As new electric SUP pumps hit the market, I continually test and evaluate them to keep this guide up to date. The recommendations below reflect the latest and best-performing pumps for inflatable stand-up paddle boards.
Are you tired of manually pumping your paddle board up to 15 PSI? You’re not alone. Few things are more frustrating than working up a sweat before you’ve even launched your board.
I’ve tested a wide range of electric SUP pumps over the years. I’ve learned that not all of them are created equal and they can differ significantly in:
- inflation speed
- maximum pressure
- noise level
- portability
- and overall value.
Not long ago, there were very few quality electric SUP pumps to choose from. Fortunately, as stand-up paddleboarding has become more popular, manufacturers have stepped up their game.
Today, there are excellent options available for every budget, making it easier than ever to spend less time inflating your board and more time enjoying the water.
I have done extensive research on these pumps and used them myself many times over.
They not only work great for the majority of inflatable paddle boards but they can also be used for inflating inflatable kayaks, inflatable boats, inflatable mattresses, inflatable tents, inflatable pools and other inflatable gear.
Each of these pumps have pros and cons and fall into different price range categories so you can choose one that fits your needs and your budget best.
| Brand/Model: | Outdoormaster Shark | Outdoormaster Dolphin | Outdoormaster Shark 3 |
| Photo: |  |  |  |
| Power Source: | 12V DC Connector | 12V DC Connector | 12V DC Connector & Built-In Rechargeable Battery |
| Max PSI: | 20 PSI | 20 PSI | 20 PSI |
| Auto Off: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inflate & Deflate: | Yes | Inflate Only | Yes |
| Speed: | Just over 7 minutes to inflate average size SUP | 10-12 minutes to inflate average size SUP | 3-5 minutes to inflate average size SUP |
| Noice Decibels: | 83 to 85db | 80db | 80db average |
| Size: | 11"L x 10"W x 4.5"D | 10.2″L x 6.7″W x 6.6″D | 13.8″L × 7.5″W × 7.0″D |
| Weight: | 3.6 lbs. | 2.93 lbs. | 6.4 lbs. |
| Tesla Compatible: | With workarounds | No | Yes |
| Price Range: | $$ | $ | $$$ |
| Best Deal: | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Most Common Types Of Electric Pumps For Paddle Boards
The most common types of electric pumps used with inflatable SUP’s are:
- 12V pumps that connect directly to your car battery with alligator clips
- 12V pumps that connect to an external battery pack
- 12V pumps that have an integrated rechargeable battery
- pumps that connect to the 12V connection in your vehicle
- air compressors (not recommended)
I’ll save you some time right from the start—an air compressor is one of the worst options for inflating a paddle board.
Without the proper adapter, it won’t even connect securely to your board’s valve. But even if you have the correct adapter, most air compressors are extremely slow at inflating an inflatable SUP to its recommended pressure.
I’ve tested this approach multiple times, hoping for better results, but it has consistently been disappointing. In my experience, it’s simply not worth the hassle.
Instead, choose a pump that’s specifically designed for high-pressure inflatable paddle boards and boats. These pumps are faster, more reliable, and capable of easily inflating your board to the recommended PSI. The models below are the ones I recommend.
1. OUTDOORMASTER SHARK II 12V ELECTRIC PUMP
I’ve been using the Shark II electric pump for several years, and it has never let me down. While newer models with extra features have come and gone, the Shark II has remained my go-to pump thanks to its consistent performance and reliability.
Outdoormaster has done an excellent job with the Shark II, combining impressive power with a practical, user-friendly design. Better yet, it’s priced in the sweet spot—offering premium performance without the premium price tag.
Where To Find The Best Deal
For the best deal and free shipping to the US and Canada for the Shark II electric pump go to Outdoormaster.com.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
This 12V electric pump has some great features as well.
5 Valve Attachments
The attachment you need for most inflatable SUP’s is the H3 valve attachment. I have used the Shark II with about a dozen different SUP brands and it has worked perfectly with all of them.
However it also comes with more attachments such as for a:
- Boston valve
- C7 valve
- Pinch valve
- 805 Valve
With all of these attachments it also works great for inflating inflatable kayaks or canoes, dinghies, air mattresses and other inflatable products.
It also comes with four different sized gaskets (the white rubber rings) to ensure a tight seal when inflating your board.
Plugs Into 12V DC Car Connector
The Shark pump very easily plugs into the 12V accessory socket in your vehicle.
The power cord is 9′ long making it easy to reach the plug and the board.
Kink Free Hose
The 4′ kink-free hose is really easy to secure to the pump and doesn’t get kinked as some other flimsy hoses can.
Digital Display With Auto Shutoff
It has a digital display that is easy to read. There is no guessing at what PSI level you are at as you can see the progress on the display.
