“Adventure Gear Insider is reader supported. We may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase through links from this site. We get nothing if you don't like what we recommend and return it. Learn more”

8 Best Inflatable SUP Under $500 of 2024 Helpful Guide

by

Sharing is caring!

Updated September 9th, 2024

best inflatable sup under $500

Stand up paddleboarding or SUP is a lot of fun. It’s one of the fastest growing watersports today. $500 is a great entry level price point for a paddleboard. It will get you a good performing durable board with high quality accessories. You can spend more on an inflatable paddleboard but $500-$600 seems to be the sweet spot for getting the most value.

Under $500 Inflatable SUP Comparison Chart

Bluefin Cruise Retrospec Weekender iRocker All Around 11 SurfStar Lagoon II Outdoor Master Swordfish SereneLife SUP iRocker Nautical Go Freein Sup Yak
Cost $$$ $$ $$$$ $$ $$ $ $$$ $$
Overall Rating
84 
85 
87 
80 
75 
75 
78 
78 
Bottom Line A stiff good performing board for a reasonable price. A good performing all around board that includes a kayak conversion One of the best all around boards available that is good for almost anything A budget paddleboard with good performance and accessories for the price A basic budget paddleboard that can be combined with an electric pump Good value for the price. The most popular paddleboard on Amazon for good reason. A compact entry level paddleboard available without accessories A good budget sup that includes a kayak seat and paddle.
Stiffness
90 
90 
95 
70 
70 
70 
70 
80 
Stability
85 
80 
80 
90 
70 
70 
60 
70 
Speed
80 
80 
85 
70 
70 
70 
70 
70 
Tracking
80 
80 
90 
80 
80 
80 
80 
80 
Accessories
80 
90 
90 
80 
70 
70 
60 
80 
Portability
90 
90 
80 
90 
90 
90 
90 
90 
Length 10 feet 8 inch 10 feet 6 inch 11 feet 10 feet 6 inch 10 feet 6 inch 10 feet 6 inch 10 feet 6 inch 10 feet 6 inch
Width 32.5 inches 33 inches 32 inches 34 inches 32 inches 32 inches 32 inches 31 inches
Weight Capacity 330 lbs 300 lbs 435 lbs 330 lbs 300 lbs 275 lbs 240 lbs 286 lbs
Board Weight 24.8 lbs 23 lbs 26 lbs 19 lbs 20 lbs 20 lbs 20 lbs 18 lbs
Paddle 3 piece aluminum 4 piece aluminum convertible 3 piece carbon 3 piece fiberglass 3 piece aluminum 3 piece aluminum not included 4 piece aluminum convertible
Pump double action double action triple action double action double action double action not included double action
More Information

1. Bluefin Cruise 10’8″

Bluefin Amazon

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

Overall Score

84
Stiffness90


Stability85


Speed80


Tracking80


Accessories80


Portability90

What we liked:

  • The board is very stable and would be a great beginner board
  • Bluefin offers a 5 year warranty on their inflatable paddleboards
  • The paddle with 2 clamps has less rattle than other aluminum paddles

What we didn’t like:

  • The bag doesn’t have wheels or a handle on both sides
  • The board doesn’t have a rear bungee
  • The kick pad is too far back on the board to be useful

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 8″ x 32.5″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 330 lbs
  • Board Weight – 24.8 lbs
  • Construction – 2 Layer
  • D-Rings – 9
  • Paddle – 3 piece aluminum
  • Pump – double action pump

Summary

The Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ Paddleboard is a stiff sturdy board that comes in a complete package. It includes everything you need to paddleboard. It has an aluminum paddle that has upgraded clamps. It comes with a nice padded bag.

The 3 fins use flip lock fittings that are easy to install and remove. They provide good tracking.

The board is 10′ 8″ long by 32.5″ wide. This gives enough width to be stable and a little better tracking than a 10′ board. It is still easy to maneuver and suitable for a first time paddleboarder.

The board has 10 D-ring attachments and a couple action moujnts built into it. It has a carry strap in the middle as well.

The deck uses a croco-diamond EVA pad that is comfortable and gives good grip and drainage. The board has a kick pad at the back. It’s a bit too far rearward on the board to really be usable.

The paddle has a 2 piece aluminum shaft and plastic blade. It is one of the better aluminum paddles we have seen with clamps at both joints instead of just a pin at the lower joint. This prevents a lot of the clunk that most aluminum paddles have.

This board has one of the better backpacks available at this price range. It doesn’t have wheels but it has heavy-duty construction with thick comfortable straps. A second side strap would have been nice.

