If you own an iSUP, you know that inflating it can be a struggle. It’s hard work, and having a bad pump makes it even harder.
There are some pumps that just won’t get the air into your board. Some have too much resistance, while others are inefficient. Not to mention the strength you need to pump with as the pressure increases.
If you have an iSUP, you know exactly what I’m talking about…
Luckily, there are some great options out there for efficient inflatable SUP pumps!
I’ve used many of them over the years, and I have compiled a list of the 2024‘s top 5 air pumps for inflatable paddle boards to help you find the perfect match.
You’ll be able to use these pumps with any type of inflatable SUP. So whether you want an affordable option or are willing to spend more money on a pump with more features, have a look below!
Contents
Reviewing the Best Electric Pumps for SUPs in 2024
We all know that inflatable SUPs are great for watersports, but they can be hard to pump up with a manual pump. It’s not just the time it takes to pump up your board that is frustrating. It is tiring, especially on a hot, sunny day.
The best way around this problem is an electric air pump.
Electric pumps are fast, easy to use, and don’t require any pumping effort at all!
Using an electric air pump to inflate your SUP is super simple:
- Just plug it in ( or don’t if it is battery powered)
- Attach the air hose and nozzle
- Set your target PSI
- And switch it on. That’s all there is to it!
Here are my top picks for electric SUP pumps. I’ve used them all, they performed great, which is why I am confident in including them in this review.
Pump | Description | Pressure | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Battery-powered The OutdoorMaster Whale A convenient, portable electric pump that runs on 6000 mAh batteries to inflate 3 iSUPs . | 0 - 16 PSI | Details | |
2. | Great value The Shark by OutdoorMaster Well-priced universal electric pump for inflating up to 3 SUPs in a row. | 0 - 20 PSI | Details | |
3. | For 4+ SUPs Nixy Ventus Feature-packed electric pump for inflating up to 10 SUPs. | 0 - 20 PSI | Details | |
4. | Smallest The Dolphin by OutdoorMaster Super small, yet powerful little pump for iSUPs. | 0 - 20 PSI | Details | |
5. | Sevylor Water Sport Pump Least expensive, but no so reliable, | 0 - 15 PSI | Details |
OutdoorMaster Whale Pump
The OutdoorMaster Whale Pump is a battery-powered air pump that is designed for use with inflatable SUPs. This one is definitely my favorite in 2024.
Pros
Cons
OutdoorMaster Whale specifications
- Speed: stage 1 @ 350LPM, stage 2 @ 70LPM
- Max PSI: 16
- Auto shutoff: yes
- Digital display: yes
- Portability: handle
- Nozzles: 6
- Deflation: yes
- Size: 14.56″ X 8.66″ X 6.69″
- Weight: 5.2 lbs
- Powering: 12V cigar lighter, AC adaptor, 6000 mAh battery
- Warranty: 1 year
This pump is made of high-quality materials and like all of the pumps on this list, features a built-in pressure gauge that makes it easy to determine when the desired level of inflation has been reached.
But the most important feature of the Outdoormaster Whale SUP pump is undoubtedly the 6000 mAh battery that is built into the body of the pump. This allows you to inflate a SUP without having to use a power outlet. This feature can be extremely useful when you are using the pump away from your car or in remote locations, where you do not have access to a power supply.
You can also plug the pump into your car’s 12v socket, or even use the included AC adapter.
The Whale has active cooling, so you can inflate several paddleboards in succession. If you are using the battery on a full charge, you can fully inflate 3 paddleboards to 12 PSI, or 2 paddleboards to 15 PSI.
The pump also features a deflation function which allows you to release air quickly.
Additionally, the Whale Pump comes with a variety of adapters that make it compatible with most types of inflatable SUPs.
OutdoorMaster Whale
Get out of the parking lot!
Battery-powered
If you are looking for a portable electric pump that you can take anywhere, you need the Whale. Its 6000 mAh battery is powerful enough to pump 3 SUPs to 12 PSI right on the beach.
The Whale is the cheapest direct from Outdoormaster.com with this unique 20% coupon code they gave us!
Special 20% off coupon at checkout!
OM20TOM
OutdoorMaster Shark II Pump
The OutdoorMaster Shark II SUP Air Pump is a powerful, portable, and sleek pump for inflatable SUP boards.
Pros
Cons
OutdoorMaster Shark II specifications
- Speed: stage 1 @ 350LPM, stage 2 @ 70LPM
- Max PSI: 20
- Auto shutoff: yes
- Digital display: yes
- Portability: handle
- Nozzles: 5
- Deflation: yes
- Size: 11.9″ x 9.45″ x 4.84″
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- Powering: 12V cigar lighter
- Warranty: 1 year
The Shark II is very popular among paddleboarders. It is a dependable pump and represents good value for money if you use the discount code below.
Its 1st stage compressor is fast at 350L/min and 2nd stage high PSI compressor for maximum pressure at 70L/min, which is a good value.
It’s easy to use, with an automatic shut-off feature once the desired PSI has been reached.
