An inflatable paddle board is without question the best and most comfortable solution to paddle almost always and everywhere, even spontaneously on nearby waters through green idylls or urban city flair.
The inflatable boards are rolled up in a practical paddle boarding backpack and can be stored anywhere from the trunk of a car to a caravan. They can then be carried to the boarding point easily and relaxed on the back or in the hand.
The pleasant advantages, however, are offset by the sometimes unloved pumping process. Of course, you can’t do without a pump, because paddle boards are not air mattresses that can be inflated without tools.
For some an annoying evil, for others a playful warm-up training. The different perceptions may often also be due to the respective paddle boarding pumps themselves, which are used for inflation.
Conveniently, pumps are already included in most cases with complete sets. This is already a good start to be able to paddle with an inflated paddle boarding without additional investment.
However, this is where you sometimes have to make sacrifices, because the models in the sets are usually single-stroke pumps whose functionality is limited to the essentials, while comfort and efficiency usually take a back seat.
Those who want to invest separately then have to deal with all the other questions, because in addition to the single-stroke models there are also double and triple action pumps, electric pumps and different equipment and other functional features. In order not to despair of this, an informative guide to the topic of paddle boarding pumps awaits you in this article.
We present you our overview of the best paddle boards pumps, explain the differences between the different types of functions and give you answers to the most important questions you probably ask yourself before buying a SUP pump.
And since we ourselves use SUP pumps regularly and really often, you won’t get a mere string of boring theory facts from us in this article, but our personal experience values in the sometimes more and sometimes less demanding use of SUP pumps.
Because often you don’t know how much more comfortable you can make pumping up when you have the right pump in your luggage.
The whole thing is supplemented by our own paddle boarding pump test reports. This should help you make your decision for a particular model easily and without frustration.
Table of Contents
- 1 Best single action pumps for paddle boards
- 2 Best Double Action Pumps for Paddle Boarding
- 3 Best Triple Action Pumps for Paddle Boarding
- 4 Best Electric Pumps for Paddle Boards
- 5 Comparison: Advantages and Disadvantages of Single-Action, Double-Action, Triple-Action and Electric Pumps
- 6 Which Is the Best Paddle Boarding Pump for Me?
- 7 Guide: What Makes a Good Hand Pump?
- 8 Most Efficient Inflation Strategy
- 9 Pumping as a Warm-up
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 How much PSI does a paddle board need?
- 10.2 Why doesn’t the paddle boarding pump show pressure?
- 10.3 How to connect a paddle boarding pump correctly?
- 10.4 Are electric paddle board pumps better than manual ones?
- 10.5 Is it possible to use a compressor as a paddle boarding pump?
- 10.6 Do all paddle boards have the same valve?
Best single action pumps for paddle boards
When it comes to single stroke pumps, the first question already arises. What does that actually mean? A single stroke pump works in only one mode, namely when the piston is pushed down via the handles.
Then the piston has to be pulled up again and the next pumping stroke can take place. You get air into the SUP board with a single stroke pump just as you would with any other pump, of course, but admittedly in the most inefficient way among paddle boarding hand pumps.
Simple single stroke pumps, also called single action pumps, are usually included in complete sets, but offer the fewest comfort features.
For those who don’t mind pumping for longer periods of time, where sufficient power is available and a single stroke pump is still of interest, the Red Paddle Titan could be the solution.
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON MATERIALS.inflatable paddle...
- Ultra Portable : Deflated it's only 1 foot in diameter...
- Rigid Design : It feels very similar to a hard...
- Deck Features : 5mm Comfort diamond groove traction for...
Best Double Action Pumps for Paddle Boarding
The “double” in this type of pump has its meaning, because compared to single stroke models, double action pumps work in double mode: namely, both when pulling up and when pushing down the pump piston.
However, double action pumps also have a single stroke mode. Especially if you are already in the higher pressure positions when pumping and some air has already been let into the paddle boarding, the resistance becomes too strong for the intake by pulling up.
You switch to single stroke mode by moving a small lever under the handle to quickly and effortlessly get the last missing psi into the board. Until then, the double-stroke mode ensures twice the pumping speed of single-stroke models, which then also saves time and energy.
- Fast Inflation -- High-pressure pump inflates up to 29...
- Reliable and Durable Material -- Made of aluminum alloy...
- Double Action Mode -- Dual Action Mode enables Fast...
- Multipurpose -- Compatible with any inflatable...
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON MATERIALS.inflatable paddle...
- Ultra Portable : Deflated it's only 1 foot in diameter...
- Rigid Design : It feels very similar to a hard...
- Deck Features : 5mm Comfort diamond groove traction for...
