Best Cheap Paddle Boardd

By: James | Last update: 31 October 2022

Starting your SUP journey can be quite overwhelming once you list down all equipment and their prices. On average, an above par stand up paddle board can shell out around $1000 from you and if you get lucky, you get a few discounts. Now, we understand that while you’re after quality, budget is what determines your choice. Sometimes, no matter how much we try to strive to get the best, it’s wise to start off small with what good your money can get you. Here’s a good news: you can always go for quality without splurging out a lot of money. And we know that the best cheap paddle board is just around the corner–as long as you know which site to visit!

Fret not, here at SUP Planet, we’ve gathered the best and cheapest paddle boards we could find in the market without compromising quality. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy reading this article!

Why Start with the Best Cheap Paddle Board–First?

First, we’d like to break the stereotype here; just because a SUP board is cheap doesn’t mean it’s run-of-the-mill. Quite frankly, there are some really inexpensive paddle boards out in the market. But it takes a lot of patience browsing through online stores, reading reviews, and knowing fundamental board features to land on a really good find. Good thing, this page doesn’t only educate you about the best cheap paddle board in the market, but we’ve also gathered our top finds for you to check out. For additional information, here are the different kinds of SUP boards available online:

Touring – This paddleboard is what you want if you are aiming for a comfortable SUP boarding experience. Designed specifically for flat waters or sea paddling, the board is constructed longer compared with all round paddle boards. The board’s nose is also more extensive to provide a seamless performance on the water. The longer the touring paddle board is, the better it slices through the water.

Race – This, essentially, has a comparable form with a touring SUP board, but the former is made for speed. Constructed with substantial and pointed noses, race paddle boards are narrower than touring SUP boards.

All Round – Known widely in the market because this is the most appropriate amateur paddle board. It’s also your best choice when you’re just beginning your SUP journey. Typically, the SUP board is thick with a larger nose and tail. Everything about this paddle board is intended to give maximum comfort, balance, and safety.

Surf – For SUP paddlers who are extra inclined to adventure and extreme waves, this is could be the SUP board for you. Surf paddle boards have better mobility due to their shape and design. However, similar to most of the boards in the market, there is always a catch. Surf paddle boards are handiest on harsh waves, but are not ideal to use on flat waters.

A ‘Cheap’ Board That Isn’t Cheap

Just a disclaimer, for the sake of research factors, we’re using the word ‘cheap’ here, but we don’t intend it to mean something of below par. We will do our best to help you get the cheapest yet the most suitable SUP board for you.

When scouting for the best cheap paddle board in the market, it’s one thing to look for the price, but it’s another thing to look for the fundamental features. So, if you are a newbie in paddle boarding, these are the three things you need to keep in mind when it comes to picking an inexpensive SUP board:

1. On-water Performance
2. Board Design
3. Accessories

Time will come that you will outgrow your first board. But while you are starting to hone your SUP boarding skills, these three factors are crucial.

On-water Performance – The moment you drop your SUP board on the water, you’re about to find out if it’s any good. While skills is a huge determiner of how a stand up paddle board performs on the water, its construction and materials play a huge part. What type of SUP board are you using? We’d personally suggest a cheap inflatable paddle board, especially if you’re an amateur. Why? Because your first paddling journey will consist of a lot of falls and splashes on the water. Affordable inflatable paddle boards are more protected against dings. Even better, these types of cheap paddle boards are structured to give the best stability/bouyancy, balance, and durability.

Board Design – This, we think, should be carefully considered even if you’re looking for an affordable paddle board. There are a lot of factors entailed in this category. You need to take note of the SUP board’s type (touring, racing, all round, etc.), dimensions (the width, length, and volume), fin setups (single, 3-fin, 5-fin), and material construction (wood, epoxy, pvc, etc.). As we go along this article, we will discuss more about these.

Accessories – You have to believe us when we say that there are accessories bundle available EVEN on cheaper SUP boards. However, we cannot guarantee that you’d easily find one. But, some come in handy additions like backpacks, extra paddles, a free handpump, or coil leash. Also, it’s also best if look at child-safety grab handles, mount points, and extra storage.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Best Cheap Paddle Board

While cheap doesn’t always mean poor quality, we’d have to admit that there are a lot of cheap boards out there that aren’t even up to par. Personally, choosing a mid-range price SUP boards is the safest way to go if you want to land on a cheap price. But if you’re really out of budget and want the floor price for your first SUP board, here are the details that you need to remember:

• Board Dimensions
• Type
  • Inflatable
  • Rigid
• Fin Setup
• Dimensions Guide for Beginner Paddlers

Common Buying Traps: Usual Problems Encountered After a Bad Purchase

In the world of online buying and selling, there is no grey area when it comes to customer satisfaction. If it’s a good purchase, it’s good. But if it’s a bad one, then it is flatout bad. And let’s be honest, hasty buyers who don’t take their time researching about a SUP boards usually end up getting the one that is below par. While your aim is to get the most affordable SUP board in the market, we’d like to give you a heads up of the cons that most customers experienced after a bad purchase. Here are some:

• The board doesn’t come with a 3-year warranty – Of course, you don’t want your SUP board getting damaged early, but it helps if your board is also backed up by a longer warranty, right? Just in case you’d need it.
• Poor board traction – Aside from quality, there are a lot of factors why this happens. We’ve put up a weight guide and dimensions chart below for your reference.
• Poor pump quality – This can happen if you purchase a cheap inflatable paddle board from a run-of-the-mill brand. Sometimes, the pump that comes with the SUP board has a poor pump quality that results in longer inflation time. Take note of how many chambers the pump has. A single-chamber pump is usually okay, but not ideal.
• Heavy board – Transportation is also a factor when you’re buying your first SUP board. Although a heavier board means durability, some people just don’t like carrying around weighty stuffs. There are inflatable SUP boards made with carbon fiber and other light materials that you will surely find in the market.
• Board is designed with limited accessories access or fixed side fins – Some cheap SUP boards don’t come with rear bungee for cargo, have limited cargo space, or are designed with fixed side fins. The latter is a crucial factor because fixed side fins can actually affect your on-board performance. Make sure to look for SUP boards with flexible fin setups for your convenience.

Research Factors for the Best Cheap Paddle Board

Now, let’s dive into more specific details: 

Dimensions Guide for Beginner Paddlers

Conclusion

A wise purchase is not only about getting it cheap–but getting it cheap with the best features! We’re glad that you’re taking your SUP boarding seriously, that’s why we’ve gathered the best choices for best cheap paddle board in the online market to save you research time. Go ahead and click on the links we have provided above and you will never regret stumbling upon SUP Planet!

Learn more about stand up paddle boarding by reading other articles from our website!