Owning an inflatable stand up paddle board or kayak makes the logistics of transporting and storing your watercraft a lot easier.

BUT it also means you have to inflate and deflate your equipment before and after use.

Most models come with a hand pump that usually works well. However, if you want to get paddling as quickly as possible or save your energy for paddling, you’ll appreciate the convenience of an electric pump.

To help you get the most out of your sport, we’ve reviewed the best electric pumps for inflatable stand up paddle boards and kayaks.

Best Electric Pumps For Inflatables

	OutdoorMaster Shark SUP Air Pump	SereneLife SUP Electric Air Pump	NIXY Ventus SUP Board Electric Pump
Pressure Range:	1 - 20 PSI	1 – 16 PSI	1 – 20 PSI
Power Source:	12V vehicle accessory socket	12V vehicle accessory socket, rechargeable LiON Battery	12V vehicle accessory socket, battery cables w/clips
Connectors:	H3 and all common valve adapters	H3	H3 and 7 valve adapters
Auto Shutoff:	Yes	Yes	Yes

For more of my paddle board recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Inflatable Paddle Boards, Inflatable Kayaks, SUP Paddles.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Electric Pumps For iSUPs & Kayaks

1. OutdoorMaster Shark SUP Air Pump
2. SereneLife Rechargeable SUP Electric Air Pump
3. NIXY Ventus Inflatable SUP Board Electric Pump
4. Sevylor 12 Volt 15 PSI SUP and Water Sport Pump
5. Furein 12 Volt 20 PSI Electric Air Pump
6. Sea Eagle BTP Mano Two Stage Electric Turbo Pump
7. Kwik Tek Airhead AHP-120 Hi Pressure Air Pump

Our reviews of the top rated inflatable electric pumps with a comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose a pump for you.

Inflatable Electric Pump Reviews

#1 OutdoorMaster Shark SUP Air Pump

The Shark inflatable pump is a sleek, lightweight solution to make inflating your SUP or kayak fast and easy. The two stage pump will inflate your SUP in minutes up to 20PSI.

It’s small and thin enough to fit in many storage pockets on iSUP carry backpacks and if not, it should fit inside it the main compartment.

The Shark is easy to use, just plug it into your vehicle’s accessory outlet and power it on. Set the desired pressure on the digital display, connect the hose to your SUP and let the Shark go to work!

If you don’t have a car or going where you won’t have access to one, check out these power stations to plug it into.

You can see me trying out the Outdoor Master Shark electric pump here:

It shuts off automatically at the pressure you set, so there is no danger of damaging your SUP. If you are inflating something other than a SUP, one of the extra nozzles will most likely work so it’s a versatile pump.

If you want to use the pump to deflate your SUP, the Shark has a deflation connector. Many SUP pumps will overheat and need to cool off after inflating only one or two SUPs but the Shark will inflate up to four!

As an added safety feature, the Shark has a built in fuse to protect it from a power surge. If you want a sleek, lightweight pump, the Shark is a good solution!

#2 SereneLife Rechargeable SUP Electric Air Pump

The SereneLife is the only pump on our list that has a built in 12V LI-ION, 6000mAh rechargeable battery for the ultimate in portability. It also works off your vehicles accessory outlet for convenience and charges the battery.

For about $130 you get a pump that has some impressive features. Just set the desired pressure on the digital display and let the SereneLife go to work. The auto-shutoff stops the pump so you don’t have to watch it.

Should you need some extra light, the SereneLife has built in lights you help you see what you are doing.

It’s not as thin as some of the other pumps on our list, so it probably won’t fit in a storage pocket. It should fit inside your SUP carrier bag however. It has a convenient carry bag if it doesn’t.

The rechargeable battery will last up to 6 hours giving you over 20 times you can inflate your paddle board!

#3 NIXY Ventus Inflatable SUP Board Electric Pump

The NIXY Ventus dual stage electric air pump is a reliable, high speed pump that will work with just about any inflatable SUP, kayak, pool etc.

The iSUP electric pump will plug into the accessory outlet of your vehicle or you can use the battery cables with alligator clips to connect to a 12V battery.

The Ventus can inflate watercraft up to 20 PSI and will 5-10 minutes to fill a regular iSUP with air. A digital pressure gauge informs you of pumping progress and you can set a PSI value as a target.

