We are in 2024, and the SUP industry has already completed its preliminary trial and error phase. The great news is that iSUP businesses are working hard to bring the finest value product to customers, and we, the purchaser, have an enormous selection of alternatives to choose from. SUP paddleboarding is fashionable and trendy. If you’re seeking new outdoor activities, you should consider paddleboarding.
Paddleboarding has been shown to provide several physical and mental health advantages. Paddleboarding is a fun hobby for both adults and children. Everyone, regardless of age or ability level, can enjoy a wonderful day on the lake.
If you’re interested in paddle boarding but aren’t sure where to start, read our article on inexpensive SUPs and the benefits of paddleboarding. If paddleboarding seems boring, investigate other board-related activities.
The price of a paddleboard has nothing to do with its quality. Set your budget range, and we are confident that you will discover a high-quality SUP inflatable paddleboard within that range.
In this article, we’ll show you three high-quality paddleboards under $400. You may get a high-quality paddleboard in any price range, according to your needs, preferences, and talents.
What To Keep In Mind When Looking For The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Under $400
The SUP’s Adaptability
For the newbie SUPer, an all-around iSUP is recommended. Specialized SUPs, on the other hand, should perform better if you have some experience and specific activity in mind.
Performance in the face of paddle strokes and rough coastlines
Budget boards are not as tough as top-tier Red Paddle Co. or Atoll boards. It is still required to test their ability to function on rocky coasts or, at the very least, to withstand inadvertent paddle hits.
Optimal PSI level
The optimal PSI for these boards is usually 12-15. Any SUP that can withstand greater PSI levels will be stiffer and perform better on the water.
How much weight can it withstand?
When shopping for an iSUP, consider the carrying capacity. The weight of the paddleboarder and their gear should be within the limits of the board’s capacity. A heavily laden SUP will incur a significant performance penalty.
The paddle board’s stability
For a newbie, the first feature to look for in an iSUP is steadiness. It does not have to be extremely stable. A steady iSUP, on the other hand, would be significantly better for beginning SUPing than a challenging race board.
Which Inflatable Paddle Board Do You Want?
A paddleboarder’s day may be made or broken by the correct iSUP. For most paddlers, we recommend the all-around, lightweight iSUP. As a result, the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is the finest Inflatable Paddle Board under $400.
What is the maximum weight capacity?
You’ll see that each of the SUPs we describe below has a total weight capacity figure, which you should not disregard. This is the entire amount of weight that the board can support (including you, any pets, gear, or companions).
Overloading a board causes it to sit excessively low in the water. This implies it won’t paddle or maneuver properly, and you’ll probably get wet.
Discover the Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Under $400
SUP paddleboards are manufactured by dozens of different companies on the sports equipment market. The overwhelming number of different boards is the one factor that makes deciding on a paddleboard tough.
It might be difficult to discover the ideal paddleboard to meet all of your requirements. Set a pricing range and look for a manufacturer that fits inside it. Following that, you may create a list of a few distinct high-quality producers who meet your requirements. You limited the choices after considering price and manufacturer.
You must now decide who will use the paddleboard. Will you use it with your children and family, or will just adults utilize it? Do you want to be able to carry two people so you can paddle in pairs? Choose a paddleboard that can handle various types of water so you can take it with you on every vacation.
If you’re an experienced paddler, you’ll know what to look for when buying a paddleboard.
Choose a paddleboard that comes with everything you need, from the hand pump to the repair kit and bag. Learn everything there is to know about paddleboards and select one that is ideal for your requirements and budget.
1. SereneLife Free Flow & Thunder Wave
SereneLife manufactures some of the most popular paddle boards on the market. The Free Flow and Thunder Wave paddle boards are ideal for novice and intermediate paddlers looking for a terrific all-around board for less than $400.
With a width of 32′′, these boards are an excellent middle-of-the-road choice for stability and speed. Plus, they fold up into a little backpack that you can take with you on any excursion and weigh just approximately 20 pounds.
Ideal for: Intermediate and beginner paddlers looking for a decent blend of stability and speed.
Dimensions:
Thunder Wave: 10′ x 32″ x 6″ | 19 LBS | 275 LBS
Rising Wave: 10’6″ x 32″ x 6″ | 19.6 LBS | 275 LBS
Free Flow: 10’6″ x 32″ x 6″ | 19.6 LBS | 275 LBS
SereneLife SUP Kit Includes:
Inflatable SUP with handle & non-slip deck padding
Paddle
3 Fins
Ankle leash
Manual inflation pump
Carry bag / backpack
1-year warranty
2. ROC Explorer 10′
The ROC is an excellent board for the weekend warrior paddler looking for stability and ease of paddling at a low cost. The organization is a family-owned business in the United States that is quite dependable.
How dependable and popular is the ROC SUP? More than a MILLION Roc paddle boards have been sold worldwide. They provide a one-year guarantee to cover their boards if anything goes wrong. They truly believe in their products.
Ideal for:
This is an excellent all-around board that is stable enough for usage on lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and flat seas. The 32′′ width and somewhat shorter length than some of the other boards in this category make it incredibly maneuverable and stable for any fun water activity.
Dimensions:
Size: 10′ x 32″ x 6″
Weight: 17.5 LBS
Capacity: 300 LBS
ROC Kit Includes:
10′ Paddle Board
Aluminum paddle that collapses
Stability fin with manual board pump
Ankel leash for safety
Waterproof phone case, etc.
