Updated February 18th, 2023

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. The best performing board at the $500 price point is the NIXY Newport G4. It has advanced woven construction and is a little more sporty shape than the average 10’6″ all around board. The NIXY G4 accessories are the nicest package currently coming with any inflatable SUP. This makes it our favorite among the best inflatable SUPs under $500.
Our Pick

NIXY Newport G4
Best Inflatable SUP Under $500
The NIXY Newport is one of the most fun and good performing 10’6″ all around SUPs out there. It has stiff woven drop stitch construction. The G4 triple action pump, composite paddle, and bag are the best accessories any paddle board is coming with.
The top 7 best inflatable SUPs under $500 of 2023
- OVERALL BEST: NIXY Newport G4
- TOP PICK: Bluefin Cruise 10’8″
- BEST VALUE: iRocker Nautical
- Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP
- iRocker Cruiser Ultra
- GILI AIR 10’6″
- Freein Overall 11
1 – NIXY Newport G4
☆ Overall Best ☆

Overall Score
What we liked:
- Very stiff and light woven 2 layer construction
- Slightly faster board shape that is still stable enough for beginners
- Carbon paddle, 3 wheeled bag and double barrel pump
- Loads of D-Rings and action mounts with front and rear bungees for gear storage
What we didn’t like:
- Front bungee cord is a bit small
- Price is a stretch above $500 but worth it
Summary
The Nixy Newport G4 All Around is a step up from most under $500 paddle boards. It has several advanced features such as a woven construction, carbon paddle, and lots of D-Rings. It has a slightly performance oriented board shape. At 33 inch wide it is still stable and easy to paddle making it great for beginners too. The NIXY G4 paddleboards have the best construction and accessory package out there right now for $700.
The board is made from woven 2 layer PVC laminate. This is one of the stiffest inflatable paddleboard construction methods available. We have tested a few boards with woven construction and they are very stiff boards. The board also has carbon fiber reinforced rails for even more stiffness.
The board has 16 D-Rings and 5 action mounts built in. This is plenty for attaching a seat, fishing rod holders or cameras. This makes it a very versatile board.
The board has the traditional 3 fin setup. The middle fin is larger with 2 small side fins. All 3 fins on the latest version are removable with finger bolts. The center fin uses a standard US fin box allowing you to customize board performance.
The board tracks very well with 3 fins. It floats well up to its maximum weight. The narrow tail lets it turn easily and gives it a little extra speed.
The paddle has a 3 piece hybrid carbon shaft with nylon blade. The Nixy G4 paddle is the nicest paddle we have seen included in a paddleboard package for any manufacturer. The bag has 3 wheels and a ton of webbing loops and D-Rings. It is also the winner for nicest bag we have seen for under $1000. The double barrel pump is the best hand pump we have seen.
The price of this board is a stretch above $500. It is worth the extra money. You get a really stiff light board, excellent paddle and bag and a geat double chamber pump. If you want to stretch a little above $500 I would highly recommend checking out the Nixy Newport G4.
Review
See our review of the NIXY Newport G4 to learn more.

Specifications
- Size – 10′6″ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
- Board Weight – 21 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer Woven with Carbon Reinforced Rails
- D-Rings – 16
- Paddle – Carbon 3 piece
- Pump – Triple action pump
2 – Bluefin Cruise 10’8″
☆ Top Pick ☆

What we liked:
- Very complete package including a kayak seat and 2 blade paddle
- Croco-diamond EVA deck pad with kick pad at the rear
- Very stiff and durable board
What we didn’t like:
- The board is a bit heavy carrying around
- Fin attachment can be tricky to use and replacement fins are hard to get
Summary
The Bluefin Cruise 10’8″ Paddleboard is a very stiff sturdy board that comes in a very complete package. It includes everything you need to paddleboard and also a kayak seat and paddle that can be set up with 1 or 2 blades.
This board is one of the stiffest inflatable boards available. Bluefin claims they use the highest thread density in their drop stitch available from any board maker. They use a very thick 2 layer laminate construction. The board feels noticeably thicker and heavier when you roll it out to inflate it. It is much stiffer inflated on the water. This board weighs in at 29 lbs making it one of the heavier inflatable SUP boards.
The fin uses a flip lock fitting. The whole fin box can be replaced if you break the clip on it. People’s experience with customer service hasn’t been great at getting replacement fins. Use some care when attaching the fin to make sure it is fully attached.
The board is 10′ 8″ by 32 inch 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 included kayak seat helps for those who aren’t comfortable standing up on it.
The board has 9 D-ring attachments and a GoPro mount built into it. It has a carry strap in the middle as well. It includes a kayak seat that can attach to the center set of d-rings. The paddle has a 2-3 piece fiberglass shaft and can be assembled as a single blade or 2 blade paddle.
The deck uses a croco-diamond EVA pad that is comfortable and gives good grip and drainage. They include a kickpad at the rear of the board to use for kick turns as a nice added feature.
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.
Overall this is a great package for someone looking to get a good performing paddleboard. It is suitable for beginners and more experienced paddlers. The kayak seat makes it good for people who aren’t coordinated enough for standing.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 8″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 287 lbs
- Board Weight – 29 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- D-Rings – 9
- Paddle – 4 piece fiberglass convertible
- Pump – double action pump
3 – iRocker Nautical
☆ Best Value ☆

