10 Best Cheap Air Boards

Stand-up paddle boarding provides an easy way to get out and enjoy the water. While there are rigid paddle boards, the most portable and least expensive models are inflatable paddle boards. These are often called iSUPs, which is short for inflatable stand-up paddle boards.

But, even iSUPs can be expensive, often costing well over $1000!

The good news is that not all iSUPs are so costly, and there are plenty of budget-friendly models available. In this article, we will reveal the best cheap air boards you can buy right now.

But what’s so great about paddle boarding? After all, it’s the fastest growing water sport of the last few years.

For starters, it’s very accessible – almost anyone can do it. Getting started will take a little practice and determination, but paddle boarding is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. It’s also great fun and provides an environmentally friendly way to get out on the water.

Finally, paddle boarding is as hard or as easy as you make it. You can get a great workout or just paddle for the fun and enjoyment of being out in the fresh air. It’s entirely up to you how far and hard you take this popular activity.

Use this guide to help you choose the best cheap stand-up air board.

Best Cheap Air Boards

1. FunWater

If you want to use your SUP for yoga, fishing, or just want a board that’s almost impossible to capsize, this ultra-stable model could be the one for you. At 33” wide, this is one of the most stable boards on review, and it makes a great platform for anyone who really doesn’t want to fall in the water too often.

Key Features

• 5’ long x 33” wide x 6” thick
• Weighs 17.6lbs
• 300lbs weight capacity
• Available in two colors
• Two-layer PVC construction
• Reinforced side rails for increased durability and stiffness
• Removable fins
• Supplied with a paddle, pump, backpack, leash, and repair kit, and a free waterproof phone case

Make no mistake; this is a BIG paddle board. That’s good if you want stability, but not so good for speed or handling. This board is best thought of as a cruiser or platform and is not a good choice for anyone who wants to paddle fast or over long distances.

Pros

• Very stable
• All three fins are removable and replaceable
• Good quality pump with built-in pressure gauge
• Very durable construction
• Light but strong

Cons

• The backpack is quite small – you need to roll this board up tightly for it to fit

A lot of paddlers find putting their board back in the bag tricky. It just takes a little practice! Roll this board tightly from the nose to the fins to squeeze all the air out, and you should be able to fit it, the paddle, and your pump in the bag.

This is a well-made board that won’t set any speed or maneuverability records, but it still a lot of fun to use.

2. SereneLife

If you are new to paddle boarding, stability counts. A wide board means you’ll be able to get your balance sooner and enjoy more time on your board than in the water. This model is 32” wide, which is the ideal width for most paddling novices.

Key Features

• 5’ long x 32” wide x 6” thick
• 275lbs weight capacity
• Double layer PCV drop-stitch construction
• Reinforced sidewalls for increased stiffness and strength
• Supplied with a pump, paddle, backpack, leash, and repair kit
• Available in a choice of six colors
• Color-coded backpack and EVA deck pad

This paddle board package contains everything you need to get and stay on the water.

The pump has a built-in pressure gauge to make it easier to achieve the recommended 15 pounds of pressure that will make this inflatable feel and handle like a rigid board. Despite being 32” wide, this board glides really well for effortless paddling.

Pros

• Very strong construction
• Good quality accessories
• An excellent board for beginners

Cons

• The paddle is heavy and doesn’t float

Most paddle boards come with paddles designed to float – even if it’s just for a few minutes so you can recover your paddle if you drop it. The paddle in this package does not. Because of this, and especially if you intend to paddle far from shore, this sinker of a paddle should be replaced with a better one that floats.

Apart from this minor gripe, this board is very enjoyable to use.

3. Roc 

If large, wide, stable paddle boards have a disadvantage, it is that they are often heavy and hard to transport. This board from Roc bucks that trend and is about 20% lighter than most other boards of this size.

Key Features

• 10’ long x 32” wide x 6” thick
• Weighs 17.5lbs
• Weight capacity 300lbs
• Made from military-grade drop-stitched PVC
• Package includes paddle, pump, backpack, leash, repair kit, and waterproof phone case
• Made in the USA by a family-owned company
• 1-year warranty
• Available in seven colors/designs

Most cheap inflatable paddle boards come from Chinese companies. Roc Boards are a USA family-owned company and are backed by a much more comprehensive warranty. They’re a little more expensive than many other budget boards, but, for quality, they’re hard to beat.