Once you set the PSI level it will automatically shut off when it reaches the set air pressure.
Lightweight
This pump is also one of the lightest options weighing only 3.6 lbs. and it is very easy to carry with the built-in carry handle.
It doesn’t come with a carry bag, which is unfortunate but I just keep mine in a canvas bag and keep it in my larger SUP gear mesh duffle bag.
Does Not Overheat
Most of the electric pumps for SUP’s on the market have a reputation for eventually overheating especially if you are inflating more than one board at a time.
This is not the case with the Shark II pump. It has a built in automatic cooling system that cools the pump down as it is working hard even when inflating multiple boards.
I regularly use mine to inflate 2-3 boards in one go and it’s still going strong. This has been a huge improvement over previous pumps that I have used in the past.
Can Inflate Up To 20 PSI
Many of the newer electric pumps for inflatable SUP’s can inflate up to 20 PSI. However this was not the case in the past.
Typically I only inflate my boards to 12-15 PSI however it’s nice to have the option to go higher if needed.
Inflate & Deflate
I love that not only does this pump inflate your board but it can also deflate it as well.
I never used to use the deflate option but lately I have because it really helps to get all of the air out of my boards making it easier to roll them up and store them away in their backpacks properly.
Noise
Noise level isn’t bad, similar to the other electric pumps on this list. None of them are whisper quiet. 😉
Speed
Although the inflation speed will depend on the size of your paddle board, I find on average it takes me 7-8 minutes to inflate my board with the Shark II pump, which is quite good compared to many others on the market.
Warranty
When purchased from Outdoormaster.com it comes with a full 2-year warranty.
Review
For more information, pictures and video please click the link below for my full detailed review.
Click Here For My Full Review Of The Shark II Electric Pump.
2. OUTDOORMASTER DOLPHIN ELECTRIC SUP PUMP
The Dolphin is a little smaller, a little lighter, a little slower to inflate but also priced extremely well. If you’re not in a rush and okay with your pump taking a few minutes longer to inflate your paddle board, the Dolphin is a fantastic pump to consider.
Key Features
The Outdoormaster Dolphin includes everything most paddlers need for reliable inflation.
- Maximum pressure of 20 PSI
- Two-stage inflation system for faster pumping
- Automatic shut-off at the selected pressure
- Bright digital LCD pressure display
- Simple push-button controls
- 12V DC vehicle power connection
- Multiple valve adapters for various inflatables
- Built-in cooling system for inflating multiple boards consecutively
- Compact, lightweight design that’s easy to transport
These features make it suitable for inflatable paddle boards, inflatable kayaks, docks, air mats, and many other high-pressure inflatables.
Inflation Performance
The pump uses a two-stage motor that automatically switches between high-volume and high-pressure modes. During the first stage, it quickly fills your paddle board with a large volume of air. Once internal pressure begins to build, it automatically changes to the second stage, allowing it to efficiently reach higher PSI levels.
Most inflatable paddle boards inflate in approximately 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the board and your target pressure.
One of my favorite features is the automatic shut-off. Simply select your desired PSI, press Start, and the pump takes care of everything. There’s no need to monitor it while you organize the rest of your gear.
Ease of Use
The digital controls are intuitive, and the pressure can be adjusted in small increments for accurate inflation. The LCD display remains easy to read even in bright daylight, making setup quick and hassle-free.
The included hose connects securely to Halkey-Roberts valves found on most inflatable paddle boards, and the additional adapters increase its versatility for other inflatable equipment.
Because the pump is relatively compact and lightweight, it fits easily inside a SUP backpack or the trunk of your vehicle without taking up much space.
Where To Find The Best Deal
Go to Outdoormaster.com for the best deal and free shipping within the US and Canada.
Pros
- Powerful two-stage inflation
- Automatic shut-off once set PSI level is reached
- Can inflates up to 20 PSI
- Easy to operate
- Compact and portable
- Durable construction
- Excellent value for the money
Cons
- Requires a 12V power source
- Louder during the high-pressure stage
- Slightly slower than premium electric pumps
The overall value that the Dolphin pump offers is excellent. It’s not the fastest and most powerful pump out there but it still performs well, is super light and portable and has many helpful features.
Warranty
When purchased from Outdoormaster.com the Dolphin electric pump comes with a full 2-year warranty.
Full Review
Click here to read our full review of the Dolphin electric pump for inflatable paddle boards.
3. OUTDOORMASTER SHARK 3 RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC PUMP
If you’re looking for one of the best electric pumps for inflatable paddle boards, the Outdoormaster Shark 3 Electric Pump deserves a close look. Designed specifically for high-pressure inflatable SUPs, this upgraded pump combines:
- fast inflation
- intelligent features
- and impressive portability into one compact package.