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 more expensive iRocker boards
Summary
The iRocker Nautical is the best value out there in paddle boarding right now. It is a 10’6″ x 32″ all around board with 2 layer construction and a really nice fiberglass paddle. It comes in at the same price as many single layer boards with junk aluminum paddles. Everything in this package is just better than anything you’ll find in any other $300-$400 paddle board. If you are looking for the best value inflatable SUP under $500 you have found it.
The board has 3 removable fins. The fin use latches to stay in place so there is no plastic tab to worry about losing or breaking.
The board is made of a 2 layer PVC laminate for durability. The deck has a groooved deck pad. The board has 17 D-Rings with bungees and handles at the front and rear. The deck pad is decently sized for standing on extending back into the tail of the board.
Overall, the iRocker Nautical is the best value out there for an entry level under $500 paddle board.
Accessories
The board comes as a complete package including a 3 piece fiberlgass paddle and a dual action pump. Almost every paddle board under $500 has an aluminum shaft paddle so this is a nice upgrade.
The backpack is nice with optional rollers. It has a couple of mesh pockets and bungee on for storing accessories. It has plenty of room for the board and accessories inside. The only complaint I have with the bag is lack of handles. A handle on each side would be nice.
On the water performance
The iRocker Nautical is a 10’6″ x 32″ wide board. It had decent glide. It has plenty of stability for new paddlers. The board has a good all around shape that is easy to turn and maneuver. The 3 fins keep it tracking straight once you get it moving.
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
- D-Rings – 17
- Paddle – 3 piece fiberglass
- Pump – Double action
Get a FREE ELECTRIC PUMP with every Original SUP from iRocker
4 – Freein Stand Up Paddle Board Kayak SUP

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 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.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 31″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 18 lbs
- Board Weight – 286 lbs
- Construction – Single Layer PVC with carbon reinforced sides
- D-Rings – 9
- Paddle – 4 Piece aluminum convertible
- Pump – Double action
Get $30 off using coupon code FS30 at Freeinsup.com
5 – iRocker Cruiser Ultra

Overall Score
What we liked:
- Heavy duty stiff woven construction
- Big stable board on the water with good performance
- Compact bag that you can easily take anywhere
- Carbon paddle and electric pump
What we didn’t like:
- Costs a little more than $500
- Big easy to use stable board needs a little more effort paddling into chop
Summary
The iRocker Cruiser Ultra is one of the best beginner paddleboards out there and a great value at just a little over $500. The Ultra Cruiser is the latest version that fits in a bag half the size of the old Cruiser. It has a very easy to paddle relaxing shape that any paddler will enjoy. It comes with a carbon paddle, electric pump and roller backpack.
The Cruiser is 10’6″ x 33″ with a wider tail section giving it some extra stability. It is a great board when you just want to go for a relaxing paddle and not have to work hard to stay balanced. It is easy to paddle and turn. The only downside is that it takes a little more effort to paddle into chop when the wind picks up.
The board has 2 removable fins that use flip locks and tethers so you will never lose a fin. The board tracks very well with this design.
The board uses 2 layer woven PVC construction that gives it good stiffness and good durability. iRocker woven boards perform very well in our bending test.
The board comes as a complete package including a 5 piece carbon paddle, and compact backpack. The Cruiser Ultra comes with an electric pump so you won’t have to wear yourself out inflating the board with a hand pump.
Overall, the iRocker Cruiser Ultra is a great package that is worth it’s extra cost above $500.
Review
See our review of the iRocker Cruiser Ultra to learn more.