- It is durable
- High flow inflation
- It is made of multiple adaptors
- This high flow pump inflates and deflates
- 【Pumping in Two Ways】The THURSO SURF paddleboard...
- 【Inflation and Deflation】The THURSO SURF pump for...
- 【Durable Material】The standup paddle board pump is...
- 【Easy to Read】The high-accuracy pressure gauge on...
- 🏄【GOOD STABILITY & PORTABILITY】Size of...
- 🏄【DOUBLE-BLADE PADDLE & TWO-WAY PUMP】This paddle...
- 🏄【MILITARY-GRADE PVC & PREMIUM...
- 🏄【FULL ACCESSORIES】SUP Paddle Board is equipped...
Best Triple Action Pumps for Paddle Boarding
After single and double action comes triple mode. Triple action pumps are also hand pumps and combine single and double action pumps in three modes.
They feature two cylinders and are switchable between double action mode using two cylinders, single action mode using both cylinders, and single action mode using one cylinder.
And this is the order in which a triple-action pump is used. At the beginning of the pumping process, you enter the process with double-stroke mode and two cylinders at full power, which makes it powerful and fast.
If it becomes more difficult towards the top due to the higher air pressure in the paddle boarding, the effort is simplified by switching to the second stage. And again further up in the pressure range, the pumping up is brought to a simple and effort-saving conclusion with the third stage via the single stroke mode using a piston.
Among hand pumps, triple action pumps are the fastest and most efficient because they operate with maximum adjustment in all stages.
- 【Fast Inflation】The Thurso Surf SUP pump for paddle...
- 【Triple Action Mode】The inflatable paddle board...
- 【Durable Material】The SUP pump is made of aluminum...
- 【Easy to pack】The sup air pump is easy to pack and...
- Capacity 3. 5+ 3. 5L maximum pressure 26 psi
- Seals and anti-sand filter for long life of pump and...
- Extra long body and high-airflow piston for an easier...
- Shockproof Gauge meter
- If there's one board to suit all adventures, it's the...
- Ultra Lightweight - Just 17.42 pounds thanks to our...
- Super Portable - Deflates and rolls up into a compact...
- Extra Durable - Made with 3-layers of tapes on the...
- BEST SUP PUMP FOR EFFICIENT INFLATION & DEFLATION -...
- FEATURES ERGONOMIC GRIP & FOOT PLATE - The ergonomic...
- RELIABLE AIR PUMP FOR INFLATABLE WATER SPORTS EQUIPMENT...
- PADDLE BOARD PUMP WITH PRESSURE GAUGE - The pressure...
- Best suited for riders less than 177 pounds, with a...
- Ultra Lightweight - Just 16.42 pounds thanks to our...
- Super Portable - Deflates and rolls up into a compact...
- Extra Durable - Made with 3-layers of tapes on the...
Best Electric Pumps for Paddle Boards
For some, the word “electric” alone sounds like maximum and also more comfort than a manual operation. This may be true in some respects, but for the use of electric paddle boarding pumps must also be created some conditions.
The models are operated via the 12 volt car connection. That is, the vehicle must be present. Otherwise, you can also rely on pumps with battery operation. Here you then only have to keep in mind that the battery for reliable work is also charged.
Otherwise, you simply connect the electric pump to the paddle boarding valve and the car connection, lean back and let the pumping up take over relaxed. This is not really faster than with a good double-action or triple action pump (sometimes even the opposite is the case), but you do not have to invest any effort.
Good electric pump models are also equipped with an automatic shut-off function, so that the required pressure can be set in advance and the device switches off automatically when the value is reached. In this way, you do not run the risk of damage due to excess pressure.
It should be known that the operation of an electric paddle boarding pump is not quite as noisy as the partly silent hand pumps. The noise level of an electric pump is inherently high, especially when a compressor is switched on. But even here there are differences from model to model.
- PROFESSIONAL AND POWERFUL INFLATION SYSTEM: Rather then...
- WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS: The air pump for...
- INTELLIGENT DESIGN: Use the "R" button to set your...
- LED DISPLAY AND FLASHLIGHT: Our sup inflator equipped...
- 【Built in Air Inflator & Deflator】The max pressure...
- 【Digital Pressure LCD Screen & Auto...
- 【Extra 5 Universal Valve Adapters】Work with...
- 【DC Car Power Cord Included】 With 11.2 feet DC car...
- PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT BUT FASTER & LOWER NOISE- With...
- MAX 20 PSI HIGH PRESSURE POWERFUL INFLATION SYSTEM...
- AUTO-OFF & CONSTANTLY WORKING FOR EASY INFLATION -...