Heavy durable backpack for storage and transportation
3. FunWater Tiki 10’6
If you’ve been looking for the greatest paddle boards, you’ve probably come across the moniker FunWater. The Tiki is another famous FunWater board that is 10’6″ long and 33″ broad.
The board has received excellent customer feedback and is reasonably priced considering the full package. Because of its large width, the FunWater Tiki is an excellent choice for an all-around board if you want to ensure that you receive something extremely pleasant and sturdy.
The tapering tail of the board is another wonderful characteristic that we like about this SUP. This board will still paddle rapidly and maintain a beautiful straight line despite its somewhat broader dimensions. So there’s a nice combination of stability and quickness.
Dimensions:
Size: 10’6″ x 33″ x 6″
Weight: 17.6 LBS
Capacity: 300 LBS
Tiki Kit Includes:
Inflatable Funwater Board 10′
3 detachable fins
Manual pump
Transport backpack and storage bag
Phone storage bag
Ankle tether
4. DRIFT 10’8″
Drift is a standout firm situated in Destin, Florida. They not only create outstanding paddleboards, but they also provide excellent after-sales customer care if you ever need help. They also come with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee to keep you covered.
While the price of this board is slightly above $400, we included it since it is an outstanding SUP. Its length of 10 feet 8 inches is somewhat longer than the typical board on our list, and its 33-inch width makes for a highly sturdy platform.
The craftsmanship is exceptionally robust and top-notch for the extra money spent on this board compared to some other cheaper choices. The outer skin is nearly unbreakable and can withstand the scrapes and bumps that occur with this aquatic activity. The inner baffles are likewise made of high-quality drop stitching, which results in an extremely stiff board for a wonderful paddling experience.
Dimensions:
Drift Paddle Board: 10’8″ x 33″ x 6″ | 19 LBS
Board Weight | 250 LBS
DRIFT SUP Kit Includes:
10’8″ Inflatable board
3 piece aluminum paddle
Backpack or carry bag
Fins
Manual paddle board pump
Repair kit
5. Cooyes 10’6″
Cooyes SUP is a lesser-known brand of paddleboards, but they are a growing brand for good reason. It’s a terrific all-around type board for leisure paddling, travelling with a dog, or even doing some casual yoga or fishing at 10.5 feet long and 32 inches broad.
The board’s exceptionally athletic design distinguishes it from others on the list. Because of its streamlined design, the extremely pointed bow and completely tapered tail allow for higher paddling speeds.
Dimensions:
Size: 10’6″ x 32″ x 6″
Weight: 19.5 LBS
Capacity: 330 LBS
Cooyes Kit Includes:
10’6″ Cooyes SUP board
Detachable fin
Safety leash
Waterproof bar
Repair kit
3 section aluminum paddle
Manual inflation pump
Backpack bag
6. Blue Water All Around SUP
The BlueWater paddleboard is a tad on the tiny side, at 10 feet 2 inches long and 31 inches broad. It’s a terrific board for paddlers who are on the smaller side or who want something a bit more agile.
It has everything you might desire, including a comfy deck foam, a bow storage bungee rope, and stainless steel D-rings for mounting goods. A camera mount on the bow, which not all boards have, allows you to add a Go Pro to catch all the action.
Ideal For:
There’s a reason this board is dubbed the all around. It’s ideal for paddlers of all ability levels and performs well in all water and weather situations.
Dimensions:
Size: 10’2″ x 31″ x 6″
Weight: 24 LBS
Capacity: 265 LBS
Freein 10’2″ Kit Includes:
Freein 10’2 ISUP
Carrying bag
Telescopic SUP paddle
9′ Coiled leash
Double action hand pump
7. FunWater 11′
With a length of 11 feet and a width of 33 inches, this FunWater is one of the largest boards on this list. All of this space provides it with a large carrying capacity, allowing you to easily board with your cooler, dog, or even a friend.
FunWater produces several extremely economical paddle boards that are yet of high quality. With its tapering note, this board will be a pleasure to paddle for years to come.
Ideal For:
This board is ideal for larger paddlers or those who need to pack a lot of stuff. Because of its 33′′ width, it is also one of the most stable alternatives.
Dimensions:
Size: 11′ x 33″ x 6″
Weight: 17.6 LBS
Capacity: 330 LBS
Funwater Kit Includes:
11′ Funwater Inflatable Board
3 removable fins
Manual pump
Carry backpack
Storage bag
Phone dry bag
Ankle leash
8. Dama 9’6″
First and foremost, we adore the style of this board, which resembles the wooden decking of a ship. Sure, it’s an inflatable board – but a little flair goes a long way. The Dama SUP is smaller than most of the boards on our list, at 9’6″ long and 30″ broad, and is an excellent choice for tiny paddlers or those who choose agility over carrying capacity or speed.
It’s worth noting that the capacity restriction on this board is 220 LBS, although several of the other boards on this list have capacities of 275 LBS or higher.
Ideal For:
The Dama is ideal for petite paddlers weighing less than 150 pounds or standing less than 5’6′′ tall. This size is more manageable and maneuverable than the larger boards on this list.
Dimensions:
Size: 9’6″ x 30″ x 6″
Weight: 20 LBS
Capacity: 220 LBS
Dama Kit Includes:
Inflatable board
Hand pump
Repair kit
3 piece aluminum paddle
Removable center fin
Storage bag
