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.
When people reach out asking for paddle board recommendations, one of the most common things they mention is that they want something lightweight and easy to travel with. That makes perfect sense. A lighter board is easier to carry from your car to the water, simpler to load onto public transportation, and far less of a hassle when packing for a trip. Whether you are heading out for a quick paddle after work or planning a full-on travel adventure, portability plays a huge role in how often you will actually use your board.
This is where inflatable paddle boards really shine. While all iSUPs are more travel-friendly than traditional hard boards, some brands take things a step further. Newer materials and construction techniques can reduce overall weight without giving up paddling performance. That makes them an excellent choice for everything from airline travel and road trips to hiking into remote lakes or simply storing your gear in a small apartment.
However, there is an important distinction to make. Not every lightweight paddle board is built the same way. Some brands invest in advanced construction techniques that reduce weight while maintaining rigidity, durability, and performance on the water. Others achieve a lower weight by using thinner or cheaper materials, which can lead to boards that feel flexible, unstable, and less reliable over time. On the surface, these boards might look similar in terms of size and specs, but the difference becomes obvious once you start paddling.
That is why choosing the right lightweight iSUP is about more than just finding the smallest or lightest option. You also want a board that tracks well, feels stable underfoot, and holds up over multiple seasons of use.
Lightweight versus Compact iSUP?
There are many reasons why the weight of a paddle board is important when choosing a SUP, but often it’s ease of transport that is at the top of the list. There is a class of inflatable paddle boards called Compact iSUPs that we have reviewed and ranked in our Best Compact iSUPs list. This list will instead focus on lightweight traditional iSUPs, that is – boards not designed to fold in half to fit in a smaller bag. Surprisingly, the lightest weight iSUPs are actually not compact boards! Many of the boards on this list weigh 1-3 pounds less than many of the Compact iSUPs, but may take up more space in a traditional iSUP bag.
Best Lightweight iSUPs
Below is our list of the Best Lightweight Inflatable Paddleboards, so let’s dive right in!
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. 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.
6. 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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