Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Ariana Svenson
Last summer I suddenly noticed there were SUPs everywhere. People gliding past with a toddler on the front and other people crossing channels with a dog perched on their paddle board. Or sometimes a whole tribe of older kids who were using the paddle board as some sort of floating fun palace. Honestly, it looked like so much fun that I was immediately sold. I had to go out and buy a paddle board for the family. Hence my search for the best inflatable SUP in Australia.
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Then hit my first snag. Should I buy an inflatable paddle board or a hard paddle board? My neighbour has a solid paddle board: she takes it out all the time and loves it. On the other hand, she has a tall, strong-looking husband to secure it onto the roof of her car – and each time I see him helping her to put it on. Which is not realistic for me, as a solo mum of 3.
Which brings me to inflatable paddle boards. I’ve been surreptitiously watching people blowing them up on the beach for a while – and it looked pretty straight forward. Given we have about 6 months a year that are cold and windy where I live, I also realized that I don’t want a solid board SUP filling up the back shed or garage. So for our family, it seemed that the only option was to buy an inflatable SUP.
So we did – and we love it! This guide is to the best inflatable paddle boards available in Australia. As I’ve already done the research, this post passes onto you what I’ve learned along the way.
If you also want to find the best inflatable paddle board for beginners, this guide will tell you what to look for. Plus, it includes a range of inflatable stand up paddle board reviews. Also covered are frequently asked questions around the topic of sourcing a great inflatable SUP board in Australia.
Read on to discover the best inflatable paddle boards that are available to buy right now!
Want a kids’ SUP? Then check out this post on choosing a paddle board for a child.
In a hurry? Check out our number one paddle board in Australia here.
We’re listing the King’s large inflatable SUP because it’s the one we can personally recommend. Its board deck is super stable for beginners and inflation is speedy. A backpack makes it easy to carry and it offers incredible value for money.
Best Inflatable SUP Australia Comparison Chart
| Brand | Weight | Capacity | Paddle | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King’s XL | 8.15kg | 150kg | 2-piece alloy | Easy to carry & inflate, tough, ultra stable | Click Here |
| SereneLife | 6.3kg | 125kg | 3-piece ergonomic | 8 colours, non-slip deck, lightweight | Click Here |
| Wolf Amor | 13.38kg | 150kg | 3-piece adjustable | Great value, cargo cords, waterproof phone bag | Click Here |
| FunWater | 9.4kg | 155kg | Adjustable & ergonomic | 3 fun designs, military grade PVC | Click Here |
| Fayean | 8.4kg | 200kg | Included | High capacity, large deck, strong | Click Here |
| Gili | 8.6kg | 125kg | 3-piece adjustable | Great brand, 2 year guarantee, wide deck | Click Here |
| Thurso Surf | 10.2kg | 115kg | 3-piece carbon hybrid | Premium, smooth ride, roller backpack | Click Here |
| Nixy | 10.43kg | 155kg | 3-piece carbon hybrid | 2 year warranty, stable enough for yoga | Click Here |
Best Stand Up Paddle Boards in Australia – What to Look For
Size
The size of your SUP is obviously something to consider. It’s not only about the person riding it, though. The best inflatable SUP boards for beginners have a broad deck, as this improves stability.
You also need to think about transporting it. The boards in this guide come with backpacks for carrying, but the size will obviously affect how bulky the backpack will be.
Weight
It’s easy to assume that the best inflatable stand up paddle board is a lightweight one, but again the weight can have some bearing on stability. A slightly heavier board may be more stable on the surface of the water.
A board that’s a little heavier may be stronger too. It comes down to carrying it, and how much weight you’re willing to take.
Capacity
The weight capacity is super important – whether you’re searching for the best inflatable paddle board under $500 or not. How much weight the board can take will determine who can ride it!
If you’re looking for the best inflatable paddle board for dogs, don’t forget to factor in the weight of your pet when checking the capacity.
Durability
If you want your board to last then it’s worth paying more for a tougher construction. Extra thick or military grade PVC is good, and so is drop stitching. These factors will make for a stronger, more durable board.
How tough your board is may also matter more if kids will be using it, as they may take a little less care of it than adults would!
Stability
For beginners, stability is mega important. If you can’t balance on the board, then you won’t be going riding on it, it’s as simple as that.
Features that improve stability include the width of the board in particular. In general, a bigger board is going to be easier to balance on. A decent thickness can also help provide a more stable surface.
Paddle
All of the boards featured in this article come complete with a paddle. Plus other necessary accessories. Most are lightweight and come in two or three peeves for easy storage and packing.
It’s also good to look out for a streamlined design that’s adjustable in length. An ergonomic grip can also make it easier to hold.
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Australia – FAQs
Won’t an Inflatable Board Pop if I Run into a Rock?
It might surprise you to learn that the inflatable models are generally just as good as the best non inflatable paddle boards when it comes to toughness. If any board ran into a rock or other hazard then it could cause damage. So practice before heading out in rocky areas and make sure you wear a flotation device!
How Successful is Patching a SUP?
