Everybody wants the chance to hit the open waters on their very own paddle board and just enjoy the world beyond the noise and chaos. However, it’s easier said than done, considering that paddle boards can end up being rather expensive. For some, it’s just not feasible to enjoy the sport that so many hold dear to their hearts, but if you’re on a budget, there are options.

You’d be surprised to know that quality SUPs exist under $400, and I’m going to tell you all about the numerous options available to you so you can start your paddle boarding journey! This doesn’t have to be a forever board, just the first paddle board that gives you the chance to enjoy paddle boarding and all it has to offer. So, let’s get into the list of the best paddle boards under $400 that are more than worth considering for your first SUP.

Personal Pick

My personal pick is hands down, the SereneLife. It’s a well-built, well-designed, well-priced option that offers far more pros than it does cons. I think the accessories it comes with serves it well. While it’s not the best in terms of stability, it makes up for it in maneuverability and glide. This is the board I’d want to spend under $400 as my first board to simply just get out on the water while I save for my first proper top-of-the-line SUP.

I don’t think you can regret a purchase like this, considering you’re getting a really decent budget board. In my eyes, SereneLife proves you don’t need to break the bank to have a decent stand up paddle board. You can read a fuller review down below.

The 7 Best Inflatable Paddle Board Under $400

SereneLife Inflatable ISUP Board

The SereneLife iSup is often noted as one of the best budget iSUPs on the market. Its wide design offers excellent stability. In addition, the board features a soft, stable, and anti-slip deck top making it easy to use. However, its triplefin setup, which helps paddle maneuverability, is weak overall.

The design of the board is vibrant and offers multiple options to choose from to suit your preferences. In addition, you get a few included items such as; manual pump, a safety leash, and a storage bag. Overall the board is durable and can last you a long time which is great because it gives you all the time in the world to save up for a new and improved SUP.

Overall this board can be enjoyed for a wide range of SUP needs and adventures and is a great product to start with!

Key Features

• 3 x bottom panel fins
• Manuel pump
• Safety leash
• Storage bag

Pros

• Lightweight
• Above-average glide
• Great maneuverability
• Portable
• Great design options are available

Cons

• The fin setup is weak
• Unstable

Goosehill Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Goosehill Inflatable SUP board is an excellent choice for your paddle boarding needs thanks to its ultra-lightweight design that’s ready to handle any adventure. The Gooshill iSUP is made using a drop-stitch core material with SCE layer reinforcement technology. The top of the board is also equipped with an EVA foam which is non-slip.

There are many redeeming features when it comes to the Goosehill iSUP that make it worthy of your energy. A major one in my eyes is that it’s stable and able to be easily maneuvered while also reaching a reasonably decent speed.

The biggest complaint about this board is the bland design which evokes no excitement. Of course, this is a vein complaint, but it’s still worth complaining about.

Key Features

• Adjustable paddle
• High-pressure pump
• Backpack
• Leash
• Repair kit

Pros

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Non-slip EVA foam
• Decent speed and excellent stability

Cons

• While speeds are decent, they’re far from great
• Bland looking

You can check out my full review of this Goosehill board here.

Cooyes Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Cooyes Inflatable Stand Up Board is another brilliant brand of ISUP’s with a great board to offer for under $400! Let’s start with its tropical design that comes in four color options. Unlike the Goosehill ISUP, there’s a little life in this design, and it fits the scene considering it’s going to be gracing the waters of lakes, rivers, and oceans.

The board features a wide design, pointed bow, and is ready for tearing through the water. It uses high-quality materials to ensure it’s up for the challenge of any SUP adventure. In terms of speed, this board can move fairly fast through the water. I wouldn’t say go and give it a go during a race, but otherwise, you’re in for a surprise.

Overall, this is a great board that comes with so much that it will make your paddle boarding experience worthwhile. In addition, you’ll find it is perfect for fishing, yoga, touring, and exploring.

Key Features

• Waterproof phone case
• Repair kit
• Leash
• Two-way manual air pump
• Paddle
• Bag
• EVA Foam Deck

Pros

• Lightweight
• Reasonably durable
• Great design with multiple color options

Cons

• Pump quality isn’t exceptional like the board

DAMA 9’6″/10’6″/11’Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Dama SUP Board features one of the best designs on this list, but how does it perform beyond style? Well, this board is considerably smaller than most others on this list, so if you’re looking for something bigger, then this isn’t for you. On the other hand, due to its size, this ISUP is great for maneuverability and can glide through the water like a knife through melting butter.

It comes equipped with many great features like the sports camera mount, extra steel d rings, tons of accessories, and a warranty! So it doesn’t matter if you’re going fishing, surfing, touring, or whatever the case may be. This board is ready to be there with you on this journey from start to finish. It’s made with durable PVC and can handle a beating if necessary, so rivers, here we come!

Key Features

• 1-year Warranty
• 3-piece aluminum paddle
• High-pressure hand pump
• Repair kit
• Paddle
• Carry and storage bag

Pros

• Warranty
• Great design

Cons

• Low capacity limit

Check out full review

FBSPORT Premium Inflatable SUP Board

The FBSPORT ‘Premium’ ISUP board is a more of a budget option that might match what you need short term. This board is highly cost-effective and can be the perfect board to hold you over until you ultimately upgrade. However, this is not the board you buy for its stellar design or longevity.

