When you’re looking for a new inflatable paddle board, there are several considerations to take into account as you’re doing SUP comparison shopping. These are factors that we look at each and every time we do an inflatable SUP review. While individual paddlers will obviously have specific things that are more important to them than others, this core list will give you some basic guidelines to follow as you’re comparing stand up paddle boards…

• SUP Company’s Reputation – We highly recommend that you deal only with brands that have a strong reputation for standing behind the gear that they make. Does the company have a history of providing solid after sales support? How easy is it to contact the company and how long does it take to get a response from them? Are existing customers happy with the performance and durability of their boards, or are there a large number of complaints?
  
  
• Build Quality – When it comes to inflatables, look for boards that are well-built with quality drop-stitch material and military-grade PVC that’ll hold up for many years. Avoid cheap, low-quality paddle boards that feature flimsy construction, low-quality materials, and a sloppy fit and finish. Cheaper, poorly constructed boards can’t be inflated to higher psi pressures, so that’s something else to watch out for.
  
  
• Intended Use – Another important factor to consider is how you’ll be using your board. Are you looking for a multipurpose board that does a lot fairly well, or are you looking for a specialty model that is specifically designed to excel at one type of activity? What about water conditions? Will you be doing flat water paddling? Oceans? Rivers? While not built for speed, an all-around model is typically ideal for most paddlers as these boards are versatile, extremely stable, and easy to paddle.
  
  
• Thickness – When compared with thinner 4″ boards, iSUPs that are 6″ thick will be stiffer, more buoyant, and ride higher in the water. The additional thickness will help to keep your feet dry while paddling which is especially important with cold water paddling in the winter. With that said, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time playing in the waves, we’d recommend a high-quality board with a thinner profile (4″-5″) for better surf performance.
  
  
• Width – Wider paddle boards offer increased stability, something that beginner paddlers will find helpful. 32″ wide is a good starting point.
  
  
• Warranty – Often overlooked, the warranty is a key factor to consider when you’re looking to buy an inflatable SUP. Warranties typically range from 1 to 3 years, and a longer warranty period shows that a SUP company has confidence in the durability of their gear and is willing to make things right if manufacturer defects occur.
  
  
• Included Accessories – Last but not least, the SUP accessory bundle makes a huge difference when it comes to overall value. Does the board come packaged with everything you need to start paddling, or will you be required to spend even more money on additional items such as a paddle or leash? Also, what is the quality of the included accessories like?