Updated April 21st, 2023
Stand up paddleboards or SUP’s have become one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. Inflatable SUP’s are a super convenient way to give paddleboarding a try without the large cost and storage space needs that a rigid SUP board requires. Owning an inflatable paddleboard doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The iRocker Nautical is the best cheap paddle board out there. The Nautical comes with a composite paddle and bag with optional wheels. It uses 2 layer PVC construction for durability. The deck pad and D-Rings are a notch above other cheap paddle boards.
Our Pick
iRocker Nautical
Best Cheap Paddle Board
The iRocker Nautical is one of the best value paddle boards out there. It has double layer construction and a grooved deck pad with lots of D-Rings and mounts. The composite paddle is nicer than any aluminum paddle that usually comes with cheap SUPs.
Save up to 50% OFF on SUPS at iRocker
See our guide to the best inflatable paddleboards under $500 for the next step up in price and performance.
- The top 7 best cheap paddle boards of 2023
- 1 – iRocker Nautical
- 2 – Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP
- 3 – FunWater Tiki Inflatable Paddle Board
- 4 – Freein Overall – 11
- 5 – Drift Inflatable SUP
- 6 – SereneLife Inflatable SUP
- 7 – DAMA Inflatable SUP
- Cheap Paddle Board Guide – What to look for
- Cheap Paddle Board FAQ
- You might also like:
The top 7 best cheap paddle boards of 2023
- BEST OVERALL: iRocker Nautical
- TOP PICK: Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP
- BEST VALUE: FunWater Tiki
- Freein Overall – 11
- Drift Inflatable SUP
- SereneLife Inflatable SUP
- DAMA Inflatable SUP
1 – iRocker Nautical
☆ Best Overall ☆
Save up to 50% OFF on SUPS at iRocker
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Fiberglass paddle
- Durable and stiff 2 layer construction
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Lots of D-Rings and carry handles
What we didn’t like:
- Lower weight capacity than other iRocker boards
- Not as stiff as the rest of the more expensive 3 Layer iRocker boards
Summary
The iRocker Nautical is the entry level board from well known iRocker. iRocker produces mid to high end boards under the iRocker and Blackfin names. The Nautical is the best value out there in paddleboards. The Nautical has a 2 layer PVC laminate construction and really nice fiberglass paddle. This board sells for the price of many single layer PVC boards with cheap aluminum paddles.
It has a durable backpack and double action pump. It is available in 2 sizes, 10’6″ and 11’6″. Anyone over 200 lbs should consider the 11’6″ version of the board. iRocker has done a very good job at producing a cheaper budget board that retains the quality and performance they are known for.
Review
See our review of the iRocker Nautical to learn more.
Specifications
- Size – 10′6″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 240 lbs
- Board Weight – 20 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- Warranty – 2 years
- D-Rings – 17
- Paddle -3 piece fiberglass paddle
- Pump – Double action pump
Get the iRocker Nautical at iRocker and at Amazon.
2 – Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP
☆ TOP PICK ☆
Get $30 off using coupon code FS30 at Freeinsup.com
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. It won’t feel like it is flexing every time you move on it. 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.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 31″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 286 lbs
- Board Weight – 18 lbs
- Construction – Single Layer PVC with carbon reinforced sides
- Warranty – 2 year
- D-Rings – 9
- Paddle – 4 Piece aluminum convertible
- Pump – Double Action
Get the Freein Kayak SUP at Freein and Amazon.
3 – FunWater Tiki Inflatable Paddle Board
☆ Best Value ☆
What we liked:
- Low price package
- 2L board with okay performance
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Lots of bang for the buck
- Good cheap way to get started
What we didn’t like:
- The single action pump is takes a long time to pump up the board and has no ability to deflate
- The pump is not durable
- It takes a lot of effort to load the deflated paddleboard into the top opening bag
Summary
The Funwater Tiki is one of the cheapest and most popular paddle boards on Amazon. It is one of the cheapest ways to get started with paddleboarding. It comes with very basic accessories such as a single action pump and basic draw string top bag. It performs okay on the water. It’s got a lot of bang for the buck factor. If you want to have fun but don’t want to spend a lot, Funwater paddleboards are a good way to go.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 330 lbs
- Board Weight – 17.6 lbs
- Construction – 1 Layer
- Warranty – 1 year
- D-Rings – 5
- Paddle – 3 piece aluminum
- Pump – Single Action
Get the Funwater Tiki at Funwater and at Amazon.
4 – Freein Overall – 11
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Double layer PVC construction makes board stiff and not bouncy
- Fun and easy to paddle board
- Fiberglass paddle
- Good double barrel triple action pump
What we didn’t like:
- Difficult to get back into the bag
- Not many handles or accessory mounts on board
Summary
The Freein Overall 11′ is a great value paddleboard with better than average construction, paddle and pump. Freein makes a popular line of cheap paddleboards available on Amazon. They also make second line of more upscale boards with double layer construction. They sell these directly through their website only.
The Overall is a good all around board that is fun to paddle and easy enough for beginners. At 11′ x 33″ it is long enough to have good glide and it’s wide enough to be stable for first time paddlers.
The board has double layer PVC construction and did well in our paddleboard stiffness test. It comes with a fiberglass paddle. It is one of the cheapest boards available with a double barrel triple action hand pump. The pump actually works well and inflates boards quickly. The only downside is that it’s difficult to get it back into it’s bag.
