Most inflatable paddle boards come with a decent hand pump to inflate your board which we accept are great and convenient.
Using a manual hand pump is not that difficult, and it will only take five to ten minutes before your board is fully inflated.
For water enthusiasts who go paddling every once in a while for leisure, a manual pump may just be something you use to get your heart racing and ready for the water.
However, dedicated SUPers will find it very tiring spending time and energy inflating their boards when all they want is to get on the water and SUP away.
Seniors may also prefer to spare themselves from the strain and effort that comes with manual pumping.
And for yoga enthusiasts like me, having to put so much time and work into inflating my SUP doesn’t exactly leave me in the meditation zone or a peaceful mindset.
So, what’s the solution?
Some opt for the most expensive SUP pump, but, let’s be honest, even the best manual pump takes time to achieve full inflation, and if you have a fleet of boards for your whole family and you’re in charge of pumping, it can get taxing.
Bring on the electric SUP pump. Using one of these it’s easy to inflate your board just as quickly as a manual pump, but without the effort of having to do it yourself.
Upgrading to the best electric pump for your SUP can make a big difference in terms of how much time you’ll spend getting your board ready to hit the water.
Additionally, electric pumps can also help finish deflating your iSUP for you, ensuring that all the air is out and it can be packed super tight at the end of the day.
While its evident that electric pumps for SUPs are better than manual pumps in almost every way, they vary in performance, just as inflatable SUPs do.
To help you choose the right pump for you, we’ve compiled a guide reviewing the top five options for you to consider. And, as a bonus, we’ve included a comprehensive buying guide to help with your selection.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Electric Pumps for SUP For The Money
#1 OutdoorMaster 20PSI SUP Air Pump - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Topping our list of the best SUP pumps for inflatables is the OutdoorMaster, a tough and versatile pump that removes the effort of inflating your board or kayak.
It offers a higher PSI capacity than many competing models and will get your board inflated in no time.
While packing some serious power, it also features a sleek and lightweight design which makes it not only portable but also a delight to use for both low and high-pressure inflatables.
But, is it the right option for you?
Features and Benefits
Dual-stage inflation
The OutdoorMaster features a dual-stage inflation system, which allows for rapid but safe inflation.
Stage one inflates the board at a rate of 350 liters per minute, while the second stage finishes off the inflation using maximum pressure coming in at 70 liters per minute.
The pump does a great job of inflating the board, with the precision and slow airflow of the second stage preventing any damage to the equipment while ensuring precise rigidity levels.
Automatic shut-off
Are you worried about over-inflating your board?
Worry no more because the automatic shutoff feature lets you pump air into your board, using a totally hands-off process.
All you have to do is dial in the desired PSI amount, switch the pump on, and it’ll automatically shut off once it reaches the PSI level you have specified.
This way, you’re free of the need to monitor the pumping process constantly, and, instead, you can focus on other tasks while the pump does its job.
Deflation
Paddlers will be very happy with their OutdoorMaster purchase since the model also has a deflation function, which uses reverse suction to draw the air out.
Honestly, I’ve seen pumps that do less for more money; not this SUP pump, and the deflation feature is good to have, especially if you’re short on time at the end of your day’s adventure.
Once the board is deflated, you can simply roll it up and toss it into your trunk for convenient storage and portability.
Keep in mind, though, that the deflation mode isn’t automatic, so you’ll have to manually switch the pump off once you see your board is fully deflated.
PSI
Don’t let the small size of the OutdoorMaster trick you into thinking it’s a flimsy product.
On the contrary, it’s a powerful option and can offer up to a maximum capacity of 20 PSI.
Considering that many pumps within its range can’t handle anything above 15 PSI, you’ll see why OutdoorMaster’s 20 PSI is so impressive.
We typically inflate our board to 15 PSI and find that the pump can go from zero to 15 in about eight to ten minutes, depending on the board’s size.
Additionally, the powerful performance means the pump isn’t only limited to SUPs but can also be used on kayaks and a host of other inflatable items.
Connection
OutdoorMaster, with a 12V DC connector, is compatible with a range of SUPs and other types of high-pressured inflatables.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Digital display
- High inflation PSI
Cons
- No automatic deflation
#2 NALANDA 20 PSI SUP Pump - Best Budget Option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
If you feel the price for the OutdoorMaster is a bit steep for your needs, you might want to opt for an inexpensive alternative such as the Nalanda SUP.
