren't as maneuverable as rigid SUPs. Rigid boards have fiberglass hulls that allow for a more refined design and a slicker surface that slices easily through the water and garners a quicker turn response. Fin configuration also plays into this as well. Three fins help to increase the movement of water beneath the board and increase glide. When thinking about this, keep your experience level and needs in mind. Do you need the most responsive board on the market? If so, you'll need to be willing to pay for it. The speed lost between an inflatable model and a rigid one, or a high and low-end inflatable is usually insignificant for most beginner or recreational paddlers.
Technological advancements to inflatable boards allow many in our lineup to perform well enough, even in choppy water or wind. The rigid rail inserts on the Red Paddle Voyager and the carbon stringers in the Bluefin Cruise Carbon significantly improve these boards' rigidity and glide. The Voyager also has an aggressive nose shape with a narrow profile, which helps it excel in this area. The Atoll 11' isn't narrow, but it has a pointed nose that helps it cut through the water more effectively. Paddle board companies will boast their unique technology that enhances rigidity and stability, and the goal, for most, is to do so without adding too much weight. If you're looking for a super lightweight and rigid board, check out the Badfish Flyweight.
The Voyager from Red Paddle Co is one of the fastest boards we tested.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Both the Isle Switch and the Tahe Beach SUP-Yak are designed more for stationary stability than faster movement, as the blunt nose and wide waist make them feel a bit sluggish. But if you're focused on relatively stationary paddle board activities (like yoga, napping, or reading), they are excellent choices. This is another example where selecting a board that's a top scorer in every metric might not be in your best interest. Decide which performance categories are important to you, and go from there.
The wide waist of the Switch slows it down, but if your goal is comfort for lazier days, this is a great choice.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Maneuverability
This metric is all about the ease and speed of lateral movement and is best reflected by the turning radius of the board. You can turn at a sharp angle by back paddling, pivoting around your paddle, or by paddling forward in a long arc. Back paddling makes it easier to make a tight turn but destroys forward momentum. Forward paddling allows the rider to maintain their course but requires more effort. The turn radius is also much larger.
Shifting your weight toward the rear of the board, especially on models with a rockered nose, lifts the nose out of the water and makes turning much more efficient. The GILI Komodo shines when it comes to quick maneuvering.
Stability also has an impact on a board's maneuverability. A narrower sidecut can make a board less stable. This makes moving to the back of the board more precarious, so proper turning technique is much harder to achieve. The fins and width of the board will affect how stable it feels while standing, paddling, and moving along the water's surface. Boards with three longer fins and a wider deck will likely feel more stable. A board with removable fins can become a bit faster if the two side fins are taken off. On some boards, like the Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132, the fins can be adjusted forward or backward to effect stability and maneuverability.
The three detachable fins on the Thurso Waterwalker require no tools and are easily added or removed.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Typically, maneuverability has an inverse relationship to glide. Touring boards like the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ are long and narrow, so they move quickly and efficiently over distance. While this shape is great for gliding, it creates a lot of drag when trying to turn. The size and quantity of fins at the back of the board affect how easily the board moves straight forward. Beginner paddlers may find that they need to switch the side on which they paddle when on a board with fewer or smaller fins.
A steady paddle stroke will keep the Breeze Aero moving along at a good pace while the pointed nose helps it to turn relatively quickly.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Ease of Use
When considering an inflatable SUP purchase, user-friendliness is incredibly important. The main advantage of an inflatable board comes from its portability, making it convenient for a variety of missions. If you're committed, you can even pack some of these boards into remote alpine rivers or lakes. This varies based on how heavy they are, how well they fold up, how sturdy their carry system is, and how comfortable they are to walk with. Bags that have wheels are easier to transport on pavement and packed paths. Lighter paddles and pumps may not be as durable as heavier ones but will allow you to access more distant locations.
We also consider extras that make packing and transport easier, like the included carrying bags. Bags that did not get the job done for one reason or another scored very low, whereas bags that were comfortable and easy to use scored higher. Some bags include straps for holding the board closed and attaching it to the bag's interior, as well as additional pockets, external handles, chest straps, and padding. The folks at Bote definitely put thought into ease of transportation. The adjustable pack, cushioned shoulders, and chest strap, as well as the light weight of the board, paddle, and pump, make it one of the most comfortable to carry. We also appreciate a bag that is roomy enough to fit everything easily. Thurso and Isle both provide bags that are roomy enough to stash additional gear or clothing.