Overall this is a great package for someone looking to get a good performing paddleboard. It is suitable for beginners and more experienced paddlers.

Review

See our review of the Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ to learn more.

2. Retrospec Weekender Plus

Retrospec

Overall Score

85
Stiffness90


Stability80


Speed80


Tracking80


Accessories90


Portability90

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

Specifications

  • Size – 10’6″ x 33″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
  • Board Weight – 23 lbs
  • Construction – 2 Layer Fusion
  • D-Rings – 16
  • Paddle – 4 piece aluminum convertible
  • Pump – Double action

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 kayak seat has an inflatable seat cushion. It attaches using metal hooks that go into loops on the board. It uses 2 straps to hold the cushion in place and 2 to adjust the seat angle. It’s way easier and faster to setup than a standard cheap kayak seat. Did we mention it is comfortable also?

The board is 33 inches wide making it stable enough for first time paddlers. It has 3 fins to help with tracking. It’s a fun relaxing board to paddle on the water. It is equally fun to use as a kayak or a stand up paddleboard. If it’s too windy and choppy to stand up you can still have fun kayaking.

Review

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

3. iRocker All Around 11

iRocker

Overall Score

87
Stiffness95


Stability80


Speed85


Tracking90


Accessories90


Portability80

What we liked:

  • Carbon paddle and triple action pump
  • Big long stable board
  • Plenty of room for a large dog
  • Roller backpack with many pockets and bungee
  • A fun board to paddle around
  • Sturdy stiff and durable 3 layer construction
  • Many accessory mounts, handles and D-Rings

What we didn’t like:

  • It takes a bit of effort to get back into the bag
  • The triple action hand pump is difficult to fit into roller backpack and doesn’t make hand pumping much easier or faster

Specifications

  • Size – 11′ x 32″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 435 lbs
  • Board Weight – 26 lbs
  • Construction – 3 Layer
  • D-Rings – 20
  • Paddle – 3 piece carbon
  • Pump – triple action hand pump

Summary

The iRocker All Around 11 has been our favorite SUP board since we first tried it out. It is a perfect combination of performance and stability. It has enough D-Rings and accessories mounts to be usable for almost any activity. It uses 3 layer PVC construction that is tough, durable, and stiff. iRocker has tried to replace it with their Ulta Series, people love the original so much that they had to bring it back. We are really happy they decided to bring back the original All Around 11.

The iRocker All Around 11 can sometimes be found for under $500 during sales. To get it for this price you have to keep a close watch on iRocker’s website.

The AA11 comes with a 3 piece carbon paddle, triple action pump, and roller backpack. The 3 piece paddle is one of the better paddles we have found in inflatable SUP packages. There is an optional blade available to turn it into a kayak paddle. Our one complaint about the AA11 accessories is the triple action pump. It can’t be used to deflate the board. The triple action pumps from NIXY and Thurso can also deflate.

On the water is where the All Around 11 really shines. It is a very stiff board on the water thanks to it’s 3 layer construction. It is stable enough that any beginner can use it. It is long enough to have better glide than most 10’6″ or 10″ inflatable SUPS. The 3 fins give it excellent tracking. A river fin is available for those who want to use the board in shallower water. The board is stable enough to be used for SUP fishing or yoga or any other activity.

Review

See our review of the iRocker All Around 11 to learn more.

4. SurfStar Lagoon 2 with Fiberglass Paddle

Amazon

Overall Score

80
Stiffness70


Stability90


Speed70


Tracking80


Accessories80


Portability90

What we liked:

  • Good value for an entry level SUP package
  • More stability from the wider board shape
  • Fiberglass paddle that feels stiff and light
  • Welded seam construction

What we didn’t like:

  • More flexible than heavier weight boards
  • No wheels on the bag

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 6″ x 34″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 320 lbs
  • Board Weight – 19 lbs
  • Construction – Welded Single Layer PVC
  • D-Rings – 12
  • Paddle – 3 Piece Fiberglass
  • Pump – Double action

Summary

SurfStar is a newcomer to the stand up paddleboard world. They make a nice range of entry level inflatable SUPs that are available for a very reasonable price. The SurfStar Lagoon Series 2 is one of their mid-priced boards that uses welded construction for more durabiltiy and comes with a fiberglass paddle instead of the typical aluminum found at this price point. It comes as a complete package with board, pump, paddle and bag.

Accessories

The Lagoon 2 comes with a 3 piece fiberglass paddle, double action pump, backpack bag, and leash. The bag and double action hand pump are what you would expect to find on an under $300 SUP package. The fiberglass paddle is a nice upgrade that feels much more light and rigid on the water. The blade has some cant and dihedral which gives it a nice stable feel. The bag is basic without wheels or extra pockets.

