How Much Do Paddle Boards Cost?

Cost is an important factor to consider when buying a stand up paddle board. When you start looking at SUP prices, you may find yourself confused. Some go for as little as $170, while others are more expensive than high-end kayaks!

A good-quality paddle board costs between $500 and $1200. This will get you an inflatable or solid paddle board from a decent manufacturer, plus accessories such as a paddle and leash.

In this article, l discuss what affects the cost of paddle boards and how much you should budget for your new board.

Read on to find our how much paddle boards cost!

RELATED: Read our reviews of the best inflatable SUPs on 2024.

How Much Do Stand Up Paddle Boards Cost Overall?

Generally, paddle boards cost anywhere from $200 to $3000. Most super cheap SUPs are inflatables. 

High-end paddle boards are mainly performance solid paddle boards, designed for specific purposes, such as touring or racing. 

Rigid SUP boards tend to be more expensive compared to inflatable paddle boards. 

Let’s take a closer look at each type. 

ALSO READ: Inflatable Paddle Boards vs Hard Boards – What are the Pros and Cons?

How Much Do Epoxy Stand Up Paddle Boards Cost?

These are the traditional paddle boards. They don’t need to be inflated/deflated. 

Solid stand up paddleboards feature an EPS foam core and layers of different materials. The materials commonly used as layers include fiberglass, epoxy resin, wood veneer, and carbon fiber.

You can also buy plastic and wood paddle boards. 

Solid SUP boards range from $700 to $3000. However, you can get much cheaper models. 

Here’s what you can expect at each price point. 

a. Cheap Epoxy SUP Boards – <$700

Most rigid paddle boards under $700 are fiberglass or plastic SUPs. 

The biggest advantage of plastic is durability. Plastic is a flexible material and rarely suffers permanent damage if you hit a rock or other obstacle. This, and the price, are probably the only benefits of a plastic SUP. 

Plastic stand up paddle boards are heavy. Some 10-foot SUPs weigh as much as 40 pounds – the same weight as a kayak. That’s a lot of weight to carry around. 

They perform poorly too and are only good for kids and newbies who don’t expect to paddle much. 

What about fiberglass SUPs?

A good fiberglass paddle board is made using multiple layers of quality materials. Those materials don’t come cheap. Fiberglass SUPs in this price range will feature underwhelming construction and a thin layer of fiberglass. 

I would advise any serious paddler to avoid getting a solid board under $700. It will either be a heavy plastic SUP board or a poorly made fiberglass/soft top. 

You can get one if you need a cheap board to introduce your kid to stand up paddling, but an inflatable paddle board for kids would be a better option. 

b. Mid-Range Epoxy SUP Boards – $700–$1500

Mid-range rigid boards cost between $700 and $1500

They’re good for enthusiastic beginners and intermediate paddlers. If you’re just starting out paddling, I’d recommend a board in this price range. It’ll be more enjoyable that battling with a cheap SUP and will be perfect for recreational paddling on flat water. 

Mid-range hard SUPs are also very versatile. I class them as a “do it all” board. 

SUP is diverse and is categorized into different activities – SUP yoga, racing, touring, fishing, etc. An all-around paddle board lets you try out different activities. Then, if you want to specialize, you can splurge on a high-end purpose-specific SUP. 

Boards that cost $700 to $1500 may be affordable but most are good quality. They’re made using layers of quality fiberglass and sometimes real wood veneers. You can also get a nice wooden board in this price range.

Mid-range epoxy SUPs feature gorgeous designs and come with well-made accessories. A paddle board in this price range will also have a quality deck pad. 

If you don’t have a huge budget, a solid paddle board in this range is a great option. You can even get a good niche SUP with amazing performance. 

c. High-End Epoxy SUP Boards – $1600–$3000

High-end epoxy SUPs cost from $1600 to $3000. These are typically high-performance boards designed for a specific SUP activity such as racing SUPs. 

Top-quality epoxy paddle boards are made using expensive materials and innovative designs. The most common material in this category is carbon fiber. It’s costly but super stiff, which gives you exceptional performance. Carbon fiber boards slice through the water like a knife

You can also buy remarkable wooden paddle boards in this price range. I’ve seen some stunning custom-designed wooden SUPs

A high-performance hard board is ideal if you want to specialize in one aspect of SUP. However, these SUPs are not particularly versatile. For example, if you buy a specialized SUP surfing board, you won’t be able to use it as a racing SUP. 

How Much Do Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards Cost?

Inflatable boards are cheaper than solid boards. Most people like them because they don’t take up much storage space and they’re easy to transport.

Like epoxy SUPs, inflatable SUPs vary greatly when it comes to price. They cost anywhere from $200 to about $1500. If you look hard enough, you can even find inflatable paddle boards that go for less than $200, though I don’t recommend buying these!

Let’s take a look at what you get for your money with inflatable paddle boards. 

ALSO READ: How durable are inflatable paddle boards?

a. Cheap Inflatable Paddle Boards – <$400

Cheap paddle boards are typically priced below $400.

As you can imagine, most of them are mainly made using low-quality materials. They’re typically single-layer PVC boards that cannot handle a lot of weight. You can’t expect these cheap paddle boards to last. 

Cheap paddle boards aren’t as rigid as more expensive SUPs. This means they don’t perform as well in the water. You may notice a really cheap board visibly flex when you stand on it, especially if you’re heavy.

These boards won’t be as durable as more expensive inflatable SUPs. There have been cases of inflatable SUPs bursting when left out in the sun for too long. The accessories that come with these boards are also cheap. 

It’s not easy to get a good inflatable paddle board in this price range. I wouldn’t even advise a beginner to get one. You won’t have a fun experience!

TIP: These 9 cheap paddle boards are worth your money

b. Mid-Range Inflatable Paddle Boards – $500–$800

The inflatable boards that fall under this category cost $500 to $800. Most are made by reputable companies such as iRocker. They use military-grade drop-stitch construction and high-quality materials.

Unlike the cheap boards, mid-range boards feature multiple layers of PVC. They are extremely rigid and durable

Mid-range inflatable SUPs have a higher weight capacity, meaning you can take passengers out paddling with you. Some have a capacity of over 400 pounds. Their deck pads are well-made and won’t start coming apart after a few uses. 

For this price, you can get a great all-around recreational or family inflatable paddle board. You can also find some nice touring SUPs. 

The inflatable stand up paddle boards in this price range balance performance and price. You don’t have to pay that much to get a decent SUP and you often get some premium features found in expensive models. You will also get better quality accessories. This means you don’t have spend extra to upgrade your paddle or travel bag.

Most mid-range boards are made by major brands. You are assured of good customer service and a long warranty period. 

If you’re buying a SUP for the first time, I recommend a mid-range board. You can easily find a good inflatable that will last without breaking the bank, and they’re cheaper than epoxy SUPs.

c. High-End Inflatable SUP Boards – $900–$1500

Expensive inflatable paddle boards cost $900 to $1500, and sometimes more. 

Like high-end epoxy SUPs, most of them are designed for specialized use like racing or surfing. 

The SUP boards are made using advanced technology and materials. This makes them exceptionally rigid, meaning they rival solid paddle boards in terms of performance. They’re also very durable and often come with long warranties.

High-end inflatable SUPs have unique features and come with premium SUP accessories like carbon-fiber paddles. I’d recommend these expensive inflatable SUPs for pro paddlers and recreational paddlers who want a top-quality board.  

What Is the Average Cost of a Paddle Board? (Specialist SUPs)

You can buy specialist paddle boards for every aspect of SUP. Here’s what they’re likely to cost.

All-Around SUP – $500–$1000

I recommend an all-around SUP for most beginners and recreational paddlers. They’re perfect for paddling on lakes, rivers, and calm bays. You can also try your hand at SUP yoga and other activities.

For a good-quality, durable recreational paddle board, I suggest spending between $500 and $1000. You may need to spend a bit more if you want a solid paddle board. However, I think inflatable SUPs are the best option for most all-around paddlers.

Touring SUP – $800–$2000

Touring SUPs are designed to be efficient to paddle. They’re reasonably stable, but the longer length means they are better suited to intermediate and experienced paddlers.

Inflatable touring SUPs use drop-stitch construction to create a rigid board that glides through the water. Expect to pay upward of $800 for an inflatable touring SUP and more for an epoxy SUP.

Racing SUP – $1500+

I wouldn’t recommend you buy a racing SUP if you’re new to paddle boarding. They’re expensive and not designed for beginners!

Racing SUPs are long and narrow. This makes them less stable that all-around and touring SUPs. Some inflatable SUP manufacturers, such as Red Paddle, have designed inflatable racing paddle boards, but most serious racers opt for a solid board. Expect to pay at least $1500, more for a top-quality board.

Yoga SUP – $500–$1000

Many all-around SUPs can double as a paddle board for yoga. Look for a wide, stable board with a large, comfortable deck pad.

Inflatable paddle boards are ideal for yoga. You can buy a decent one for as little as $500.

ALSO READ: Can You Do Yoga on a Paddle Board?

Fishing SUP – $800–$2000+

You can pay a lot or a little for a fishing SUP. At the lower end of the price range, a stable all-around paddle board can double as a fishing paddle board with a few modifications.

At the top end of the price range, you get a specially designed board with a raised frame seat, rod holders, accessory tracks, and space for a cooler and tackle box.

Surfing SUP – $1000–$2000

If you plan to do a lot of SUP surfing, you may want to invest in a specialist board. Paddle boards designed for surfing are short with a low volume. Many give you the option to use a single fin or have a multiple fin setup.

You can get inflatable SUPs for surfing, but you’ll find it easier with a hard paddle board. Expect to pay anything from $1000 to $2000.

Are Cheap Paddle Boards Any Good?

Cheap SUP boards can seem like a good idea, especially if you’re just getting started with stand up paddling. But is it worth buying a cheap SUP?

The truth is, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Manufacturers have to make a profit one way or another. In the case of cheap inflatables, this may mean cutting corners during production

There’s no way a $200 SUP board is made using the same materials and technology used to make a $900 board. I don’t recommend buying a very cheap SUP, even if you’re a beginner. I want you to enjoy paddle boarding, and I can pretty much guarantee you won’t on a poor-quality SUP!

That said, there are reputable brands that offer relatively low-cost entry models. These SUPs may have a simpler design and cheaper accessories than more expensive boards to keep costs down.

It’s always worth checking out reviews to see what other users are saying about the board before you buy!

Why Are Paddle Boards So Expensive?

Paddle boards are not as simple as they appear to be. That small vessel you see is built using layers of expensive materials. Reputable companies use advanced construction methods to give you a durable board that is also lightweight. 

On top of that, paddle boarding is a popular sport, which is attracting more people every day. It seems like everyone is looking to buy a new SUP. Demand is high and this pushes prices up.

Also, almost every board comes with an accessory package. This adds to the cost. 

Read more about why paddle boards can be so expensive.

What’s the Difference Between a Cheap and an Expensive SUP?

The big difference between cheap and expensive paddle boards is build quality. In most cases, the more you pay, the higher the quality of the board. This includes both the materials used and the construction method and design.

For example, manufacturers put a lot of time and money into designing racing boards that can go fractionally faster than others on the market. This advanced technology makes them expensive! 

However, it’s a well-known secret that some boards are overpriced. I’ve seen some pretty average SUP boards being sold for $2000+. That’s why I recommend you use the price ranges I’ve suggested above as a guide when shopping for a new paddle board.

Do You Really Get What You Pay For?

A lot goes into determining the final cost of a paddle board. On top of the production cost, you may pay for retailer markups and advertising costs. 

You can avoid some of these additional costs by buying direct from the manufacturer. Atoll, iRocker, and Gili all produce quality boards and you can buy direct from their websites, cutting out the middle man!

So what do you really need to pay to get a good-quality paddle board?

How Much Does a Good-Quality Paddle Board Cost?

For a good inflatable paddle board, I would advise you to spend upward of $500. This budget gives you a wide range of options, especially if you’re looking for an entry-level or all-around SUP. 

Most reputable companies usually have low-priced entry-level models. iRocker has the Nautical while Bluefin has the Bluefin Carbon Cruise 10’8. Both are great paddle boards for the price!

If you’re looking for more features, you will have to part with $700+. For niche, high-performance inflatables, expect to pay $1000 or more. 

The same goes for solid boards. You can get a good epoxy paddle board starting from $700. These are the mid-range boards I talked about above. They’re great all-around and beginner boards.

For exceptional special-use paddle boards, you will need $1500 or more.

Honestly, unless you need a high-end performance board, I’d go for an inflatable SUP. You get a lot more for your money!

ALSO READ: Inflatable Paddle Board vs Solid Paddle Boards: Which Is Best?

How Much Does Stand Up Paddle Boarding Cost?

To get started with stand up paddle boarding, you need more than just a paddle board. You require a leash, paddle, and a life jacket.

Luckily, most SUP boards come with all the accessories (except a life jacket). The average inflatable paddle board package consists of a leash, manual pump, paddle, bag, and a repair kit. 

So if you buy an all-inclusive inflatable stand up paddle package for $700, you will only need about $80 extra for a nice belt PFD. That’s all.

If your paddle board doesn’t include accessories, you will need to budget around $200 for a paddle, leash, and PFD

Of course, there are many other accessories that make your experience more fun, like SUP lights or electric pumps for SUP boards. But these are optional. 

Final Thoughts: So, How Much Do Paddle Boards Cost?

Paddle board prices range from $200 to $3000. However, if you want a reliable paddleboard, expect to spend from $500 for an inflatable and from $700 for a solid SUP board. 

I’d always advise you look at other users’ feedback before buying. Buy from a reputable manufacturer and check the warranty period. A minimum of 2 years is standard. 

If you shop around and keep an eye on sales, the right board doesn’t have to be expensive!

Do you have any questions about paddle board prices? Ask me below!