As with many inflatable items – such as car or bike types, hot tubs and so on – patching is often very successful. Just take care to do the job properly: there are plenty of YouTube videos and online instructions regarding how to patch up a stand up paddle board.
Are Inflatable SUPs Worth it?
Inflatable SUPs are totally worth it – we love ours! The don’t cost too much, take up little space in storage and offer hours of fun.
The chance to explore hidden areas only accessible by water is also a huge selling point. Plus, the kids just love having fun with it.
Can Dogs Ride on Inflatable SUPs?
Dogs can ride on an inflatable SUP and they’ll probably love it! Look for a strong board with a spacious, non-slip deck to keep your dog safe and you should have great fun together.
How Long Does an Inflatable SUP Last?
This is a bit like asking how long a piece of string is. It depends on the quality of the board, plus how often it’s used and how carefully it’s stored and looked after.
A frequently used board may last three to five years, while one that’s used less often might last for up to a decade. If you’re buying the best inflatable sup for dogs or kids, it may take more of a beating and therefore last for less time.
Inflatable vs Hard Paddle Board – Which is Better?
It depends on your skill level, really. Inflatable boards are perfect for beginners and take up little space when you’re not using them.
Some experienced riders say a rigid board glides more easily and is simpler to maneuver, but the downside is having to store a board that cannot be packed down.
If you are looking for a good inflatable SUP, might you also consider an inflatable kayak? Read our Best Inflatable Kayaks Australia Reviewed (2022).
How Long Does it Take to Inflate a SUP?
As a general guideline, expect it to take five to ten minute to inflate a SUP one you’re used to doing so. A lot depends on the type of pump used – a manual one will obviously take at least a minute or two longer than an electric one.
Can you Leave a SUP Inflated?
You can store your board inflated if you like, but remember that it will gradually deflate a little over time. Just as with the tires on an unused bike.
It will also take up a lot more space – and perhaps be less protected than when it’s packed away safely. Make sure it’s always stored out of direct sunlight.
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards Reviews
King’s Large Fast-Inflation SUP
Best Buy Overall
- Inflated size: 3200 x 830 x 150mm
- Weight: 8.15kg (with fins)
- Capacity: 150kg
- Paddle: 2-piece alloy
If you want the best inflatable sup under $500, then we can recommend this King’s SUP! It’s the one we bought ourselves after searching for the best budget paddle board we could find.
The main points to draw your attention to in this King’s paddle boards review are based on how user-friendly it is. It’s super quick and simple to inflate, for a start. A backpack for carrying comes with it, too, as does the paddle.
Once using it we found this SUP to be really stable, which is down to the fact that it has a generous 150kg weight capacity. It’s thicker and therefore tougher than other boards, and has three detachable fins on the bottom which help make it even easier to balance.
Pros:
- Easy to carry & inflate
- Tough construction
- Super stable
Cons:
- Large size = extra bulk
Click here to check the current price
SereneLife Youth & Adult SUP
Best for Teens
- Inflated size: 3200 x 760 x 150mm
- Weight: 6.3kg
- Capacity: 125kg
- Paddle: 3-piece ergonomic
If you want a SUP that’s a a little narrower than the King’s option – and is lighter to carry – then this one from SereneLife is a great choice. It’s also available in eight colours, including orange and pink as well as greens, blues and monochrome tones.
Again, the width is designed for balance, so it’s ideal if you want to find inflatable SUP boards in Australia for beginners. It also features a secure, non-slip deck. This one’s sold by Amazon AU too, so you can get faster delivery than with a product that comes from overseas.
There are three fins and a three-piece paddle with an ergonomic grip is also supplied. A storage bag, manual pump and safety leash are included too. Designed for youths as well as adults, this is one of the top inflatable paddle boards for teens.
Pros:
- 8 colours
- Wide non-slip deck
- Lightweight & portable
Cons:
- Higher price than some
Click here to check the current price
Wolf Armor Extra Wide SUP
Best Budget Buy
- Inflated size: 3200 x 810 x 150mm
- Weight: 7.9kg
- Capacity: 150kg
- Paddle: 3-piece adjustable
When you want to buy the best inflatable paddle board under $300 it’s hard to go wrong with this one from Wolf Armor. In fact, sometimes it’s available at way below this figure! So if you want to try out a SUP without spending too much, just go for this.
It’s similar in size to the King’s and SereneLife SUPs, which again improves stability. There are some cool features on this for the price, including cargo bungee cords, three fins, a floating paddle and a backpack for storage.
The usual items like a paddle, bag, leash and pump are included with the package and this even comes with a waterproof bag for your phone.
Pros:
- Great value
- Cargo bungee cords
- Waterproof phone bag included
Cons:
- Pretty basic
- 10-minute inflation time
Click here to check the current price on Amazon
Click here to check the current price on eBay
FunWater Feath-R-Lite SUP
Best Fun Design
- Inflated size: 3500 x 835 x 150mm
- Weight: 9.4kg
- Capacity: 155kg
- Paddle: Adjustable & ergonomic
This is also one of the best rated inflatable paddle boards around and satisfied owners praise what they got for the price. There are three colours to pick from – the reed and orange Koi carp design, an aqua ocean print or a a blue tribal pattern.