It was one of the first pumps with an Active Cooling System. This prevents it from overheating so you can enjoy a refreshing drink while inflating up to 3 boards in a row. Try to keep the pump in the shade while inflating though, as it can get very hot in the Sun during pumping.
Loads of nozzle adaptors are included to suit any valve type and deflation is also possible if you’re in a hurry to pack up.
All of these features make this product one of the best on the market today!
OutdoorMaster Shark
Great features at a good price
Best electric pump
If you don’t need to inflate more than 3 SUPs at a time, this pump is a terrific choice. It simply works. The pump has a 1-year warranty for peace of mind as well.
It is the cheapest direct from the manufacturer with this unique 20% coupon code they gave us!
That is the biggest discount I’ve seen on this pump, saving you money!
Special 20% coupon code at checkout!
OM20TOM
Nixy Ventus Pump
The Nixy Ventus SUP Pump is a powerful and versatile inflatable pump that can handle any type of board.
Pros
Cons
Nixy Ventus specifications
- Speed: stage 1 @ 350LPM, stage 2 @ 70LPM
- Max PSI: 20
- Auto shutoff: yes
- Digital display: yes
- Portability: handle
- Nozzles: 7
- Deflation: yes
- Size: 10” (25.4cm) x 8” (20.32cm) x 5” (12.7cm)
- Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
- Powering: 12V cigar lighter, car battery clamps
- Warranty: 1 year
Its best feature is the powerful cooling system Nixy designed for this pump. It can inflate 10+ SUPs in a row! I tested it with 5 boards, you can watch my video review of the Nixy Ventus here.
Granted, not many people will ever need to inflate that many SUPs at one time, but it is still an impressive feat.
The pump has a 10-foot cord, active cooling, seven different nozzles for every type of inflatable out there, and a storage bag to neatly pack it away.
The deflation feature makes it easy to deflate your board after a day out on the water.
You can buy an optional battery pack for the NIXY Ventus pump that can inflate 3 SUPs. This costs an extra $100.
Nixy Ventus Electric Pump
Inflates 10 iSUPs in a row!
Great choice
The Nixy Ventus is a high-quality universal pump that comes with various nozzles, so you can inflate boats, kayaks, SUPs, pool toys, etc. It uses active cooling technology to inflate 10 (or even more) SUPs in succession. No other pump can do that.
Check today’s price on:
Outdoormaster Dolphin Pump
The Outdoormaster Dolphin SUP Pump is the lightest and most compact electric SUP pump on the market.
Pros
Cons
OutdoorMaster Dolphin specifications
- Speed: stage 1 @ 350LPM, stage 2 @ 70LPM
- Max PSI: 20
- Auto shutoff: yes
- Digital display: yes
- Portability: handle
- Nozzles: 5
- Deflation: no
- Size: 10.23″ X 6.29″ X 5.11″
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- Powering: 12V cigar lighter
- Warranty: 1 year
The thing I love most about this pump is its portability. It is tiny compared to any other SUP pump. I keep it in my SUP bag, and it fits perfectly. Other, larger SUP pumps do not. This means that there is 1 less bag I need to have with me, which is nice.
The Outdoormaster Dolphin pump will inflate your SUP to 20 PSI. It has auto-shutoff (as all modern SUP pumps do).
Even though it is tiny, it still pumps at the same speed as the bigger SUP pumps, so there is no compromise in this respect.
This pump does not have a cooling system though, so I don’t think it will be able to fully inflate 2 SUPs without letting it cool down between boards. I only tried it with a single board, and it was perfect. Surprisingly quick actually.
As with most Outdoormaster pumps, the Dolphin is CE certified as well.
OutdoorMaster Dolphin
Small, but powerful
Portable
If you are looking for a small, portable iSUP pump that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, the Dolphin from OutdoorMaster is your best bet. If you are looking for a portable electric pump that you can take anywhere, you need the Whale. Its 6000 mAh battery is powerful enough to pump 3 SUPs to 12 PSI right on the beach.
The Whale is the cheapest direct from Outdoormaster.com with this unique 20% coupon code they gave us!
Special 20% off coupon code at checkout!
OM20TOM
Sevylor Water Sport Pump
The Sevylor Water Sport Pump is an inflatable SUP pump that features a maximum of 15 PSI and is the cheapest of all of the air pumps on this list.
Pros
Cons
Sevylor Water Sport Pump specifications
- Speed: stage 1 @ 350LPM, stage 2 @ 70LPM
- Max PSI: 15
- Auto shutoff: yes
- Digital display: yes
- Portability: handle
- Nozzles: 5
- Deflation: yes
- Size: 7.7″ x 7.36″ x 7.17″
- Weight: 3.48 Pounds
- Powering: 12V cigar lighter
- Warranty: ?
The pump itself has a durable design and is portable, making it easy to transport from one place to another. However, the air hoses supplied are not of the best quality, and will break/leak.
Also, this pump has two inflation nozzles for low and high-pressure inflation for some reason. This is very inconvenient, as you need to change the nozzle in the middle of pumping.
The other downside is that it does not have a deflation feature.
