Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard Guide – How to Choose the Best iSUP
Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard Guide – How to Choose the Best iSUP
Inflatable stand up paddleboards (also called inflatable paddle boards or iSUPs) are one of the most versatile, portable, and beginner-friendly ways to get on the water. Whether you're brand new to the sport or upgrading your gear, this complete inflatable stand up paddleboard buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know—board types, sizing, materials, accessories, and expert tips from the NIXY design team.
From calm lakes to coastal paddling, from compact travel iSUPs to yoga and touring boards, consider this your go-to resource for choosing the best inflatable stand up paddleboard for your lifestyle.
Shop All NIXY Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards →
What is an inflatable stand up paddleboard (iSUP)?
An inflatable stand up paddleboard (iSUP) is a lightweight, portable board made from high-strength PVC and a woven drop-stitch core that allows it to inflate to high pressure for rigidity. When properly inflated, a premium inflatable stand up paddleboard feels nearly as solid as a traditional hardboard—while being easier to store, travel with, and maintain.
Why choose an inflatable stand up paddleboard?
- Easy to store: Packs into a backpack and fits in closets, cars, RVs, and apartments.
- Travel-friendly: Perfect as a lightweight inflatable stand up paddleboard for travel—fly with it, road-trip with it, or hike it into remote lakes.
- Durable: More impact-resistant than many hardboards, ideal for families and beginners.
- Stable and beginner-friendly: A stable inflatable stand up paddleboard for beginners offers confidence to adults ages 35–60 looking for low-impact outdoor exercise.
- Versatile: Use one board for recreation, fitness, light touring, dogs, and kids.
Types of inflatable stand up paddleboards
Choosing the right type of inflatable stand up paddleboard starts with knowing how you'll use it. Below are the main categories to help you quickly find the best inflatable stand up paddleboard for your needs.
1. All-around inflatable stand up paddleboards
All-around SUPs are the most popular style for beginners and recreational paddlers. This type of inflatable stand up paddleboard is designed for stability, versatility, and comfort on lakes, bays, and calm coastal water. It’s a great first board for most people.
Explore the Newport G5 – Our All-Around Best Seller →
For a more in-depth look at how this all-around inflatable stand up paddleboard performs in real conditions, read our detailed Newport G5 inflatable paddleboard review.
2. Touring & expedition inflatable SUPs
Touring and expedition boards are built for speed, efficiency, and long-distance paddling. A touring inflatable stand up paddleboard glides farther with each stroke and tracks straighter, making it ideal for fitness riders and adventurers who want to cover more distance.
Explore the Monterey G5 – Touring & Expedition SUP →
3. Compact travel inflatable stand up paddleboards
Compact travel SUPs are lightweight, packable boards that fold smaller than standard models. If you live in an apartment, paddle in urban areas, or fly often, a compact travel inflatable stand up paddleboard makes it easy to bring your board anywhere.
Explore the Huntington G5 – Compact Travel SUP →
To see how this compact board handles real-world trips and tight storage spaces, check out the Huntington G5 compact inflatable paddleboard review.
4. Yoga & fitness inflatable stand up paddleboards
Yoga and fitness boards are extra-wide and feature a soft, grippy deck pad for movement on the water. A yoga inflatable stand up paddleboard is perfect for stretching, low-impact workouts, and calm sessions that double as meditation.
Explore the Venice G5 – Yoga & Fitness SUP →
If you’re curious about real-world SUP yoga experience on this board, don’t miss our iSUP yoga interview with Wendy.
5. Performance & race inflatable stand up paddleboards
Performance and race boards are designed for speed, precision, and maximum glide. A performance inflatable stand up paddleboard like the Malibu G5 is built for experienced paddlers who want to train, race, or simply paddle faster.
Explore the Malibu G5 – Performance & Race SUP →
How to choose the right inflatable stand up paddleboard
Use this simple checklist to choose the best inflatable stand up paddleboard for beginners, families, or fitness. Think about how you’ll use your board most of the time, and let that guide your decision.
1. Choose by stability
- 32–34 inches wide: Best for beginners and all-around use. Great if you want a forgiving, stable inflatable stand up paddleboard.