Review
Read Freein Overall 11 Full Review
Specifications
- Size – 11″ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 265 lbs
- Board Weight – 22.5 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- Warranty – 2 years
- D-Rings – 15
- Paddle – Fiberglass
- Pump – Triple Action
Get the Freein Overall 11 at Freein.
5 – Drift Inflatable SUP
What we liked:
- Stylish wood grain deck appearance
- Very stable board that is easy to paddle for beginners
- Better aluminum paddle than in a typical package
- Made by BOTE brand known for high end high quality paddleboards
- Very lightweight overall package good for hiking and travelling
What we didn’t like:
- No D-Rings around middle of board for mounting a kayak seat
- Not as stiff as higher cost paddleboards
- No rear bungee
Summary
The Drift inflatable SUP is a low cost board from popular BOTE brand. It is aimed at giving you the best of BOTE at a cost competitive with cheap generic Amazon paddleboards. It has all the style and looks of a BOTE brand board in a lower tech simplified package. The Drift SUP is available in 2 sizes, 10’8″ and 11’6″. Larger paddlers over 200 lbs should get the 11’6″ version. The Drift boar uses single layer PVC construction with a wood grain deck. It uses a typical 3 fin arrangement. It comes with a better than average aluminum paddle and double action pump.
The Drift is a very stable beginner friendly board. It has overall good tracking and glide for it’s size. It would be a fun board to take to the lake or beach. It’s lightweight package makes it easy to travel with.
Specifications
- Size – 10’8″ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
- Board Weight – 19 lbs
- Construction – 1 Layer
- Warranty – 1 year
- D-Rings – 7
- Paddle – Aluminum 3 piece
- Pump – Double action hand pump
Get the DRIFT Inflatable SUP at Amazon.
6 – SereneLife Inflatable SUP
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
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″.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 275 lbs
- Board Weight – 19.6 lbs
- Construction – 1 Layer
- Warranty – 1 year
- D-Rings – 11
- Paddle – 3 piece aluminum paddle
- Pump – double action
Get the SereneLife Paddle Board at Amazon.
7 – DAMA Inflatable SUP
Overall Score
What we liked:
- The board looks really good with the fake wood top and grooved deck pad
- The board shape is easy to paddle with good glide. Would make a great beginner board
- Good value overall package. This board feels like it should cost more.
What we didn’t like:
- The manufacturing of the board is a little sloppy. D-Rings aren’t centered on the board.
- Check new boards to make sure there aren’t any leaks. A few users have had leaks around the air valves or other areas of the board.
- Board feels bouncy for heavier paddlers
Summary
The DAMA Paddleboard is one of the best looking cheap paddleboards available. The wood deck and deck pad give it a premium appearance that looks much more expensive than its $300 price. The board is available in 3 different lengths. Most paddlers will want the 10’6″ or 11′ versions. The accessories including the pump and backpack are basic and work. The fit and finish of the board are not what you would find on a $500 or more expensive board but on par for its price.
Review
Read DAMA Inflatable SUP Full Review
Specifications
- Size – 11′ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 330 lbs
- Board Weight – 19.8 lbs
- Construction – 1 Layer
- Warranty – 1 year
- D-Rings – 8
- Paddle -3 piece aluminum convertible
- Pump – double action
Get the DAMA Inflatable Paddle Board at Amazon.
Cheap Paddle Board Guide – What to look for
Stand Up Paddle Boards are an excellent way to get around on the water. They are designed to be used anywhere from flat water calm lakes to out in the surf. They are incredibly versatile. Inflatable stand up paddle boards are a convenient solution for those who don’t want the hassle of transporting and storing a hard paddle boards. Who wants to bother with a roof rack every time they use their paddleboard?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the important features of paddleboards.
Materials
All inflatable SUP’s are made of PVC. This is because PVC is a lightweight durable plastic material that is commonly used in marine inflatables. PVC is a good choice for inflatable SUP construction because it can be easily thermobonded into the hull shape and the core. The core of almost all SUP hulls are made from a drop stitch sandwich which is 2 layers of material with connecting threads that maintains a flat shape when inflated. The drop stitch core is the key to creating the long flat thin board section.
For more information on SUP materials click here.
Board Stiffness
One of the ways to measure how well an inflatable board is made and how well it will perform is how stiff it is. To measure this we set the board up on 2 stands 8 feet apart. We loaded the board up with 120 lbs of weight and measured how much the board deflected under load.
1 Layer boards are not as stiff and rigid as 2 Layer boards or boards using advanced construction. They are the cheapest paddleboards for those on a budget. People have a lot of fun on 1 layer boards.
Length
Common inflatable SUP boards tend to be between 9 feet and 12 feet long. The longer a board is, the better it will be at gliding across the water and the less you’ll have to work while paddling on flat water. A longer board will also get blown around by the wind more so there is a trade off. Anyone over 200 lbs should look at boards that are at least 10′ 6″ long. A lighter paddler can get by with shorter boards.
Width
The wider a SUP board is, the more stable it will be. A 33 inch board will feel much more stable to stand on than a 29 inch board. The wider a board is, the more drag it will have going through the water so the slower it will feel. As a beginner or if you plan on doing SUP Yoga on the board, you will want it to be as wide as possible. Beginners should look for a board at least 32 inches wide.
Cheap Paddle Board FAQ
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Steve Reed
Staff Writer | Water Sports
Steve spent his time growing up in South Carolina doing as much as possible on the water. He is an avid stand up paddleboarder and kayaker and loves hitting the lakes and rivers near home. He is a competitive sailor and has competed in sailing at the collegiate level as well as 7 Mackinac Island races.
steve@endlessrushoutdoors.com
