The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Of 2025 Pack Small And Play Big

Forbes

5 days ago

While some form of standup paddle board (SUP) has existed for thousands of years, the popularity of paddle boarding as a recreational activity has exploded in recent decades. And what's not to like? Whether you use them standing, on your knees or seated, the best inflatable paddle boards, like our top pick, the Isle Pioneer Pro, provide a stable platform for workouts, fishing, yoga, meditation or maritime fun. As someone who owns two inflatable paddle boards and has tested many more, they serve as one of the best ways to get out on the water.
Paddleboards can be used for recreation, fishing, fitness, yoga and so much more. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Paddle boards are an investment, which is why I made sure to look beyond my own experience when finding models for this guide. I also checked in with Forbes Vetted editor and SUP enthusiast McKenzie Dillon, and I spoke to several outdoor experts in the water sports space to gain additional insights. Based on my findings, these are the best paddle boards of 2025. Our Top Recommendations Best Inflatable Paddle Board Overall: Isle Pioneer Pro
Best Portable Inflatable Paddle Board: Red Paddle Co. Compact MSL Pact
Best Inflatable Paddle Board For Fishing: iRocker Blackfin Model V 6.0
Length(s): 9 feet 6 inches, 10 feet 6 inches, 11 feet 6 inches | Width(s): 32, 34 and 36 inches | Weight(s): 20, 23 and 26 pounds | Capacity: 195, 300 and 450 pounds
The Isle Pioneer Pro is essentially a standup paddle board, sit-on-top kayak, fishing platform and more. This is one of the most stable paddle boards I have ever used, and I have been atop more SUPs than I can count at this point. I've used this paddle board while standing, kneeling and seated, and it handles well in all configurations. It also tracks well (it moves in the direction you propelled it) thanks to an included fin and the rigid construction of the board. In fact, the Pioneer Pro is so rigid when fully inflated that it's almost hard to believe this is an inflatable paddle board, and not one made of a solid material.
The accessories you can use to effectively convert this SUP into a kayak are pretty pricey, but they're also purpose-built for the board and create a comfortable and supportive seating system. It would be great if Isle included a pump and a paddle with the board, but you'll have to pick those up yourself. A series of attachment points that run the length of the deck allow you to secure everything from a cooler to a PFD.
Length(s): 10 feet 6 inches | Width(s): 33 inches | Weight(s): 19 pounds | Capacity: 450 pounds
There's a lot to unpack with this paddle board from Niphean—literally. It comes with so many accessories, including multiple fins and skegs, a paddle, a pump, a leash and more, that you'd expect this to be a pricey SUP based on the kit alone. And yet, it is far and away the lowest priced standup paddle board featured in this guide. But don't worry, it's not a cheap knockoff; with thousands of online reviews, this board achieves a 4.5/5-star rating.
The board weighs 19 pounds and has a weight capacity of 450 pounds, which is impressive at this price. The 10 foot, six inch deck length and 33-inch width are great dimensions for riders of various heights, so it's perfect for families or rentals when different people will be using it. Be a bit wary with the included pump as it seems to be cheap—a number of verified buyers report that its gauge is inaccurate.
Length(s): 9 feet 6 inches | Width(s): 32 inches | Weight(s): 15.9 pounds | Capacity: 210 pounds
This compact SUP is light enough that you can carry it for a day hike, along with water, snacks, a change of clothes and a first aid kit. The board weighs less than 16 pounds, and it packs down to about the size of a suitcase. Of course, a lightweight board is going to support less weight, which is why it has a capacity of only 210 pounds, but it remains capable and easy to control if you're light enough. Being well under 10 feet in length, it's ideal for use on rivers or rocky coasts where maneuverability is key.
You'll pay pretty handsomely for this compact SUP, but you'll also get a surprisingly durable board in spite of its smaller size. The 'MSL' in the name comes from proprietary 'Monocoque Structural Laminate' material that offers excellent stiffness and resists the scrapes, scuffs and bumps it might pick up on the water.
Length(s): 11 feet | Width(s): 34 inches | Weight(s): 19.8 pounds | Capacity: 420 pounds
This 11-foot-long paddle board from Airski can support a couple of average-sized adults, and it easily accommodates one adult practicing yoga on its wide, stable deck. That deck is coated with a layer of foam for added comfort and textured with thousands of small raised dots that add grip. Tie-down bungees on the front of the board can secure some gear, while multiple attachment points along the sides of the board can be used to strap on a seat or connect other accessories.
The board has a center handle for solo carrying (and it weighs less than 20 pounds) and handles at the front and back for toting it in tandem. Given its size and stability, it's impressive that this SUP costs less than $220. The included pump is pretty slow to inflate the board, but you can always use your own pump—ideally an electric one—to speed up the process.
Length(s): 12 feet 6 inches | Width(s): 32 inches | Weight(s): 30 pounds | Capacity: 485 pounds
Fishing can be a lot of sitting around and waiting, but it can also involve quite strenuous physical activity and a lot of motion. The 12-and-a-half-foot-long Blackfin Model V 6.0 provides space and stability for an active angler, yet it's only 32 inches wide and therefore plenty swift. When set up with accessories like fishing rod holders, a comfortable and supportive seat and other modifications, this is a highly functional platform for fishing. And of course, it's a great SUP for other uses as well.
Given its length and generous weight capacity, it's also a good tandem inflatable paddle board. It's also on the heavier side and is cumbersome even when deflated, so make sure you have the space to store it.
Length(s): 10 feet | Width(s): 32 inches | Weight(s): 17.5 pounds | Capacity: 275 pounds
This 10-foot paddle board from Roc weighs well under 20 pounds and comes with just about everything you'll need to get out on the water, from a pump to a paddle to a leash to a carrying bag, all at a great price. Those extras make it a great paddle board for a newcomer, and so too does the fact that it handles well on the water. The board tracks and turns efficiently, and it can be comfortably used while standing, kneeling or seated.