On the water performance

The 34 inch wide boards makes it very stable for beginner paddlers. It is not the fastest board out there at that width. It makes for a nice relaxing paddle. Tracking is good with the 3 fins. The smooth deck pad is comfortable to stand on for a couple hours of paddling.

Review

Coming soon

5. Outdoor Master Swordfish

Outdoor Master Amazon

Get 10-20% OFF with code ERO2022 at OUTDOOR MASTER

Overall Score

75
Stiffness70


Stability70


Speed70


Tracking80


Accessories70


Portability90

What we liked:

  • Low cost
  • Lightweight overall package that is easy to carry around
  • Board feels light and nimble on the water. It is stable enough for beginners
  • Choice of hand pump or electric pump
  • Bag has rollers and a pocket for storing an electric pump
  • Improved fit and finish compared to older Outdoor Master paddleboards

What we didn’t like:

  • The aluminum paddle feels cheap and wobbly at the joints
  • Dolphin electric pump needed a replacement H3 fitting to work with the Swordfish
  • The 2 small fins were bent from shipping and needed to be straightened out before using the board.
  • No repair kit included

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 6″ x 32″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
  • Board Weight – 20 lbs
  • Construction – 2 Layer PVC
  • D-Rings – 18 D-Rings
  • Paddle – 3 Piece Aluminum
  • Pump – Electric Pump or Double Action Hand Pump

Summary

The Outdoor Master Swordfish is the new inflatable paddleboard from Outdoor Master. It brings with it a lot of bang for the buck and the option to get it with an electric pump. It is a 10’6″ x 32″ all around shaped board that is good for beginners or experienced paddlers. It’s lightweight design and overall package make it easy to carry around or travel with.

Accessories

The Swordfish comes with a roller backpack that is made from heavy feeling material. It has a side pocket sized for carrying an electric pump. The board is available with either a double action handpump or an electric pump for $50 more. I hate hand pumping and so I like seeing the option to get it with an electric pump.

A basic 3 piece aluminum floating paddle is included. It works and will get you on the water. If you like paddleboarding you’ll eventually want to get a better paddle.

On the water performance

The Outdoor Master Swordfish is a 10’6″ x 32″ board with a wider tail shape. It is very stable for beginners in calm waters. It feels light under your feet. It’s easy to turn. It glides well in flat water. It’s not the stiffest board so you will feel some flex and bending when you paddle through chop or with a heavier paddler.

Review

See our review of the Outdoor Master Swordfish to learn more.

6. SereneLife Inflatable SUP

Amazon

Overall Score

75
Stiffness70


Stability70


Speed70


Tracking80


Accessories70


Portability90

What we liked:

  • Good value for a low cost complete paddleboard package
  • Easy to maneuver board shape
  • Good for first time paddle boarders who don’t want to invest too much to try out the sport

What we didn’t like:

  • Thin feeling materials throughout
  • Paddle is flexible with soft blade

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 6″ x 32″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 275 lbs
  • Board Weight – 18 lbs
  • Construction – Single Layer PVC
  • D-Rings – 11
  • Paddle – 3 Piece aluminum
  • Pump – Double action

Summary

The SereneLife paddleboard is the most popular paddleboard available on Amazon with 15,000 ratings. It is a basic cheap paddleboard with 2 layer construction and basic accessories. It comes with a double action pump and adjustable 3 piece paddle with basic carrying backpack. The board is 10′ with an all around shape that is easy to paddle and turn. This board will get you on the water with a board you can enjoy at a very reasonable price. Heavier paddlers above 200 lbs should look for a board that is at least 10’6″.

Accessories

The SereneLife package is one of the cheapest out there so you can’t expect too much from the included accessories. You get a very basic aluminum paddle. You get a basic zipper backpack with no wheels and not many extra pockets or features. The pump is a double action but can only inflate. It’s enough to get you on the water but nothing extra.

On the water performance

The board is stable enough for a beginner under 200 lbs. It has an all around shape that is easy to turn and control. The 3 fin design is proven at giving good tracking once you have some water moving over the fins. You will feel the board flex on small chop. Heavier paddlers will notice some flex in the middle of the board.