The pump will shut off once the desired pressure is reached. One thing that sets the NIXY Ventus apart is the cooling system that allows you to inflate multiple iSUPs, kayaks or large inflatable boats.

Most other pumps will overheat after one or two SUPs but not the Ventus!

Compatibility with Halkey-Roberts and Bravo valves means you can use the Ventus pump with any SUP or kayak on the market. A total of 7 valve adapters let it work with other inflatables as well.

The pump is made from marine grade ABS and nylon materials and is specifically designed to withstand salt water corrosion.

For easy transport, the pump has a built in handle plus it comes with a storage bag to store the pump, hose and valves so they don’t get lost.

If you don’t have a car, or will be paddle boarding where you won’t have access to one, NIXY has an optional battery pack.

#4 Furein Electric Air Pump

The Furein Electric Air Pump is not just for their model iSUPs. The hose adapter and attachments are compatible with any inflatable SUP or Kayak.

It can also be used with all other watercraft that fit this nozzle. Universal adapters for other valves are available on the market but are not included.

The Furein Electric Air Pump works reliably at a speed of roughly 2 PSI per minute and will fill a regular SUP board with air in under 10 minutes.

Once you turn it on it will sound similar to a vacuum cleaner but once it fills the SUP or Kayak to about 1 PSI the 2^nd stage compressor kicks in and you will notice a complete difference in sound and that’s normal.

It can inflate watercraft up to 20 PSI, making it suitable for kayaks or other large hull inflatables as well. A great feature of this pump is the deflate function, allowing you to do other things while it’s deflating.

It takes around 4 minutes to let the air out of a SUP using the pump. This pump can plug into the cigarette lighter of your car or connect it to a 12V battery with the included alligator clips.

The Furein Electric Air Pump is the best sup pump that works with any SUP or kayak on the market and makes inflating your iSUP a pleasure!

#5 Sevylor 12 Volt 15 PSI SUP and Water Sport Pump

The Sevylor SUP and water sport electric pump offers great value at a reasonable price. Its powerful performance allows you to inflate a large SUP in less than 8 minutes.

For your convenience, you can select among PSI, KPA or mbar on the integrated LCD pressure gauge to set a target pressure value and the electric pump will shut off automatically.

It can inflate watercraft up to 15 PSI. The pump simply plugs into the cigarette lighter outlet of your car, but also features a slot for a 12V battery.

The manufacturer includes adapters for Double Lock, Mini Double Lock, Boston and pinch valves, which makes this model practically compatible with nearly all inflatable SUP boards and a wide range of other watercraft.

Two types of extension hose are also included: a durable hose with high-pressure valve fitting for reliable inflation, and a low-pressure hose.

The pump’s great price, high power and valve adapters make it a great electric pump for inflatable SUPs and kayaks.

#6 Sea Eagle BTP Mano Two Stage Electric Turbo Pump

The Sea Eagle BTP Mano electric pump is a well-engineered high performance model specifically designed for products with high air volume requirements such as SUPS and kayaks.

Depending on the size and required PSI of your board, it can inflate your gear in around two minutes. The pump connects to a 12V battery with two alligator clips and a cable that is 8 1/2 feet long.

For maximum speed and convenience, the pump has two stages, a high turbine blower first to quickly fill up your inflatable watercraft with air.

Stage two consists of a high pressure piston for filling up to the required PSI value.

The included safety feature allows you to set a target PSI value and the pump will automatically shut off. For maximum compatibility, the pump features a standard valve and comes with a wide range of adapters.

Combined with the safety feature, this means you can inflate SUPs and kayaks, but also an air mattress or other water toys. A full 12V battery charge is enough to inflate a large watercraft several times over.

The Sea Eagle BTP Mano electric pump comes with a bag and a 6-feet hose. Its compatibility and high performance makes it the best air pump for inflatable SUPs and kayak owners who use their gear on a regular basis.

One thing to note about this pump is you cannot connect it to a cigarette lighter plug or power outlet in your vehicle. If you are not going to use your vehicle battery, you will need to purchase a 12V battery.

The ExpertPower 12V is a good choice and I would get a trickle charger as well like the Schumacher SEM-1562A Battery Maintainer.

#7 Kwik Tek Airhead AHP-120HP Hi Pressure Air Pump

The Kwik Tek Airhead AHP-120HP electric air pump features a different approach. It connects to a regular 120V DC power outlet and therefore has the fastest pumping speed, blowing about 460 liters of air per minute.

