The Best Budget Inflatable SUP
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SUP Paddleboarding has become increasingly popular over the last 10 years or so, especially with the invent of Inflatable Paddleboards, more and more people are looking to jump on an inflatable SUP / inflatable kayak.
If you’re tired of corona virus already, then investing in a SUP for the summer may just be the best idea you’ve had in a long time
There are numerous places where you can get an inflatable SUP to get started, however, sometimes they can range from £500-1000+, and as a SUP beginner, you just want something to play around with that still has the quality, but without the pricetag.
If you’re looking for the best cheap inflatable sup boards uk, then stay tuned and read on!
Best Inflatable SUPs – Reviews
AQUAPLANET Pace SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
This exciting inflatable SUP board is a great choice for enthusiasts of all skill levels. It would perfectly suit a family looking for a new activity for when they go on beach vacations.
Its versatile build allows both old and young paddlers to have fun with it. The Aquaplanet Pace inflatable SUP features a sleek aerodynamic design that makes it suitable for use on lakes, rivers, canals, as well as seas. It promises more a lot of fun to surfers and yoga enthusiasts alike.
A drop-stitch fabric construction of the SUP offers great grip when you stand on it. This is enhanced by the sizeable footpads to ensure that you never lose your footing when the ride gets wobbly.
Three fins are fitted at the bottom of the board enable it to track in a straight line when you paddle while the larger fin at the centre enhances stability on the water. With a complete Aquaplanet SUP kit, you’ll fully be covered once you get on the water. No need to spend on extra accessories.
If you need to carry any extra items, a bungee storage area is included on the SUP to secure everything in place. This will be a nice place to stow away your waterproof bag or any other accessory you want to bring along. You also a premium adjustable valve on the inflatable, with a D-ring to make for quick and easy fastening of your safety leash.
The EVA deck on the board is designed to slightly dip, which ensures that you are more stable while paddling, thanks to the extra layer of grip.
There are few downsides to this reliable inflatable SUP, however, some customers have pointed out that it tends to lose pressure over time. The good thing is that this is common for most inflatable SUPs and doesn’t come close to being a deal-breaker.
Aquaplanet MAX SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
This blow-up board from Aquaplanet allows you to explore any kind of water body you have your eyes on. Unlike other models, it doesn’t restrict you to the ocean, which means you get to explore your hobby to the fullest. The board boasts a versatile design that allows it to thrive on all kinds of water bodies. Whether you want to pedal on rivers, canals, lakes, or rougher sea currents, you can count on the Aquaplanet Max SUP to offer you a fun experience.
This inflatable board can be used by paddlers of all ages. It’s stable enough for those who are still dipping their toes in the water, providing them with the confidence to stay calm on the water.
A pump is included in the kit to make for fast inflation, and this comes with a pressure gauge so that you know the right point to stop pumping. Furthermore, a lightweight yet sturdy aluminium paddle is provided to keep you moving on the water.
The interesting thing about this SUP paddle board is that it can be converted to a kayak, in case you get tired of standing. A kayak conversion kit, complete with a coiled leash, seat rings.
You also get a high-grade rucksack for hauling the board are all included in the package, in case you suffer a puncture or any kind of damage, you can use the featured repair kit to conduct the necessary fixture immediately.
Overall, this is a perfect choice for newbies looking to get a feel of paddleboarding. But I would it recommend to advanced paddlers looking for something to challenge themselves with. Furthermore, you want to carefully inspect your package when it’s delivered and confirm that all the pieces are inside. This is because some buyers have complained about some of the items missing.
Bluefin Cruise SUP Package | Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board
This inflatable stand-up paddle board comes with a unique construction that will make you fall in love with your new-found pastime. It can accommodate all kinds of paddles and comes with extra accessories to ensure you’re fully equipped to get on the water. These include everything from a backpack, a safety leash, an adjustable paddle, as well as a pump. Not to mention that it can be turned into a kayak for a 2-in-1 experience.
