Paddling is one of the best ways to cool off during summer RV trips. But renting kayaks or paddle boards at each new destination gets expensive. That’s why many RVers transport inflatable paddle boards, so they’re ready to paddle wherever their adventures take them.
Why Inflatable Paddle Boards Are Great For RVers
Transporting larger personal watercraft like kayaks and canoes is near-impossible with an RV or travel trailer that is not a toy hauler. On the flip side, inflatable paddle boards pack into convenient storage bags that fit in the underneath storage compartment in most RVs.
Even if you’re towing a small camper with minimal storage space, you can find room in your tow vehicle to transport an inflatable paddle board.
In addition to being the best personal watercraft for RVers to transport, inflatable paddleboards are easy to inflate and require minimal maintenance. They’re also great for bringing pets on the water, so no one gets left in your camper during the hottest hours of the day.
Finally, inflatable SUPs are easy to carry from your campsite to the water. If you can’t always snag waterfront campsites, many paddle boards come in backpack-style storage bags. So you can easily carry them to the water without dragging or lugging a heavy kayak or canoe.
The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards For RVers
If you’re looking for an easy way to get on the water on your next RV trip, here are some of the best inflatable paddle boards for RVers.
Best Value SUPs
Overton’s Inflatable 10’6” Stand-up Paddleboard Package
SUP Specifications
- Length: 10’6”
- Width: 32”
- Thickness: 5”
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
The Overton’s SUP package includes a beginner-friendly board and all the extras you need to get started (minus a life vest). The board features drop-stitch construction that allows it to inflate to higher pressures and maintain rigidity on the water.
The top, or deck, of the board is finished with an EVA foam padding that provides a better grip under your feet. There’s also a D-ring at the tail of the board that makes it easy to drop an anchor for SUP yoga or tie off to your friend’s board to float together for an afternoon.
In addition to the board, this package comes with a collapsible three-piece SUP paddle, a dual-action pump, and a storage bag. Overall, it’s a great value if you’re looking for your first stand-up paddle board.
Learn more about the Overton’s Inflatable SUP package.
Pelican Boracay Inflatable 10’4” Paddleboard Package
SUP Specifications
- Length: 10’4”
- Width: 32”
- Thickness: 6”
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 260 pounds
The Boracay from Pelican Sports is another great value for beginners, but this board comes with more of your paddling essentials. The package includes the board, an adjustable paddle, an ankle leash, a removable 9” fin, a manual air pump, a waterproof phone case, and a repair kit.
All those items fit into the SUP’s storage bag, making it easy to keep everything safe and contained in your RV’s storage compartment or tow vehicle.
In terms of performance, the board is rigid and stable as long as you inflate it to the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure. It doesn’t offer quite as much weight capacity as the Overton’s board, but it is one of the lightest choices on our list.
Explore the Pelican Boracay inflatable SUP.
Best Premium SUPs
Jobe Leona 10’6” Inflatable Paddleboard Package
SUP Specifications
- Length: 10’6”
- Width: 32”
- Thickness: 4.75”
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 260 pounds
If you’re looking for a board that handles everything from short paddles to long excursions, the Jobe Leona is a great all-around choice. Because it comes with a waterproof backpack, it sets you up for all-day adventures by giving you a safe, dry place to store your gear.
The board is built with heat-bonded technology, which helps the layers of material retain their strength and durability. Once inflated, design elements like a top stringer and an X-foundation provide added rigidity to make this board perform like a rigid paddle board.
This SUP package includes the board, a three-piece collapsible fiberglass paddle, a double-action pump, a 10’ coiled safety leash, and a waterproof backpack.
Check out the full overview of the Leona SUP.
Jobe E-Duna 11’6” Inflatable Paddleboard Package with E-Duna Drive
SUP Specifications
- Length: 11’6”
- Width: 32”
- Thickness: 6”
- Weight: 27.3 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Jobe’s E-Duna paddle board is a casual paddler’s delight. It offers a similar construction and performance as the Leona, but it comes with a removable battery-powered motor that allows you to enjoy effortless locomotion.