- DIGITAL DISPLAY WITH REAL TIME PRESSURE MONITORING -...
- ACTIVE COOLING SYSTEM - The one and only SUP electric...
- FAST & POWERFUL DUAL STAGE & AUTO OFF FOR EASY...
- 12V DC CAR CONNECTOR & FULL SET NOZZLES ATTACHMENTS -...
- DIGITAL DISPLAY WITH REAL TIME PRESSURE MONITORING -...
- 20PSI】With maximum pressure of 20PSI, the electric...
- 【Auto-off】Built-in digital display and real-time...
- 【Compact and portable】Due to the attractive design,...
- 【Versatile use】Sup electric pump for paddle board...
Comparison: Advantages and Disadvantages of Single-Action, Double-Action, Triple-Action and Electric Pumps
| Pump type | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Single stroke | – Inexpensive – Mostly already included in complete sets – Noiseless | – Pumping up takes the longest time – Most effort and time required compared to other pump types |
| Double action | – 2 operating modes (single and double-action) – Saves power and time compared to single stroke pumps due to fewer pumping strokes – Often included in complete sets Noiseless | – Usually more expensive than single stroke pumps – Not as fast and effective as triple action pumps |
| Triple Action | – Feed via 2 pistons – 3 operating modes (double action with 2 pistons, single action with 2 pistons, single action with 1 piston) – Greatest power and time savings compared to single and double action pumps – Maximum efficiency among all hand pumps – Noiseless | – Less handy than single stroke pumps due to two pistons – Mostly more expensive than single and double action pumps |
| Electric pump | – Automatic pumping – No effort required – Ideal for weaker, elderly or injured users | – Usually not much faster than good double or triple action pumps – Very noisy – The most expensive of all pump types – Vehicle must be present or full and powerful battery |
Which Is the Best Paddle Boarding Pump for Me?
In principle, the choice of paddle boarding pump is a matter of personal opinion. It can best be roughly summarized like this: Patient users with sufficient strength, stamina and cost focus will do wonderfully with a single stroke pump.
This increases initially via the double action pump to the triple action pump. For the fastest is with 3 (triple) modes of operation, which requires less patience, strength and time and, but also brings the highest initial cost among hand pumps.
In turn, the double action pump can be seen as the reliable middle ground between single and triple action in all factors.
The most expensive paddle boarding pumps are the electric ones. Absolutely it does not go faster with the devices, for this, as a rule, the vehicle must also be present or an appropriately full and well-maintained battery with sufficient power.
Electric pumps are ideal for all users who want maximum comfort and are willing to pay more and accept the high noise level. Especially for older, lighter or weaker users, an electric pump is a good purchase. Likewise for users who cannot operate a hand pump due to an injury.
Guide: What Makes a Good Hand Pump?
- Pressure: The pump should have sufficient pressure to provide the required psi, or bar. Most paddle boarding requires 15 psi, and some models require more.
Pressure Gauge (Gauge: For optimal pressure control, the pump should have a pressure gauge to prevent over- or under-pressurization) - Connection: It’s worth taking a look at the pump connection, or the adapters provided, to avoid standing at the paddle boarding spot with an incompatible model.
- Workmanship: Good workmanship is half the battle, as the pump should live up to its performance claims and not have any material damage or leaking connections (which can happen especially quickly at higher pressures).
- Spare parts: Supplied spare parts such as sealing rings and a replacement hose make the purchase even more worthwhile to save the cumbersome walk with additional investment in the event of a defect. That spare parts for the paddle boarding pump are included in the scope of delivery, however, is unfortunately not the rule. Therefore, a short research before the SUP pump purchase is useful, whether appropriate parts are also available in the event of a defect, so that you then do not have to dig deeper into your pocket and replace the entire pump.
- Functions: Everything can, nothing must. But many things are worthwhile: The switchover function for double and triple action models and a deflate option make hand pumps much more convenient. With electric pumps, the pressure preselection, automatic switch-off and a cooling system are worthwhile in order to be able to pump up more than one paddle boarding in a row.
- Operability: Ergonomic and non-slip handles, compact dimensions and low weight, as well as a pleasantly large footprint, the right height and a quiet and smooth piston guide may be in any case. Electric pumps should also have a display and uncomplicated operation and switching of parameters using as few buttons as possible.
- Compactness: In addition to the dimensions themselves, retractable stands or removable handles on hand pumps also create additional space. This is particularly practical for taking along in a paddle boarding backpack.
- Price: The price/performance ratio must be right. The acquisition costs are sometimes very far apart, especially for hand pumps, without massive differences always being immediately apparent at first glance. To get a good feel for the acquisition costs versus the quality and features, you can use our overview of the best paddle boards and reviews as a guide.