Three fins at the bottom of the blow-up doll help to enhance your stability when paddling in wavy waters. Meanwhile, the 327 x 15 x 77 dimensions are perfect for a range of aquatic activities, including paddling, cruising, and even fishing.
The board is wide and long enough to carry an adult and spare enough space for a pet to tag along. For your storage needs, you get an included backpack where you can safely stow away items like phones, car keys, or snacks.
A handle on the board becomes useful when you need to haul it from the car into the and vice versa. Meanwhile, its military-grade PVC construction results in a durable service down the line.
A coil leash helps to keep you safe on the water and ensure that you’re not thrown off the board when the current gets rough. Thanks to the included dual-function pump, you won’t waste time setting up the paddle board.
When you buy the Bluefin Cruise SUP inflatable board, the manufacturer offers a 1-month money-back policy to go with a 1-year material guarantee, ensuring that your investment is protected. If you are looking for a durable aquatic tool to offer you multiple cycles of fun on the water, this will be a nice place to start. In summary, it’s one of the most affordable and highest quality inflatable paddle boards on the market
Bestway Hydro-Force Inflatable SUP Board
The Bestway Hydro-Force is a reasonably priced inflatable SUP board that is functional enough to provide you with an unforgettable time on the water. It features a 6-inch-thick base and is constructed with a durable drop-stitch material that will serve you for a long time. Thanks to its dependable buoyancy, the board keeps you stable on the water when the water gets a little rough.
The board’s deck is built to be a non-slip pad that enables you to stay on your twos at all times. Additionally, a carry handle makes it easy for you to haul the board from the water once you are done having fun.
It will only take you around 10 minutes to assemble the Best Hydro-Force SUP and have it on the water, saving you valuable time. This is made sure by the included hand pump which is easy to use. Furthermore, removable fins at the bottom help to facilitate straight-line tracking when paddling, as well as keeping it stable on the water.
Lastly, a bungee cord is attached to the board, offering you storage space of up to 110kg of load. On the downside, the pump provided by the manufacturer is not very reliable, so you might want to get a better one separately.
No.32 Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board | Inflatable SUP Board
The last item on our list of the best budget inflatable SUP UK is the No. 32 blow-up paddleboard. It features durable construction that allows it to perform in all types of conditions. The deck has a non-slip surface that offers rookie paddlers reliable stability to remain confident throughout the experience. Measuring 9 x 33 x 6 inches, the board is long and wide enough for improved stability while an adjustable paddle lets you change the length to something you can easily work with.
The dual-layer PVC construction results in a lightweight yet stiff paddleboard that you’ll have a comfortable time carrying to and from the water.
Meanwhile, the entire stretch of the No. 32 SUP board is double reinforced, meaning it can sustain the weight of a car without suffering any damage. As such, this will be a nice option for heavier paddlers.
Thanks to its multipurpose design, this inflatable enables you to explore any type of water body. At the bottom of the craft, you get three fins that help to enhance your stability while paddling.
This ensures you remain standing even when the ride gets unstable. Overall, it is a nice family SUP that can be used by both kids and adults.
Finally, the No. 32 inflatable paddle board sets up in a matter of minutes. It requires 5 minutes to inflate and deflates in just 3 minutes. A kayak seat is provided to let you convert the SUP into a kayak when you get tired of standing.
This means you can take the board on any kind of adventure that comes to mind, including fishing, touring, and surfing. When fully inflated, the board can support as many as 350lbs.
Conclusion
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing aquatic sports in the world. Luckily, it’s never too late to join the bandwagon; all you need is to find a reasonably-priced yet practical SUP option to get you started. If you have been searching for a model, any of the best budget inflatable SUPS discussed above will make the perfect starter pack for you. If you are interested to know the legalities of SUP’s in the UK, then check out our article on can i use an inflatable kayak in the ocean (a lot of the same rules apply to kayaks and sups).
FAQ
Are Cheap SUPs any Good?
If you are a hobbyist or a beginner stand-up paddler, a cheap SUP can be a worthwhile investment as it allows you to enjoy an exciting sport.