Pros

• Very well made
• High-quality accessories
• Suitable for larger paddlers
• A very stable, sturdy board

Cons

• At the top end of the price range
• Maybe too wide/slow for more experienced paddlers

If you want a quality iSUP that’s still considerably cheaper than more premium brands, this board is worth considering. It’s an especially good choice for beginners and anyone interested in leisurely cruising rather than high performance.

4. Wavery Board

Inflatable paddle boards are often quite heavy. That’s okay if you don’t have to carry it far to reach the water’s edge but can be a real drag if you’ve got further to go. This board is one of the lightest around, making it ideal for travel.

Key Features

• Available in two sizes – 10’ long x 30” wide x 6” thick, and 11’ long
• Weighs 16.5lbs
• Double-layered PVE construction
• Supplied with a pump, paddle, backpack, ankle leash, repair kit, and removable fins
• Non-slip EVA deck pad
• 250lbs weight capacity
• Available in four colors

If you want to go further and faster, a longer paddle board can help. As an added benefit, longer boards also tend to track a little straighter. While a shorter board is probably best for beginners, the 11’ model is perfect for intermediate paddlers.

Pros

• Good size and color options
• Light and easy to carry
• Dual-chambered pump for quicker, easier inflation
• Good balance between stability and performance
• Attractive faux wood-veneer finish

Cons

• Paddle and backpack are a little basic

With this board package, it’s easy to see where your money went – on the board itself. The rest of the components are quite lightweight and flimsy. However, replace the aluminum paddle with a stronger fiberglass model, and this air board is good to go!

5. FB Sport 

This well-priced paddleboard has many of the features usually found on more expensive boards. If you want a cheap paddleboard but don’t want to sacrifice quality for a lower price, this could be the model to choose.

Key Features

• 10’ long x 30” wide x 6” thick
• Weighs 22lbs
• Made from dual-layer military-grade drop-stitched PVC
• Supplied with an ankle leash, removable fins, a paddle, pump, and backpack
• Non-slip EVA deck pad
• Available in ten colors

This board is your complete paddle boarding package and contains everything you need to get out on the water. At 30” wide, it is quite a narrow board, so it’s only suitable for very calm water but, with a little practice, this product should provide you with hours of fun.

Pros

• Very light but rigid
• Scuff-resistant
• Multiple fin configurations to choose from
• Suitable for users up to 280lbs

Cons

• Comes with a single chamber pump
• The paddle is not the best
• Not the most stable board

The paddle is a three-sectioned alloy model which, while light, is too bendy for vigorous paddling. The pump is also quite low quality, and with just one chamber, it will take a long time to get the board up to pressure. But, both of these components are replaceable, and the board itself is excellent quality indeed!

6. Acoway Inflatable

Beginner paddleboarders need a wide, stable paddleboard. This will allow them to spend more time on the water and less time in it! This air board is stable and forgiving, making it the ideal board for new paddlers.

Key Features

• 10’ 6” long x 32” wide x 6” thick
• Weighs 22lbs
• 400lbs weight capacity
• Made from two-layered drop-stitched PVC
• Supplied with a leash, 3-piece alloy paddle, pump, repair kit, backpack, and removable fin
• Includes a free waterproof phone case

This long, wide board should provide even a wobbly beginner with a fast and enjoyable way to learn to paddle board. The non-slip deck mat will also increase confidence and comfort. This package contains everything a new paddler needs to walk on water!

Pros

• Comprehensive package
• Suitable for youths and adults
• High-quality materials
• Very light and strong
• Ideal for beginners

Cons

• More experienced paddlers may find that this board is too wide and slow

With a weight limit of 400lbs, this board is buoyant enough for most adults and should be big enough for two people and even a dog! Backed by a one-year material warranty, this is a very good paddle board for the price.

7. Airgymfactory

iSUPs can be expensive, especially if you buy one of the best paddle boards. But, it’s good to know that you can still enjoy this fun and rewarding sport even if you are on a budget. This water board is both well priced and easy to use.