Compared to previous Shark models, the Shark 3 introduces several welcome improvements, including a rechargeable battery option, faster inflation, and a more user-friendly digital interface.
Key Features
The Outdoormaster Shark 3 includes several features that make it a practical choice for those who spend a lot of time on the water.
- Maximum pressure of 20 PSI
- Powerful two-stage inflation system
- Rechargeable lithium battery for cordless operation
- 12V vehicle power compatibility
- Automatic shut-off at your selected PSI
- Large digital LCD display
- Simple push-button controls
- Multiple valve adapters included
- Compact, lightweight design
- Built-in cooling system for inflating multiple boards
Inflation Performance
Performance is where the Shark 3 really stands out.
The pump uses a two-stage motor that begins with a high-volume airflow to quickly fill your board before automatically switching to a high-pressure compressor. This helps reduce overall inflation time while still reaching pressures up to 20 PSI with ease.
Most inflatable paddle boards can be inflated in 4 minutes or less depending on the board’s size and target pressure. It’s the fastest pump I have tried and couldn’t believe how quickly it inflated my board.
If you are inflating multiple paddle boards the faster performance is a huge plus.
Cordless Convenience
One of the biggest upgrades on the Shark 3 is its rechargeable battery.
Unlike traditional 12V-only pumps, the Shark 3 can be used away from your vehicle, making it ideal for locations where parking isn’t close to the water.
The cordless design is especially useful for:
- Beach launches
- Remote lakes
- Campgrounds
- Boat docks
- Multi-board family outings
When needed, you can also power the pump using a standard 12V vehicle outlet, giving you additional flexibility.
Ease of Use
The digital display is bright and easy to read, while the controls are straightforward enough that anyone can operate the pump within minutes.
Set the desired PSI level and the pump will shut off automatically once reached so no need to stand and watch the progress.
Where To Find The Best Deal
Go to Ourdoormaster.com for the best deal and free shipping in Canada and the US for the Shark 3 electric pump.
Pros
- Extremely fast two-stage inflation
- Cordless rechargeable battery
- Inflate up to 6 boards with one charge
- 12V vehicle power compatibility
- Automatic shut-off
- Inflates up to 20 PSI
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Quieter performance than other electric pumps of similar power
- Fairly compact and portable
- Can inflate multiple types of inflatables
- Excellent overall convenience
Cons
While the Shark 3 performs very well, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Premium price compared to entry-level electric pumps
- Rechargeable battery adds a little extra weight
- Battery should be kept charged for maximum performance
Bottom Line
The Outdoormaster Shark 3 Electric Pump is one of the most versatile electric SUP pumps currently available.
Its combination of fast inflation, cordless convenience, automatic shut-off, and reliable performance makes it an outstanding choice for paddlers who want to spend less time pumping and more time on the water.
Although it costs more than basic electric pumps, the added convenience of the rechargeable battery and dual power options makes it well worth the investment for paddlers who inflate their boards regularly.
Warranty
When purchased directly from Outdoormaster.com the Shark 3 pump comes with a full 2-year warranty.
Review
Click here to read our full review on the Shark 3 electric pump for inflatable SUP’s.
DO I NEED AN ELECTRIC PUMP?
If you are already searching for one then chances are you have decided life would be easier with an electric pump doing the work of inflating your board for you.
I tend to agree. Although the dual action hand pumps that come with most inflatable paddle boards work quite well, they do take a bit of effort to reach 12-15 PSI.
With steady pumping I can normally inflate my board in 6 to 7 minutes with a hand pump.
However if I have to pump up a second board I’m much slower as my muscles get tired.
INFLATION SPEED
A good electric pump will allow you to conserve your energy for the real fun on the water.
Not all electric pumps are that great. In fact I have tried some that are painfully slow. I have found the range in time to vary between 5 minutes and 14 minutes depending on the pump – Big difference!
The three pumps listed above are the fastest I have tried. They take anywhere from 6 to just over 9 minutes to inflate each board.
I will often use the hand pumps when reviewing a new board so I can test out the pump and see how well it works. Therefore I manually inflate a LOT of boards.
However for my personal outings I always use an electric pump, especially when not alone and there are two or more boards to inflate.
I am definitely not lazy by nature but once I started using an electric pump it was hard to go back to manually pumping (especially in the heat of the summer!).
In my opinion an electric pump is well worth the purchase.
PRICING & DEALS
I have found that the SUP electric pumps sell out every year and sometimes you have to wait mid summer for them to be restocked. They are extremely popular.
I get a lot of emails from people asking where to find one when they seem to be out of stock everywhere. My advice is to grab one when you see it.
The prices tend to fluctuate so if you see one for a good price grab it when you can and watch for those sales!