Transporting your inflatable paddle board is as important as paddling it. We considered packability, comfort, and manageability while testing.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
The lightest boards in our lineup are the ROC Inflatable SUP, FunWater 11, and Badfish Flyweight, weighing just 17 to 19 pounds. The Isle Switch and the Bote Breeze Aero follow closely behind. Lighter boards are both easier to haul while inflated and also easier to roll up and transport from place to place. Companies have been making improvements in the areas of durability without sacrificing weight. New stitching techniques and materials are helping to decrease the overall weight of inflatables across the board.
Front, center, and rear handles on the Badfish Flyweight are cushioned and make for easier transport when carrying your board to and from the water.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
The Bluefin and Red Paddle Co boards include bags with backpack straps and wheels. For most missions, we found this helpful, but if you're planning on carrying the pack for a long distance on trails, the wheels are an unnecessary extra and often require a hard bottom that can be uncomfortable on your backside.
Flying With Your Board
Another benefit to having an inflatable board is that they're fairly painless to fly with. Many of the boards we tested are light and small enough to avoid most airlines' oversized baggage requirements for US domestic flights. One of our testers even packed the FunWater 11 on an international trip to the Maldives with no issues or concerns.
The FunWater is one of the lightest boards we've tested, making transporting it around the neighborhood or beyond a breeze.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Another key piece to setting up your board is how easily it inflates. This is affected mostly by the pump's quality and how much volume and air pressure the board needs. Most boards come with similar dual-action system pumps, which allow you to adjust the pump when the board pressure increases, making it easier to get those last few pounds of air in. Overall, inflation is pretty similar across the board. Larger boards may take longer to pump, and developing your technique and efficiency may take a few tries. Some pumps also include a deflate setting, which can make packing the board up a bit easier. Of course, a board that comes with an electric pump can be a blessing or a burden, depending upon where you are when inflating.
Valve Settings
There are two settings on the board's air valve where the pump hose attaches: the inflate/closed position and the deflate/open position. It's important to twist the valve into the inflate/closed position before attaching the inflation hose. In this position, the valve allows air to inflate the board but prevents the air inside from escaping. When you are finished pumping and take the hose off, you won't lose valuable air pressure.
After you've finished paddling, simply twist the valve to the deflate/open position, and the board will quickly deflate. We've found that the pressurized air can be loud the first few seconds as it escapes from the board and can startle unsuspecting neighbors if you're in a more crowded beach area. An easy way to mitigate this is to put a t-shirt or towel on top of the valve as you open it to help muffle the noise.
A few pumps stood out during our testing. The Red Paddle Co and Bluefin boards both come with incredible dual-chamber pumps that provide excellent volume and pressure regulation. The Red Paddle pump also comes with a variety of nozzles, so you can use it with other boards, which we're apt to do since it's so awesome.
The Bluefin (pictured here) and Red Paddle Co boards both include similar dual-chamber pumps.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Each inflatable SUP we tested takes around five to ten minutes to inflate, depending on paddler strength, size, and pumping effort, with the bigger volume boards taking a little longer. Most pumps have a standard attachment that will work on any board. It's good to check beforehand, though, as on rare occasions, we've found boards that have a specific attachment that won't fit others.
The universal nozzle that is common to most pumps is shown on the left, compared with the non-universal nozzle of the NRS model
Most Pump Gauges Break — Consider These Accessories:
Sadly, most pump gauges either break quickly or are very inaccurate. This is a significant problem for beginners who can't tell inflation pressure by feel. If you are new to inflatable SUPs and your gauge breaks, you will probably only fill it to 5-10 PSI, which is far below the 15 PSI that most boards recommend. There are two solutions:
1) Get a high-pressure inflator valve like the Wakooda Valve Stem. This allows you to use any standard tire pressure gauge to check your pressure.
2) Get an electric SUP pump that will do most of the pumping work for you and has a more accurate built-in gauge.
Construction Quality
Not all boards are built the same. The price, weight, and performance of a paddle board are determined by its construction and materials. From the core to the deck pad, every piece of material is taken into consideration while we're testing. We check the boards upon arrival, during inflation, and after deflation. There are concessions that must be made with all gear. Most often, increased durability means increased weight. We researched what materials are currently being used and compared our experiences using the boards in a variety of locations and conditions.
