So, you are after a bargain that’s 1/3 of what the average paddleboards can cost?
You don’t have to look any further because we have listed the best-selling inflatable paddle boards online under the 400$ mark! Every single paddleboard on this list is an ‘all-inclusive package’ which means there’s everything included to get you on the water.
What pressure to inflate the paddle board?
- 12PSI – Warm, sunny days.
- 15PSI – Cold, cloudy days.
*Check out individual brand recommendations for more!
What to keep in mind with cheap paddle boards?
Although those boards listed down below have proved to be very durable and received super-positive feedback, there are still things you need to take in consideration:
- When inflating – make sure the valve is in the correct position so you wouldn’t lose any air when unplugging the pump.
- The gauge starts showing the pressure after 5PSI.
- After use, store the board in a cold, shaded spot. Avoid placing the board under a hot roof.
What’s the correct length of a paddleboard paddle?
Most inflatable paddle boards come with a 3-piece paddle. To set the right height – make sure it is about 10″ (30cm) above your head for best paddling performance.
What is the average inflatable SUP size?
10’6″ x 32″ x 6″ is the average size for an all-around SUP.
Best Under $400 Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Boards
Four hundred dollars is a decent amount of money to pay for a good entry-level stand-up paddleboard. Down here I’ve listed the best and most popular deals available online.
1) SereneLife
13,000+ ratings
2) Dama
2,100+ ratings
3) AKSport
700+ ratings
4) Funwater
1,300+ ratings
6) XYLove
430+ ratings
1. SereneLife – Free Flow
Best inflatable paddle board under $400
The Free Flow is a perfect paddle board for beginners and intermediates due to its round and forgiving outline. At only 340 USD the Serenelife is the best bargain you could get! There are cheaper ISUP’s available, but I wouldn’t recommend going much lower unless you are super careful using it. You can choose between five vibrant colored schemes, and the overall quality of the board and parts is way above what you could think of.
Best for – Cruising, all-rounder
As a downside
The average ISUP size is 10’6″ x 32″ x 6″ – which makes the Free Flow slightly smaller.
Dimensions: 10’5″ x 30″ x 6″ (320 x 76 x 15cm)
Weight: 20lbs / 9 kg
Max weight capacity: 275 LBS / 125 KG
Features & Includes
- Inflatable paddleboard.
- Carry handle
- Non-slip deck
- Three fins
- Coiled ankle leash
- Blow-up pump
- Carry bag
- Bungee cord on the top for storage
- 1-year warranty
Notes:
- The paddle does not float
In case you drop it on the water. - Inflate to maximum pressure for best stability
Otherwise, the board might feel slightly unstable. - Keep it out of direct sunlight when not in use.
The UV is not the best friend to plastic in the long term. - Take caution when using the hand pump since improper maneuvers could lead up to deflation.
2. DAMA – Wooden Nature
Best inflatable paddle board for surfing
Dama’s inflatable paddle boards have a slightly sportier outline compared to 10’6″ and 32/33 inch wide paddleboards. If you consider yourself an athletic person who is interested more in speed & maneuverability than stability- this board might be it.
What’s great about this deal is that you get a 5L waterproof bag and a shoulder strap for easy carrying. The wooden-imitation iSUP board also has a carry handle in the middle so adding that little bit of extra weight on the shoulder is a great way to reduce the tension. The board also comes with a GoPro mount on the nose, and an adjustable & floating paddle!
Sizes
- 9’6″ x 30″ x 6″
- 10′ x 30″ x 4″
Weight: 22 lb / 10 kg
Weight Capacity: 339 lb / 150 kg
Paddle length: 65″-86″ / 165cm – 220cm
Recommended PSI: 12
INCLUDES
- 1-year free warranty
- Inflatable paddleboard
- Bungee on top for storage
- Carry handle in the middle
- High-pressure hand pump
- Detachable center fin
- Repair kit (Without the glue)
- 3-piece aluminum paddle (Floating)
- Carry bag
3. AKSPORT
Best Paddle Board Under $300!
Another great mid-entry inflatable SUP under 400$. The AKSport inflatable SUP is a great choice for anyone who’d like to get a stable, durable, and convenient SUP. There are much cheaper paddle boards available, but this is a decent choice with all the bells and whistles. At 33″ inches wide, it is enough for a beginner to learn on and enjoy paddling in any body of water – lake, ocean, and why not a slow-moving river.
The AKSport comes in three different designs and has managed to get a score of 4.5/5 out of 700+ ratings on Amazon.
Size
10’6″ x 33″ x 6″
Weight: 17 lbs
Weight capacity: 300lbs
INCLUDES & FEATURES
- D-Ring for a chair
- 5mm Non-Slip, Soft EVA Deck
- Comfortable handle
- Tie-Down Bungee cord
- Stainless steel D ring
- Pump
- Fin
- Adjustable alloy paddle
- Carry bag
- Coil leash
- 1000D Filament Grade Double-Wall Material (Drop-stitch)
- Double 0.9mm high-quality PVC tarpaulin
- 30-day return guarantee
- 1-year warranty
4. Funwater
Cheapest of the bunch!
Funwater is another great deal on this list with all the essentials you could ask for. The board, just like others on this list, comes as an all-inclusive package so you won’t be needing to worry about getting anything extra. You’ll also get a waterproof bag with a shoulder strap to pack in some extra clothing.