SUMMARY
If you need/want an electric pump for your inflatable stand up paddle board, these are the best options at this time.
I continue to use these pumps regularly with all my boards reviews and they are a HUGE help.
Thanks for reading!! Any questions feel free to drop them below and I will do my best to answer.
Whale ISUP Electric Pump With Rechargeable Battery Review
NIXY 12-Volt 20 PSI Electric Pump Review
NIXY Ventus Universal Electric Pump Review
BTP 2-Stage Electric Pump for ISUP’s Review
RE web article: 2023 Best Electric Pumps For Inflatable Paddle Boards
Outdoormaster Shark II
Power Source: 12V DC Connector Max PSI: 20 PSI Auto Off: Yes Best Deal:
Outdoormaster.com Use discount code ISUPWORLD20OM for 20% off.
NIXY Ventus
Power Source: 12V DC Connector, Car Battery or Optional Battery Pack (Costs Extra) Max PSI: 20 PSI Auto Off: Yes Best Deal:
NIXYsports.com
Outdoormaster Whale
Power Source: Integrated Rechargeable Battery or 12V DC Connector Max PSI: 16 PSI Auto Off: Yes Best Deal: Outdoormaster.com
Use discount code ISUPWORLD20OM for 20% off.
I’m 70 retired and bought 2 Sea Eagle 370 Inflatable Kayaks for my wife and I and the grandkids.
What best options do you have for an electric/battery air pump that will inflate & deflate two SE 370 kayaks?
Taking into consideration the fitting of the valve connection too.
Thanks! Ric Barnes, Ft. Wayne IN.
Hi Alison, I am currently researching rechargeable electric SUP pumps and have found two sold here in Canada but other than from the companies that sell them I can’t seem to find out any other information and was wondering if you could help.
The first one I found is by a company in BC called ‘Sea God’ https://seagods.ca/products/battery-electric-sup-pump
And the second one is also by a company in BC called ‘Premier Paddle Boards https://premierpaddleboards.ca/collections/accessories/products/rechargeable-isup-pump
Have you come across either of these two types of pumps?
Any help is most appreciated.
Hi Patricia, Sorry for my late response. I haven’t tried either of those. The Premier Paddle Boards one is a common one that is sold by a few different companies so I believe I have tried something similar and didn’t love it however I’m not sure about the one from Sea Gods. Check out the Outdoormaster Shark II electric pump sold at Hero SUP in Vancouver, BC. That’s the one I have been using for the last couple years and it’s been awesome. I know they ship free anywhere in Canada as well. Cheers.
Hi. I purchased the Shark a few weeks ago, and I haven’t been able to get it to inflate my SUP beyond about 5 PSI after about 20 minutes. Any idea what I might be doing wrong?
Hi Kristin, It’s possible the hose has come loose from the back connection on the pump. Mine came loose a couple times and it was losing air. Check that the hose connection is screwed on properly and see if that helps.
Thank you. I’ll check that out.
Hi Allison,
Can you tell me if the Outdoor master pump connects to NRS board. I can’t seem to find specific info on this. Thanks.
Hi Holly, Yes I’m fairly sure it does. I haven’t tried it on an NRS board yet but it should work with the Leafield valve that NRS uses.
Hi Allison,
Playing the “Inflation Game” was fun for a little while, by best time was 8 mins from in the bag. Now I’m a year older, my arms are tired, and there are more boards to inflate. Have you timed inflation with the various pumps? How long does the Shark and the BP take to inflate your favorite board? I’m looking for something to inflate my Thurso Waterwalker 10’6 in under 10 mins. Is there such a thing?
Thanks for all the reviews.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I didn’t mind manually pumping for awhile but it gets tiresome especially if inflating more than one board. 🙂
To inflate an 11’2″x31″ board the Shark pump takes 7 minutes and 22 seconds. The BTP Mano pump is very similar in time, the BP12 is slightly slower.
For the Waterwalker 10’6″ it should even be slightly faster to inflate. I’m actually taking my 10’6″ WW out on Wednesday, I’ll double check the time for you.
Honestly the Shark pump is the way to go. It’s the best electric pump I’ve tried.
Thanks for the information, I just pre-ordered the Shark from Herosup.ca. It’s on their website now, and are offering 10% off for pre-orders. It came to $160.65 CDN including tax and shipping, very reasonable! I can’t wait to ditch the hand pump and save my energy for paddling.
Oh that’s awesome! Yes totally agree, SO much easier with the electric pump! 🙂
Hi Allison,
first of all thanks for all your work on this website it certainly has helped me on my isup journey. I know this doesn’t fit the original post about electric pumps (which is definitely the only bad thing about isups), but have you ever tried one of those easy eddy boards (easyeddypaddleboards.com)?