All inflatable paddle boards start with an inner bladder made of drop-stitch fabric. What makes the difference is what gets added, or not, as the rest of the board is built. Single-layer, fusion, and dual-layer PVC are the most common forms of construction for the rest of the board. We've compared each and taken into consideration the various types of stringers and techniques companies use to strengthen their boards.
Thurso has built a board that is lightweight and uses quality construction.
The Isle Switch will bring you years of paddling as long as you care for it properly.
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon is constructed of some of the highest quality materials we've seen. While likely the most durable board we've tested, it is also the heaviest. In comparison, the Thurso Waterwalker is well-constructed with lower-end materials. It's a great overall board, but it may not last as long or survive the same conditions as the better constructed boards we've tested.
The overall build of the Cruise Carbon scores it high in the construction quality metric.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Key Accessories
What do you get with your board? A carrying bag, repair kit, leash, and paddle are commonly included. Sometimes, there are other accessories as well, but chances are you will need to purchase a few extra items. Here's a rundown of the essentials.
Paddle — Many of the boards in our lineup come with adjustable aluminum or composite paddles. These paddles are usually somewhat heavy but are durable and adjustable. They also collapse down to the dimensions of your packed-up board, which makes the complete package easy to transport and store. If you want a lighter or stiffer paddle for higher performance, get a carbon fiber model.
Leash — In many paddling situations, you will want a leash. If you're on a lake or ocean and the wind picks up, your board could be gone in seconds if you fall off. A coiled leash is generally best because it won't drag. If you're on a river with any type of current, DO NOT wear a leash, OR get a leash with a quick release. Many people have died because their leash snagged on a rock or log and held the paddler underwater. Reaching a traditional leash to release it can be impossible if an entire river is pushing against you. Educate yourself about potential hazards before attempting any river paddle boarding.
Dry Bag — A dry bag is a waterproof bag that - as the name implies - will keep your belongings dry while on the water. They come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations but can be a lifesaver if you capsize. Great for everything from extra layers and sunscreen to essentials like your phone and keys, we almost never leave dry land without one. See the best dry bags from our testing in our dedicated review.
Roof Rack — If you are going to the lake for the weekend and plan on using your board a lot, you might not want to pump it up every single time you go out. You can purchase a soft roof rack if a full setup with rails and crossbars is out of your price range.
Electric Pump — If you are not psyched about pumping up your board by hand, you can purchase a battery-powered air pump for inflating your board. We used a Sevylor pump for this review. It's a little slow and finicky, but it got the job done and has an accurate gauge.
Always be aware of the laws or regulations regarding PFDs/life jackets whenever you go paddling.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
General Stand Up Paddle Boarding Rules?
The US Coast Guard passed a regulation in 2008 that classifies paddle boards as vessels. Outside of a swim or surf zone, a stand-up paddle board must adhere to certain rules and regulations. This may include a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition for each person onboard and a signaling device like a whistle. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear a type 1, 2, or 3 Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times. PFDs must be size-appropriate for the wearer.
Since SUPs are one of, if not the smallest, vessels on the water, they essentially have no right of way and typically must give way to larger vessels. They can be hard to see from a distance. Wear brightly colored clothing to increase visibility.
SUPs must always cross behind or astern of oncoming motorized boat traffic.
To SUP after sunset or at dawn or dusk, you are required to have a white light, such as a flashlight, that is visible up to a mile and capable of warning other boaters by shining towards oncoming traffic.
If you're not keen on wearing a type 3 PFD, there are pouch-type manually inflated life jackets or C02-triggered inflatable belt-style PFDs available. These PFDs offer more range of movement but keep in mind that if you are paddling somewhere where you might hit your head, you may not be conscious and able to inflate your PFD. Check out the NRS Zephyr. It's manually inflated with a replaceable C02 cartridge.
The safety rules for SUP boarding include always wearing a PFD, but may differ dependent upon the waterway you choose to paddle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Inflatable SUPs are versatile and fun and offer new or experienced paddlers a convenient way to get out on the water. These boards can paddle lakes, oceans, and rivers and can even allow you to kayak or surf. And when you're all done, they easily roll up and pack into any car trunk. The boards in this review will cover paddlers of all levels and sizes, and advancements in their designs have closed the performance gap between regular rigid fiberglass boards. We think most recreational paddlers will be pleased with the performance and convenience of an inflatable SUP and that only serious SUP racers looking for optimum performance should overlook this category.
—
Jenay Aiksnoras, Nick Bruckbauer, Leslie Yedor, and Shey Kiester