As long as it accommodates all your needs and preferences as a paddler, there is no need to spend a fortune on a SUP board, especially if you’re not a professional.
How Long will an Inflatable SUP Board Last?
An inflatable paddle, when properly maintained, can last as many as 5 years on the lower side. If you manage to find a board with a high-grade PVC construction, it will be a long while before you have to replace it. When buying a paddle, check the warranty to gauge the level of confidence the manufacturer has in its products.
Is it Okay to Leave a Paddle Board Inflated?
Yes! Storing your paddle board when still inflated will not have any adverse effects on it. However, you want to keep it off the ground and away from direct sunlight. Furthermore, you should note that the board will gradually lose pressure by the day until it is fully deflated.
Are Inflatable Paddle Boards Good for Beginners?
Inflatable paddle boards can be a great choice to get you started with stand-up paddleboarding. They are generally easy to set up and handle on the water. Not to mention that they are cheap and don’t cost as much as their solid siblings. As long as you find a board with the right dimensions and features, it will help you set the right foundation for an impressive paddle boarding career.
What is the Weight Capacity/Volume of the Board?
A stand-up paddleboard should work for your body size! For instance, if the board fails to displace enough water for your weight, it won’t properly support your weight and you may feel unstable on it.
Board volume, as well weight capacity, affects how stable you remain on the water and how well the SUP board glides on the water. Usually, weight capacity and volume are determined by the dimensions of the board.
SUP board makers combine the length, width, and thickness of the board in various ways to achieve distinct performance characteristics. The board’s volume (expressed in L) indicates its ability to remain buoyant with a weight on it. Meanwhile, the weight capacity (expressed on LBs) will tell you whether you’re too heavy for the board. Usually, the board rides low in the water and proves inefficient to paddle when you are over the recommended capacity.
What Size Board Do I Need?
Two aspects of the board should interest you when it comes to its size: the length and width.
Length
The length determines how well the board handles on the water. Generally, longer boards tend to be faster than shorter ones, although shorter boards offer better maneuverability.
Furthermore, you need to know how you are going to use the board when considering its size.
For instance, shorter boards (under 10 inches) are a nice choice for kids whereas medium boards (10-12 inches) are a better fit for all-around use. Finally, longer boards (above 12 inches) are suited for long-distance touring and fast paddling.
Width
Width is also an important factor as it affects the handling of the board just like the length. A wider board is usually more stable than a narrow one, although it can also be slower.
Also, it may prove more difficult to paddle. Typically, SUP boards are designed with a width of between 25 and 36 inches to suit a range of needs. When choosing a width for your board, remember to consider any storage needs you may have, your body type, as well as your skill level to find a deserving fit.
What is the Right Thickness for My SUP Board?
Once you’ve figured out the ideal length and width for your board, you must now choose the appropriate width. This is important because width affects the overall weight capacity and volume. If you’re comparing two boards with the same length and width but different thicknesses, the thicker one will have more volume, hence support more weight compared to the thinner one.
Do I Need Fins on My SUP Board?
Fins help to add stability and tracking on a board. Normally, bigger fins with longer front edges and wider bases will move straighter on the water and provide greater stability than relatively smaller fins. On the flip side, smaller fins offer better maneuverability. Luckily, most fins are designed to be removable, allowing you to switch to the preferred option depending on the type of tracking you want to achieve.
There are different types of fins to choose from and one of the most common options is the single fin. Most SUPs come with a single fin fitted in a fin box and held in place with a nut and screw. This type offers good tracking with reduced dragging, which is an excellent choice for flatwater paddling. Additionally, some SUPs feature a 3-fin setup that makes for straight tracking on flatwater. The three fins on the board are usually of the same size and offer reliable handling on the water.
Finally, a 2+1 fin setup involves a larger center fin sandwiched by two smaller fins on either side. This is a common configuration for SUP models used for surfing. Inflatable SUPs can take any of the discussed fin configurations. However, what makes them different is that they come with flexible rubber fins or removable semi-rigid fins attached to the board.
