Best Paddle Boards For $500 | 2023 Budget SUP Guide

Stand Up Paddleboarding is a water sport 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. 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).

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

section-hd			Best iSUPs under $500
	BOARD	PRICE	DIMENSIONS	CAPACITY	WARRANTY
Nautical 10’6”	Nautical 10’6” Save	Read ReviewCheck Price	10'6" x 32" x 6" 20 pounds	240 lbs	2-years, 90-day return period
Isle Pioneer 2.0	Isle Pioneer 2.0 Save	Read ReviewCheck Price	10’6”x 34" x 6" 24 pounds	285 lbs	2-years, 60-day return period
Gili Air 11’6”	Gili Air 11’6” Save	Read ReviewCheck Price	11'6" x 32" x 6" 19 pounds	280 lbs	2-years, 60-day return period
Bluefin Cruise 10’8”	Bluefin Cruise 10’8” Save	Read ReviewCheck Price	10'8” x 32" x 6" 33 pounds	330 lbs	5-years, 60-day return period
Bote Wulf	Bote Wulf Save	Read ReviewCheck Price	10'4" x 34" x 6" 20 pounds	250 lbs	2-years, 30-day return period
Tower S-Class	Tower S-Class Save	Read ReviewCheck Price	10’4”x 32" x 6" 19.5 pounds	2 lbs	1-year, 30-day return period

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Nautical 10’6”

10’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
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The Nautical 10’6” is the core board of iRocker’s budget-friendly Nautical lineup. The Nautical 10’6” has long been at the top of our recommendations for new paddlers and those on a budget for several reasons. While it’s not as fully-featured as the more expensive iRocker brand boards, the Nautical still has the same types of features including removable handles, threaded accessory mounts, kayak seat compatibility, and comes with a fiberglass paddle.

In addition to its feature set, the Nautical 10’6” has great stability, balances maneuverability, speed, and tracking, and has a large, comfortable deck pad that lets you use the board for everything from casual paddling to fishing and even yoga.

Bottom Line:The Nautical 10’6” is a well-trusted and versatile iSUP that fits a wide range of paddlers at an excellent price.

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Isle Pioneer 2.0

10’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN, UK, EU
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The Isle Pioneer 2.0 is a newcomer to our list of Best iSUPs under $500 as it’s normally much closer to $800! Isle has kept the Pioneer 2.0 on a huge sale for all of 2023, and we don’t expect it to stop soon. This means you get an amazingly high-quality paddleboard kit at an amazing price.

The Isle Pioneer 2.0 is a high-quality iSUP with a super-rigid construction. It’s also the only board on this list that has a standard US fin box (making it easy to change fins as desired or find replacements), and it also comes with a carbon fiber hybrid paddle. It’s extremely stable thanks to its 34” width and wide tail and nose. There’s enough room and stability for easy paddling with kids or pets. The deck pad is very large with a smooth texture that’s comfortable for standing, sitting, or even laying down.

Bottom Line:The Isle Pioneer 2.0 is a super stable, super versatile iSUP currently available at an amazing price.

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Gili Air 11’6”

11’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
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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.

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Bluefin Cruise 10’8”

10’8” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, UK, Europe, Australia
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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.

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Bote Wulf

10’4” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, AUS
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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.

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Tower S-Class All Around

10’4” x 32” x 4.7”
Availability: US
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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.

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Budget Stand-up Paddleboard FAQs

What is a Budget iSUP?

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 iSUP 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 iSUPs?

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 Stand-Up Paddle boarding

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 iSUPs 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.