Like the others everything comes in the package, and this even includes a waterproof case for your phone. There’s also three fins, a leash, a waterproof backpack, a pump and a paddle.
This is another serious contender for those seeking the best SUP under $500.
Pros:
- Fun designs
- Military grade PVC
- Streamlined paddle
Cons:
- Not as lightweight as some
Click here to check the current price on Amazon
Click here to check current price on eBay
Fayean High Capacity SUP
Best Capacity
- Inflated size: 3045 x 760 x 150mm
- Weight: 8.4kg
- Capacity: 200kg
- Paddle: Included
If you want the the best inflatable paddle board that can take more weight, then this one has a capacity of over 200kg. In blue with a pink deck, it will stand out on the beach and its light in weight despite the added capacity.
There is a one year guarantee on the materials, so you can buy and try this one out with confidence. The deck offers grip and is larger than some, giving you extra space for balance.
A drop stitch construction has again been used for strength and buyers are very impressed with the performance of this board. It also includes all the necessary accessories.
Pros:
- High capacity
- Generously-sized deck
- Drop stitch construction
Cons:
- Only 1 colour option
Click here to check the current price on Amazon
Click here to check current price on eBay
Gili All-Round Inflatable SUP
Best Lightweight Board
- Inflated size: 3200 x 785 x 150mm
- Weight: 8.6kg
- Capacity: 125kg
- Paddle: 3-piece adjustable
This Gili board is the ideal buy for someone who wants a great brand, but doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars. Its ultra lightweight considering how tough it is, and comes with the whole kit and caboodle, including a stylish backpack for storage and carrying. Plus a special fin box to keep those in good condition.
Gili recommends this board for carrying pets and even for yoga, so you can be confident in its stability. A two year guarantee also offers assurance when buying from this brand.
The deck is extra wide and offers good grip for a safe, stable ride, and there are grab handles to the sides and front to make steering easier. Gili is one of the quickest-growing board brands around and this is a great option when you want a product in the mid price range.
Pros:
- Extra wide deck
- 2 year guarantee
- Great brand, mid-range price
Cons:
- Paddle heavier than carbon ones
Click here to check the current price
Thurso Surf Waterwalker
Best Branded Buy
- Inflated size: 3045 x 760 x 150mm
- Weight: 10.2kg
- Capacity: 115kg
- Paddle: 3-piece carbon hybrid
If you don’t mind paying more, then the top inflatable paddle boards in Australia come from respected brand Thurso Surf. This SUP is made to offer the superior maneuverability of a rigid board, plus an ultra smooth ride.
The construction is ultra tough, too, so it should last for a lot longer. Making the price tag much more palatable! Military grade PVC, drop stitching and rails reinforced with carbon make this more robust than most.
A dual action pump comes with it and Thurso Surf says this is up to twice as fast at inflating your board. The roller backpack that comes with it also makes it ultra easy to transport.
Pros:
- Premium brand
- Ultra manoeuvrable & smooth
- Roller backpack & dual action pump
Cons:
- More costly than some
Click here to check the current price
Nixy Venice SUP
Best Yoga SUP
- Inflated size: 3200 x 860 x 150mm
- Weight: 10.43kg
- Capacity: 155kg
- Paddle: 3-piece carbon hybrid
We’re ending these best inflatable SUP Australia reviews with a more costly option. If you’re really pushing the boat out, go for a Nixy. This Californian brand makes some of the best SUP boards available in Australia – or indeed anywhere on the planet. This looks like a serious bit of water sports kit and it has the spec to match.
The Venice comes in three colours and is so stable that it’s ideal for practicing yoga on the water. You don’t get a much smoother ride than that! Fusion lamination, drop stitching and double layer PVC all ensure it’s super tough too.
There’s a two year warranty supplied with this, so you have many months to test it out and make sure it’s worth the money. Which it is, of course. It was designed in Orange County, California and the Nixy team offer outstanding customer service in case you sis encounter a problem. That’s why they’re one of the best SUP brands in Australia – or anywhere on the planet.
Pros:
- 2 year warranty
- Top-level Californian brand
- So stable that it’s ideal for yoga
Cons:
- Most expensive option
Click here to check the current price
The Verdict – Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Australia
Whether you wanted the best budget inflatable SUP or are prepared to spend more to get the very best inflatable paddle board available in Australia, I hope this guide has been helpful.
We love our King’s SUP and reckon one like that is ideal if you’re just starting out. If you’ve already ridden some rental boards and are certain the sport is for you, then the premium boards from Nixy and Thurso are worth splashing out on. They may cost more, but are also likely to last for much longer than cheaper models.
Whatever you buy, have fun riding and exploring – and never forget to wear a flotation device just in case you tire yourself out while trying to balance or steer!
Like it> Pin It> 8 Best inflatable SUPs in Australia Reviewed [2024]
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