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! Many fantastic budget-friendly Paddle Boards are available today, making the sport more accessible than ever.
Our List of the Best Budget Paddle Boards Under $500 includes several iSUPs regularly available at these prices and several more expensive choices that have been regularly on sale for $500 or less.
Inflatable paddle boards have improved greatly in the last decade, and advancements in technology have greatly improved the quality of iSUPs at all price levels.
While there are 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.
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 long). We’ll never recommend a “cheap” paddle board, but we have several inexpensive and budget-friendly paddle boards that we have tested and approve.
We originally made this list to showcase paddle boards we like that are under $500 MSRP. We chose this price point because it offers a variety of options and allows you to avoid the pitfalls of buying a “cheap” iSUP. However, year after year it is becoming harder to find boards under this price point that warrant a recommendation. So we do have a few boards sneaking into the $500-$600 range as well, but we feel that these still offer excellent value and performance for paddlers on a budget and are worth the small increase in price.
With that in mind, here’s a list of our favorite budget-friendly iSUPs under $500. We know from first-hand experience and testing that 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 | ||
| Bluefin Cruise 10’8” | Bluefin Cruise 10’8”
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'8” x 32" x 6" 33 pounds | 330 lbs | 5 years, 60-day return period |
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| Retrospec Weekender Plus | Retrospec Weekender Plus
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'6" x 33" x 6" 23 pounds | 240 lbs | 2 years, 50-day return period |
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| Retrospec Weekender 10’6 | Retrospec Weekender 10’6
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 10'6" x 32" x 6" 17.8 pounds | 275 lbs | 2 years, 50-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 | 10’4”x 32" x 6" 19.5 pounds | 275 lbs | 1 year, 30-day return period |
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| Retrospec Weekender Tour 11’6 | Retrospec Weekender Tour 11’6
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 11'6" x 32" x 6" 24.4 pounds | 300 lbs | 2 years, 50-day return period |
|
| Atoll 11’ | Atoll 11’
| Read ReviewCheck Price | 11' x 32" x 6" 21 pounds | 315 lbs | 2 years, 60-day return period |
|
Bluefin Cruise 10’8”
10’8” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, UK, Europe, Australia
Read Our Full Review Here
If a high-quality, great-performing iSUP that comes with a 5-year warranty doesn’t sound like an excellent choice already, 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 is just over the $500 price point, but the construction, performance, and accessory kit make it worth including.
Bottom Line: The Bluefin Cruise 10’8” offers the largest accessories kit from any budget board we’ve tested and doesn’t skimp on construction or performance.
Retrospec Weekender Plus
10’6” x 33” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Full Our Review Here
The Retrospec Weekender Plus may be the most versatile paddleboard on our list. This board is incredibly stable with a wide outline and rigid dual-layer PVC shell, and it comes as a complete hybrid iSUP/kayak kit.
The paddle board comes with the complete kayak kit conversion, which includes a second paddle blade and a high-quality inflatable kayak seat. The inflatable seat is a huge upgrade over flat foam seats and puts you in an ergonomic and comfortable position for all-day kayaking.
In addition to the conversion kit, the Weekender Plus has plenty of cargo space, a GoPro-ready threaded action mount, and comes with a shoulder carrying strap and waterproof phone case.
Bottom Line:The Retrospec Weekender Plus is a do-it-all cruiser and kayak combo at an incredible price.
Retrospec Weekender 10’6
10’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Full Review Here
Where the Retrospec Weekender Plus is a package with all the bells and whistles, the Retrospec Weekender 10’6 offers a more minimalist, but still great, set of accessories and features for paddlers on a budget.
This all-around iSUP is ultra-light and comes with everything you need for a fun day on the water (including a waterproof phone case). Its lightweight construction makes it a breeze to move around, but the Weekender 10’6’s overall size and rigidity make it a better option for more paddlers under 160 pounds.
Bottom Line:With a set of beginner-friendly accessories and a 2-year warranty, the Retrospec Weekender 10’6 is one of the most reliable ways to get on the water on a budget.
Bote Wulf
10’4” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, AUS
Read Full Review Here
The Bote Wulf is a big board. At 34″ wide with a wide, square tail, it offers paddlers a huge amount of stability on the water. Along with that stability is a large, 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, it is also 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 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.
Retrospec Weekender Tour 11’6
11’6” x 32” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Full Review Here
You’re not seeing triple – the Weekender Tour 11’6 is the third Retrospec board on our Best Budget Paddleboards list. Retrospec’s commitment to making paddling accessible for everyone shines through.
The Weekender Tour 11’6 is a board for the paddler who wants to go farther without overspending. Its dual-layer PVC construction makes it surprisingly rigid and efficient on the water and great for fitness paddling or day touring.
With the triple fin setup, you can also change things around to make the Tour switch from a straight-paddling distance board to an easily agile all-around board for hanging out with your friends.
Bottom Line: The Retrospec Weekender Tour 11’6 is an all-around with a performance backbone, all at an amazing price point.
Atoll 11’
11’ x 32” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
The dual-layer PVC construction keeps the Atoll 11′ lightweight while maintaining a stiff, stable, and durable ride. Its open floor plan and well-spaced anchor points allow you to customize it for your needs– cruising, touring, fishing, or anything else.
A single Longboard fin box and two fixed side fins keep things simple yet effective on the hull without limiting your primary fin size and shape options. There is a large 6-point cargo area up front and nine additional D-rings around the board’s perimeter. The large deck pad has a full diamond-groove traction pattern for a soft and retentive feel wherever you are on the board.
Bottom Line: The Atoll 11’ is a multi-purpose iSUP that balances its performance characteristics well.
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” iSUPs and kits. However, not all paddle boards in this price range are built well or offer a good value. 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.
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 sold by dubious fly-by-night brands available through mass online retailers like Amazon and AliExpress. Like with most things, you do get what you pay for. With ultra-low-cost items like these, what you give up is just as important, if not more important, as what you get. You’ll get the lowest possible quality materials, construction, and accessories. There will be no quality checks, no customer service from the brand, and no (or very limited) warranties. I’ve 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 the original cost of the board.
You will get higher quality materials, constructions, and accessories by purchasing a budget-friendly iSUP from a reputable and trusted brand like those listed above. The brands also provide quality assurance checks, customer service, and warranties. You’re also supporting SUP-first companies rather than unknown resellers looking to turn a quick buck. Companies that sell directly to you (versus through an online or brick-and-mortar retailer) can also 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 many years. Like any SUP, taking care of your board is important. Keep it clean and dry when not in use. When inflating and transporting your board, don’t lean or bump it into sharp objects (like metal signposts) or drag it along the ground. When you take a short 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, creating weak points over time. Store your board in its bag in a dry location indoors, and avoid excessively hot or cold conditions. If you store your board around or below freezing temperatures or temps above 90° F, allow your board to warm up or cool down 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 pests.
Recommended Gear for Your Budget Paddle Board
While most iSUP kits include everything the paddle board needs to get out on the water, a few accessories 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 also 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 on our SUPs should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. Dry bags come in various 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 great seats to take a break from standing! See our Best SUP Cooler reviews here.
- Electric Pumps – Using a hand pump is a great way to warm up for your day paddling, but now and then, it’s nice to relax while getting ready. 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-performing. 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.
Editor’s Note
After seeing our list above, you may be asking yourself “what about XYZ brand or model?” First and foremost, we will only review and recommend products we have personally tested. You won’t find spec-only reviews and blind recommendations here. You may notice a few highly rated boards in our reviews are not on this list. While we stand by our reviews and ratings of those boards, last year several companies ceased their affiliate programs. This prevents us from being compensated for the hours, days, and weeks we spend with these products for testing and reviewing (though they still receive the benefit of our content). If you enjoy our content or find it helpful, we ask that you help support Inflatable Boarder by considering brands that continue to support us first. You can read more about how we make money and the reviewing industry as a whole in our recent blog post.