The board is slightly longer and wider to offer more stability and confidence on the water, and due to its rather sharp outline you can use one in messy conditions with ease.
It is truly a great deal for under $300 if you are looking for convenience, portability, and ease of use. We wouldn’t add or remove anything about this deal, and all the customer reviews support that as well. A rising star!
Size
- Size: 11’×33″×6″
- Weight: 18 lb
- Score: 4.6 / 5 out of 1,300+ ratings on Amazon
5. Stand on Liquid – Good Vibes
Best iSUP for kids
MSRP: $399
The lightest SUP by the brand – great for younger/lighter paddleboarders. Heat-pressed seams stand for a durable air-tight and waterproof.
Ideal for flat water adventure touring. The long & narrow shape and low rocker design make this board pick up speed easily while maintaining stability. The premium materials make it a perfect choice for both beginner and intermediate skill levels. Best bargain under $400 paddle board on this list!
- Size: 8’6″ x 30″ x 5″
- Weight: 18 pounds (8,1 kg)
Volume: 170 L - Weight capacity: Beginner: Up to 100 lbs / Intermediate: Up to 150 lbs / Advanced: Up to 200 lbs
INCLUDES
- Inflatable SUP
- Travel backpack
- Single-chambered, high-pressure hand pump (Takes about 10minutes to inflate with dual
- 3-piece adjustable travel paddle
- Bungee cord on the bag
- Non-slip deck
- 1-year warranty
NOTES
- Extra 29.99 USD for shipping
- Max inflation: 20 PSI
Available at – StandOnLiquid.com
6. XYLOVE – Co
This is most likely the best deal you can get if you’d like to try surfing on a SUP. The sharp nose and shallow tail make it an ideal way to paddle for some smaller whitewater waves. Other than that, XYLove claims that their boards have the same value as 25% more expensive boards on the market – definitely worth consideration.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions:
11″ x 33″ x 6″ - Max capacity: 350 lbs
INCLUDES
- Inflatable SUP
- Collapsible aluminum paddle
- Coil ankle leash
- Travel backpack
- Removable center fin
- 2x permanent side fins
- Roll-up straps
- Dual-action hand pump with gauge
- Bungee cords
- Anti-slip pad
FAQ
Why get a SUP after all?
Stand-up paddleboarding has gained popularity all over the world in the last decade. It’s a great leisure activity suitable for all ages. Paddleboarding is great fun and works the stabilization muscles like anything else out there. People use paddleboarding for fitness, touring, surfing, fishing, and what else not, but the majority of them are used for fun!
Why get an Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard (ISUP)?
Inflatable SUP’s are ideal alternatives to hard and expensive SUP’s. The main reasons why people prefer the inflatable ones is their compact size and affordable price tag. With a hard/rigid/original paddleboard, you’ll need to have the roof racks or live right by the water for convenient transportation.
PROS:
- Inflatable SUP’s, therefore, are very compact, portable, and lightweight.
- Today, SUP’s are more durable than ever when inflated to the right pressure so it’s a perfect alternative to rigid SUP’s that cost 70% more than the ones listed below.
- Great to paddle on knees and standing
- Can take your kids or pets on the board as well, only when feeling competent and there’s safety gear as well
- Affordable, great birthday presents
- Great entry-level choice
Are ISUP’s durable? Inflatable SUP’s are made made of highly durable PVC, which will withstand a lot of weight and a fair amount of beating. Those boards are designed and built for that exact reason, so when taken proper care of, they are durable indeed.
Smaller boards (10″ and shorter) – Great for small riders and surfing conditions
Longer boards (11″ and longer) – Great for families riding together on one board or larger riders
Hand or electrical pump?
Single, dual, or triple action pump?
Using a hand pump to inflate the paddleboard is a great work-out before going paddling, while the electric pump (that works on the car’s cigarette lighter plug) is a way faster and more convenient choice. If you have any issues with your back, it is recommended to get an electric car pump since it sure takes some time to inflate the board!
Although if you will be walking longer distances to a secluded spot far away from the car, the hand pump works fine!
Note: All the deals down below have a hand pump included! If you’d like to upgrade anything, a dual-action pump is probably the main concern many people would recommend!
What pressure to use on an inflatable SUP?
Depending on your weight, the pressure averages between 13/15/20 PSI. It’s best to follow the owner’s manual recommendations to get the right pressure!
What’s the worse could happen and how to prevent it?
Paddling into a sharp rock/branch would lead the SUP to deflation. If you are not a great swimmer or would like to take your pet or a kid abroad, make sure they have life-vests for extra safety!
Always wear a safety leash. So whenever you fall off the board, which is quite invertible, the board stays around a safe distance from you.
Do you need a wetsuit?
In the summer, paddling in warm waters you probably won’t need a wetsuit. But, depending on the water/air temperatures you want one. Wetsuits, after all, are designed to be used in the water which is a big part of paddle-boarding.
Read next
13 Different Types of SUP Boards
Materials / Usage explained briefly.
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I created Nulltuul to share my experience, research and analysis with other surf enthusiasts out there. If I'm not surfing on my travels - I like to photograph waves, surfers, and the surf lifestyle in general.