Thanks Jeorge, that’s really nice to hear! I’ve heard of the easy eddy boards but haven’t had a chance to try them. They look really cool, although pricey. Plus they seem to be quite heavy. If you end up trying one I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
Hi Guys-
Do you have any advice for what type of 12v battery to buy for these pumps? I got the iRocker pump but it blew the fuse in my car so I’d like to get a rechargeable 12v for back up. They come with a lot of different specs and prices so I can’t tell which one I need.
Thanks,
Keeley
If the pump has alligator clips I think any basic 12V rechargeable battery should do the trick.
It does have the alligator clips, but i’m still at a loss to know which 12V battery to get>!? 4.5aH – 8aH seem available.. prices ranging from $20-80?! any advice?
Hi Serge,
I am looking for a chargeable battery-operated pump suitable for an IK.Are there any on the market? Or are there any fittings that can be added to a universale chargeable battery operated pump such as a bicycle pump from Ryobi or Dewalt.
Thanks
Liat
Hi Liat, The only chargeable electric pump I know of that works for inflatable kayaks is this one. I don’t know of any other options unfortunately.
Thank you for the reviews. I just order the Outdoormaster Shark 12V. Thank you for the coupon code too! It saved me a lot of money using that and going through your link compared to Amazon’s current price.
Awesome, thanks Marci! It’s a great pump, best one I’ve tried. Happy paddling!!
Hi,
Thank you for the SUP pumps review and recommendations!
I was looking to get a Seamax pump as the only Amazon’s Choice on Canadian Amazon. But then I read some reviews, and many users complained about low durability, overheating, pressure losses, and breakdowns. One customer even took his broken pump apart just to find out that the piston seal had melted, and both the piston and the cylinder were made of plastic, and both scored/melted. I am just wondering if you checked the materials the cylinder/piston pair is made of in the pumps in your review. In general, could you please share your experience with pump breakdowns due to overheating?
Thanks.
Hi Serge, Unfortunately overheating and melted piston seals are not an uncommon problem with electric pumps for SUP’s. I had several Bravo electric pumps burnout in one year a while back, it drove me crazy. Mind you I used them A LOT but still it felt like a waste of money. I still use them sometimes and they seem to be a little more durable than they were a few years back, I haven’t had any burnout in a while.
I don’t personally like the Seamax pump and I know it’s literally one of the only options in Canada at the moment. It’s quite slow and I also have heard of so many issues with it.
If you can hang on for a month I heard that http://www.herosup.ca in Canada is going to be selling the OutdoorMaster Shark electric pump as of the beginning of August. This one has a built in cooling system and claims to be able to inflate up to 3 boards in a row with no overheating. I’ve been testing it and so far it’s fantastic and I really like it. Mine hasn’t gotten hot at all whereas the other electric pumps often get really hot to the touch. I’ve been waiting for a better option to what’s already out there and I’m hoping this one is the answer.
Hi Allison,
Sorry for the delay with the reply.
Thank you very much for the invaluable advice! After extensive research and your recommendations I was able to get an OutdoorMaster Shark II pump directly from the manufacturer. They shipped it directly from China to Canada via DHL, and the package arrived within 3 or 4 days. And, most importantly, the price was very reasonable. Before trying the manufacturer directly, I contacted herosup.ca, and they confirmed that they would be selling this model within a month. But I got it much quicker, and I am happy. 🙂 I have not tried the pump yet. Still waiting for my iSUP to arrive. Hopefully, I will be able to enjoy it within the next day or two.
Thank you again!
Hi Serge, That’s awesome! I’m impressed with how quickly they were able to ship it to you from China. So glad that worked out for you!! 🙂
Hey Serge,
Are you able to share where you found that pump from China? I am also keen to not wait until August to get the OutdoorMaster Shark II in Canada.
Cheers!
I have an Isle Explorer and I am looking for an electronic pump that would fit to use on these boards as well as pump them up fast. Any suggestions?
Hi Ashley, The Outdoormaster Shark is a good one. I’m just reviewing it now and it works great. Plugs into the cigarette lighter in your car. It comes with all the right valve attachments so should work perfectly with the Isle Explorer. The BP12 electric pump has always been my go to in the past, it’s a better price but it tends to overheat after awhile if you are inflating multiple boards.
Is there a pump you would recommend for inflating 2 boards in a row? Lots of reviews I’ve read mention overheating on the second board.
Hi Ian, I am just reviewing the Outdoormaster Shark right now, it works great. It’s the first one I’ve found that doesn’t seem to overheat when inflating multiple boards. It’s worth checking out.
I have a couple of older Xterra Sups (6 & 7 years old). I bought a Bravo 2-stage and the valve connector was incompatible so I had to return it. $17 of postage! I am looking Seamax SUP 20 and that seems to have a variety of valve connectors. Would this work for my boards. Don’t want to mess with shipping again. Thanks for your thoughtful reviews!
Hey Mark, The Seamax should work fine but one thing to note about that pump is that it is really slow. Another one to check out is the Outdoormaster Shark. Just reviewing this one, it works great and comes with all the right valve attachments.
Hi please can you help I am looking for electric pump for my Sup paddle board however the car park are on top of cliffs and will need to pump the board on the beach where I will not have acces to car any cheap electric pump which can operate without car lighter or car battery in reach?
Hi Ewelina, I totally get it. The only options I know of for electric pumps that can inflate the board away from the car is a pump with a battery back. The cheapest one I have been able to find is this one at SeaEagle.com.
Looking for recommendations for a air compressor for my vilano journey stand up board. Do you know if the thurso surf sup would be a good fit?
Hey Lisa, The Thurso Surf pump should work great with the Vilano Journey. It has the Halkey Roberts valve attachment that should work on all ISUP’s.
Hi there, I have the Nixy 12v pump. It’s branded as surf69 in the UK.
Had it for 4 months, worked great, until tonight!
Got my SUP up to 13psi but then wouldn’t go y further.
It sounded like the board was losing a small amount of air as you could hear it through the compressor.
I can’t work out if it’s:
1) the stem catching on the pump valve a tiny bit so letting air out as quick as in
Or
2) the pump isn’t working properly. I’ve never felt the air pressure on my hand before, but when I tried tonight, it didn’t feel very powerful.
When I deflated with the electric pump it took much longer than normal.
I’m completely baffled…..anyone else had a problem like this?
Many thanks
Becky
Yes, I had the same problem . Took apart the pump, turned the piston broke off the shaft. Some JB weld and it is working again..
Unfortunately for all us iSUP users, every electric pump reportedly designed to inflate iSUP’s suffers from poor quality, craftsmanship, reliability, dependability, and longevity. Visiting Amazon and dozens of other websites devoted to these pumps will demonstrate this. The country where they are manufactured provides all the explanation for this fact.
I have the BP12 Mano single stage with the battery for my Red Paddle Sport but I am noticing that even when I have the valve on the board popped up so there’s no air coming out, the valve adapter that came with the BP12 Mano to connect to the board – the cut out is too short. So when you attach the pump’s adapter to the board and twist it to “lock” it in place.. it’s essentially too short so it pushes against the popped up knob and when I am done inflating and remove the valve, air spews out until I pop the knob back up. Has anyone found a solution?
Hi Tracy, I’ve had that happen with a couple boards over the years. I’m trying to remember how I fixed it. I believe I used a little tool to twist the valve tip on the board so that it didn’t pop up as high. I do remember it took some fiddling. However you don’t want to risk ruining your valve so maybe the best bet is to contact Red Paddle Co and see what they say. Good luck!
Hey Tracy. I’m having the same problem! It’s annoying because I inflate it to 15psi, but when I detach the tube, it loses several PSI. I’d love to know if you found a solution.
Hi Katie, Are you pushing in the valve tip so that it ‘pops up’ before you start inflating the board? The valve tip needs to be in the up position so that it won’t lose any air when you detach the tube. Then when you want to deflate it you just push the valve tip in and twist.
Yep. After inspecting further, it seems the electric pump hose attachment has a crossbar inside that the hand pump does not. So my thoughts are that the cross bar is pushing the valve tip down on the board and then when I twist it to lock the hose on, it’s forcing the valve into the open position. My board is currently inflated because it’s easier to just toss it on the top of the car if I’m going out once a week than it is to keep deflating and re-inflating, but when it does get deflated, I’m going to test my theory by cutting out the crossbar from inside the valve.
Any suggestions for 15 PSI pumps that work well with the Cotsco Body Glove Oasis and Performer boards? Thank you!
I have used the BTP Mano 2-Stage electric pump with the Body Glove Performer, should work fine with the Oasis as well. It’s one of the better priced ones on Amazon right now as well.
Hi, Wondering if someone ran across a pump that operates on 5v, so USB batteries could be used. I understand that performance would be worse and you cannot reach high PSI numbers, but if it could fill the board to some percentage, then use a pump just to bump up the pressure, that would be cool.
Would love to see an update to this post with reviews of the Tower pump and the Seamax marine. They aren’t cheap, but are they worth it?
Hey Ben, Thanks for the comment! I recently tried the Tower pump, works good.. a little slower than the Bravo electric pumps but decent all the same. Haven’t tried the Seamax Marine one yet but will add it to my list of reviews!
I’m not sure about the Seamax but the tower pump looks identical to the Nixy which is rebadged by many companies. I’ve had mine for a few years and am planning on upgrading it’s motors to try and make it faster.
