Inflatable paddle boards are an excellent investment, but with so many on the market, it can be tough deciding on which one to get based on price.
In fact, the prices vary a lot from paddle board type and brand and you may not know the average cost to expect.
So, how much do paddle boards cost? Let’s find out!
What Adds to the Cost of Inflatable Paddle Boards?
When you buy an inflatable paddle board, you are also paying for all of the materials that were used, and often these materials come at quite a price.
You will also need to pay for the labor it took to produce the board.
If the paddle board has been made in another country, there are also logistical and transport fees.
A number of factors contribute to the cost of inflatable SUP boards.
Now that we have a good understanding of this, let’s take a look at the total cost of one:
The Cost of an Inflatable Paddle Board:
An inflatable paddle board can cost you anything from $200 to around $2500.
You can even find some on the market that go for $3500.
The cost of the paddle board will all come down to the brand, the materials used, and how durable it is.
Low-end
Some inflatable paddle boards cost as low as $200 to $400.
Boards at this price are known to be of lower quality.
If you look hard enough, you may find some for less than $200.
But remember, you get what you pay for, and buying a board in this price range is super risky.
The price may look appealing, but think about it, how can a manufacturer sell a stand-up paddle board at this price?
The manufacturer would have had to cut back on production costs, meaning that the board would likely be smaller and made from poor-quality materials.
Inflatable boards in this price range generally have a single or a dual-layer PVC.
This means that they are very light but not very stiff.
After using it a few times, you will likely notice that the board will start to bend a bit.
Most paddle boards also come with a range of accessories, like a paddle, pump, and a bag.
So the cheaper the board, the lower the quality of the accessories too.
That said, cheap paddle boards are well-suited to beginners and younger children.
You can always get a more expensive one when you’re sure paddle boarding is for you!
Mid-range
You can easily find some fantastic inflatable stand-up paddle boards in this range.
This range has paddle boards well suited for yoga, touring, racing boards, fishing SUPs, and some multi-rider boards.
Most reputable brands can be found under this category, and you can be assured that you are buying good quality and value for money.
The accessories will also be of excellent quality!
In the lower end of this range, you can find a decent inflatable sup board for around $600.
The paddles are usually made from fiberglass and have a carbon shaft, so they float and are lightweight.
But remember, always take a look at the reviews online; just because you’re paying more, it doesn’t always mean that it is much better.
High-end
An inflatable board in this range will be of excellent quality, and you will have nothing to complain about – yes, the price is steep.
But what do you expect? The design, the materials – they are just perfect.
So, how much are inflatable paddle boards at the upper end of the price scale?
You can expect to pay anything between $1000 to $2000+.
This is because they use the best technology to make these boards.
They are rigid, often have the coolest designs, and the graphics are out of this world!
The paddle will be carbon fiber; it doesn’t get better than that!
Which Price Range Should I Go For?
It all comes down to your interests and how often you will go paddle boarding.
If you are a newbie or you are getting one for your children, then the lower-end range is best for you.
On the other hand, if you love paddle boarding and have experience, opt for the mid-range.
For a durable, good-performing paddle board, you can expect to pay around $500 – $1000.
If you want extra features and equipment, you will need to pay more. It all depends on your needs – and wants, of course.
Final Thoughts
What is affordable for one person may not be for another, but when looking at an inflatable paddle board cost, it is vital to take note of the brand, the materials used, and the quality.
Sometimes paying more upfront is the more affordable option.
You would much rather invest in a decent higher-priced stand-up paddle board that will last than buy a cheap paddle board that will need to be replaced every few years.
Just be smart when shopping; only buy from reputable brands, and do your research first!