Key Features

• 5’ long x 32” wide x 6” thick
• Dual PVC drop-stitch construction
• Grooved, non-slip EVA deck pad
• Removable central fin for easy storage
• Four-point bungee cargo net
• 400lbs weight capacity
• Supplied with a pump, paddle, repair kit, leash, and rucksack
• Available in four colors
• Also comes as a ten-footer

This lightweight air board is 32” wide, which means it’s stable and ideal for beginners and anyone who values balance over speed. It’s a well-made board that should provide several years of reliable service.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Made from tough but light materials
• Good quality accessories
• A good board for cruising

Cons

• May be too wide and stable for more experienced paddlers
• Only the center fin is removable, while the small side thruster fins are not

It’s always useful to be able to remove all the fins from a paddle board. That way, if any of them are broken, it’s a simple matter of replacing the damaged one. With this board, the thruster fins are permanently attached to the bottom of the board. That means, if broken, you’ll need to replace the entire board.

So, stay out of the shallows because, otherwise, you could break a fin and end up needing a whole new board.

8. Freein

Paddle boarding is a great pastime, but it is very weather dependent. In strong winds and big waves, it can be impossible to remain standing for long.

This board comes with a kayak conversion kit, which means you can sit on it and paddle it like a canoe on those days when it’s too windy to stand up, or you just feel like a different kind of paddling adventure.

Key Features

• 10’ long x 31” wide x 6” thick
• Weighs 20lbs
• 257lbs weight capacity
• Supplied with an easy to deploy folding kayak seat and 2-in-1 convertible paddle
• EVA non-slip deck pad
• Comes with a backpack, leash, repair kit, and pump

While you can buy a kayak conversion kit for most paddle boards, this is one of the few models to include one as part of the standard package. This makes it outstanding value for money and ideal for anyone who wants to paddle their board seated or standing.

Pros

• Kayak kit included in the price
• Easy to convert from a paddle board to a sit-on kayak
• Good quality accessories, including a fast-inflation double-action pump
• A good mix of stability and maneuverability

Cons

• Quite heavy and slow

This board is not made for speed. Instead, it’s perfect for cruising, fishing, and even SUP yoga. The addition of the kayak kit means it should appeal to all the family, even if they don’t want to stand up to paddle. This is a great board that should provide lots of enjoyment.

9. Freein Explorer

This board is extra-wide to give it more stability than the average iSUP. This makes it especially suitable for beginners and anyone wanting to do yoga or try their hand at paddle board fishing. However, because it’s so wide, this is also a very slow board.

Key Features

• 10’ 2” long x 33” wide x 6” deep – also available in 11’
• Dual-layer PVC construction
• Carbon fiber reinforced side rails for stability and strength
• Cross-hatched non-slip EVA deck pad
• Weighs 20lbs
• Built-in action camera mount
• Package includes pump, paddle, backpack, dry bag, leash, and repair kit

This is not a high-performance board. If you want to paddle fast or cover large distances, this is not the model to choose. But, if you are looking for a stable, easy to use iSUP for cruising, fishing, or yoga, this one is worth considering. It’s also big enough to take you and your dog or child and is perfect for larger paddlers.

Pros

• Very stable
• Well-made
• The action camera mount is very useful
• Quick to inflate
• Nice floating paddle

Cons

• The backpack is not the best quality

Backpack quality issues aside, this is a very well made, easy to use board. It’s ideal for beginners and anyone who enjoys a leisurely paddle on calm water. But, it’s probably too wide for more adventurous waters and anyone looking for more performance.

10. Vilano Journey 

Vilano has been making paddle boards for almost a decade. Their boards are robust, built to last, and easy to use. This model is stable, light, and comes with all the accessories you need to get out on the water.

Key Features

• 10’ long x 31.5” wide x 6” thick
• Weight capacity 240lbs
• Weighs 25lbs
• EVA non-slip deck pad
• Supplied with pump, paddle, backpack, leash, waterproof phone case, repair kit, and shoulder carry strap
• Removable central fin
• Backed with a one-year warranty
• Front bungee net for storage

At 31.5” wide, this is not the most stable paddle board. But, that narrower width means this board should carve through the water easier and faster. This is a good product for beginners who are quick learners and intermediate paddlers looking for a new board.

