Best SUPs for Under $500
The 5 Best Stand-Up Paddle Boards Under $500: Affordable Adventure
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has gained immense popularity in recent years, offering a unique way to explore waterways and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned paddleboarder or a beginner looking to dive into this exciting sport, finding the right paddleboard within your budget is crucial. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of affordable SUPs and highlight the best five stand-up paddle boards under $500. All of these boards on the list are available on Amazon but some links below will have other discounts when purchased directly from the manufacturer.
Differences Between Cheap and Expensive SUPs:
One common question that arises when selecting a stand-up paddleboard is the difference between cheap and expensive options. While price can indicate variations in quality, there are a few key distinctions to consider. Expensive SUPs often feature higher-quality materials, advanced construction techniques, and additional features like carbon fiber paddles or increased durability. They may also offer better performance, improved stability, and enhanced maneuverability. However, affordable SUPs can still provide excellent value, offering reliable performance and durability at a more accessible price point. To the beginner paddler that is striving to get a board and paddle their local lake or chill river, an affordable board may be the way to go.
Inflatable Boards vs. Hard Boards
The boards listed below are all inflatable boards. Most hard boards are going to cost more than $500, mostly because of the process that goes into manufacturing a hard board. Keeping that in mind, an inflatable board is probably your best bet if you are on a budget. For a more detailed breakdown of considerations when purchasing a new SUP, click here for our blog post on that topic.
One Fin or Three Fins: Which is Better?
Another question frequently asked by paddlers is whether one fin or three fins are better for SUPs. The answer depends on your preference and the type of paddling you plan to do. One fin, also known as a single fin, offers better tracking and stability, making it ideal for longer, straight-line paddling or touring. It helps the board maintain a straight course and improves overall control. On the other hand, three fins, generally known as a thruster setup, provide enhanced maneuverability and agility, making them suitable for wave riding and surfing. The three fins work together to provide better control when making turns or carving through waves. Ultimately, the choice between one fin or three fins depends on your paddling style and the intended use of your SUP.
The list of boards below is not ranked, but simply listed:
BOTE Wulf Inflatable Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board:
The BOTE Wulf Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board comes in at our upper price point of $499 for the full SUP package. The board measures 10’4” long by 33” wide and is made of lightweight, durable construction. The package includes the board, paddle, leash, fins, and a carrying case. This board is a great value from a well-known and quality SUP manufacturer located in Flordia, BOTE. The WULF is the perfect vessel for those looking to get into stand-up paddle boarding or those wanting to add a wallet-friendly option to their arsenal of boards.
Drift Aero 10'8" All-Around Stand-Up Paddle Board:
The Drift Aero 10’8” All-Around Stand-Up Paddle Board is a versatile option suitable for various skill levels. Its wide and stable construction ensures a comfortable and balanced ride. Whether you're cruising on calm lakes or catching small waves, this SUP delivers a solid performance. The package includes a paddle, leash, and fin, making it a great value for beginners and intermediate riders alike. The Drift line of SUP boards is a division of the BOTE SUP company, which is why you will see similar colors and design features.
If you're seeking a paddleboard with fun designs and very inexpensive (~$200), then look no further than the GoPlus line on Amazon. The boards are very basic designs features, but come in a variety of cool colors and patterns. They are available in 3 lengths, 10’, 10’6”, and 11’; all are 33’ wide and 6” thick. They are stable and comfortable, with basic features like a carry handle and bungee cord tie-downs. The package comes with a standard hand pump, leash, removable fins, paddle, and carry bag. The GoPlus line of boards is great if you are looking to spend a little and get a lot of time on the water. You are not going to win a race or surf well, but you will get yourself and your family out paddling.
FunWater Stand-Up Paddle Board All-around Stand-Up Paddle Board
Funwater is another SUP company that specializes in creative and inexpensive paddleboards that range from $200-$400. The boards are a basic design with different lengths but for the most part, they will accommodate most beginner paddlers and provide what they need to have a fun day stand-up paddling. If you like the Funwater designs click here to look at special deals from Funwater directly. They are stable and provide the necessary support for various paddling activities, With its soft, non-slip deck pad and excellent stability, it offers a tranquil and balanced experience on the water. The package includes a paddle, leash, and carrying handle for convenience.
DAMA Boards are very middle-of-the-road boards in terms of cost. They come in at about $300 for the full package. They are made with military-grade drop-stitched fabric to provide a durable board. This board measures 11’x 33” x 6” which means it can handle larger individuals up to about 250 pounds. This board will work well for yoga as well as fishing and just paddling on a sunny summer day. Its reinforced construction and additional D-ring attachments make it easy to secure your fishing equipment. If you want something smaller, check out the full DAMA SUP line on Amazon
Bonus Finds for SUPs on a Budget
Open Box SUPs
Many companies will have discounted or used SUPs that are sometimes called Open Box SUPs. Often they are returned boards but are still in perfect condition or even unused but the box is open. Sometimes, they are last year's models that just did not sell yet, so they are at a super discount.
Check out these places below that have Open Boxed SUPs, you may get lucky and find the SUP of your dreams for half price.
Pumped Up SUP (they carry Earth River SUP, NRS, and Hala)
iRocker Super Deals (includes iRocker, Nautical, and Blackfin)
GGear Trade is a giant national marketplace for used outdoor gear from jackets, skis, bikes, tents, backpacks, and yes, you guessed it, Stand Up Paddleboards. Buying a SUP here is a little hit or miss here but you may get lucky, but they do have a lot of SUP accessories and PFDs.
SUP Rental Shops End of Season Sales
Many SUP rental places and SUP Schools will sell off their fleet of boards at the end of the season so they can purchase new boards next season. Keep an eye on your local SUP rental or school in August when they start advertising the end-of-the-season used board sale. You should be able to find inflatables, hard boards, paddles, and even PFDs.
Facebook Marketplace
Another hit-or-miss place is the Facebook Marketplace. I noticed a lot of folks purchased Paddleboards and kayaks during the 2020-21 Covid lockdowns, but have stopped using them now that life has returned to normal, and they are looking to sell them. So keep an eye out on the Facebook marketplace for a discounted board, just make sure it is watertight and do your research so you don't get ripped off by paying too much for a garbage board.
SUP Electric Pumps
Since all these recommendations are inflatable boards, it is wise to quickly mention and review electric pumps for your SUP. These are such a huge timesaver and totally worth the investment. They plug into your car outlet and pump your board up to the appropriate PSI and then shut off. The energy and time saving alone is 100% worth it. These are all available on Amazon and basically all do the same thing, but some are just faster and a little more efficient. We will have to do a full blog post review on pumps another time. Most of the below pumps from Amazon come from a company called OutdoorMaster, they have a few different styles and versions and occasionally will run sales on pumps, check them out here.
Stand-up paddleboarding is an exciting and accessible water sport that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels. With the availability of affordable options on Amazon, you don't have to break the bank to embark on your paddleboarding adventure or pick up an extra board for a friend.
Remember to choose a paddleboard that suits your specific needs, whether it's stability, speed, versatility, or specialized features like yoga or fishing. Additionally, consider the differences between cheap and expensive SUPs, and decide whether you prefer one fin or three fins based on your paddling style. Now, with the right knowledge and options at your fingertips, you can confidently make an informed decision and enjoy the thrill of stand-up paddleboarding without exceeding your budget.
(Note: The information and pricing provided in this article are based on data available as of June 2023. Prices and availability may vary. Please refer to the provided affiliate links for the most up-to-date information.)
[Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission to this blog at no additional cost to you.]
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