Whenever we get questions from people asking which board we’d recommend for them, they usually state they want something lightweight. Of course, this makes total sense to us. Heavier boards can be challenging for people to transport, travel with, and handle on the water, whereas lighter-weight boards tend to be much more portable and have higher performance capabilities.
However, there are some key differences between lighter-weight boards that are well made and lighter-weight boards that are only lightweight because they’re lacking in materials and build quality. And, with the latter becoming ever-more prevalent on Amazon and in big box retailers, we think it’s essential to walk you through our list of Best Lightweight Inflatable Paddleboards and explain why each of these boards is better than the rest.
What Makes a Great Lightweight SUP?
Lightweight SUPs are always a bit of a conundrum in stand-up paddleboarding. On one hand, there are super high-performance lightweight SUPs, like the Honu Byron, that showcase a relatively higher price point. On the other hand, there are super cheap boards that you’ll see littered across Amazon and gracing the aisles of your local big-box retailer. So, if these boards can be roughly the same weight and spec’d to the same dimensions, what if the difference, and why is one worth so much more?
Like most things, the devil is in the details, or in this case, in the construction methods. Boards like the Honu Byron achieve lighter weights by using more advanced construction methods such as cross-woven drop stitch and fusion bonded PVC layers. This enables them to cut weight without sacrificing performance, rigidity, and durability. However, those super cheap Amazon boards cut weight by using construction techniques that make them pretty ‘floppy’ on the water and not keen to last more than a couple of seasons.
In short, a good lightweight board is an investment, but by choosing the right one, you’re setting yourself up for a board that is excellently constructed and inherently designed for higher performance on the water.
Below is our list of the Best Lightweight Inflatable Paddleboards, so let’s dive right in!
- Honu Byron 10’6
- Nixy Newport G5
- Red Paddle Co Ride 10’6
- Thurso Expedition 138
- iRocker Cruiser Ultra 3.0
- Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX
- Atoll 11’
- iRocker XL Ultra 3.0
- Nixy Monterey G5
1. Honu Byron 10’6
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- The most rigid 4.7” thick SUP we’ve ever tested, which is extremely impressive given that it’s only 17.6 lbs
- The lightest SUP on this list, yet the highest performing
- Extremely maneuverable on the water
- Offers enough stability for a lot of paddlers and differing skill sets
- Covered by Honu’s 2+2 warranty – which is one of the more encompassing warranties in the industry
- Does not come with an included paddle, though Honu offers a selection of high quality paddles for an addition, discounted purchase
The Byron is the lightest board on this list at just 17.6 pounds, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking anything. Honu was able to build this board exceptionally rigid with a cross-woven inner core and triple layered rails. In doing so, they’ve kept the Byron extremely light without making it ‘floppy’ on the water.
Because of its construction, the 4.7” thick Byron is incredibly responsive, and honestly feels a lot like a hard board on the water. It’s easily maneuverable, and has a good, sporty feel to it, while its lighter build lets it pick up a good amount of speed for an all-around SUP.
Given its performance and fantastic construction, the Byron is priced relatively affordably, except it does not come with an included paddle. Honu does offer a selection of high quality paddles, however, that are heavily discounted when bundled with your SUP.
This is a phenomenal choice for any paddler that wants the most out of their SUPs performance, but also prefers something shockingly light and portable.
2. Nixy Newport G5
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- Great all round family fun performance
- Impressively light weight at just 18.8 lbs – super easy to carry!
- Gotta love that lively, maneuverable feel
- Loads of fittings and options for accessories
- Added tail width improves stability while still maintaining fun, lively feel on the water
- Would like to see the front cargo area made bigger for easier access
The Nixy Newport G5 is super light at just 18.8 pounds, but comes full-featured with multiple cargo areas, accessory mounting points, and packaged with a fantastic hand pump and quality carbon fiber and nylon hybrid paddle that’s one of our favorite kit paddles.
The Newport is a lively all-around iSUP that’s great for beginners, but is fun and sporty for intermediate paddlers as well. The new G5 construction uses cross-woven drop stitching, fusion PVC, and heat-welded rails for maximum build quality.
In addition to being lightweight and versatile, the Newport G5 is also available in six amazing color palettes to suit your style. And of course all of this fits easily into the high-quality Nixy roller bag for easy transportation and storage off the water.