What's more, this inflatable paddle board has over 18,000 reviews on Amazon and an impressive 4.8/5-star rating. Just keep in mind that the accessories are not necessarily the highest quality: There are often issues with the strength of the fins and the quality of the included paddle, but you can always replace these as you progress.
The team of editors and writers at Forbes Vetted has extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing outdoor gear and apparel, from pocket knives to coolers to kids water shoes. This article was written by Forbes Vetted staff writer Steven John, who has more than 13 year of experience as a journalist and owns two inflatable paddle boards, two kayaks and a canoe. He frequently plies the waterways around his home on the north shore of Long Island.
This piece was reviewed and edited by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, an outdoorsman with years of experience testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
John also received input from Forbes Vetted staff writer McKenzie Dillon, a paddle board enthusiast who has used multiple SUPs, including inflatable and hard-sided models.
To gain additional insights and learn more about paddle boards, John spoke to several standup paddle boarding experts, including: Paddle Canada (PC)-certified SUP instructor Diana Lee; professional windsurfer and SUP instructor Ilya Chaika; and a representative from Backcountry.
We know new SUPS hit the market all the time, and brands may discontinue product lines as well, so we regularly revisit and update this article to ensure it's accurate and relevant. It was published July 2025.
With a few exceptions, inflatable paddle boards are expensive purchases, which is why we made sure to select models are well worth your money. We consulted with paddle board experts within the Forbes Vetted team and beyond, gathering general paddle boards insights along with specific brand and product recommendations.
John drew on his own years of experience using paddle boards, kayaks and canoes in the bays of Long Island and the lakes of upstate New York.
We performed extensive research and created different categories of inflatable paddle boards (for fishing, yoga, beginners and so on). Then, we set about finding specific paddle boards that would be ideally suited to each category.
We read scores of reviews and checked the ratings of every board we considered for each category, and made sure to select SUPs that came highly recommended among the experts we spoke with.
All inflatable paddle boards are going to share a few common traits, but depending on how you plan to use your paddle board, some of these factors will be more important than others. Consider the following variables as you shop. Stability
Paddle board stability is how well the board stays level and resists side-to-side rolling motions in various water conditions. Wider boards create a larger surface area, making them more stable and easier to balance on, which is especially good for beginners or paddlers who want a more relaxing paddling experience.
You will sacrifice some speed and maneuverability to gain enhanced stability, however. 'Yoga and fitness enthusiasts are finding that inflatable boards excel at stability and comfort, making on-board exercise both accessible and enjoyable,' says the rep from Backcountry. Weight Capacity
You want a paddle board that can hold significantly more weight than you'll need—not one rated for a few pounds more than your gear and body weight. 'Plenty of boards are big enough for relaxed cruises through scenic coves with the family,' says Chaika, while others are only suitable for one adult. The higher the weight capacity, the heavier the board itself, so be sure to strike a balance. Length
When it comes to length, a longer board is usually going to be a faster board—especially if its narrow—. Shorter boards are slower but much easier to maneuver. 'Dimensions play a pivotal role,' says the representative from Backcountry. 'A length of 10 to 12 feet suits most beginners and intermediate paddlers.' Width
The wider the board, the more balanced and stable it will be, though it sacrifices speed. That width also has the simple benefit of adding more deck space, which the Backcountry rep says is ideal for 'those bringing along kids, pets or cargo.' Accessories
A basic paddle board will often get the job done, but these boards can offer so much more than that. 'Consider the features of board design—non-negotiable features for me include D-rings for strapping down items,' says Lee. With the right accessories and compatibility, you can convert a standup paddle board into a sit-on-top kayak, a mobile fishing post, a floating yoga studio or a great place for a picnic on the water. Safety
Think beyond the board itself when it comes to safety. 'Always wear a lifejacket—don't just tuck it under straps or just have it on board' says Lee. 'And wear a leash, which keeps you from losing your board if you fall off.' She also advises paddlers to always check the weather before going out and to paddle within their abilities. And if you're paddling on a river where any rapids are possible, considering bringing a helmet and PFD.
How Do I Choose The Right Paddle?
Find one that's light, sturdy and a bit taller than you. 'For the paddle, I suggest a one‑piece, non‑folding model cut roughly five inches above your height,' says Chaika. Paddles that ship with boards are often of middling quality, so you might want to upgrade as you improve.
Are Inflatable Paddle Boards As Safe As Hard Paddle Boards?
Generally speaking, an inflatable paddle board is just as safe as one made from wood, fiberglass or any other material. Inflatable boards might be a bit slower than their hard-bodied siblings, but they are every bit as stable and balanced. The one area in which an inflatable paddle board can present more risk is in the event of an air leak. Be sure to carefully inspect your paddle board before each use, and thoroughly and properly patch any leaks you detect, no matter how small.
Are there Any Laws Governing Paddle Board Use?
Several, actually, as the Coast Guard classifies most paddle boards as vessels. Depending on where you are paddling, you may be required to use a personal flotation device, carry a safety whistle or airhorn, and after dark, you may be required to have some sort of highly visible light.