If you are looking for an off-beat activity to beat the summer heat, paddle boarding using the best inflatable paddle boards for beginners is an excellent idea. These paddle boards come with a wide anti-slip deck that helps you lie, stand, or kneel on the board while you float on the water. If you want to buy one, scroll down and check out our compilation of the best options available online. We have also listed some buying tips and commonly asked questions, so you can choose the best paddle board and have a great time using it.

Types Of Paddle Boards

Paddle boards can be classified into the following types based on their material.

1. Epoxy

An epoxy board is made of EPS foam with several layers of epoxy resin and fiberglass to give it a strong and lightweight finish. This material helps cut through the water and move around with ease. Some boards made of epoxy may give some drag, but they are widely used as they also help generate more speed. These boards are widely used by professionals.

2. Composite

A composite board is similar to its epoxy counterparts, except they have a soft and spongy finish. They are more suitable for children and beginners. If you plan to take your pet along during your paddle boarding sessions, choosing boards made of this material is a wise decision.

3. Inflatable

These boards have become popular thanks to their high portability. They are made of PVC and require an air pump to inflate or deflate. They are also lightweight, compact, easy to store and carry, rigid, and durable. 

13 Best Inflatable Paddle Boards For Beginners

1. Best Versatile: SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

This paddle board from SereneLife is ten-foot long and offers a deck width of 32in, thus ensuring stability and balance for its users. It has three panel fins on the bottom that help keep a check on the overall speed and maneuverability of beginners. It is made of military-grade double-layer PVC, weighs around 14lb, and is available in various colors and attractive patterns. Moreover, the board comes with all needed accessories such as an oar pedal, a manual air pump, and a storage bag. Check out this video to learn more about the paddle board for beginners. Pros

Versatile board can be used for fishing and surfing too Easy to inflate and deflate Durable design UV-resistant coating Thermosealed non-slip deck pad

Cons

May be wobbly when not fully inflated

2. Best For Ocean Waters: Roc Inflatable Paddle Board

Crafted with premium military-grade PVC material, this paddle board from Roc is not only durable but also lightweight. It weighs almost 18lb and can take up to 350lb of weight. The board is six-inch thick, ten-inch long, and 33-inch wide, thus offering enough room for your pets too. Further, it features a wide and dual-layered non-slip deck pad and comes with a wide range of accessories, including a removable fin, collapsible aluminum paddle, safety leash, and a hand pump. Watch this video to learn more about this board. Pros

Suitable for use in ocean waters Main fin and side fins for stability Available in various colors Convenient comfort-grip handle Easy to assemble Thermosealed deck padding

Cons

Accessories may not be durable

3. Best For Vlogging: Dama Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Dama inflatable stand-up paddle board features a sports camera bracket mount, making it the perfect board for vloggers to enjoy the serene waters. Apart from the extra grip handle, it has steel D rings on the paddle board to help its users carry it around easily. The accessories that come with this paddle board include dual hand pumps, repairing kits, and height-adjustable paddles. This paddle board is available in three sizes and is given a natural wood color to resemble a wooden surface. Watch this video to learn more about this board. Pros

Made of lightweight PVC material Weight capacity of 330lb One-year warranty Includes three fins for speed and stability Non-slip EVA deck

Cons

Backpack may not be durable

4. Best For All Skill Levels: FunWater Inflatable Paddle Board

If you are looking for a paddle board that is not only strongly built but also lightweight, then look no further. The FunWater inflatable paddle board can take a weight of up to 330lb and is apt for users across skill levels and age groups. It features dual PVC layers for durability and has a stylish and attractive totem board design that symbolizes a respected authority. In addition, the set comes with an adjustable aluminum paddle, high-pressure pump, waterproof travel backpack, coil leash, and three removable fins. Pros

Stylish design Ergonomic handles Quality valves Water-resistant

Cons

Quality of the fins could have been better

5. Best Shock-Resistant: Run Wave Stand Up Paddle Board

This paddle board offers superior maneuverability and has been designed using a high-intensity PVC layer for superior air holding. Its foot leash reduces the chances of you falling off the board, making it safe enough for use when surfing. The paddle board is 11-foot long and 33-inch wide, giving you ample space for balancing while you use it. Furthermore, the paddle board weighing 25lb can take up to 360lb of weight when inflated. It is available in different attractive patterns. Pros

Shock- and impact-resistant PVC Reinforced build Unique non-slip pattern Water-resistant backpack Easy to fold and store

Cons

Quality of the main fin could have been better

6. Best Portable: Aqua Plus Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Aqua Plus inflatable stand-up paddle board is built to resemble a hard board, thanks to its durable layers of PVC. When inflated, the board weighs 20lb and can take up weights up to 350lb. It comes as a complete package, consisting of the board and several necessary items such as a paddle, coiled leash, waterproof bag, removable fin, and double action pump. Also, you can choose from a variety of colors and designs. Pros

Warranty available Rigid design Highly portable design Suitable for all conditions