It is compatible with a wide range of watercraft, including ISUPS, kayaks and inflatable boats.

Thanks to a pressure relief valve, you can limit inflation to about 1.5 PSI to avoid over-inflation of smaller equipment and pool toys.

This electric pump ranges up to 20 PSI and can be hooked up to a ball pit or air castle as well. However, it lacks a pressure gauge and automatic shut-off.

You will need to pay attention as it doesn’t shut off at a target PSI and runs off 120v only. If you want to run this pump at the water’s edge, you also need to purchase a power inverter which is able to deliver at least 800W.

The very reasonable price of the pump still makes this a viable option for portable pumping. The Kwik Tek Airhead electric pump is a great choice if you plan on using a wall outlet or need to emphasize high pressure and high-speed inflation.

Electric Inflatable Pump Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Electric Pump for Inflatables

Are you ready to switch from a hand pump to an electric pump for inflating your SUP or kayak? We’ll explain the key features you need to know about in order to make an informed decision and choose the right electric pump for your needs.

• What Model is Right For You?
• Compatibility
• Functionality
• Power Source
• Pressure Gauge & Auto Shut-Off
• Pressure Range
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What Model is Right For You?

The right electric pump for you should be compatible with all your inflatable watercraft. You therefore need to pay attention to the pump’s valves and possible adapters that come with it.

In terms of functionality, look at the PSI range the pump covers, if it has one or two stages and if it has a safety feature to avoid over-inflating your gear.

The power details will tell you with what kind of power sources the pump works and how quickly it can get the job done. After our top selection of electric pumps for ISUPs and kayaks, we’ll give you more tips on how to choose.

Compatibility

In order to get the most out of an electric pump, it should be compatible with your inflatable stand up paddle board and ideally other watercraft you want to inflate with it as well.

This typically comes down to valves and adapters. A very common valve on ISUPs is a Halkey-Roberts valve, H3, HR or H-valve for short. They can hold a very high pressure and can relatively easy be replaced and serviced.

A similar design is the military valve. Other gear might feature a Leafield, Boston, Pinch, Double Lock or Bravo valve. High pressure watercraft will feature a HR or military valve.

The approach to solving the valve dilemma is to get a pump that matches our SUP or kayak and then make sure you have or get all the necessary adapters for the rest of your equipment.

Functionality

Electric pumps come with either one or two stages. A one-stage model will simply blow air into the watercraft until the desired pressure is achieved. The speed here will vary, depending on how powerful the pump is.

The approach of a two-stage pump is to first inflate at a high volume and then increase the pressure ratio in the second stage to reduce overall inflation time.

Keep in mind that more powerful pumps will be noisier. Of the reviewed models, The Kwik Tek Airhead pump is the fastest but requires a DC power outlet.

A useful feature is the option to reverse the airflow to deflate a watercraft. Among our selection, only the Tower Paddle board pump has that possibility.

Power Source

Most manufacturers assume you will transport your paddle board or kayak by car and design their pumps accordingly. These electric pumps either connect to the cigarette lighter plug or directly to your car battery.

Some feature a direct connection to a 12V battery or have the option of an external battery pack. Only one model is designed to connect to a regular power outlet.

If you’re worried about power consumption and draining your car battery, keep the engine running when inflating your watercraft. In many cases, this will increase the output and improve the pumping speed.

Pressure Gauge & Auto Shut-Off

With a built-in pressure gauge, you can follow the progress of inflating your SUP or kayak. Pressure gauges can be analog in the form of a dial or needle, or digital with an LCD.

Nearly all models combine this with a safety feature where you can input a target PSI and the pump will shut off automatically. This allows safe unsupervised inflation.

The Kwik Tek Airhead model does not include this feature but comes with a safety pressure valve instead that when used limits the target pressure to 1.5 PSI.

Pressure Range

Check the manual of your inflatable watercraft for the recommended pressure for your gear, then make sure you pick a pump that can deliver as much. Pressure is measured in pound per square inch, or PSI for short.

Most iSUP manufacturers will recommend a value between 10 and 15 PSI. Large hull watercraft and ball pits or air castles can require a greater PSI value.

The Kwik Tek Airhead, the Tower Paddle Board pump and the Seamax electric air pump can deliver up to 20 PSI, whereas the other two models top out at 15 PSI.