3. Red Paddle Co Ride 10’6
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- Built with Red Paddle Co.’s lightweight MSL800 construction
- Very stable for a variety of paddlers, especially those that are entry level
- Very rigid considering the weight and it’s 4.7” thickness
- Thinner build makes for a more stable paddling experience in waves or chop and better for surfing as well
- Comes with Red Paddle Co.’s Transformer backpack and Titan II pump – some very innovative accessories
- Does not come with an included paddle, which is somewhat limiting for entry level paddlers
The Red Paddle Co Ride 10’6 is well suited to a wide variety of paddler sizes and skill levels. It’s very stable, but also lightweight and features the same impressive MSL construction that we discussed above.
At 32” wide with a broad nose, the Ride is extremely accommodating for entry level paddlers, and because it’s 4.7” thick, the Ride offers a lower center of gravity and improved stability. It’s also easily maneuverable and light enough to pick up a decent pace on the water.
The Ride comes with an impressive accessory list, including the Titan II hand pump, and Red Paddle Co. Transformer backpack which breaks down into a lighter skeleton for hiking with your SUP.
Bottom line – this board, like all Red Paddle Co. boards, is an investment, but if you’re looking for a lightweight SUP that excels in stability and quality, the Ride is one of the best options on the market.
4. Thurso Expedition 138
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- A great example of the small touring class; excellent for smaller riders wanting good performance from a sub 12’ board.
- One of the most stable boards of this style, especially now with the reduced thickness
- A great set of deck fittings and cargo options too
- With the kayak seat option and multiple paddle holder fixings, it has options for sit-down cruising too
- Not quite a true touring board for capacity, speed or efficiency, but notably better than most all-arounds
- The cargo straps aren’t ideal for carrying something small like a water bottle.
You don’t normally see a touring-style board on a list of Best Lightweight SUPs as their extra length usually puts them into a midweight category, but the new Thurso Expedition 138 is a board that likes to blur the lines in more ways than one.
This 11’6 x 31” x 4.7” board is a true crossover between all-around and touring style paddle boards, and weighs in at just 20.8 pounds. The Expedition 138 offers beginner-friendly stability with the playfulness and speed that intermediate paddlers love to use on a daily basis. The extra cargo area and excellent tracking performance make this lightweight SUP an easy choice for paddlers who like to explore.
5. iRocker Cruiser Ultra 3.0
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- Extremely compact and portable – without losing any performance or stability – weighs just 19.8 lbs
- High level of stability, even compared to other 34” boards
- New welded seam construction for better durability and heat resistance
- Included rechargeable pump adds a lot of value and portability to this kit
- New Magnetite accessory mounting system
- Versatile features without crowding the SUP deck
- We’d like to see the deck pad extended for more space for SUP Yoga, or paddling with a friend or pet
The Cruiser Ultra 3.0 is one of iRocker’s new compact and lightweight iSUPs, but manages to keep a full featured, full size 34” wide cruiser-style board under 20 pounds.
The wide tail and broad nose shape make the Cruiser Ultra 3.0 feel even more stable than many other 34” iSUPs making it very beginner friendly. The new twin fin system also cleverly balances both maneuverability and tracking performance so the Cruiser is easy to turn when you want it to and easy to paddle straight when you don’t. And the Cruiser Ultra still features multiple cargo areas, threaded mounts, and kayak seat compatibility. When you are done paddling at the end of the day, the Cruiser Ultra 3.0 folds in half and fits into a bag half the size of a traditional iSUP, even with the 5-piece carbon-hybrid paddle and included rechargeable electric pump.
6. Sea Gods Elemental Wave CX
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- Incredibly beautiful board!
- Rigid, high-performing all-around iSUP that is very lightweight (18.0 lbs) thanks to new CX construction
- Great SUP for paddlers of all skill levels who want a classic all-around board that feels sporty on the water without sacrificing stability
- One of the best iSUP wheeled backpacks we’ve seen
- Very easy to set up the fin thanks to the Kumano click fin system. We also like that it’s very easy to change to whatever fin you prefer given the US/universal fin box
- We would love to see SeaGods start adding kick-pads to the tail of the boards for easier step-back turns
Sea Gods partners with real artists to make the most eye-catching boards around, and the quality doesn’t stop with the artwork. The Elemental Wave CX uses their new Cross-Woven construction to keep this full-size all-around iSUP to a scant 18.0 pounds while still keeping excellent rigidity and durability.
Each year Sea Gods creates a single batch of boards with unique artwork. This year the sea turtle motif isn’t limited to just the deck and hull artwork, but continues onto the two-tone CNC-cut deckpad as well. The Elemental Wave also has ample cargo space, two threaded accessory mounts, and is kayak-seat compatible.