Hi Ben, I bought two Seamax Marine pumps. One in June 2018 for myself and because I liked it so well I bought another for a friend. I bought hers in July 2019. Just my luck, she and I went paddling in January (we live in Florida) and neither pump would Inflate our boards. They ran constantly and got the boards to take shape but would never reach capacity. They claim there is a 2 year warranty but when I contacted them they told me
For $60 they would send me a new model (???) I paid $84 originally and they now list for $65 on Amazon. I am very disappointed. I didn’t paddle for a lot of 2019 because of family heath issues so neither pump really lasted that long.
I went yesterday and used a friend’s Tower and it was great. Bonus: it deflated also. 😊😊😊. I want to order one but it is $134 so I am hesitating and it says there is no warranty.
I just purchased a Seamax Marine two-stage electric pump that goes up to 20 PSI. It is AMAZING so far! Can’t believe I waited so long to get an electric pump! Comes with multiple rubber o-rings to find the right fit for your board and plugs into the 12V DC connector in your car. Also has 2 yr warranty. Doesn’t come with carrying case though.
I’ll be interested to know how long it lasts for you. I have one and it broke quickly. Bought it in September and broke by June. I live in MI, so didn’t paddle in the winter! A friend bought hers in Aug and it quit working by June too.
Sevylor 12V 15-PSI SUP and Water Sport Pump – I know a couple of my friends have this pump. Works great!
here is the link to it on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Sevylor-15-PSI-Water-Sport-Pump/dp/B00HN93D8M
When we’ve used the BP12 Electric Pump to pump up iSUP’s, the hose that connects to the pump blows off when the board is almost full. You can manually hold the hose on, but eventually it gets too hot to hold onto. Any advice on keeping the hose attached to the clip/pump?
Hi Tammy, This has happened to me many times and I know it’s quite annoying. I have never found a good solution. It doesn’t seem to happen with all boards but it is quite common with these Bravo electric pumps. Bring an old towel or a glove that you can use to hold the hose as it gets near the end when it is hot. The newer pumps come with a better valve attachment – the type that screws in similar to the attachment on your hand pump. Not sure if yours has this attachment but I do find it works better with it. These pumps work well but they are definitely not perfect. Sorry I couldn’t help you more!
Sorry typo there. A Jobe pump. Was also able to inflate my bl12’6″ board to 18psi in less than 10mins
Hey Tammy just bought a Jone pump. Had the same issie amd solved it by replacing the ring that goes on the board size. Your pump must have come with a replaceable ring. This fixed the issue for me immediately
iRocker came out with a new hose that won’t pop off the electric pump. It’s more like the one on the hand pump, where the adapter and hose are one. They sent me one for free toward fall ’18. Try calling them…!
I ordered a Bravo High Pressure 12 Volt Pump and a SUP valve attachment to use for my two inflatable paddleboards. It works great (so much better than hand pump, and quickly inflates to the PSI we need), but every time I use it there is some air that escapes as the PSI gets higher (I was thinking of maybe using some electrical tape to help with this?), but when I detach the pump at the desired PSI, air shoots out of the paddleboard causing me to have to re-inflate. Do you have any suggestions for me on how to fix this? I don’t know why it is deflating when I take off the pump – I’m not pressing the button down!
Hi Lisa, Before you start inflating do you press the SUP valve tip in and twist so that it is in the ‘popped up’ position? If the valve is popped up no air should escape when you detach the pump. If the valve is in the ‘up’ position and it is still doing that then I would think you have a valve issue and need to contact the manufacturer. I do have to hold the pump valve attachment tightly to the SUP valve sometimes with certain electric pumps so that it stays attached while inflating however even if it pops off no air should escape the board if the SUP valve is ‘up’. Hope that makes sense. Also do you have the same issue with the hand pump or just when using the electric pump?
Yes, close your valve. If it’s open once you detach the hose you will lose about 5-7 pounds of air.
Do any of these pumps come with Standard 2 or 3 prong wall plug and car adapters or just jumper cable?
I am health and PE teacher and we have 5 inflatable SUP for swim and PE classes… So we don’t have access to a car battery in the pool area.
AC for Pool and car adapter when I use them outside of the school
Hi Drew, I love that you have inflatable SUP’s as part of your swim and PE classes! Unfortunately these electric pumps don’t come with a wall plug or car adapters. You would need to get a pump with a battery pack to be able to use it away from a vehicle. It costs more to get the battery pack but they work great and you can recharge the battery pack by plugging it into the wall before use.
Can you direct me as to what to look for to serve as a battery pack for the Bravo BP12 Single-Stage Electric Pump? I don’t really like the idea of having to pop my hood and connect directly to my car battery, but I’m having trouble understanding or finding what I’m supposed to get… Thanks.