Cons

Foam padding may peel after a few uses

7. Best UV-Resistant: Cooyes Inflatable Paddle Board

Cooyes brings you this reliable board made of military-grade reinforced DWF epoxy material with UV-resistant coating. The board is 35% lighter than boards of a similar size and can take a weight of up to 330lb, making it apt for those who want to enjoy activities such as fishing, snorkeling, paddling, and yoga. It comes with three bottom panel fins for keeping a check on the overall speed and is extremely easy to inflate and deflate. Pros

Adjustable three-piece paddle Quality backpack and hand pump High-quality air valve Low bending rate Anti-corrosion leash Anti-slip deck

Cons

May not be easy to carry

8. Best Stable: Advenor Extra Wide Paddle Board

When buying an inflatable paddle board, it is important to choose one that is durable enough to take on a lot of pressure. This one by Avenor makes a great choice, thanks to the nonslip EVA board made of high-quality material. The board is easy to carry around and comes with detachable bottom fins to improve the overall speed and handling. The board inflates and deflates in minutes and is built to take weights up to 330lb. Along with the board, you also get accessories such as an aluminum paddle, a safety leash, a waterproof bag, three removable fins, and a repair kit. Pros

Offers great stability Safety leash Premium high-pressure valve Portable design UV-resistant and lightweight material

Cons

Bag may not be durable

9. Best For Tall Riders: Yaska Inflatable Paddle Board

Purely hand-crafted for optimized usage, the Yaska inflatable paddle board with drop-stitch construction features an EVA layer that helps take on a lot of pressure without developing any deformities or being prone to bursting. The paddle board is stable and is perfect for doing yoga too. It is available in green and pink and comes with a one-year warranty. Moreover, it comes complete with accessories such as a sup paddle, a coil leash, a detachable center fin, and a backpack. Pros

Suitable for tall riders Sports-friendly Centered carry handle for portability Less friction Quality air valve

Cons

May be thinner than you expect

10. Best Stylish Design: Feath-R-Lite Stand Up Paddle Board

Feath-R-Lite brings you this paddle board that is known to be 35% lighter than other boards of similar sizes. When inflated, the board weighs 20lb. It is made of military-grade double-walled PVC material and is sturdy enough to carry weight up to 350lb. The paddle board features a unique ergonomic handle for portability. It comes with accessories such as a waterproof phone bag, a leash, three fins, and a SUP pump. Pros

Stylish design with UV digital print Anti-slip EVA deck pad Easy to fold and store Suitable for adventure sports

Cons

Paddles may not be floatable

11. Best Unisex: Retrospec Weekender Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

This paddle board comes with a double-layer PVC to offer you a stable and sturdy ride, and its textured and non-slip deck pad ensures you use the board confidently. The board inflates in less than five minutes, and the board’s six-point front bungee helps you keep your gear safe and secure. The accessories that come along with this board include a dual action pump, a paddle, and a removable safety leash. This board can hold weights as high as 300lb and weighs only 20lb. Pros

Unisex design Lightweight and portable Easy to store Offers maximum stability Suitable for all-around paddling

Cons

Seams may not be durable

12. Best Versatile: redder Stand Up Paddle Board

The inflatable stand-up paddle board for beginners by redder is built to hold weights up to 243lb and is versatile enough to be used for activities such as touring, wave surfing, exploring, and fishing. It comprises two layers of tarpaulin fabric and is backed by a strong layer of double-walled drop stitch structure. Besides, the board offers extra durability and stiffness and comes with a hand pump, a three-piece resin blade made of fiberglass, a travel backpack, and a ten-foot telephone line leash. Pros

Hexagon-textured deck pad Central handle for portability Quality valve and side fins Lightweight yet durable UV-resistant deck

Cons

Width may be smaller than you expect

13. Best Stable: Atonon Stand Up Paddle Board

Atonon brings you this inflatable paddle board made of military-grade PVC. The paddle board with a double deck is lightweight, and its surface has been given a non-slip finish to help enhance your performance and reduce your chances of falling off the board. The board has a weight capacity of up to 352lb and is about six-inch thick. Further, its 33-inch deck offers improved stability and balance, making it one of the best inflatable paddle boards for beginners. Pros

Removable fin and high-pressure valve Quality D-rings and tie-down bungee cords Central handle for portability Travel-friendly Non-slip texture design Easy to inflate and deflate

Cons

Pressure indicator on the pump may not be durable

How To Choose The Right Inflatable Paddle Board For Beginners?

Here are some key pointers one needs to remember when buying an inflatable paddle board.

1. Material

Ensure the paddle board you choose is made of quality PVC material and features a textured and non-slip EVA deck.

2. Accessories

The paddle board should include quality accessories such as a paddle, high-pressure pump, waterproof travel backpack, leash, removable fins, and repair kits to make your trips more convenient.

3. Weight capacity

Every paddle board has a weight capacity. When choosing a paddle board, you must consider your weight and the things you would generally carry on your trips.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Wedetso Chirhah, the author of this article, is a product writer who specializes in reviewing products related to sports, adventure, and games. He does in-depth research to find the best products available in different categories. In this article, he has listed the best inflatable paddle boards for beginners after considering hundreds of user reviews and comparing the features of several products. He has also included a buying guide and answered some frequently asked questions to help the readers make an informed buying decision.

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