Sea Gods includes a wonderful set of accessories including a carbon-hybrid paddle, double-chamber hand pump, tool-less click fin for the standard US fin box, and a very well designed and built rolling backpack to store it all in. And it all ships in 100% recyclable packaging!
7. Atoll 11’
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- Very affordably priced, but still lightweight (21 pounds) and well constructed
- Stable enough for a variety of paddlers, but not overly wide
- Lots of customization ability with a lot of extra D-rings
- Performs like an all-around, but is also decently fast
- Makes a good backpacking SUP due to its lighter kit size, and comfortable backpack
- We’d love to see Atoll swap out the fixed side fins for a pair of removal side fins
The Atoll 11’ is an extremely affordable lightweight SUP at just 21 pounds, but it’s not lacking in quality. It’s been among our top recommendations for backpackers and travelers that need something lightweight to lug around, that will perform well once they reach their destination.
Its 32” width is also plenty stable for most entry level paddlers or paddlers with gear and pets, but it’s not so wide that you’ll get bored or feel like you’re paddling a boat. It also has a ton of customization options with 8 extra D-rings towards the tail. You can string up extra cargo areas, or attach more accessories.
Our only qualm with the Atoll 11’ is that we’d love to see Atoll forgo the flexible fixed side fins. They don’t seem to have any positive or negative impact on performance, but they can be annoying when rolling up the board.
In general, this is a great lightweight SUP for paddlers on a tighter budget that want some versatile performance.
8. iRocker XL Ultra 3.0
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- One of the largest lightweight iSUPs on our list at 11’6 x 34” and just 20.8 pounds
- Great stability, but can still paddle quickly when you want it to
- New welded seam construction for better durability and heat resistance
- Included rechargeable pump adds a lot of value and portability to this kit
- New Magnetite accessory mounting system
- Versatile features without crowding the SUP deck
- We’d like to see an extended deck pad to better use the full size of the board, especially to share with a passenger or pet
A common misconception about lightweight SUPs is that they are all going to be on the smaller side, or not really “lightweight” at all. The iRocker XL Ultra 3.0 turns that idea completely on its head.
This 11’6 x 34” x 6” iSUP is ready for paddlers of all sizes or sharing with a passenger (though deckspace is limited). The XL Ultra 3.0 has multiple cargo areas, threaded mounts, magnetic mounts, and even passenger handles. It comes with a five-piece paddle and rechargeable electric pump, and still fits into a comfortable backpack that’s about half the size of a traditional iSUP. Did we mention that it feels almost impossibly light at under 21 pounds?
9. Nixy Monterey G5
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- Lightweight at just 21.2 lbs
- Stable, user-friendly platform thanks to slightly wider tail shape
- Features a full-length deck pad
- Light and responsive on the water
- Great set of fittings and fixtures
- Nice, clean design with multiple color options
- Sporty feeling for a larger iSUP
- We’d prefer to see the board supplied with a more cruising-orientated fin
The Nixy Monterey G5 is another large-size (11’6” x 34”) iSUP that easily falls into our category of lightweight boards. At 21.2 pounds it is the heaviest board on our list, but it’s also the only board on our list that features a full-length deck pad – something that will add significant weight to any SUP.
The Monterey is built both as a large cruiser board for heavier paddlers, fishing, paddling with a passenger, etc., and as an expedition-oriented SUP that focuses on cargo capacity over ultimate speed. It features over a dozen D-rings, is kayak seat compatible, has five threaded mounts and two adjustable cargo areas. Yet, this lightweight board still boasts snappy acceleration and great efficiency when covering long distances.
Summary of the Best Lightweight SUPs
One of the great things to come out of the ever-growing popularity of inflatable SUPs is advancements in construction that have made it possible for boards to be increasingly lightweight, yet still exceptionally well built.
Where in the past, a lightweight board was almost sure to be lacking in necessary materials, lightweight SUPs of today can be among the highest performing and most well-constructed SUPs on the market. And, with cross-woven drop stitch becoming increasingly popular, these SUPs are becoming extremely stiff.
To be honest, we think lighter and stiffer builds are the future of the SUP industry. It vastly improves portability, traveling ease, and backpacking opportunities, and opens up your speed capabilities a lot more. Perhaps more important than that though, a lighter SUP is just flat-out easier to manage, especially if you have a long walk down to the water.
We hope you’ve found this page helpful as you search for the perfect lightweight SUP to suit your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have.
Happy paddling!
SupBoardGuide
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