So, if this board isn’t known for lasting a super long time, why am I recommending it? There are a lot of positive aspects to this board that make it a decent product, but the truth is that if you’re on an intense budget, this board can be a good starter board. It’s easily maneuvered, versatile, wide, lightweight, comes with a ton of accessories and more.

Its design is similar to Goosehil because it’s boring and without options to change. If you’re looking for a paddleboard just for the sake of holding you over till you’re able to get your new one, and soon, then this option might be for you.

Key Features

• Paddle
• High-pressure pump
• Ankle leash
• Removable fin
• Backpack

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Lightweight
• Flexible
• Great safety gear

Cons

• Unstable on rougher waters
• Not very durable
• No options in terms of design, and design is bland

FunWater Inflatable

FunWater presents its ultra-light ISUP that is affordable while not sacrificing quality. Made with military-grade double-wall PVC, this board is lightweight, durable, and can be your paddle board for as long as you need it, and probably longer.

This board is all-around use which means it doesn’t matter your intentions; the FunWater is likely up for any needs that may arise. In addition, with FunWater’s unique ergonomic handle design, you can actually inflate your ISUP much faster than other paddle boards, which means more time on the water.

Cool design? Check! A ton of extras? Check! Affordable and worth it? Check! FunWater has really provided a great all-around product for a really reasonable price.

Key Features

• 3 removable fins
• Dry bag
• Ankle leash
• Backpack
• Manual pump

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Multifunctional D-ring
• Convenient handle
• Camera base

Cons

• Pump quality is questionable
• Fins have been noted as ‘fragile’

Runwave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Runwave ISUP blends stability, maneuverability, and speed together perfectly to create this excellent budget board for new paddle boarders. It doesn’t matter what activity you’re planning on using the Runwave for; it’s more than ready to handle a day on the lakes, beaches, or rivers. In addition, the top is made with a non-slip surface to ensure you’re on your board at all times!

The Runwave ISUP is made with a typical double-layer PVC construction. It can handle a fair amount of weight, so you can take some extra passengers, a dog, cooler, gear, or whatever out on the water with you no problem. But, again, going back to stability and maneuverability, the Runwave ISUP really does outshine some of the competition in this area. You’ll be able to move across the water with ease, and it’s something that really makes this a fantastic board.

The double-deck valve ensures your ISUP is fully pumped at all times and doesn’t allow air to escape whatsoever. Design-wise this board is pretty standard. I wouldn’t call it a boring design, but, unfortunately, there are no additional options available.

Key Features

• Manuel pump
• Paddle
• Storage bag
• Safety leash
• Fin

Pros

• Great performance
• Impressive build quality
• Well priced

Cons

• No options for design; what you see is what you get.

Buyers Guide

Finding the right budget iSUP is never an easy task. While these options are great overall, only you can decide which one is perfect for you. Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind when choosing a budget iSUP.

Weight Capacity

When considering a paddle board, you want to ensure it can handle your weight and the combined weight of you and whoever/whatever else you wish to bring onboard. If you’re looking to take your kid out on the water, your dog, or your gear, then you need to factor that into your consideration and look for the appropriate weight.

A board that’s overloaded won’t perform well as it will sit too low in the water.

Stability

Stability and speed requirements are something you’ll have in mind when shopping for your iSUP. If you’re looking for stability over speed, then you need an inherently wider board. On the other hand, more extended, more narrow iSUP’s will be faster. This is a tradeoff as you can’t have the best of both worlds. A longer, narrow board can be stable, but it will never be as stable as a wider one. Similarly, a wider board will never be as fast as a longer, narrower board.

If you’re looking for a more stable board, look for something with a width of 33” or wider. For faster boards, you’re looking at something narrower than 33” while being roughly 11’ or 12’ in length.

Your Height and Weight

The larger a paddler is, the larger the paddle board should be as a result. For example, suppose you’re taller than 6’ or more than 200 pounds. In that case, you can’t get a board under 10’6” long. If you’re below 5’5” and under 150 pounds, however, then you need to consider iSUP’s between 9’” and 10’6” to meet both your height and weight requirements.

Budget

Working with a $400 can get you a decent board, as expressed in this list. Of course, you’re never locked into a board for life, so there’s always hope of getting a new board eventually. However, $400 will get you a great first board. If you think you’re ready to spend a little more for a board then read about these other beginner sups.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Some of the best inflatable paddle boards under $400. Now you know you’ve got options to find the right board for you to enjoy on the open waters. While you’ve got your new board, it’s never too soon to start window shopping for a new, more expensive board, so keep researching new boards and see what comes up in order to find the perfect second board to celebrate your progression as a paddle board athlete!

Let us know in the comments what board you ended up going for and how it worked out for you! If you know a friend who’s desperate to get into paddle boarding but doesn’t have thousands to spend on a board, share this article with them. We hope you find the perfect first iSUP for you to get involved in the growing community of paddle boarders. You’ll never forget your first, and that applies to SUP’s too, so choose wisely.