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The 7 Best Inflatable SUP Kayak Hybrid Of 2024 Helpful Guide

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Updated August 24th, 2024

Best inflatable SUP Kayak hybrid

Stand up paddle boards and kayaks are both really fun. They offer different challenges and different ways to enjoy the water. Are you tight on space and have nowhere to store a full size paddle board or kayak? An inflatable SUP kayak hybrid might be the perfect thing for you.

The top 7 best inflatable SUP kayak hybrids of 2024

1 – ISLE Surf & SUP Switch

☆ Top Pick ☆
ISLE Switch Product Image

Specifications

  • Size – 11’6″ x 35.5″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 425 lbs
  • Board Weight – 19 lbs
  • Construction – Woven PVC
  • Paddle – Carbon Convertible
  • Pump – Double Action Hand Pump

What we liked:

  • Very light weight board that is easy to carry around
  • Comfortable inflatable seat
  • Webbing loop ISLE-Link system that makes it easy to adjust seat position and attach accessories
  • Carbon convertible paddle with extra blade
  • Foot rest for more efficient kayak paddling
  • Wide large board is very stable
  • Works as a single or tandem kayak

What we didn’t like:

  • For the price we would like to see a triple action pump
  • Bag doesn’t have wheels

Summary

The Switch is the latest offering from ISLE Surf and SUP. It is a lightweight paddleboard with an inflatable seat and footrest. The Switch not only gives you kayak functionality but makes it comfortable too.

The board is 11’6″ x 35″ making it a very stable and beginner friendly stand up paddleboard. This stability helps make the board feel stable with the inflatable seat. The seat raises you a couple inches higher than the typical thin foam seat which can make narrow boards feel out of balance. With a 35.5 inch width this boards feels great. With this size it can also easily be used as a tandem with a second seat attached.

My biggest complaint about many kayak/SUP combos is the seat. The generic thin foam seat just isn’t that comfortable. It’s nice seeing a company other than BOTE take notice and offering an inflatable seat cushion.

A convertible carbon paddle is included allowing you to use the board both as a kayak and stand up paddleboard.

View at ISLE Surf & SUP

2 – Bluefin Cruise Carbon SUP Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board

☆ Top Pick ☆
Bluefin Carbon Cruise product image

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 8″ x 32″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 386 lbs
  • Board Weight – 29 lbs
  • Construction – 2 Layer PVC
  • Paddle – 3 piece fiberglass convertible
  • Pump – Double Action Hand Pump

What we liked:

  • Bluefin offers a 5 year warranty on their inflatable paddleboards
  • The board is very stiff for an inflatable paddleboard allowing for hard and aggressive paddling
  • Good on water performance for heavier over 300 lb paddlers
  • Comes with a kayak seat and extra paddle blade
  • The backpack straps can be stowed away on the bag.

What we didn’t like:

  • The clamps on the paddle need to be tightened before using
  • The bag doesn’t have a handle on both sides
  • The kick pad is too far rearward on the board to be useful
  • The board is on the heavier side at almost 35 lbs

Summary

The BlueFin Cruise Carbon is a great hybrid paddleboard that comes as a complete package. It has several nice upgrades over the typical inflatable SUP board. The carbon version of the cruise has dual air chambers for even more stiffness and safety for open water use.

It has a 3 piece paddle with a carbon shaft. It has 2 blades so can be assembled SUP or kayak style. The paddle is stiff enough and performs well on the water with a good feel. It includes a hybrid kayak seat that attaches to the D-Rings on the board.

The board is very stiff when inflated. Bluefin claims a higher thread density drop-stitch than any other iSUP maker. This produces a much stiffer board for similar weight. They use a heavy 2 layer laminate and carbon reinforced rails that also makes the board stiff and durable.

See our review of the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12 to learn more.

Get up to 50% OFF during Bluefin End of Season Sale

View at Bluefin SUP View at Amazon

3 – Retrospec Weekender Plus

☆ Best Value ☆

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 6″ x 33″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
  • Board Weight – 23 lbs
  • Construction – 2 Layer PVC
  • Paddle – 4 piece aluminum convertible
  • Pump – Double Action Hand Pump

What we liked:

  • Stiff board construction on par with iRocker and NIXY inflatable SUPs
  • Kayak seat with inflatable seat cushion that is actually comfortable to sit on
  • Complete package that includes board, bag, pump, leash, convertible paddle and seat
  • Low cost for a complete package with kayak conversion included

What we didn’t like:

  • There really isn’t much to complain about for the price you pay for the Weekender Plus

Summary

The Retrospec Weekender Plus is a great entry level inflatable SUP that comes with a kayak conversion. It has board stiffness equal to an iRocker or Nixy board. It comes with a great kayak seat with an inflatable seat cushion. It’s actually comfortable to sit on. It retails for well under $400.

The Weekender Plus comes as a complete package with a board, pump, bag, convertible paddle and kayak seat. The aluminum paddle and bag are the 2 items that look and feel like the price point of this package. The board and seat would be happy in a $500-$700 package.

The Weekender Plus is 33 inches wide and is an easy relaxing board to paddle around. It would make a great beginner paddle board. It gives you the option to kayak when it’s too choppy to stand up.

See our review of the Retrospec Weekender Plus to learn more.