The only reason I included this pump in the list is that it is the lowest-priced SUP pump, but in all honesty, I would avoid it and pay a few more dollars for the Outdoormaster Dolphin above if you are looking for a low-priced iSUP pump.
Are electric pumps better for inflatable SUPs than manual pumps?
Yes, electric pumps are easier to use and quicker than manually pumping your SUP.
- The latest generation of electric pumps take about 8-10 minutes to inflate a SUP, making it much quicker and easier than manually pumping for 10-20 minutes.
- Many electric pumps come with built-in pressure gauges that display the air pressure inside the SUP while inflating it, so you know when the process is done.
- They integrate this with automatic shutoff, so the pump turns off when it reaches a predefined PSI.
- Electric-powered pumps require less labor since feet and arms don’t need to be used to pump, saving your energy for paddling later!
If you’re looking for an easy way to inflate your SUP, then an electric pump is the way to go!
How to Choose the Best Electric Pump for Your iSUP
If you’re looking to inflate your iSUP by yourself, an electric pump is the best way to go.
There are many options on the market, but it’s important to select one that fits your needs and budget so you spend less time struggling with inflating your board and more time enjoying it! The pumps listed by OutdoorMaster and Nixy are all high quality.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when shopping around for an electric iSUP pump:
- Inflation speed – How quickly the pump inflates the SUP is measured in liters per minute or LPM. A higher LPM rate will inflate your board much quicker, so if you’re in a rush this may be the most important factor for you.
- Maximum PSI rating (pounds per square inch) – PSI is the amount of pressure that’s pushing down on your board once it’s inflated. A higher PSI can mean a stiffer board. For most boards, the sweet spot is around 12-15 PSI. However, some inflatable stand-up paddleboards are more rigid and can handle up to 30 PSI.
- Automatic shutoff feature – This is a nice feature to have if you don’t want to overinflate your board. With an automatic shutoff, the pump will stop inflating as soon as the board reaches the desired pressure. All of the pumps on the list above have this feature built-in.
- Digital display – If you want to be able to track the PSI while inflating, look for an electric pump that has a digital display. These are more accurate than old-school analog dial pumps.
- Portability, carry case – Some iSUP pumps have separate cases, making them easy to carry around with their accessories. Other pumps simply have a handle on the body of the pump, so you will have to put them in your iSUP bag, along with their nozzles.
- Nozzles & valve compatibility – Most iSUPs have Halkey Roberts valves, which is a standard nozzle type included with all SUP pumps. However, it’s nice to get more nozzles with the pump, so you can pump air into other inflatables (kayaks, boats, floaties) as well.
- Deflation feature – Even though this isn’t a necessary feature, it’s definitely convenient to have. This allows you to deflate your board and pack it away quicker, than if you would have to squeeze the air out of it yourself. Most electric pumps allow for deflation by connecting the inflation hose to a deflation nozzle.
- Powering the pump – Most electric pumps are powered by AC adapters, 12v cigarette lighter adaptors, or car battery clamps, but some have rechargeable batteries. If you’re looking for portability, it’s nice to be able to power the pump with batteries.
- Warranty – Some manufacturers offer better warranties than others, so it’s always good to check what kind. Do not buy a pump that has less than a 1-year warranty.
When it comes to choosing the best electric pump for your iSUP, there are a few important factors you need to keep in mind. Inflation speed, maximum PSI rating, carrying case, valve compatibility, and automatic shutoff are all key considerations when making your purchase.
All of the pumps on our list have these features, so you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Tips on Using Electric Pumps for iSUPs
- Put your pump onto your SUP while inflating – Electric pumps suck in air from their environment, so you’ll need to make sure that air is free of debris, sand, etc. If your SUP is clean, free of dirt, debris, or sand, you can safely place your pump onto it as it inflates your SUP.
- Do not exceed the PSI limit of your SUP – If you’re inflating your SUP to its recommended PSI limit, it may feel stiff before blowing up completely. Don’t worry! This is totally normal. You can continue pumping until you reach your maximum PSI rating, but do not exceed it. Each SUP will clearly state its working PSI rating.
- Deflating a SUP is easy with an electric pump – When you’re finished paddling, just use the deflate function of your electric pump to suck the air out of your SUP. Your pump will deflate it quicker and more efficiently than you can with your hands and body weight.
- Keep the pump away from water – When you’re not using your electric pump, make sure that it is completely dry before you put it away. Water damage will shorten its lifespan and could potentially damage its inner workings. Air pumps are generally safe for use on inflatable SUPs.
- Avoid overheating your SUP pump – If your pump is overheating during use, you may need to let it rest for a little bit. Overheating damages the internal components of an electric pump, which will shorten its lifespan and could potentially damage the SUP that you’re inflating. Some of the pumps on this list have active cooling, making them safe to use for multiple paddleboards. The ones that do not have a cooling system are generally meant to inflate a single board, with a 20-30 minute pause before using again.
FAQ
Inflatable SUPs are a great way to get out on the water, and with the right air pump, they’re easy to inflate.
Whether you need a compact pump that’s easy to take with you on trips or a powerful one that will quickly inflate your board, this list has something for everyone.