7. iRocker Nautical GO

iRocker Amazon

Overall Score

78
Stiffness70


Stability60


Speed70


Tracking80


Accessories60


Portability90

What we liked:

  • Available in 2 board shapes
  • Cruiser 34 inch width is good for beginners
  • Very low cost even with package item add ons
  • Good board to throw in your bags for trips
  • Has enough D-Rings to attach a seat
  • Available kayak conversion

What we didn’t like:

  • No available bag
  • 5 piece paddle has more clunk than a 3 piece paddle
  • Board has some flex. More noticable for heavier paddlers near the weight limit
  • Doesn’t come with any accessories or package when ordered from Amazon

Specifications

  • Size – 10’6″ x 32″ x 6″ Go Ten Six, 10’6″ x 34″ x 6″ Go Cruiser
  • Weight Capacity – 240 lbs
  • Board Weight – 20 lbs
  • Bag Size – none included
  • Bag Weight – n/a
  • Construction – 2 Layer PVC
  • Paddle – Optional 5 piece Fiberglass
  • Pump – Optional electric or mini hand pump

Summary

The Nautical Go boards are the latest entry level portable boards from iRocker. They take the low cost and value that the Nautical is known for and make it available in a smaller, easier to travel with package. The Go is available in the Go Ten Six which is the same shape as the traditional Nautical 10’6″. There is also the Go Cruiser which increase the width to 34 inches and has a shape similar to the iRocker Cruiser.

The Nautical Go’s use the same 2 layer PVC construction as the traditional Nautical. They use the split deck pad similar to the iRocker Ultra boards to allow the board to fold in half. They use the twin fin setup from the Ultra boards as well.

Accessories

The Nautical Go can be customized when ordered from iRocker to include a variety of accessories. There is an available 5 piece fiberglass paddle that fits in a compact SUP bag or any other duffle or travel bag you want to use.

You can choose either the iRocker electric pump or a mini-hand pump. I prefer the electric pump. Shorter height mini-hand pumps mean you have to bend over farther to pump and do more strokes. I’m just not a fan of mini-hand-pumps from any brand.

There currently isn’t a compact Nautical bag available. There is a carrying strap. Hopefully iRocker will come out with one in the future to really complete this package.

If you buy the Nautical GO from Amazon, it is sold as a board only without any accessories. You get no pump or paddle. We recommend buying this from iRocker. It’s the same price for the base board and you can add the pump and paddle.

On the water performance

The Nautical Go behaves very similar to the original Nautical 10’6″. It is a softer board that likes smooth water and lighter weight paddlers. It has good tracking and glide on flat water. When the breeze picks up and you get some chop you can feel the flex in the board.

The Go Cruiser is 2 inches wider and is a more stable board. It is a great beginner board for people that want more stability. It has a shape similar to the popular iRocker Cruiser in a much less expensive package.

8. Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP

Freein Amazon

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

Overall Score

78
Stiffness80


Stability70


Speed70


Tracking80


Accessories80


Portability90

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

Specifications

  • Size – 10′ 6″ x 31″ x 6″
  • Weight Capacity – 286 lbs
  • Board Weight – 18 lbs
  • Construction – Single Layer PVC with carbon reinforced sides
  • D-Rings – 9
  • Paddle – 4 Piece aluminum convertible
  • Pump – Double action

Summary

The Freein SUP Kayak is a good value kayak SUP combo that comes with eveything you need for both. It has a seat and convertible paddle good for any adventure. The board uses single layer PVC construction with carbon reinforced rails. This gives it extra stiffness beyond the normal cheap 1 layer PVC boards. It is available in several colors as well. The board is 10’6 x 31″ so it will glide faster than a wider board but gives up a little in stability. It will still work well for most beginner paddlers.

Accessories

The board comes with a complete package including the board, double action hand pump, bag and convertible paddle. It also includes a coiled leash and an H3 to Schraeder valve converter. The paddle works well both ways and has drip rings which is a nice touch. The double action pump works well for inflating the board. The backpack easily fits everything inside.

On the water performance

The Freein SUP kayak is an all around shaped board that is 31 inches wide. It will have better glide and tracking than a wider board. It will go through chop easier. It won’t be as easy to balance as a wider 33-34 inch wide board. It is a nice compromise since it is meant to be used as a kayak also where the extra width and stability aren’t needed. Tracking is good with the 3 fin setup.

Inflatable SUP Guide – What should you look for when buying a paddle board?

Now that you’ve decided to get an inflatable SUP, what should you look for when buying a paddle board? What size paddleboard should you get? Let’s take a look at the most important things to look for when buying an inflatable paddleboard.

What size inflatable SUP should I get?

The heavier you are, the bigger a board you need. A board with more volume can float a heavier weight. If you are over 6′ or over 200 lbs you should look for a board that is at least 11′ long. If you are under that a 10’6″ board will be fine for you.