View at Retrospec

4 – BOTE Deus Aero Inflatable Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board

Bote Deus Aero Product Image

Specifications

  • Size – 11′ x 33″ x 14″
  • Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
  • Board Weight – 41 lbs
  • Construction – Double Layer PVC
  • Paddle – Not included
  • Pump – Double Action Hand Pump

What we liked:

  • Excellent performance on the water
  • Very comfortable to sit on
  • Stiff construction that feels like a rigid kayak
  • Stable and easy to paddle
  • Lots of room for gear, coolers, and accessories
  • Very versatile. Can be used as a kayak or SUP

What we didn’t like:

  • The bag is too small and needs more handles.
  • It is very difficult to put back into its carry bag
  • High cost
  • No paddle included

Summary

The BOTE Deus Aero is a unique kayak hybrid. It comes from BOTE which makes a wide variety of innovative kayaks, paddleboards, and watercraft. The Deus features full drop stitch construction. It has a removable seat which lets it change from a kayak to stand up paddle board.

The board/hull is 11′ x 33″ and 14″ tall. It is made of 3 air chambers giving it a 3 dimensional hull shape. It has a rubber keel molding giving it more shape that runs from the nose to half way back the board.

It feels and acts more like a rigid kayak than any other inflatable we have tried. It is stable and solid feeling. It does a great job cutting through chop.

It does not come with either a kayak or SUP paddle. You will have to choose which one you want or a convertible paddle that can do both.

We really enjoy our Deus and recommend it to anyone looking for an inflatable kayak.

See our review of the BOTE Deus to learn more.

bote deus kayak paddling
View at BOTE

5 – Freein Stand-Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP

Freein SUP Kayak product image

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 6″ x 31″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 286 lbs
  • Board Weight – 18 lbs
  • Construction – Single Layer PVC with carbon reinforced sides
  • Paddle – 4 Piece aluminum convertible
  • Pump – Double Action Hand Pump

What we liked:

  • Convertible paddle has drip rings
  • Low cost for a complete package
  • Carbon reinforced rails make board stiffer than most single layer PVC boards

What we didn’t like:

  • Seat could use a little more support
  • Not as stable as wider 32-34″ boards

Summary

The Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP is a great value complete package. It includes a seat and convertible paddle that actually has drip rings. You won’t get water all over yourself on every paddle stroke. The board is a single layer PVC board with carbon fiber reinforced rails. This makes it a little stiffer than the average single layer board.

The board is 10’6″ x 31″ x 6″. It’s not as stable while standing as a 33 or 34 board. It helps it glide through the water a little faster. The included seat works well but could use a little more back support. It is fine for spending a couple hours on the water.

Get $30 off using coupon code FS30 at Freeinsup.com

View at FreeinSUP View at Amazon

6 – BOTE Rackham Aero 12′4″

BOTE Rackham Aero Apex Product Image

Specifications

  • Size – 12′ 4″ x 38″ x 7″
  • Weight Capacity – 400 lbs
  • Board Weight – 45 lbs
  • Construction – Double Layer PVC
  • Paddle – 3 piece composite 
  • Pump – Double Action Hand Pump

What we liked:

  • Super versatile board that can do anything.
  • Optional APEX pedal drive that gives you one more option for paddling
  • High quality heavyduty construction

What we didn’t like:

  • High cost
  • The board is 45 lbs making it one of the heaviest paddleboards or kayaks out there

Summary

The BOTE Rackham Aero 12’4″ is all new and features the optional APEX Pedal drive system. The Rackham Aero might be the ultimate paddle board and kayak combo. You can paddleboard, sit down and kayak or sit down and use the pedal drive. It is has so many available accessories it will make your head spin. This is the hands down winner for paddleboard kayak hybrid. No other product really comes close right now.

The board is 12’4″ and 38″ wide making it one of the most stable inflatable paddle boards out there. It can carry up to 400 lbs. It will be great for kayak fishing, SUP yoga, or touring. It has good glide thanks to it’s length. You may have to work to push it over chop and waves thanks to it’s length.

The most unique feature of this board is the optional APEX pedal drive. It is inserted into the board and lets you sit down and pedal it instead of paddling with your hands. There is an optional rudder steering system available to go with it. No other inflatable has this feature.

View at BOTE

7 – Tahe 10’6″ x 34″ Beach SUP-Yak & Kayak Package

Tahe SUP Yak product image

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 6″ x 34″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
  • Board Weight – 23 lbs
  • Construction – Single layer PVC with stiffening stringers
  • Paddle – 3 Piece Aluminum Convertible
  • Pump – Double Action Hand Pump

What we liked:

  • Daisy chain attachment system gives lots of flexibility for mounting seat and accessories
  • Extra thick padded upgraded kayak seat
  • Stringer design gives board added stiffness

What we didn’t like:

  • 1L construction
  • Extra wide board takes a little more effort to paddle into chop and waves

Summary

The Tahe 10’6″ x 34″ Beach SUP-Yak is a great complete package for those wanting a good all around SUP they can kayak too. Tahe Outdoors took over the Bic brand in 2017 and the new combined company is known as Tahe. Bic was a very popular producer of windsurfing boards and later kayaks and SUPs. Bic products have always been known for great performance at an affordable price. I had a lot of fun windsurfing days on a Bit Techno 160. Tahe continues that tradition with the 10’6″ Beach SUP-Yak.

This board has a couple of unique features that set it apart from other SUP boards or hybrids. The most noticeable is the daisy chain attachment system that runs down the 2 sides of the board. It is a series of webbing loops that you can use to attach the seat or other accessories. It gives you a lot of options for placing the seat. It has 3 fixed fins so you don’t have to worry about attaching a fin when setting it up.

View at GreenWaterSports

Doug Ryan Portrait Skiing 200x200

Ryan Craig
Co-Founder & Chief Editor

I am a total gear nerd and love learning how things work and thinking about how they could be improved. Nothing excites me more than trying out new gear. I’d rather spend 3 hours taking my bike apart and learning how to change something than go to a bike shop. These days, I reside in Michigan by the Great Lakes and go skiing, biking, and boating as much as possible. Visit our About Us page and learn more.

ryan@lowbudgetadventurer.com

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