Stand Up Paddle Boarding is an activity for everyone. Whether you are a serious athlete or just looking for a new way to enjoy the beach there is a paddle board for you – and you don’t have to break the bank to start! Our list of the Best Budget Paddle Boards available today makes the sport more accessible than ever.
Inflatable paddle boards have come a long way in the last decade and advancements in technology have greatly improved the quality of iSUPs at all levels. While there are certainly still differences in performance and variety at different price levels, it’s easier than ever to start paddle boarding with a quality product without draining the savings account.
However, there is still a fine line between a quality iSUP on a budget and a “cheap” paddle board that isn’t likely to last more than a single season (if even that much).
We originally made this list to showcase paddle boards we like under $500 MSRP. We chose this price point as it offers a variety of different options and allows you to escape the pitfalls of buying a “cheap” iSUP. We’ve also included a handful of SUPs that we’ve found to be consistently on sale for under $500 as well. For 2023 in particular many paddle board companies have been offering excellent discounts and we expect this to continue into 2024 as well.
With that in mind, Here’s a list of our favorite budget-friendly iSUPs under $500. We know from first-hand experience and testing these boards are not just low cost, but also high quality.
Best Budget Inflatable Paddle Boards Comparison Chart
Best iSUPs under $500 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOARD | PRICE | DIMENSIONS | CAPACITY | WARRANTY | ||
| iRocker Cruiser | iRocker Cruiser | Read ReviewCheck Price | 10’6” x 33” x 6” 25 pounds | 435 lbs | 2 years, 45-day return period |
|
| Gili Adventure 11’ | Gili Adventure 11’
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 11’0” x 32” x 6” 22 pounds | 290 lbs | 2-years, 60-day return period |
|
| bluefin-cruise-carbon | Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8”
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'8” x 32" x 6" 33 pounds | 330 lbs | 5 years, 60-day return period |
|
| Bote Wulf | Bote Wulf | Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'4" x 34" x 6" 20 pounds | 250 lbs | 2 years, 30-day return period |
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| Tower S-Class | Tower S-Class
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10’6”x 32" x 6" 19.5 pounds | 275 lbs | 1 year, 30-day return period |
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| Gili Air 11’6” | Gili Air 11’6”
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 11'6" x 32" x 6" 19 pounds | 280 lbs | 2 years, 60-day return period |
|
| Nautical Go Ten-Six | Nautical Go Ten-Six
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'6" x 32" x 6" 20 pounds | 240 lbs | 1 years, 45-day return period |
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| Glide O2 Retro | Glide O2 Retro
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'6" x 32" x 6" 23 pounds | 400 lbs | 10 years, 30-day return period |
iRocker Cruiser
10’6” x 33” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
iRocker’s core series of iSUPs have been long-time reader favorites, and for good reason. They blend a high quality construction, versatile feature set, great performance on the water, and an excellent accessory kit all together. Normally priced well outside the $500 price range, iRocker has consistently had the Cruiser on sale throughout 2023 for nearly half off!
The iRocker Cruiser is an extra stable all-around style paddle board that’s great for beginners, paddling with a passenger or pet, larger paddlers, and anyone who wants a paddle board that’s equally at home SUP yoga as it is a casual sunset paddle with friends (and everything in between).
Bottom Line: The iRocker Cruiser is an excellently stable and versatile paddle board currently available at an unbelievable price.
Gili Adventure 11’
11’0” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Our Full Review Here
Gili’s Adventure series iSUPs are highly versatile paddle boards that come in two and a half lengths. The Adventure 11’ and 12’ are fully kitted out with over a dozen D-rings, multiple threaded accessory mounts, and even dedicated Scotty-style fishing mounts for tackle racks, rod holders, and more. The Gili Mako shares the same DNA as the Adventure 11’, but with fewer on-board features.
Like the iRocker Cruiser, the Gili Adventure 11’ is normally priced much higher than what would qualify for this list, but has been consistently on sale for just under $500 for much of 2023 (and it looks likely to continue into 2024 as well).
Bottom Line: If you are looking for an inflatable paddle board that paddles well, can be loaded up for a full day (or weekend) of fishing, and even comes with alternate fins for shallow water trips, then the Gili Adventure 11’ is right for you.
