Cheap Paddle Boards: 5 Money-Saving Picks

If you’re new to paddle boarding, you may be unwilling to pay the hefty price of some of the boards out there. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap, beginner-friendly paddle boards for you to choose from. Here we’ve compiled a few of the best and offer a few tips for the newbie.

5 paddle boards that won’t break the bank

5. Vilano Journey. Vilano’s Journey Kit makes paddle boarding accessible to beginners. Budget-friendly, this kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a paddle, pump, board leash, and carrying case. Made from high-quality PVC, this board may be inflatable, but it’s every bit as durable as a solid construction board. Best of all, it comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

4. ANCHEER Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. Easy to inflate or deflate, ANCHEER’s stand up paddle board is made from military-grade PVC for added durability. The touring design makes it ideal for yoga, paddling, and cruising for any skill level. It also comes complete with a board leash, fin, backpack, three-piece paddle, and a pump.

3. GYMAX Paddle Board. GYMAX’s inflatable board is 10 feet long and, when deflated, weighs only 22 pounds. It’s easy to store and transport, and can be pumped up or deflated in under five minutes. User-friendly and durable, this has everything you need for a beginner paddle board. The complete kit comes with a backpack for storage, a leash, a paddle, a repair kit, and front bungees.

2. Driftsun Paddleboard. Driftsun’s inflatable board comes with a hand pump for easy inflation, as well as an aluminum paddle, board leash, removable fin, and a travel bag with wheels. The military-grade PVC construction means this board may be inflatable, but it isn’t popping anytime soon. This board is budget-friendly and great for beginners.

1. Peak Navigator. Most cheap paddle boards are inflatable. The Peak Navigator is a rare exception, made from rigid epoxy. This solid board can support paddlers up to 245 pounds, although it weighs just 27 pounds itself. Coming in at 10.5 feet, this board is perfect for beginning paddlers or anyone looking for a quality board for a decent price.

Beginner paddling tips

● Safety first. Items such as personal flotation devices (PFDs) and board leashes help keep you safe in the event of an emergency. Your PFD can help keep you afloat if you fall off the board. Your board leash, on the other hand, helps prevent you from losing the board itself. Should you get lost or stranded, at least you have your board to rest on.

● Strengthen that core. Stand up paddle boarding is all about balance, and you can’t balance without a strong core. Plus, truly efficient paddling should be done using your core muscles, so the stronger they are, the easier your paddle will be.

● Know how to fall. When it comes time to fall– and trust us, that time will come– try to fall away from your board. This is to help prevent you from faceplanting on the board’s hard surface.

Final thought

With a good board and a little preparation, you’ll be ready to paddle in no time.