Cheap paddle boards you can buy for under $500

Do you want to dip your feet into paddle boarding waters but not spend a fortune? I have good news. You can buy a good inflatable paddle board for a lot less than you think. In fact, you can buy a decent paddle board under $500.

These are full size top-rated paddle boards that are great for all-around paddling. Chosen for durability and quality within their price range If you are looking at a board for your family or just getting into the sport, these boards are a good option.  The best paddle board under $500 is right here.

Check Out: Best Mid-Priced All-Around Paddle Boards

You Get What You Pay For

 The difference between a cheap paddle board and a more expensive SUP.

Can you buy a decent paddle board for under $500? That depends what you call decent. There are only a few cheap paddle boards I can recommend.

And those recommendations come with some advice. “You get what you pay for for”

I understand that a cheap paddle board is all some buyers can afford. But my goal is to point you toward a paddle board you will be happy with.

So if you can afford a more expensive paddle board don’t buy a cheap board. You will be happier with a more expensive board. It will last longer and perform better.

What you get with a cheap paddle board

• Cheaper materials

• Cheaper accessories

• Less Performance & Durability

Materials, Performance & Durability

Cheap iSUPs will have one layer of pvc. Also the drop stitch core will not be as good quality. And construction methods are the cheapest possible to keep cost down. A paddle board that cost under $500 had to cut corners to keep the price that low. These cheaper materials and construction methods will negatively influence both performance and durability of an inflatable paddle board.

Inflatable paddle boards need as much stiffness as possible. All the best iSUPs are very rigid. A cheap inflatable paddle board will have more flex in the water. Flex reduces performance in every area.

It is this flex that makes a cheap paddle board slow and sluggish.

The reduction in material will make the board lighter. The good news is that lighter boards are naturally easier to carry. And they tend to maneuver quicker.

However, when a paddle board is too light it sits high on the water and loses some stability.

Reality check: Don’t expect a cheap paddle board to perform as well or last as long as a higher end paddle board

Accessories

The pump and paddle are integral parts of a paddle board. It amazes me when a paddle board brand will include a cheap hand pump with their board.

A cheap pump will make it harder to inflate your board and negatively affect the experience before you ever get on the water. Cheap paddle board packages typically have low quality hand pumps and paddles.

I am not trying to discourage you. Instead I want you satisfied with your first paddle board. For a few hundred dollars more you can buy a higher quality board. My first choice for low price and good quality are iRocker Paddle Boards. You can read my review of the iRocker All-Around here.

Disclosure

Products I use are purchased with my own funds. I am under no obligation to review any product. This site expresses my own independent opinion.

TheSeasonedSurfer.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Decent Paddle Board under $500

---

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package

You get what you pay for but the SereneLife is one of the best in the low-price category.

The SereneLife is a nimble board that maneuvers well.

The 3 fin set up, light weight and 30″ width combine to make this an agile nimble paddle board. It has a maximum weight capacity of 275lbs.

However what the SereneLife gains in agility it loses in stability. This would not be the easiest paddle board to learn on. There is a bit more side to side wobble than a beginner needs.

Recommendation: The SereneLife is a decent paddle board for its very low price. Its best performance attribute is quick maneuverability. It is a bit wobbly for most beginners.

Check out the current price on Amazon here.

Pros

• Good value

• Lightweight 20lbs

• Lively and Agile

• Will inflate to 20psi

• Transports easy

• Stores compact

• 6″ thickness for more stability

• Supports riders up to 275lbs

• Cargo bungee system on nose

Cons

• Must be inflated and deflated every session

• Not as stable or fast as more expensive board

---

---

How hard is it to learn to paddle board?

It’s not really that hard to learn. First of all, you need to make sure the paddle board has plenty of float for your weight. Then make sure the board has been inflated to its maximum psi. Now, if you have normal balance you should learn quickly.

In fact, you really shouldn’t fall your first time out on the water. After 2-3 sessions you should have it down and paddling around like a pro. Here are a few beginner sup tips. Make sure you are holding the paddle correctly and your paddling technique is proper.

Why buy an inflatable paddle board?

1. Transporting – No need for roof racks

The main reason most people buy an inflatable paddle board is that they are so easy to transport. They roll up into the size of a large backpack. And most inflatables come with a backpack carrying bag. You can carry them anywhere. You don’t need a roof rack or a truck. You can even ride a bus to the beach.

2. Compact Storage – Don’t need a garage

Along with easy transport is the compact storage of an iSUP. You can store them in a closet or anywhere you can fit a large backpack. Now compare this to an 11′ composite hard board that is large, awkward to handle and must be out of the elements inside a garage

3. Price

Although there are plenty of expensive high-end inflatable paddle boards, you will not find a composite board under $500. All the paddle boards recommenced in this article are inflatable.

4. Are they that rigid? – Can an inflatable handle my weight?

Yes. Inflatable paddle boards will surprise you.

They are extremely rigid. Only slightly less rigid than a composite board. Manufactures have engineered the design to make inflatable as rigid as possible using drop stitch technology.

5. Durability

Inflatables are durable and in many ways more durable than a composite board. Inflatables can’t get dinged or scratched which is a real problem with hard boards. Most inflatables have double or triple layers of thick military grade pvc.

While it is not recommended you can run an inflatable into rocks and tree stumps that would seriously damage a hard composite board. I have even seen inflatables survive getting run over by a car! If an inflatable get a hole they are easy to repair and many come with their own repair kit.

6. Buoyancy

iSUPs have plenty of float or volume. It’s important that you look at the maximum weight capacity of any paddle board you buy. Make sure you are well under the weight limit.  And consider any kid, dog or cargo you may want to float on your board too. You should never come near to the maximum weight limit. Most good inflatables are 6″ thick giving them plenty of volume.

7. Dog Friendly

Dogs love riding on inflatables because the surface offers a better grip for a dog than a composite board. A dog’s nails will not puncture an inflatable paddle board.

 

Cons to Inflatable Paddle Boards

Inflating and Deflating

You have to inflate and deflate your paddle board every time you take it out. Most iSUPs are inflated in 5-10 minutes. Although I find it easy, for some people it’s a chore. I think that has a lot to do with hand pump quality.

Pumps are an integral part of the iSUP experience. You need a good pump. And if you have a cheap pump it’s worth the money to buy a good one. Many people like using an electric air pump to make the process easier. You can buy air pumps that use a car cigarette lighter as a power source.

Performance – Composite paddle boards perform better

Inflatables perform okay but composite paddle boards perform better. Composite SUPs are faster and handle better. Composite boards glide through the water smoother and easier. If you are serious about performance you will want a hard composite board. If you are serious about surfing, racing or traveling long distances buy a hard composite board.