- The SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board comes with everything you need to get out on the water.
- I tested the 10-foot-6-inch board, which is the perfect size for all skill levels.
- After three years of regular use in the summer, the board hasn’t faltered in quality.
While attending college in Seattle, my friends and I would spend the very few days of sun we got lounging on the shores of Lake Washington, watching speed boats, yachts, and paddlers idle by as we watched. Because a yacht was slightly out of our post-graduate pay range, we ended up investing in a few inflatable paddle boards, tying them together, and ruling the lake from our wallet-friendly inflatable city. It was one of my favorite summers to date.
I’ve owned seven inflatable paddle boards since then (and countless other inflatable watercrafts). After using the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for three years, I can confidently say it’s the best one I’ve used to date and worth every penny. It rivals paddle boards that cost five times the amount, and it continuously impresses me and my family of seasoned paddlers, along with friends and family who are new to the sport. Don’t be intimidated by paddle boarding—I believe that everyone can do it, especially when you set yourself up for a seamless and safe experience using this paddle board. Here’s why.
How to Buy
Credit: Amazon
Key Features
User-friendly for All Skill Levels
Although I come from a family of skilled paddlers, we spend a lot of time out on the water with friends and family who aren’t as familiar with inflatable paddle boards. I’ve watched over a dozen beginner paddlers get on this board, and after a few minutes of getting acquainted, they are able to paddle like a pro. I own the 10-foot-6-inch board, which has proven to be the ideal length for every skill level, since it’s not too short or too long for various water conditions.
The kit comes with everything you need to get out on the water quickly, including the board, a paddle, a manual pump, a leash, a repair kit, and three fins. I found the instructions to be extremely clear and concise, and if you lose the physical manual for any reason, you can easily access it online. Everything fits in the backpack-style carrying case, streamlining the process of getting set up. The board inflates in just about 10 minutes using the manual pump, and the PSI (pounds per square inch) dial is labeled numerically, so it’s easy to see when you’ve reached the recommended 12 to 15 PSI. The only thing the board doesn’t come with is a life jacket, so be sure to bring your own (there are criss-cross bungee cords in the front of the board for storing it).
Travel + Leisure
Stable Design for Lakes and Rivers
No matter where your paddling destination is, this board is up for the adventure. I’ve been able to use it to paddle several miles up the currents on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, and through minor waves splashing in the Puget Sound north of Seattle. However, because this board only comes with one removable fin (some come with multiple sizes), I generally stick to flat water in lakes, rivers, ponds, or inlets where the water isn’t too choppy. The shape of the board, combined with the balance of width and length, makes it easy to glide through water using the adjustable paddle.
The 32-inch width offers a stable platform, and when the board is blown up to the correct PSI, it feels firm and supportive to stand on. Even with my antsy chihuahua pacing up and down the board (and often trying to launch herself off of it to escape), I’ve always felt secure on my feet. Best of all, when small waves cause me to feel a bit wobbly, I will sit or kneel on the EVA foam anti-slip pad, and it’s perfectly comfortable.
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Easy to Carry and Built to Last
Out of all the inflatable paddle boards I own, this one is the lightest at 13.9 pounds. For someone with a petite frame like me (or simply anyone who doesn’t want to lug a heavy watercraft), it’s been a game changer for how often I take it out. It fits easily in the backpack carrying case when deflated, and the pack has adjustable straps, which help distribute the weight. This made it possible to carry the board in the backpack over a mile to get to a secret watering hole. When it’s inflated, there’s a reinforced strap in the middle of the board, so I can grab it with one hand and be on my way. The carrying case is also compact, so the board gets extra points for being easy to store in the off-season, too.
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After owning this board for three years and using it dozens of times, it still performs exactly as it should. There are some minor cosmetic flaws from rough handling (I accidentally let go of the board while inflated, and it may have fallen down a heavily wooded embankment.) Aside from the typical wear-and-tear, I’m impressed with how well it’s stood the test of time. The PVC material is crafted with military-grade drop stitching, and it’s specifically designed for use in fresh and saltwater. It claims to be UV- and corrosion-proof, but to be extra safe, I always keep it out of the sun when it’s not in use. I also make sure it’s sprayed down and fully dry before folding it up. These tricks will extend the already impressive lifespan of the board.
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Final Thoughts
I’ve tested paddle boards that range from as little as $100 to over $1,000, and I remain firm that the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board has the best value and stretches a dollar the furthest. The quality is high, and the price is extremely reasonable considering you get everything you need in one ready-to-go kit. Even my dad, an expert whitewater rafter, skilled fisherman, and collector of inflatable boats, will pick this paddle board over the plethora of options in the garage. It’s a board for everyone—whether you’re a beginner feeling intimidated by all of the options or a seasoned paddler looking for an additional inflatable, you won’t regret investing in this one from SereneLife.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure associate editor Anna Popp grew up in Bend, Oregon, where she spent every summer whitewater rafting the Umpqua River, fishing in the Cascade Lakes, and leisurely floating the Deschutes River in front of her childhood home. Anna has tested seven paddle boards, and her favorite one is this one from SereneLife. She has owned it for three years, has traveled with it across the West Coast, and has convinced most of her friends to buy it as well.
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