It’s a budget purchase, and though not as full-featured as the OutdoorMaster, it still offers adequate performance.
From user reviews, the pump seems like a dedicated option for SUPs, so if you’re looking to use it for other purposes I wouldn’t recommend this option.
That said, for a fraction of the price of an OutdoorMaster you get a frills-free option that will do what it’s meant to.
Features and Benefits
Layout
The Nalanda is a simple model lacking the sophistication of some of the premium options.
It’s available in an ultra-simple design, with all the settings clearly labeled and designed for easy use, even for those with no knowledge of operating SUP pumps.
When it comes to the dimensions, the pump might not be as thin as others on our list, and, as we found out, it doesn’t have a storage pocket to keep it in. It’s not a deal-breaker though, since it should perfectly fit inside your carry bag and comes with a convenient carry handle if it doesn’t.
Dual-stage inflation
We were surprised that Nalanda shares a lot in common with the premium OutdoorMaster option which we didn’t expect at this price point.
One of the shared features is the dual-stage inflation.
The first stage of Nalanda’s inflation pumps the air at a rate of 350 liters per minute, while the second phase pumps the air at a rate of 70 liters per minute.
We found the two-stage inflation system quite an easy way to achieve pressure on the board rather than the need for two separate pumps or waiting forever with high pressure, low-velocity pumps.
More importantly, the second phase of the inflation removed any fear of damaging the board while maintaining precise rigidity.
Auto shutoff
The Nalanda is a joy to use, with the auto shut off feature promoting a hands-free operation.
With the pump, you no longer have to monitor the pumping process or worry the pump will over-inflate your board to bursting levels.
Instead, you simply set the desired PSI, switch on the pump, and once it reaches maximum pressure levels the pump automatically shuts off.
It’s not only an energy-saving mechanism, but it also preserves your board’s structural integrity from pressure damage.
PSI
The Nalanda is a budget option but a monster when it comes to performance.
It doesn’t cut corners with the amount of pressure it can provide, as it offers a generous 20 PSI, enough to inflate not only paddle boards but kayaks and other inflatables.
However, for the price, expect some compromises in the performance. As we discovered, the pump is susceptible to overheating, so we could not inflate more than a single SUP before letting it cool down for a few minutes.
Compatibility
This pump is a 12V option and thus as versatile and flexible as it gets. It can easily connect to a 12V cigarette lighter socket as in your car to get power directly, so it’s a great option for use in the outdoors, on camping trips, and for water sports.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Generous pressure values
- Deflation capacity
- Universal compatibility
Cons
- Tends to overheat
#3 Seamax SUP20D - Most Versatile Option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Seamax SUP20D is an impressive new electric SU pump that was released in 2018.
It offers some great features, including a programmed intelligent digital controller, dual-stage inflation, and an LCD.
Overall, we feel this pump comes with everything you would need to quickly and precisely inflate your board.
Features and Benefits
Dual-stage inflation
The first thing paddlers will love with this pump is the dual-stage inflation that guarantees a reliable yet safe pumping method.
Stage one of the inflation process delivers a maximum speed of 350 liters per minute, while the second stage uses small increments of 0.5 liters per minute.
The second and slow inflation process ensures the board isn’t damaged and gets inflated properly to maintain its optimal rigidity.
Auto stop protection
As our two previously reviewed items, the Seamax features a time counter and temperature sensor.
These features when combined will monitor the inflation process, conveniently switching to the second phase of the inflation process and stopping the inflation once your inflatable achieves the correct PSI level.
In a nutshell, the pump offers a hands-free operation, meaning you do not have to monitor the inflation process.
It also removes the worry that may come with accidental over-inflation and damages of your paddleboard.
The model also supports the deflation function, and using a reverse air draw mode, it easily deflates your board for easier packing and transport.
However, you need to keep in mind that the deflation process lacks an automatic mode, so you need to monitor the entire process.
Digital display
Using the Seamax is simple. The large digital LCD allows you to perform several functions, including adjusting the setting, dialing the desired PSI levels, or even monitoring the inflation process.
The LCD isn’t the only convenience feature on the Seamax. The pump’s lightweight design, combined with a built-in carry handle, enhances the pump’s overall portability.
Another awesome feature of this pump is a built-in sand filter that reduces the effects of sand intake and lets you use the pump even when placed directly onto the ground.
PSI
The Seamax, with a maximum inflation capacity of 20 PSI, will accommodate the needs of most paddleboarders, kayakers, and even other watercraft.