Most Efficient Inflation Strategy
In order to avoid unnecessary handling and to invest more time and energy than necessary due to small mistakes, our guide to the correct inflation of your paddle boards will help you.
With double action pumps, you can almost always set a mode that turns the pumps into single stroke models. From this variation, some resourceful paddle boarders have developed their own techniques to inflate their boards as quickly as possible while saving energy.
The ideal inflation technique is as follows:
- Use as much displacement as possible (double action pump) to start. This serves to quickly get as much volume as possible into the board.
- At an air pressure of about 8 to 10 PSI, switch to the setting for the single-stroke pump.
- With short, fast pumping movements, you press a little more air into the paddle boarding with each stroke and thus gradually increase the air pressure. You can save energy by keeping your upper body straight and your arms and elbows extended. The power for the pumping movements comes all by itself from the knees. Your back and arms are relieved and you have enough power for the upcoming tour.
Pumping as a Warm-up
One way to deal with the annoying pumping up is to simply perceive the pumping as a warm-up for the paddle boarding tour that is about to start. With a back-friendly pumping technique that draws power primarily from the legs, the arm and upper body muscles are warmed up well.
This is also correct and good as far as it goes. But compared to the single action pumps you can really save time by using a double action pump.
FAQ
How much PSI does a paddle board need?
How much air pressure a paddle boarding needs depends on the model and its volume. Usually, paddle boarding boards need 14 psi on average.
There are smaller boards with 10, but also larger ones, like yoga boards, that need 19 psi. It is recommended to always fill the board with air according to its specifications.
Otherwise, the stiffness will suffer. You can find more information about paddle boarding pumps here.
Learn more about the best paddle board pumps.
Why doesn’t the paddle boarding pump show pressure?
This can have two reasons. Either the pressure gauge is defective or you are working with a paddle boarding pump, which by default only displays from a certain pressure value.
However, this is clarified by the manufacturer and the operating instructions. If a paddle boarding with noticeably built up air pressure nothing at the pressure gauge, you can assume a broken display.
From around 7 to 10 psi at the latest, however, even a pressure gauge with a display delay should strike, provided it is not broken.
Learn more about the best paddle board pumps.
How to connect a paddle boarding pump correctly?
For hand pumps with deflate option, that is, the function to deflate, you must first make sure that the hose is attached to the correct connection of the pump.
This is because there are two here: one for inflation and one for deflation. On the paddle boarding itself, first remove the valve flap, turn the valve pin outward, or upward, and attach the pump hose to the valve with a simple twisting motion.
For electric pumps, the connection to the paddle boarding is the same, except that the pump itself is connected to the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. Battery-powered models, of course, do not need this procedure.
Here, after connecting to the paddle boarding valve, the device is simply turned on and starts operating. Learn more about the best paddle board pumps.
Are electric paddle board pumps better than manual ones?
You can’t necessarily describe the advantages of an electric paddle boarding pump as better. This is mainly about convenience, as they don’t require any effort at all.
Good electric paddle boarding pumps take over the pumping process completely by themselves and automatically turn off after the preset pressure. But for this you have to accept the rather high noise level and the higher purchase costs.
In addition, either the vehicle must be present or a powerful battery. However, electric paddle boarding pumps are better in any case for weaker users who can not exert so much force.
Also, if an injury makes manual pumping impossible, an electric model is a worthwhile purchase.
Learn more about the best paddle board pumps.
Is it possible to use a compressor as a paddle boarding pump?
In principle, it is possible to pump up a paddle boarding also with a compressor. However, a pure compressor, for one, usually has a minimum pressure of 8 bar, too much for a paddle boarding.
This can cause damage to the seams and in the worst case bursting. Therefore, we do not recommend the compressor as a paddle boarding pump. If you still want to try it, you should at least connect a compressor with an automatic shut-off at around 1 bar.
You also have to take a look at the connection, otherwise the compressor itself is not suitable for the paddle boarding. Learn more about the best paddle board pumps.
Do all paddle boards have the same valve?
Not all paddle boarding have the same valve, but most do. Namely, the Halkey Roberts high pressure (HR) valve. Therefore, most SUP pump models also fit almost all paddle boarding.
Learn more about the best paddle board pumps.
This article is great for understanding the difference between the 3 types of hand pumps available. But is seriously lacking in “review” aspect. The options presented as the “best” don’t have any reasons discussed as to why & the only descriptive information if the suggested pumps are bits of text from the unit description on Amazon. 2.5/5 stars.
Hi Katy,
Thank you for your review. We will take it into account and try to do better in the future…!
Many greetings,
Benjamin