- 34–36 inches wide: Ideal for yoga, fitness, heavier riders, or paddlers who want extra stability for kids and dogs.
2. Choose by rider weight & volume
Your total weight (including gear, pets, and kids) determines the ideal board volume. If you’re between sizes, choose the larger board for better stability and buoyancy. A higher-volume inflatable stand up paddleboard will feel more stable and ride higher in the water.
3. Choose by water type
- Lakes: All-around or yoga inflatable stand up paddleboards are ideal for calm, flat water.
- Bays & coastal water: Touring or all-around boards with good tracking perform best when there’s wind or small chop.
- Rivers: Shorter, wider, highly stable iSUPs are better for quick turns and moving water.
4. Choose by use case
- Recreation & family paddling: Newport G5 – a classic all-around inflatable stand up paddleboard for most riders.
- Travel & apartment living: Huntington G5 – compact, lightweight iSUP for easy storage and flights.
- Speed & touring: Monterey G5 – long-distance touring inflatable stand up paddleboard.
- Yoga / fitness / low-impact workouts: Venice G5 – wide, stable yoga inflatable stand up paddleboard.
- Racing / performance training: Malibu G5 – performance inflatable stand up paddleboard built for speed.
Essential accessories for your inflatable stand up paddleboard
The right accessories make your inflatable stand up paddleboard easier to set up, safer to use, and more fun on the water.
- Pumps – An electric pump offers an easy, hands-off way to inflate your iSUP, while a dual-chamber hand pump gives you a quick manual option.
- Paddles – Carbon fiber and hybrid paddles make long sessions on your inflatable stand up paddleboard smoother and more efficient.
- Leashes – A must-have safety accessory that keeps you connected to your board in most conditions.
- Waterproof dry bags – Protect your phone, keys, snacks, and extra layers while you paddle.
- Changing ponchos – Stay warm and comfortable before and after sessions, especially in cooler weather.
Inflatable stand up paddleboard vs inflatable kayak
Both inflatable stand up paddleboards and inflatable kayaks are excellent options for getting on the water. Many paddlers enjoy having both. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which suits your style.
| Feature | Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard | Inflatable Kayak |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Fitness, recreation, yoga, touring, family fun | Long-distance paddling, seated comfort, colder conditions |
| Stability | High, especially on wide all-around iSUPs | Very high, due to low center of gravity |
| Learning Curve | Easy for beginners; great way to build balance and core strength | Easy for beginners; feels more familiar to new paddlers |
| Speed | Moderate–fast depending on board length and shape | Fast, especially on touring kayaks |
Want both options? Check out the NIXY Tahoe Inflatable Kayak for a premium kayak experience that pairs perfectly with your iSUP.
FAQ – Inflatable stand up paddleboard questions answered
Are inflatable stand up paddleboards good for beginners?
Yes. A well-designed inflatable stand up paddleboard is extremely stable, durable, and comfortable—ideal for beginners who want a low-impact way to get outside and stay active.
How long does it take to inflate an inflatable stand up paddleboard?
With an electric pump, most inflatable stand up paddleboards take about 8–10 minutes to inflate. Using a dual-chamber manual pump, many paddlers can reach paddling pressure in 5–7 minutes.
How much PSI should I inflate my inflatable stand up paddleboard to?
Most NIXY boards perform best between 12–15 PSI for everyday paddling. Some advanced riders may prefer higher pressures (up to the board’s rated max) for extra rigidity.
Can inflatable stand up paddleboards handle ocean conditions?
Yes—calm, controlled coastal conditions are great for all-around and touring iSUPs. Always check the weather, wind, and local safety guidelines before paddling on the ocean.
How do I store my inflatable stand up paddleboard?
Rinse your board with fresh water, let it dry completely, then roll it loosely and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage helps your inflatable stand up paddleboard last for many seasons.
What is the best inflatable stand up paddleboard for older adults?
Many paddlers ages 35–60 prefer a stable, all-around inflatable stand up paddleboard like the Newport G5. It offers a balance of stability, light weight, and versatility for fitness, recreation, and family use.
Shop All Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards → NIXY • Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard • Buying Guide