Misc Features

Let’s look at a few more features you may want to consider:

Hose & Power Cord Length

One thing you will notice is that pumps come with a variety of different lengths. If you plan on using the accessory outlet, measure the distance from it to the ground outside your car dor and verifty that the pump you are looking at will reach comfortably.

Carry Bag

If you don’t have room inside your SUP or kayak carry bag, make sure the pump comes with a carry bag. This will keep you from losing parts and make it easier to transport. Also look for a shoulder strap so you have your hands free.

Inflation Speed

If you are just pumping up one SUP, inflation speed may not be a critical issue. However if you are inflating several, look for a pump that has a high CFM or cubic feet per minute rating.

Noise

Lastly, noise may be an issue if you are in a quiet park and don’t want to scare off the wildlife before you have a chance to view it from your SUP or kayak.

FAQs: Electric Pumps for iSUPs and Kayaks

Q: How long does an electric pump take to inflate a stand up paddle board?

A: The speed varies with models as there are differences in size and requires pressure for SUPs as well as electric pumps with a higher performance.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect an electric pump to deliver 1 PSI per minute. With most electric pumps, inflating a SUP is a matter of 5 to 10 minutes. Using a hand pump will generally take you around 10 to 20 minutes. Not only does it take longer but getting the last PSI into the board is quite difficult.

Q: Can I over-inflate my watercraft with an electric pump?

A: In theory, it’s possible to force too much air into an inflatable kayak or iSUP that exceeds the maximum capacity. The result could be a rupture or other permanent structural damage to the watercraft. However, the maximum capacity beyond which it is safe to inflate the equipment is far greater than the operational pressure.

In addition, electric pumps not only feature a gauge to keep track of pressure, you can also set the desired PSI and the equipment will shut off automatically. Electric pumps are safe to use to inflate high pressure gear because safety issues begin to occur only at values greater than the pumps can deliver.

Over-inflation is more an issue with low pressure items such as pool toys and other inflatables. Make sure you use the safety feature to inflate these.

Q: To what PSI should I inflate my SUP board?

A: For any inflatable watercraft such as a kayak or a stand up paddle board, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as values can vary. In the manual, you will find a PSI range at which you should operate your equipment.

For SUP boards, it’s generally in the range between 10 and 15 PSI. The absolute maximum capacity is higher and can be around 25 PSI. Beyond a value of around 15 PSI, you won’t notice any significant increase in the board’s rigidity or performance in the water.

Q: What is the advantage of using an electric pump?

A: Electric pumps are primarily a timesaver: when you ride your board a lot and have to deflate it every time for storage or transport, those extra minutes it takes you to inflate with a hand pump surely add up.

If you paddle or ride with friends and family, an electric pump can make a difference of being in the water within minutes or only after half an hour or more.

With the option to deflate your watercraft that some pumps have, you can also save time at the end of the day. You will also notice that initially, inflating with a hand pump is easy, but as you reach those last necessary PSI, the resistance becomes quite high, making it a strenuous activity.

Q: Can I use an electric pump to deflate an inflatable watercraft?

A: That depends entirely on the model. Some manufacturers include a deflate or reverse option which quickly extracts the air from an inflatable kayak or stand up paddle board. This feature allows you to save time and helps you tightly fold up your equipment.

Q: Should I store my SUP inflated or deflated?

A: The short answer is that you can store your SUP inflated or deflated. It is best to follow recommendations from the watercraft’s manufacturer.

Ideally, rinse off your board after every use and dry it completely before storing it indoors with about 5 PSI of inflation so it remains fully unrolled. Always store your gear in a dry cool place away from exposure to heat and the elements. However, one of the great advantages of an inflatable SUP is the ability to transport and store it in a more compact form.

Conclusion

A high power electric pump is a convenient and versatile piece of equipment that you will definitely appreciate if you use your inflatable SUP regularly or have other watercraft and gear to fill with air as well.

Many users choose inflatable equipment because it makes transportation and storage less of a hassle. Combined with an electric pump, you will find that an inflatable stand up paddle board or kayak is an easy-to-use solution that gets you onto the water quickly and reliably.

How We Researched

To come up with the top inflatable SUP & paddle board electric pumps, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Dicks Sporting Goods, West Marine and Backcountry along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The author, Richard Remick has been an avid paddle boarder for over 10 years.

To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from paddle board instructors, and rental shops.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources