The 12 best inflatable SUP, floats, towable, and kayaks, plus a goofy SUP accessory I couldn’t resist.
The weather is warm and the water is calling—hello, road trip summer. Whether you’re spending a weekend at the pool, lake, river, or ocean, these inflatable SUPs, floats, towable, and kayaks will amp your fun without taking up too much space in your car (or house).
P.S. Please don’t ask how many of these I bought after trying them. Let’s just say when I travel, I really like doing stuff on the water.
1. Aqua Plus Inflatable SUP Package ($300)
If you’re really tight on storage space, consider the Aqua Plus Inflatable SUP; it’s 11 feet long, yet folds down to just a foot in diameter when deflated. It has a rigid construction and a capacity of 350 lbs. The package includes an adjustable aluminum paddle, a backpack for storage, an air pump, a waterproof bag for your phone, and more. If you normally rent your gear, it will easily pay for itself after just a few excursions.
2. . Sportsstuff Big Mable 1-2 Rider Towable Tube ($220)
If you have access to a boat or jet ski, you’ll want the Sportsstuff Big Mable. Made for one to two riders/340 lbs., it features multiple grab handles with padded knuckle guards (this is a plus; trust me), air cushioned stabilizer walls, EVA foam pads, Speed Safety valve for easy inflation/deflation, and front and rear tow points. After spending an afternoon on a lake riding around in this thing, I have only three words: So. Much. Fun.
3. Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set With Aluminum Oars ($159)
Who says you need to pay high rental prices or install a roof rack on your car to enjoy kayaking? With the Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set With Aluminum Oars you can own your own kayak for about the same price as a day’s rental. Afterward, it folds up into a handy carrying case so you can stow it in the trunk or your car. The kayak comes with a fast air pump; it can be fully inflated and assembled in under 10 minutes. The 30-gauge vinyl resists punctures so you can drag it in and out of the water without worrying about ripping a hole in it. There’s a two-person model available, too.
4. Poolcandy Giant Golden Swan ($40)
I know there are a lot of pool floats out there. I went with the Poolcandy Giant Golden Swan (pink is also an option) for my friend’s first-of-the-season pool party. It’s goofy, glamorous, and generous enough to hold two adults/up to 500 lbs. It even comes with a golden “egg” you can use as a ball for water games. All you need is an air pump (and a pool, of course!).
5. Sea Eagle 3-Person Inflatable Sport Kayak ($315)
The Sea Eagle 3-person Inflatable Sport Kayak has a capacity of 650 lbs. and can be inflated in about six minutes. The kayak has plenty of room for camping gear, the family dog, or a cooler full of picnic essentials. It comes with a foot pump, two paddles, two adjustable seats, and a carrying bag for easy storage.
6. PPXIA Inflatable Lake Float ($400)
The PPXIA Inflatable Lake Float is sturdy enough to use as a diving platform, while grab handles make it easy to pull yourself out of the water. Stainless D-rings allow it to be tethered to a dock. Capacity is 750 lbs., and the exterior skin is tough non-slip military-grade PVC that can support coolers, chairs, and umbrellas in addition to people. The float comes with a 2-year warranty and includes an electric pump, repair kit, and duffel bag for carrying/storage.
7. Three-Pack Fruit Swim Rings ($14)
These fruit swim rings are as fun as they are cheap. Designed for kids eight and up, they’re cute, colorful, and come in packs of three to make them easy to share.
8. Intex River Run Inflatable 2-Person Tube ($100)
If you’re looking for something sturdy enough to resist punctures while you float down the river, you can’t go wrong with the 18-gauge vinyl of the Intex River Run Inflatable 2-Person Tube. It was built to hold two adults of up to 400 lbs, and comes with extras like a large built-in cooler, backrests, cup holders, carrying handles, and connectors for other floats. Husband and I had a blast floating down the Salt River in Arizona in one of these.
9. Member’s Mark Inflatable Tropical Tahiti Floating Island ($292)
Get the whole gang together on this Member’s Mark Inflatable Tropical Tahiti Floating Island. There’s room for six adults; it comes equipped with four regular seats and two lounge chairs. Two built-in coolers will make sure you don’t go thirsty and the armrests have cupholders to hold your drinks.
10. Sourrucy Inflatable Boat Set ($48)
The Sourrucy Inflatable Boat set can carry up to three people/660 lbs. It’s the ideal size to hold fishing or camping equipment and comes complete with oars, two seats, an air pump, boat ropes, a waterproof storage bag, and a maintenance kit. Not a bad deal at less than $50.
11. Body Glove Six-Person Inflatable Catalina Island ($297)
The Body Glove Six-Person Inflatable Catalina Island takes your party to the next level with built-in backrests, lounge pillows, integrated boarding platforms, and a removable Bluetooth speaker system. Add in a couple of built-in coolers, a center mesh cooling system, and cup holders for your drinks and you won’t want to come in off the water.
12. Elkton Outdoors Fishing Kayak ($900)
The Elkton Outdoors Fishing Kayak does more than just get you out on the water—it has universal mounting points for your fishing gear. The solid, drop-stitch floor allows anglers to stand up for better casting and there are drainage ports if you take on excess water. The seat is padded and comfortable and a dual-action pump allows quick and easy inflation. This boat is sturdy enough to withstand rocks, logs, and a little bit of rough water but still deflates easily into its own travel bag.
And the goofy SUP accessory I couldn’t resist?
Stand Up Floats Inflatables ($30-$58)
If you have a conventional SUP and want to bring a passenger (or just have a comfortable seat to paddle from), here’s an inflatable accessory for you. Inflate the “figurehead” (what else would you call it?), strap it onto your SUP with the universal harness, and you’re set!
If your passenger isn’t a strong swimmer, be sure he/she is wearing a life jacket—the seat is inflatable, not rigid, so tip-outs can occur. Oh, and be prepared to be stared at.
A shark, unicorn, swan, and submarine are available. Of course I bought the shark.
Twist’s Take: Water + Inflatable = Fun.