Bluefin Cruise 10’8”
10’8” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, UK, Europe, Australia
Read Full Review Here
If a high-quality, great performing iSUP that comes with a 5 year warranty somehow already doesn’t sound like an excellent choice, how about we throw in a complete kayak conversion kit at no extra cost? That’s the Bluefin Cruise 10’8”.
Bluefin has been a huge part of the iSUP industry for a very long time. They’ve refined their Cruise 10’8” iSUP over the years and improved it with every iteration. The Bluefin Cruise 10’8” comes standard with a full kayak conversion kit (seat and second blade), fiberglass paddle, three “Smartlock” flip-lock style fins, and a carrying backpack with a large external pocket to hold all of the extra accessories. It is the most expensive board on our list, and technically is just over the $500 price point, but considering the construction, performance, and ample accessory kit we think it’s absolutely worth inclusion here.
Bottom Line: The Bluefin Cruise 10’8” offers the largest kit of accessories out of any budget board we’ve tested and doesn’t skimp on construction or performance.
Bote Wulf
10’4” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, AUS
Read Our Full Review Here
The Bote Wulf is a big board. At 34” wide with a very wide, square, tail it offers paddlers a huge amount of stability on the water. Along with that stability is a very large, and very clean, deck pad that’s great for paddling with a friend or pet or practicing a bit of paddleboard yoga.
The lightweight and compact Wulf kit is easy to transport and store. While large, the Wulf is also still quite maneuverable and easy for paddlers of any size to use.
Bottom Line: The Bote Wulf is super stable with a ton of deck-side real estate.
Tower S-Class All Around
10’4” x 32” x 4.7”
Availability: US
Read Full Our Review Here
Weighing in at less than 20 lbs, the Tower S-Class feels almost impossibly light while the fusion construction provides excellent rigidity for its size. With a recommended inflation pressure of just 12 PSI, the Tower S-Class is also one of the fastest and easiest iSUPs to get ready to hit the water. The diamond groove deck pad offers great traction while wet and the sleek, classic design matches any fit. This highly maneuverable iSUP is a great option for smaller paddlers.
Bottom Line:The Tower S-Class All Around is a lightweight option for smaller paddlers.
Gili Air 11’6”
11’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
The Gili Air 10’6” is super versatile and is loaded with on-board features for the paddler who wants to be able to do it all. With multiple accessory mounting points, removable rear cargo area, kayak seat compatibility, and integrated paddle holders there’s not much you can’t do with the Gili Air 11’6”.
The Gili Air 11’6” is also the longest board on our list providing excellent tracking and more capacity than many of the shorter 10’6” boards. The Gili Air is also available in a 10’6” version for smaller paddlers who want a slightly lighter and more maneuverable option with all of the same on-board features.
Bottom Line:The Gili Air 11’6” is extremely versatile and is great for those who want to paddle with a passenger or load up for an overnight trip.
Nautical GO Ten-Six
10’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
The Nautical Go Ten-Six is a minimalist, semi-compact (but full-size) inflatable paddle board that is extremely budget friendly.
This standard size (10’6 x 32”) paddle board weighs just 19 pounds, has a small cargo bungee for your daily essentials and is compatible with iRocker’s kayak seat. The split deck pad is large enough for regular use and is comfortable and provides great traction. The twin fliplock fins also make it extremely easy to track straight while paddling, but still allow the board to easily maneuver.
The stable shape makes the Nautical Go Ten-Six a good option for beginners on a budget. It’s available as a basic kit with just the board, leash, and fins, or as a complete kit with a five-piece paddle, mini hand pump, and more accessories.
The lightweight design and compact accessories make the Nautical Go Ten-Six incredibly easy to store and transport wherever your adventures take you.
Bottom Line:The Nautical Go Ten-Six is an extremely budget-friendly paddle board.
Glide O2 Retro
10’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
Glide has been making ultra-durable high quality paddle boards for years – first with their nearly indestructible hard boards, and now with their inflatable SUPs.
The Glide O2 Retro iSUP has an absolutely classic longboard shape, beautiful bold colors (now available in four different options), a full length deck pad (the only board on our list with this great feature), and a super rigid construction. With welded seams and a heavy-duty reinforced PVC shell, the Glide O2 Retro is also the only SUP on this list that comes with a lifetime warranty.