Materials

A $500 paddleboard should be made from a 2 or 3 layer PVC laminate. 3 layers better. 99% percent of inflatable SUPs are made from PVC drop-stitch construction. It is the only way to make a stiff thin inflatable structure. Go here to learn more about drop-stitch construction. 2 layers will be stiffer and more puncture resistant than 1 layer. 3 layers will be even better. Using a higher density of threads in the drop-stitch will also make a more rigid board.

It should have an EVA foam deck pad that covers all the area you might stand on. You won’t find a fully padded deck. You should have enough pad area for standing, sitting any normal activity such as SUP yoga. Textured or grooved EVA pads give your feet better traction and are usually preferred over smooth EVA pads.

SUP Board Board Size Construction Deflection (inches)
Blackfin Model X (15 psi) 10'6" x 34" x 6" 3 Ply PVC 1.0
Blackfin Model V (15 psi) 12'6" x 32" x 6" 3 Ply PVC 1.1
Blackfin Ultra CX (15 psi) 10'6" x 32.5" x 6" 2 Ply Woven PVC 1.0
Bluefin Cruise 10'8" 10'8" x 32.5" x 6" Fused PVC 1.4
Bluefin Carbon Cruise 12' 12' x 32" x 6" Fused PVC 0.9
BOTE HD Aero (15 psi) 11'6" x 34" x 6" 3 Ply PVC 1.1
Coolwave (15 psi) 10'6" x 32" x 6" 1 Ply PVC 3.3
Chasing Blue Orion (14.5 psi) 12'6" x 32" x 6" 2 Ply PVC 1.6
Chasing Blue Infinite (14.5 psi) 10'6" x 34" x 6" 2 Ply PVC 1.4
DAMA (15 psi) 11' x 33" x 6" 1 Ply PVC 3.0
Freein Overall 11 (15 psi) 11'' x 33" x 6" 2 Ply PVC 1.4
iRocker Nautical (15 psi) 10'6" x 32" x 6" 2 Ply PVC 2.8
iRocker All Around 11 (15 psi) 11' x 32" x 6" 3 Ply PVC 1.3
iRocker All Around 11 Ultra (15 psi) 11' x 32" x 6" 2 Ply Woven PVC 1.1
iRocker Cruiser Ultra (15 psi) 10'6" x 33" x 6" 2 Ply Woven PVC 1.1
Nice C (15 psi) 10'6" x 32" x 6" 1 Ply PVC 2.6
Nixy Newport G4 (15 psi) 10'6" x 33" x 6" 2 Ply Woven PVC 1.1
Nixy Monterey G4 (15 psi) 11'6" x 34" x 6" 2 Ply Woven PVC 1.0
Outdoor Master Swordfish (15 psi) 10'6" x 32" x 6" 2 Ply PVC 2.8
Red 12'6" Sport w/RSS (20 psi) 12'6" x 30" x 5.9" MSL with Battens 1.2
Retrospec Weekender Plus (15 psi) 10'6" x 30" x 6" 2 Ply PVC Fusion 1.4
Thurso Expedition 150 (15 psi) 12'6" x 31" x 6" 2 Ply Woven PVC 1.4
Thurso Max (15 psi) 11'6" x 34" x 6" 2 Ply Woven PVC 1.2

D-ring attachments

D-Ring attachments are nice for attaching accessories. You need a set of them across the middle of the board if you want to add a kayak seat. You can use them for paddle holders or attaching bungees. More D-Rings is better. Some boards may have as few as 7. Some boards may have as many as 17. If your board doesn’t have them, you can buy D-Rings to glue on so it’s not a must have feature. It does save you some effort if you need them.

Paddle

Almost every inflatable SUP under $500 comes as a complete package including a paddle. The paddles are not all created equally. When it comes to paddles, carbon fiber is the best, fiberglass is next and aluminum comes in last. A carbon fiber paddle will be stiffer and lighter. An aluminum paddle will have much more flex and be heavier. Fiberglass will be somewhere in the middle.

You are not likely to find a carbon fiber paddle in an under $500 SUP package. The better under $500 packages do come with fiberglass paddles. All the paddles are 3 pieces so they can be put in the bag for carrying with the board.

Accessories

Almost all inflatable SUPs come in a package with accessories such as a carrying bag and pump. In the under $500 price range, you should expect the following:

  • Carrying bag – A backpack that will hold the board, pump and paddle. Better bags will have more padding on the straps and be made from heavier materials. They will have more pockets and compression straps.
  • Pump – A dual action, single chamber pump. This pump will be able to pump on both the up and down strokes.
  • Leash – This is a safety item for keeping yourself attached to the board.
  • Repair kit – A small repair kit containing a tool for replacing the air valve and some PVC patches to fix punctures or scratches.
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

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment