Picture this: it’s a perfect summer day with a clear blue sky and full sun streaming down to send sparkling reflections across the water. You pump up your paddle board, hop on, and paddle into the translucent water, letting the cool droplets swish as you sweep through it. As you revel in the warmth, soaking up the sunlight and filling depleted vitamin D reservoirs, all is well in the world.
But let’s rewind. First, you need to choose a paddle board. Once you have one, commence the memorable summer day that will offer a much-needed reset. But how do you choose a paddle board? What do you look for? How do you know which ones are best?
This guide dives into the glistening pool of paddle boards available to Canadians to help you select the best option for your needs. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards for Canadians in 2024
- Best Overall: Niphean Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
- Best Colour Options: FBSport Premium Inflatable Paddle Board
- Best for Beginners: Aqua Plus 6-inch Inflatable Board
- Best Lightweight: Roc Inflatable Paddle Board
- Best for On the Go: FunWater Inflatable Paddle Board
Why Did We Choose These Inflatable Paddle Boards in Canada?
Each paddle board on this list earned its place for a reason. As we paddled through options to sift out the best of the best, we evaluated key metrics of each option, including sizing, capacity, features, and accessories. And after hours of research and careful consideration, we present you with this list.
Every model shines in its own right, surging beyond competitors with a few key features. Here’s a quick overview of why each paddle board earned its place on our list.
Our choice for the best inflatable paddle board overall is the Niphean Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board. This option comes with a host of accessories, including everything Canadians need to get started at every skill level.
Want to stand out on the water? You can choose one of 10 colour options with the FBSport Premium Inflatable Paddle Board. Each option is vibrant and may feature a unique pattern. The colour won’t fade with age, use, or exposure to sunlight, either.
Beginners will appreciate the Aqua Plus 6-inch Inflatable Paddle Board. This option features an anti-slip surface, several colour options, and multiple accessories. It’s more affordable than some of the other options on our list, too.
The Roc Inflatable Paddle Board is a great lightweight option for Canadians who need ultimate portability. At just 8 kg, this inflatable paddle board is easy to move from one location to the next.
In the second place, we have the FunWater Inflatable Paddle Board, our pick for Canadians who are always on the go. This board comes with everything you need and nothing you don’t, eliminating the need to pack unnecessary items. It even comes with a convenient carrying case for easy transportation.
Best Overall
Niphean Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
- Length: 10’6”
- Width: 33”
- Thickness: 6”
- Capacity: 158 kg
- Material: PVC
It's Great For:
- Beginners who need additional accessories
- Larger body types
- Shorter Canadians
- Users who want multiple colour options
Canadians at every skill level will find value in the Niphean Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board. This is a high-quality option that works for everyone who wants to get into the water fast. It comes with a range of accessories, which ensure that you won’t need to purchase anything else to get started with all of your water-based sports.
This paddle board is 10’6” long. This is large enough for most Canadians, from teens to adults. The adjustable paddle allows users of any height to get going without struggling with a paddle that is too large or too small. It’s always the right size for you.
This inflatable paddle board can easily be deflated and rolled up to store in the included backpack. As long as the paddle board is dry, detaching the fins and removing the air makes moving this paddle board simple. Other included accessories include the adjustable paddle, 3 detachable fins, a safety leash, a pump, the portable backpack, a waterproof phone bag, and a repair kit. The board itself features 11 D-rings, so you can customize it as needed for whatever activities you have planned.
You can choose from four different colour options when ordering this inflatable paddle board. Options include Summer Breeze, Ocean Sapphire, Oceanic Current, and Classic Wood Grain. Choose the option that you like most, as all boards come with an anti-slip EVA deck.
Key Features
- Four Colour Options. You can choose from four different colour options, which include Classic Wood Grain, Oceanic Current, Oceanic Sapphire, or Summer Breeze.
- Complete Starter Kit. This inflatable paddle board comes with a full starter kit, which includes an adjustable paddle, 3 detachable fins, 1 repair kit, 1 safety leash, a pump, a backpack, and a waterproof photo bag.
- Enhanced Traction. The deck uses anti-slip EVA to help you stay on your feet. This helps make the paddle board versatile for all water conditions and great for beginners.
- Extremely Portable. You can remove the fins, deflate the paddle board, and roll it up for storage in the included backpack. This makes it easy to move it from one location to the next.
Our Expert’s Take
“The accessories and convenience features included with the Niphean Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board make this a great option for Canadians of every skill level.”
Best Colour Options
FBSport Premium Inflatable Paddle Board
- Length: 11'
- Width: 33”
- Thickness: 6”
- Capacity: 128 kg
- Material: PVC
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want a range of colours
- Adult users
- All skill levels
- All weather conditions
If you want to stand out with a bright, attractive board, you’ll love the FBSport Premium Inflatable Paddle Board. This board comes in 10 different vibrant colours, some of which feature different patterns to create a unique look. If you are tired of the standard colour options, this board might be the right choice for you.
This inflatable paddle board comes with a range of accessories to make getting started a little easier, including a pump, ankle cuff with a safety leash, carry bag, and paddle. The largest fin on the bottom of the board is detachable for easier portability, too. The other two fins are fixed. Together, these three fins allow for better maneuverability from your board, allowing for simple steering for even true beginners.
Other features include the soft, anti-slip top deck. While some boards include a firmer deck, this option opts for one that will feel great on your feet. No matter what type of water activity you plan on using this board for, you’ll be able to keep your balance without slipping off, even when your feet are wet.
This board weighs a total of 10 kg and has a maximum capacity of 128 kg. Most adult users won’t have any problems working with it, whether you are a paddle boarding expert or a beginner. The vibrant colours won’t fade with age, the the military-grade materials will stand up to abuse.
Key Features
- Included Accessories. This inflatable paddle board comes with a floating paddle, ankle cuff with a safety leash, pump, and a carrying bag.
- Two Fixed Fins. There are three fins on the bottom of the board. The larger fin is removable to help with easy storage, while the two smaller fins are fixed and cannot be removed.
- Non-Slip Deck. The deck of the paddle board uses a non-slip, soft deck top to keep you on your feet. It’s comfortable to use and helps beginners and experts stay put.
- Easy to Maneuver. The fins on the bottom of the board help make the board easy to move around. These fins and the overall shape of the board make it easy to steer.
Our Expert’s Take
“There are 10 different colour options available when you order this paddle board, making it a great option for those who want to stand out in the water. These colours are bright and visible, and some include different patterns.”
Best for Beginner
Aqua Plus 6-Inch Inflatable Board
- Length: 10’6”
- Width: 33”
- Thickness: 6”
- Capacity: 149 kg
- Material: PVC
It's Great For:
- Canadians wanting a well-rounded board
- Those who want additional accessories
- Beginner paddle boarders
- Users who need a super gripping surface
The Aqua Plus paddleboard offers an impressive array of features in one package. This board provides solid stability and an equally remarkable weight capacity via a six-inch thickness. It can hold up to 330 pounds, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy riding with their dogs or children.
The board is 33 inches wide and features a diamond-grooved surface for ultimate comfort, grip, and stability. A rounded planing hull offers better maneuverability. It measures 10 feet 6 inches long, providing ample room for multiple riders to sit or stand comfortably. Bungee cords and stainless steel D-rings on the front deck allow you to conveniently store your belongings while you ride.
It has numerous accessories to complete your paddle-boarding journey, from a waterproof case to protect your phone to a shoulder-carrying strap for easier transportation. It even comes with a carrying bag to make it even easier to carry it with you from Point A to Point B.
Key Features
- Multiple accessories. Complete with a protective waterproof phone case, an ankle strap, a shoulder strap, and a backpack, this paddle board comes with everything you need to start paddleboarding.
- Grippy surface. The diamond groove texture of this board offers superior traction, even when wet, to ensure you don’t slip and slide while riding on this board.
- Warranty. This board comes with a one-year warranty covering materials to protect your purchase. If something happens to your board, it might be replaceable under warranty.
- Several colour options. With eight colour combinations to choose from, there’s something to accommodate various aesthetic tastes.
Our Expert’s Take
“This board is an excellent, well-rounded choice for beginners. A range of accessories and a gripping surface make it easy to get started with paddleboarding.”
Best Lightweight
Roc Inflatable Paddle Board
- Length: 10'
- Width: 33”
- Thickness: 6”
- Capacity: 158 kg
- Material: PVC
It's Great For:
- Kids and teens
- Complete beginners
- Oceans, lakes, and rivers
- Canadians who want a shorter board option
The Roc Inflatable Paddle Board is a great option for those who want to move their board around often. It comes with a backpack to help you easily pack it away when you are finished for the day. On top of this, it’s one of the lightest options on the Canadian market, and certainly one of the lightest on our list. It comes in at just 8 kg when deflated, meaning that most users won’t struggle to haul it from one great location to the next.
It’s also a shorter board than some of the other options on our list. While some boards can be up to 11’ or 12’ long, this board is only 10’ long. This means that it’s easy for beginners to use. The smaller size makes it easier to steer, more compact, and better for those who are just getting started on the water.
This board comes with a few accessories, including an attachment for a kayak paddle. You’ll also get a dual-action pump for inflating the board quickly, a backpack for moving the board around, a detachable fin for speed, a valve wrench to maintain the board and an ankle leash. The paddle comes in three parts, so you can make it longer or shorter as needed.
There are three colour options to choose from as well. If you are tired of the simple, generic options available from most companies, the Roc Inflatable Paddle Board has you covered. You can choose between Aqua, Cloud, and Navy, so there’s a board suited for everyone.
Key Features
- Shorter Board. At 10’ long, this board is a shorter option. This is ideal for kids and teens, who can easily handle a shorter board.
- Lightweight Design. This inflatable paddle board weighs only 8 kg, which makes it more lightweight than most of the other options on the Canadian market.
- Included Accessories. This board comes with a quick dual-action pump, a backpack for portability, a waterproof dry bag, a 3-piece paddle, a kayak paddle attachment, a valve wrench, and an ankle leash for safety. You’ll also get the detachable main fin.
- Three Colour Options. You don’t have to stick with the standard colour options when it comes to this paddle board. You can choose from Aqua, Cloud, and Navy, allowing you to customize your board.
Our Expert’s Take
“The lighter weight and shorter size of this board make it perfect for kids, teens, and beginners. It’s simple to move from location to location as well, providing everything you need for a great paddleboarding experience.”
Best for On The Go
FunWater Inflatable Paddle Board
- Length: 10’6”
- Width: 33”
- Thickness: 6”
- Capacity: 150 kg
- Material: PVC
It's Great For:
- Canadians who like to take their paddle boards on the go
- Those who want a place to mount their cameras
- Paddle boarders who want to do yoga on their boards
- Those who need multiple additional accessories
The FunWater paddle board is an excellent choice for Canadians on the go. This board comes with everything you need and nothing you don’t. It features three removable fins for easy storage and effortless maneuvering, an ankle leash, a protective phone case, a manual pump, and a pressure valve. The entire setup fits into a convenient carrying backpack, making it easy to pack it all up and take it with you on hikes.
The pump makes it easy to fill the board within 5-10 minutes, and the inflation pressure valve makes it simple to check the pressure to determine how much more air you need to add. Elastic cords at the front of the board make it easy to fix items to it as you go, and a small port at the corner of the elastics allows you to mount a camera for easy recording.
This board features a rounded hull for superior maneuverability, making it a great choice for leisurely paddling.
As icing on the cake, the brand offers dependable customer service. Each board comes with a 30-day no-hassle return policy, a 60-day warranty for the paddle board, and a 1-year warranty for all accessories.
Key Features
- Removable fins. Removable fins make it much easier to pack up this paddle board and get going after your day out on the water. They also make it much easier to store the paddle board.
- Shoulder strap. A convenient shoulder strap snaps into rings on the board. This allows you to transport the board without having to heft it around.
- Inflation pressure valve. This valve offers a quick reading to help you determine when to stop inflating the board, preventing overfilling and protecting the integrity of your board.
- Warranty coverage. With a year of coverage on parts, a 30-day no-hassle return policy, and a 60-day warranty on the board, this kit comes with solid coverage.
Our Expert’s Take
“Removeable fins and a convenient carrying bag make this board perfect for on the go. If you often take trips, this is an ideal option for travel.”
Comparing the Best Inflatable Paddle Boards for Canadians
| Category | Paddle Board | Length | Width | Thickness | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Niphean Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board | 10’6” | 33” | 6” | 158 kg |
| Best Colour Options | FBSport Premium Inflatable Paddle Board | 11' | 33" | 6" | 128 kg |
| Best for Beginner | Aqua Plus 6-Inch Inflatable Board | 10'6" | 33” | 6” | 149 kg |
| Best Lightweight | Roc Inflatable Paddle Board | 10' | 33” | 6” | 158 kg |
| Best for On The Go | FunWater Inflatable Paddle Board | 10’6” | 33” | 6” | 150 kg |
How We Selected These Inflatable Paddle Boards in Canada
Paddle boarding is an exciting activity, but choosing a paddle board can be less exciting and a little more daunting. There are dozens of choices available to Canadians on the hunt for a board, complicating the selection process, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
We understand how tricky it can be to find the best option to match your needs. So, to help consumers like you choose the perfect choice to get you out on the water as soon as possible, we did the hard part for you by carefully researching over a dozen options.
Our quest to find the best of the best is based on our research. Our experts evaluate and analyze each product to ensure that it meets your standards. As we combed through options for the best inflatable paddle boards in Canada, we kept a few key aspects in mind, including the following:
- Sizing: Paddle boards come in varying lengths, widths, and thicknesses, each best suited to different scenarios. We looked for options that accommodate varying preferences, including a few selections on our list to match those needs.
- Ease of use: The best paddle boards are easy to use, featuring various accessories to simplify use. We looked for good-quality pumps and valves for quick inflation, foldability for storage, and backpacks for convenient transportation.
- Capacity: The capacity of a paddleboard is an essential consideration, as it determines who can ride on the board safely. We searched for options to accommodate varying needs, from single riders to multiple riders.
- Material: Quality inflatable paddle boards are often made with durable PVC layers to promote long-lasting reliability. Each option on our list employs layers of PVC to ensure you’ll get the most out of your investment.
- Warranty: The best paddle boards come with some sort of warranty. This ensures you’ll have something to fall back on if the board has an issue prematurely.
Why Choose An Inflatable Paddle Board in Canada?
Inflatable paddle boards are an excellent choice for Canadians, especially those who live in more extreme climates. The climates across most of Canada only offer a short window of perfect paddle-boarding weather before relapsing into cooler temperatures.
Since you only get a brief window of beautiful warm weather, an inflatable paddleboard is an excellent choice. They collapse into a relatively small bag when not in use, ensuring they won’t consume precious space in your home or garage during the off-season.
Plus, they’re easier to transport than a hardboard, as you can pack them into the back of your car to travel to warmer climates for a bit of paddle-boarding therapy. Of course, you could always go with a rigid hardboard, but we think the inflatable options are excellent choices for those with short windows to ride.
Factors to Look for in an Inflatable Paddle Board in Canada
Selecting the best paddle board to meet your needs can be daunting, especially with the abundance of options. Here are a few tips to ensure you find an option that matches your needs:
Weight Capacity
The capacity of a paddleboard is one of the most important considerations. It determines how many riders it can handle and its total weight capacity. Generally, it’s best to select a paddleboard that offers some leeway in weight capacity. You’ll want a bit of wiggle room, so to speak, to ensure your board can handle the activities you want to do.
For example, if you like to take your dogs or children on the board with you, ensure you add their weight to yours and use that as the total capacity. We recommend choosing a slightly larger board with a higher capacity than you need. While you don’t need to select a majorly oversized board, extra wiggle room will leave the option of taking additional riders available.
However, it’s important to remember that boards with higher weight capacities are usually heavier and more durable, making them slower and harder to maneuver. Conversely, boards with lower weight capacities will be lighter and thinner, making them faster and easier to maneuver. Of course, the trade-off is that fewer riders can ride on it.
Pump Type
Inflatable paddle boards typically come with a specific pump, as you need to inflate them every time you want to use them (unless you leave them inflated). Most paddle board kits come with a single- or dual-chamber pump. The former is lightweight and easy to use, while the latter offers quicker inflation capabilities and multiple options.
Both options are manageable, offering relatively fast pumping types. However, if you really want to speed things up or save your arms for paddling, an electric pump is your best bet. These pumps usually plug into a car or travel battery, allowing you to siphon power from there to power the pump. They inflate your paddle board in mere minutes, allowing you to get out on the water even faster.
Electric pumps also usually offer deflating assistance, ensuring you don’t have to spend time squeezing the air out of the board for transportation. This helps wiggle the board back into the bag it came out of, avoiding the hassle of finagling an oversized, partially deflated board into the small transportation bag.
If you paddleboard regularly or enjoy taking hikes to alpine lakes to paddleboard, a paddleboard backpack might be an excellent option for you. Some models feature a specific slot for electric pumps, which can be a convenient addition to your pack without having to find space in the already-full pack.
Length and Width
The length is an important consideration when purchasing a paddleboard. The longer the board, the easier time you’ll have with tracking and gliding. Conversely, the shorter the board, the easier it is to maneuver.
Additionally, pay attention to the width. Wider paddle boards offer better stability, whereas narrower boards offer less stability and faster speeds.
Generally, it’s best to choose a board that matches how you want to use it. For example, if you want to go racing, choose a board designed for racing, as these boards are usually narrower and longer, making gliding quickly through the water easier. Conversely, if you want to practice yoga on your paddle board, opt for a wider board with plenty of room to get your zen on.
Or, if you want something that can manage just about any sport or activity, choose an all-around board. This is usually the best option for beginners who are still deciding which activities they want to do on their boards.
Thickness
The thickness of your board is another aspect to consider. It’s a bit trickier than length, width, or capacity, as each option has its merits. Most paddleboards come in 5- or 6-inch thicknesses.
If we compare two identical boards, save for the thickness, a 5-inch board will offer better stability and performance. However, they can’t hold as much weight as their thicker comrades, so they might not be a good choice for everyone.
Conversely, 6-inch boards are a bit clunkier than their 5-inch counterparts but can handle more weight. You may want to try a couple of thicknesses to select the option that best suits your needs.
Hull Type
There are two main types of hulls on inflatable paddle boards: planing and displacement. Planing hulls are flat, wide, and rounded, so they don’t slice through the water as well as displacement hulls. Paddle boards with planing hulls are easy to maneuver as they ride atop the water.
Because of their features, paddle boards with planing hulls are an excellent choice for leisurely activities, including paddling and yoga.
On the other hand, we have displacement hulls. These hulls feature a tapered hull that narrows to a point. The shape mimics that of a kayak or canoe, allowing these paddle boards to slice through the water, effortlessly gliding through as it pushes water to the sides. This creates a faster, smoother ride, making them an outstanding choice for fitness paddling or racing activities.
However, it’s important to remember that displacement hulls sit differently than planing hulls, so they aren’t as easy to maneuver.
Paddle Type
Pay attention to the type of paddle the board comes with. You’ll want a durable paddle that won’t snap or break, leaving you stranded out on the water. Most paddles are made of aluminum, fibreglass, carbon fibre, or a carbon fibre blend.
The best option is a full carbon fibre paddle, as these paddles are lightweight but durable. They’re stiff and solid, yet won’t weigh you down. Carbon fibre blend paddles are the second best option, offering many of the same benefits at a slightly lower price.
Fibreglass paddles are another solid option offering a lightweight frame and decent durability at an even better price. These are a great choice for Canadians who want a blend of value and durability.
Lastly, you have aluminum paddles. These paddles are the cheapest option available but tend to be the heaviest. While they’re heftier than their carbon fibre and fibreglass counterparts, they offer solid performance at an unbeatable price. If you’re new to paddle boarding, this is a good option. However, you may want to upgrade eventually if you frequently paddleboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inflatable paddle boards can last several years in Canada, as the on-season is fairly short for most regions. You can expect about three years with frequent use for single-layer paddle boards. If you don’t use your paddle board often, you can expect a lengthier lifespan of three to five years.
Many inflatable paddle boards in Canada come with multiple accessories, though what is included will vary from model to model. For many boards, you can assume to be able to have everything you need to get into the water, all in one easy-to-buy kit. Items like paddles, a pump, fins, a safety leash, a repair kit and a carry case will often be included with your inflatable paddle board.
Canadians who are comfortable in the water and are strong swimmers can easily use an inflatable paddle board. Starting in shallow water, where you are more comfortable learning to navigate how to control your paddles and steer, is a great way to ease into paddle boarding. It is very easy to learn to paddle board, and an inflatable paddle board is a perfect budget-friendly way for beginners to start.
While you can keep your paddle board inflated in Canada, it’s usually easier to store when deflated. Of course, you might choose to keep it inflated during the on-season, but that’s entirely up to you. Avoid keeping it stored in a hot place while inflated, as this can raise complications for the air pressure within the board, potentially causing it to rupture. If you decide to keep it inflated during the off-season, remember to store it in a dry place where it won’t be exposed to the elements.
When shopping for paddle boards in Canada, you might come across abbreviations that are confusing, especially to beginners. The word “SUP” simply means “stand up,” so there’s no difference between an SUP and a paddle board. If it says “iSUP,” it means “inflatable stand-up.”
Part of choosing a paddle board in Canada is to look at your preferred way to inflate it and ensure you choose a pump that will work best with your board. Most inflatable paddle boards come with a single or dual chamber pump, and you can manually inflate your paddle board when you arrive at the lake or ocean. For the quickest inflation, an electric pump, which is operated by a battery or your car plug, will inflate and deflate your paddle board in just a few minutes.
Those seeking an inflatable paddle board that can accommodate heavier weights or a combination of people and pets may need to pay special attention to the weight limits of a board. Unlike solidly formed paddle boards, inflatable paddle boards have lower weight limits. Typically, an inflatable paddle board will be able to hold between 200 and 300 lbs, which will work for the majority of Canadian users.