And when it comes to inflation time, you can expect the pump to inflate your board in a total of eight to ten minutes, which is quite decent. However, the time will entirely depend on the size of your watercraft.
Connection
Unfortunately, this option only comes with a single adapter; you should ensure the included adapter is compatible with the board before purchase.
Pros
- Noiseless performance
- Hands-free performance
- Fantastic max pressure
Cons
- Features a single adapter only
#4 Bravo! BP12 Single-Stage Electric Pump - Most Portable Option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Bravo Single Stage pump deserves the tag for the most portable pump on our list of the best pumps for SUPs.
With a compact and lightweight design, this pump will make your life easier when it comes to inflating your stand up paddleboard.
Features and Benefits
Single-stage pump
It’s easy to think that single-stage pumps are inferior to the two-stage options, but that is not the case.
This option does a great job of inflating your board, and it’s possible to mistake the fact that it’s a single-stage choice.
However, it does have its limitations, and unless you’re working on a single board, inflating a fleet of SUPs could be a challenge with this option.
The good news is this brand also offers a dual-stage pump, so if you need to inflate your paddle and other larger kayaks, you can opt for the latter option.
Compact
The greatest selling feature of this pump is undoubtedly its compact and lightweight design.
Compared with other pumps, this option is slightly smaller and weighs a mere 2.6 pounds, so it shouldn’t be challenging to haul it in your backpack.
It also comes complete in a carry case for convenient carrying and storage. The carry case is large enough to hold other accessories such as a hose, alligator clips, and valve attachments.
Automatic shut-off
Like all our previously reviewed items, the Bravo pump supports an automatic shut off function.
As such, users can benefit from a hands-free approach as all they have to do is set the pump to the desired level and leave the equipment to do its job.
You don’t have to monitor the pump during the inflation process constantly, and, more importantly, you don’t need to get nervous about the damage that might be caused by the risk of overinflation.
Unfortunately, the pump doesn’t support deflation, which we feel is a bit of a deal-breaker, especially when you need all the air to be drawn from your iSUP for storage.
PSI
The Bravo Pump can be set from 1 to 14.5 PSI, and while certainly not the highest, it falls within the recommended range of most SUPs, which is defined as 12 to 15 PSI.
The pump also gets your inflatable board super rigid, from user reviews, but for substantially-sized boards you can always top it off with a hand pump.
The pump is also super-fast at getting your board inflated, and will take approximately six to seven minutes, depending on the board’s size.
In truth, it’s not any faster than a manual hand pump, but the latter takes more effort.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Can accommodate the inflation needs of most paddleboards
- Hands-free inflation
Cons
- No deflation mode
#5 Sevylor SUP and Water Sport Pump - Value Purchase
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Sevylor is the final pick on our list of the best electric pumps for SUPs.
It’s an affordable model, and, while not the most inexpensive on the list, we think it’s a steal for the price.
The 12V pump will comfortably inflate boards up to 15 PSI, and that’s not all. It’s also adjustable and features the popular auto shut-off feature that allows you to set and forget.
Features and Benefits
Single-stage inflation
As with the Bravo Pump we’ve reviewed above, the Sevylor features a single-stage inflation mechanism.
While it’s not the best, especially when pumping up large inflatables, it does its job perfectly to keep your board inflated and rigid.
For those planning to inflate larger or multiple boards, I would suggest you find another pump on the list or use a manual pump to complete the inflation.
Auto shut-off
The Sevylor also comes with an auto shut-off feature, a standard in most of the SUP pumps we’ve reviewed.
The feature affords users a hands-free approach, letting paddlers set and forget the entire inflation process.
When using the feature, you simply need to dial in your desired pressure, and once the board achieves the pressure level, the pump automatically shuts off.
It removes the need for constantly monitoring the process and the worry of a damaged board due to over inflation.
Beginner-friendly
The Sevylor Pump is also one of the beginner-friendly options on our list.
The simple control and intuitive layout make it easier even for beginners with no knowledge of pumps to operate it with relative ease.
The Sevylor also has plenty of convenient features, and one that we like most is the 13-foot long hose that affords plenty of reach.
PSI
The efficient Sevylor motor delivers a powerful performance, offering a maximum inflation pressure capacity of 15 PSI.
It’s not the highest on the list, but it’s sufficient to keep your board rigid and well-inflated.