However, like a few others on this list, the Glide O2 Retro’s current $400 price tag is 50% off its normal price for a limited time, so don’t let the Retro become a thing of the past!
Bottom Line: The Glide O2 Retro is extremely rigid and durable, comes with a lifetime warranty, great accessory kit, and is currently half off its normal price.
Best Budget Paddle Board FAQs
What is a Budget Paddle Board?
We categorize inflatable paddle boards at or under the $500 price point as “budget” boards and kits. Through in-depth testing we’ve found that the boards presented in this list are not only budget-friendly, but also provide a higher quality paddling experience. They’re also from trusted brands and are designed and built to be used for many years.
What is the difference between a Budget Paddle Board and “Cheap” iSUP?
With stand up paddle boarding’s massive growth in popularity there has been an equally large explosion of super “cheap” boards by dubious fly-by-night brands available through mass online retailers like Amazon and AliExpress. Like with all things you do tend to get what you pay for. With ultra-low-cost items like these what you are giving up is just as, if not more, important as what you get. You’ll be getting the lowest possible quality materials, construction, and accessories. There will be no quality checks, no customer service from the brand, and no warranties from the brand. I’ve personally seen many of these devices (I hesitate to call them iSUPs) fail on their first use in ways that are either unrepairable or cost more to fix than what was spent on the board.
By purchasing a budget-friendly iSUP from a reputable and trusted brand like those we’ve listed above you are getting higher quality materials, constructions, and accessories. You are getting quality assurance checks, customer service, and warranties from the brands. You’re also supporting SUP-first companies rather than unknown resellers looking to turn a quick buck. Companies that sell directly to you (vs through an online or brick-and-mortar retailer) are also able to keep costs lower for higher-quality products by removing the retailer markups.
How Durable Are Budget Paddle Boards?
With simple care and maintenance these budget-friendly iSUPs will last for many years. Like with all iSUPs it’s important to take care of your board. Keep it clean and dry when not in use. When you are inflating and transporting your board take care not to lean or bump it into any sharp objects (like metal sign posts) and don’t drag it along the ground. When you are taking a break from paddling keep your board touching the water; let some air out of the board when taking long breaks to avoid over pressurization. With these common-sense measures you’ll be paddling your board for years.
How do I store my iSUP?
Always clean and dry your SUP completely before storage. Once your board is dry, roll your board just tight enough to fit into its storage bag. Rolling your board too tightly can crease it, which can create weak points over time. Store your board in its bag in a dry location out of the sun, and avoid excessively hot or cold conditions. If your board is stored around or below freezing temperatures, allow your board to warm up to room temperature before unrolling. If storing in a garage, attic, or other non-residential location, consider storing it in a hard plastic tub to deter potential pests.
Recommended Gear for Your Budget Paddle Board
While most iSUP kits will include everything the paddleboard needs to get you out on the water, there are a few accessories that will give you a better and safer experience on your new iSUP.
- PFD – A PFD (Personal Flotation Device), sometimes called a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a critical piece of safety equipment while on your SUP and may be required by local law. There are thousands of options for PFDs, and it is important to choose one that not only fits you well, but is designed for paddling. A quality, well-fit PFD is not noticeable when being worn. See our Best SUP PFD reviews here.
- Dry Bag – Not everything we bring with us on our SUPs should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. Dry bags come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. See our Best SUP Dry Bag reviews here.
- Coolers – whether you are keeping your drinks cold or your catch fresh, a great cooler can make the difference after hours out in the sun. Plus hard coolers make a great seat to take a break from standing! See our Best SUP Cooler reviews here.
- Electric Pumps – Using the hand pump that comes with your board is a great way to warm up for your day paddling. But every now and then it’s nice to relax while getting ready, too. Electric SUP pumps are easy to use and let you focus on other things while inflating your board. See our Best Electric SUP Pump reviews here.
Final Thoughts – Best Budget Paddle Boards Under $500
Budget-friendly iSUPs don’t have to be low quality or low performance. By supporting SUP-first brands you’ll be getting a better quality product designed to perform better on the water than what you can get from a big-box store or mass online retailer.