You can use it to casually glide around enjoying your favorite beverage, of course. But this board is also highly useful for anglers. It keeps your hands free, so you can enjoy the same benefits as a fishing kayak without lugging around something that weighs over 100 pounds.
The motor operates via remote control, and it boasts three speed settings. The board is manufactured with the X-foundation, top stringer, and heat bonded finish that makes it rigid and highly durable.
Along with the E-Duna board and its remote-controlled motor, this SUP package includes a collapsible three-piece carbon fiber paddle, a protection sleeve for the paddle’s blade, a 10’ coiled safety leash, and a waterproof backpack.
See more details on the E-Duna SUP.
Jobe SUP’ersized 15’ Inflatable Paddleboard
SUP Specifications
- Length: 15’
- Width: 50”
- Thickness: 6”
- Inflated Weight: 46.2 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 882 pounds
When it comes to family fun, Jobe’s SUP’ersized paddle board takes our top spot. With a 15-foot board that offers over 800 pounds of weight capacity, you can easily fit the whole family at once.
This supersized SUP is like a floating dock that moves around with ease. Because of its size, it comes with three big-click fins that easily secure to the bottom to increase the board’s maneuverability.
It offers the same durable and rigid construction as the E-Duna and Leona SUPs, and it features six carrying handles so everyone can pitch in to get it down to the water. Despite its size, it’s still a relatively lightweight watercraft for transporting from your campsite to the water’s edge.
With a six-person maximum capacity, the SUP’ersized package comes with the board, fins, and a patch repair kit. You’ll need to explore your options for paddles, life vest, and other paddle board accessories, but there’s no better board on our list for enjoying paddling as a family unit.
Learn more about this SUPERSIZED SUP.
Inflatable Paddle Board Accessories
Speaking of accessories, some of the packages above come with everything you need to get started. Here are a few other SUP accessories to add to your arsenal:
Overton’s Stand-Up Paddleboard 12V Electric Pump
Most inflatable paddle board packages come with a manual pump. But inflating and deflating your SUP is a lot easier with an electric pump. It’ll save you time when preparing to launch, and you’ll also get on the water without expending a bunch of energy inflating your board.
Dry Pak Floating Waterproof Cell Phone Case
Sure, you could leave your phone behind, but most of us want to capture the best moments from our paddle experiences. While many modern phones are ‘water-resistant’, they still don’t float very well. Put your phone in one of these cases with a little air so you know it’s protected if you take an unexpected fall.
See more details about the Dry Pak Floating Waterproof Cell Phone Case.
Onyx Men’s Paddle Vest
A properly-fitting life vest or personal flotation device (PFD) is a must-have paddle board accessory. Even if wearing a PFD at all times isn’t required by law in your area, you’re likely required to carry one on your personal watercraft.
Find the right size for you and read these tips on how to choose and wear a life jacket properly.
Tips For Caring For Your Inflatable Paddle Board
Once you choose your perfect paddle board, knowing how to care for it is essential if you want it to last for years. Here are a few tips to help with that:
- Wipe it down after each use. Whether you’re paddling in freshwater or saltwater, wipe your SUP down to remove any scum or minerals that are collected during your paddle.
- Avoid harsh soaps or cleaning detergents. Wiping your paddle board down with clean water is usually enough, but use very mild detergents when giving it a deeper clean.
- Let it dry completely before rolling it up. This will help you avoid mold and mildew growth on your board.
- Protect the sensitive accessories. Your paddle and the fins that attach to the bottom of your board are the most susceptible to damage. Avoid setting your board on the ground with the fin down, and don’t use your paddle to push off hard objects.
- Store it properly. Don’t let your SUP sit in direct sunlight for extended periods. Store it in a cool, dry place between uses. Also, remove fins, leashes, and other accessories before storing your board.
With an inflatable SUP in your camping gear kit, you’ll enjoy exploring new waterways wherever you camp. And you might search for campgrounds and RV parks differently now that you have a reliable paddle craft at your disposal.
Search for waterfront RV parks and start planning your next paddle trip.
Do you transport an inflatable paddle board on your RV road trips? If so, let us know some of your favorite spots to camp and paddle in the comments below!