Specifications
- Size – 10′6″ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
- Board Weight – 21 lbs
- Construction – 2 layer woven
- D-Rings – 21
- Paddle – 5 piece carbon
- Pump – electric pump
Get a FREE ELECTRIC PUMP with every Original SUP from iRocker
6 – GILI AIR 10’6″

What we liked:
- A portion of every GILI board sold goes to charities that support ocean health and marine life
- Stable board good for beginners
- Lots of D-Rings, action mounts and handles
- Good bag design with pockets and molle loops
- Racing/touring center fin and removable side fins
- Lightweight board that is easy to carry
What we didn’t like:
- Only comes with an aluminum paddle
- Board has noticeable flex in it for heavier over 225 lb paddlers
Summary
The GILI Air is their entry into the very competitive budget inflatable SUP market. It goes in guns blazing with lots of features such as action mounts, diamond groove deck pad and nice bag. A portion of every GILI SUP goes towards charities supporting ocean cleanup and marine animals.
The GILI AIR is available in 2 sizes. The 10’6″ and 11’6″. The 11’6″ is the better choice for larger paddlers over 200 lbs. The board is 32 inches wide with plenty of volume at the nose and tail for stability. The board is good for beginners and new paddlers looking for a stable board.
The AIR uses 2 layer PVC construction. It has okay stiffness. Paddlers over 200 lbs will be able to feel the board flex more than stiffer woven or 3 layer boards. Overall the construction looks and feels high quality and above what you expect for a $500 SUP.
The board has a standard 3 fin setup with fliplock removeable fins. The center fin is a 9 inch racing/touring design which is a little upgrade over the standard dolphin fin that most boards come with. The board will perform well on flat water without the side fins with some paddling practice.
The board has a 18 D-Rings and 3 action mounts for mounting seats and accessories. GILI sells a wide range of accessories to use with thsi board including a kayak conversion and fishing rod holders. There are also 7 handles making it easy to carry. At 19 lbs it’s already a very easy board to carry.
The accessories are what you expect at this price point. The bag has good padding and some molle loop for attaching things. The bag doesn’t have wheels or an option to add them. The board comes with an aluminum paddle which is the biggest negative of the whole package. A standard double action pump is included which gets the job done.
Specifications
- Size – 10′ 6″ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 280 lbs
- Board Weight – 19 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- D-Rings – 18
- Paddle – 3 piece aluminum
- Pump – double action pump
A portion of every GILI Paddleboard goes to charities that support ocean reefs and endangered sea animals
7 – 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 is a solid basic paddleboard with good performance and good accessories. The board is 11′ x 33″ making it very stable and forgiving for newer paddlers. It’s length gives it better glide than shorter boards.
The board comes as a complete package with one of the better accessory packages available under $500. The board comes with a fiberglass paddle, roller backpack and double barrel, triple action hand pump. The hand pump is one of the better double barrel designs I’ve seen. It can inflate and deflate. The dial for switching modes is easy to read and operate. The paddle is several notches better than a cheap aluminum paddle.
The board uses double layer PVC construction and performed well in our stiffness test. The board itself is a bit plane without a lot of extra handles, D-Rings or accessory mounts. They had to cut corners somewhere and decided to give you good stiffness and a good paddle instead of extra handles.
On the water the board is easy to paddle and fun to use. It is very beginner friendly and easy to stand on. It’s stiff enough to not feel bouncy or wobbly. The 3 fins give it good tracking. When you are ready you can leave off the 2 small fins for a faster board.
The board is a little tricky to get back into it’s bag with the large pump. This is one area that could use a little improvement. After you have done it a few times you’ll figure out how to roll it and make it happen.
Review
Read Freein Overall 11 Full Review

Specifications
- Size – 11′ x 33″ x 6″
- Weight Capacity – 265 lbs
- Board Weight – 23.8 lbs
- Construction – 2 Layer
- D-Rings – 15
- Paddle – Fiberglass 3 piece
- Pump – Triple action pump
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.
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.

Inflatable SUP FAQ
You might also like:
- WindSUP – Windsurf And SUP With One Board Helpful Guide
- OutdoorMaster Shark ii Electric Pump Review – The Best iSUP Pump

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