Pros

• Comprehensive accessory package
• Well-priced
• Quick to inflate
• Packs down small enough for airline luggage
• Very durable

Cons

• Only available in one color
• Maybe too narrow for paddlers with less balance
• No carry handles on the nose or stern

This lightweight board is not the biggest on review, but it’s ideal for smaller paddlers and users who have reasonable balance or who are fast learners. It’s well-made, fun to use, and surprisingly quick and nimble. All in all, this is a great budget paddle board that’s especially at home on calm rivers and lakes.

Key Information

Consider the following before buying an inflatable paddle board.

How much do they weigh?

iSUPs can weigh as little as 12-15lbs, up to about 25lbs. It all depends on the size and thickness and the number of PVC layers used in construction. The weight isn’t important once the board is on the water, but you may appreciate a lighter board if you have to carry your board very far.

Size options

Paddle boards range in sizes from about nine feet up to twelve feet or longer. Widthwise, they vary from 26-28 inches up to 33-35 inches. As a rule, shorter, wider boards are more stable and better for beginners. However, they are usually slow and not suitable for paddling long distances.

Longer, narrower boards are faster and more efficient to paddle but aren’t as stable.

Beginners should choose short/wider boards, whereas more experienced paddlers should choose a longer/narrower board if they want better performance.

Electric or manual pumps?

Most inflatable paddle boards are supplied with a manual pump.

Cheap pumps have just one chamber, while batter pumps have two or even three. More chambers make for easier, quicker inflation.

It can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to inflate a paddleboard, depending on your pumping speed and your pump’s capacity.

Pumping up a paddle board is an excellent way to warm up before hitting the water.

Most boards can also be inflated using an electric pump, usually sold separately. These pumps connect to your car power outlet. While this does make for effortless inflation, electric pumps are noisy and can take longer than a decent manual pump.

Why are some more expensive than others?

Paddleboard construction, materials, and accessories can vary enormously. Materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass are lighter but more expensive than standard PVC and aluminum. In short, you get what you pay for. Most budget-friendly paddle boards are made from cheaper materials and supplied with more basic accessories.

Durability

Inflatable iSUPs can be very durable. Unlike a rigid board, they won’t dent or crack if you hit a rock.

It’s almost impossible to over-inflate an iSUP, and most are made with reinforced seams for increased durability.

However, they can be punctured, but that will take a lot of effort and a degree of bad luck too!

On the downside, repeated folding can cause wear and tear, as can prolonged exposure to UV light. Because of this, iSUPs need to be stored with care and will eventually wear out and need replacing.

Stability

Wider boards are more stable than narrower boards. If you want a stable board, look for models that are 32-34” or wider. But wider boards are also slower.

Tracking

Tracking refers to how straight a board moves through the water. Longer boards tend to track better than shorter boards, and iSUPs with three fins usually track better than those with just one. However, longer boards are also generally narrower, which means they’re less stable.

Are there any age requirements?

Anyone can paddle board, from kids to older adults. It’s a very accessible activity! But, for safety, younger paddlers should always be supervised by an adult and stay close to shore.

They should also wear a buoyancy aid, as should all paddlers.

Check for local restrictions and regulations before venturing out onto the water as some areas may prohibit paddle boarding.

Bottom Line

When it comes to having fun on the water, paddle boards are hard to beat. Standing on the water makes it easier to see fish and plants, and the chance to see land from an all-new perspective.

Using an iSUP is easy and convenient. Because they deflate and roll up small, you can put your board in the back of even a compact car and travel to new places to paddle. You don’t need a trailer or a roof rack – most paddle boards come with a backpack for easy transport.

iSUPs are also very rigid. They’re made from drop-stitched PVC, which means they won’t bend when you stand on them. But, for optimal rigidity, an iSUP MUST be inflated to around 12-15 psi, which can take a little time and effort. Or, you could use an electric pump if you prefer.

If iSUPs have a disadvantage, it is that they can be expensive. That said, there are plenty of budget-friendly models that are ideal for beginners and anyone who wants to get out on the water without breaking the bank. While these boards aren’t as light or robust as more expensive boards, they are every bit as fun to use.

So, whether you want to paddle for exercise, try your hand at SUP yoga, do some paddle board fishing, or just have fun out on the water, you’ll find the right budget-friendly board in these reviews. All that’s left for you to do is choose an air board and get out on the water – safely, of course!