The only fault we found with the pump is that it takes longer than the average inflation time, and the hose requires taping or replacement over time since it’s prone to leaking.
The flaws are not huge deal breakers considering the price and the number of features the pump offers.
It’s a great purchase for any paddler who needs to upgrade from a standard manual SUP pump.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
- Take longer to inflate
Best Electric Pump for SUP Buying Guide
All-electric SUP pumps have enough power to inflate paddleboards, but some are more suited to your pumping needs than others.
To help you choose the right pump for your inflatable, we’ve prepared this guide outlining everything you need to consider in your next SUP pump purchase.
But first, let’s look at the different types of SUP pumps on the market:
Types of Electric Pumps for SUPs
Electric SUP pumps are categorized according to their power and pumping method.
1) Power
- 12v electric pump
Twelve volt electric pumps are the most common, and they’re popular because of their adaptability.
These pumps can be hooked to your car through a cigarette lighter or even a car battery with cables.
These pumps also have a digital gauge, so it’s easy to set and monitor the PSI pressure when it’s inflating in real-time.
Depending on your SUP board’s size, you can expect the 12V pump to inflate your board in under 15 minutes.
- Bp20 electric pump
These pumps cost a little more than the 12v ones, but they will let you pump from anywhere due to their built-in rechargeable battery.
If your wallet allows, we would suggest going with a BP20 electric pump due to its convenience.
2) Pumping method
- Single vs. dual stage pump
The single-stage is modest in its operation as it simply pushes the air in until your board inflates to the right size.
On the other hand, like the name suggests, dual pumps are a little different as they inflate your paddleboard in separate stages.
To start with, they inflate at a higher volume, and once the craft is inflated to a set volume, the pump switches to the second stage. This causes an increase in the pressure ratio. This dual-stage pump’s main benefit is that it’s more powerful and lets you inflate your SUP quickly.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Electric Pump for SUPs
Now that we know the different types of electric pumps for SUPs let’s look at the essential factors to consider in your next purchase.
Compatibility
When choosing a SUP pump, you must pick one perfectly suited to your inflatable.
By this, I mean the pump should be compatible with your inflatable.
This typically boils down to valves, nozzles, gaskets, and adapters.
Generally, most inflatables are fitted with a Halkey-Roberts valve; H3, HR, or H-valve for short. These valves can hold high pressure and are easily serviced or replaced.
Inflatable kayaks may be more likely to have a Boston valve.
Either way, it’s necessary to check the manufacturer’s manual before purchasing a pump, and a good approach to solving the valve dilemma is getting a pump that matches your SUP.
Pressure gauge & auto shut-off
SUP pumps with a built-in pressure gauge allow you to follow the progress of inflating your SUP.
Whether it is a digital or dial/needle function, most models combine the gauge with a safety feature where you can input a target PSI, and the pump automatically shuts off. It’s a great option for unsupervised inflation.
Pressure range
It’s important to check your inflatable watercraft’s instruction manual for the recommended pressure.
Second, when choosing a pump ensure it can deliver the stated pressure.
Normally, pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch or PSI.
What’s the recommended PSI for my SUP?
We suggest you check on the manufacturer’s manual for the recommended PSI.
Generally, however, most boards have a recommended pressure of 13-16 PSI.
Other features
A few other features you may want to consider when selecting an electric pump for your SUP are:
- Hose and power cord length
Pumps come in various lengths, and if you’re planning to use the accessory outlet, consider the distance and verify that it will reach your SUP comfortably.
- Carry bag
If you lack room inside your SUP bag, ensure the pump comes with a carry bag for convenient transport and to ensure you don’t lose parts.
- Inflation speed
If you’re inflating a single SUP, inflation speed might not be critical.
But if you have a fleet of iSUPs consider a pump with a higher CFM.
Noise
Noise can be an issue if you’re in a quiet area and don’t want to scare the wildlife before you get a chance to view it from your SUP.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
Our list of the best electric pumps for SUPs consists of some pretty brilliant options, but if we were to make a single choice, we would recommend the OutdoorMaster 20 PSI SUP Air Pump.
I feel this pump has everything you need to get your paddleboard rigid and running.
First, it has a dual-stage inflation mechanism that delivers precise levels of rigidity.
It’s also lightweight and compact, so portability shouldn’t be an issue.
Finally, we picked this option as our editor’s choice because of its performance. Delivering a maximum inflation capacity of 20 PSI will make even the biggest of the boards rigid in no time.