This is the battery you would need at Amazon.com. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be in stock but you might be able to find it elsewhere. It’s not cheap, it will likely cost as much as the pump did but it is definitely handy to have. If you haven’t already bought the pump you might be able to find a package deal. I did a little searching and for some reason I don’t see many out there at all. I think the company has been working on improving the pump so maybe the new battery packs haven’t hit the market yet. If all else fails try contacting Bravo Pumps. Good luck!!
I just got the Bravo 2-stage and the battery Allison mentions. The first time I used the battery, the pump stuttered and then cut out at about 12 psi (after about three minutes). An hour or two later I tried again and this time the pump cut out at 7 psi (after a minute or two). I still need to test hooking the pump up to the car battery… – but is it possible the battery from Amazon is bad? There’s a green light on the charger and that supposedly indicates the battery IS charged. I didn’t charge it at all – it was green out of the box.
Hi Amy, I’d give it a full charge and then see what happens. Sounds like it didn’t have much of a charge left. If it still does that after fully charging it then I’d definitely return it. It should be able to inflate multiple boards on one charge.
THANK YOU, ALLISON! So – I thought the battery was already charged when I got it since when I plugged it into the charger, the light was green. But yesterday I decided to leave it plugged in anyway – and when I checked on it a minute or two later, the light was red! I guess it takes a minute for the charger to “register” whether the battery is charged or not. Anyway, it took nine hours to charge it. I’ve just tested and after six minutes my board was done. Alas, it all gets put away now since I live in upstate NY… Can’t wait for my trip to Florida in early spring! 🙂
So happy to hear that!! Florida in the Spring sounds like a nice trip to look forward to, happy paddling!
You can get a Cigarette Lighter Socket to Wall Plug Power Adapter. Just search Amazon or Google. There are several different types, just make sure you get one for the appropriate electrical load. Here is an example:
https://www.amazon.com/AC-Converter-Cigarette-Vacuum%EF%BC%8CCar-Refrigerator/dp/B07K871KM9/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=cigarette+to+wall&qid=1550804999&s=gateway&sr=8-4
A car cigarette lighter can produce about 180 watts (that said, I’m not sure how much SUP air pumps actually need, but it’s probably close to the max the cigarette lighter can supply)…at 12 volts, that means you’d want a 15 amp adapter (volts times amps = watts). Meaning…you want to get as close to a 15 amp AC to DC adapter as possible. The link above shows a (now discontinued) 6 amp model. That MIGHT very well be enough, but I see 10-amp models for $20-ish dollars, so I’d definitely go for those higher amps. Remember also that buying an adapter with, say, 15 amps, when the pump, say, only requires 10, does NOT mean the pump will burn out or some such thing, as the pump will only PULL what it wants from the adapter…the adapter does not PUSH electricity, it just SUPPLIES it to whatever is asking for it, up to it’s max rating.
Great information, thanks William!
Following this thread!
Just bought two Red Paddle Explorer 13’2s. They’re awesome… they’ve replaced the Lahui Kai racing boards and the SUP ATX Sierra with the displacement hull as our favorites. But pumping… whoa. Texas heat and pumping (even with the awesome dual chamber Titan pump) give me quite the workout before I hit the water.
Speaking of – do any of your find you lose pressure on your inflatable SUPs? Just got two Red Paddle Explorers– maybe it’s because they’re new or something, but one lost about 3 PSI overnight and the other lost 7. I’m doing as Red Paddle suggests – storing at 15 PSI or less. Hoping it’s because they’re new.
Thanks for the great review!
Hey NIki, Yes I can totally relate to pumping the boards in the heat… Although I am sure it is not nearly as hot here as in Texas! The Red 13’2″ Explorer ISUP’s are awesome, great choice! To tell you the truth I usually deflate my boards after each use. The odd time I have left them inflated over night I do normally have to add a little air pressure before hitting the water again. However losing 7 psi overnight seems like a lot. Keep an eye on it and if it keeps happening I would contact Red Paddle Co sooner than later and see what they say. Good luck!
Keep in mind that temperature will affect your pressure quite a bit. If you pump up your board in the heat and then put it in cool water, or if you store it in your air conditioned house, that’s going to make a difference in what pressure you’re getting. I’d say it’s completely likely to be a difference of 3psi… 7 seems like a stretch. But losing that much air in one night, you’d definitely see the bubbles from the leak in the water if you look…
Allison – I have the Isle Explorer 11″ and am thinking about getting one of the Bravo pumps. Can you tell me if the 2 stage pump is faster than the single stage and if so how much faster? It seems like it should do a quicker and better job at getting the high pressure. Some of the reviews of the single stage on Amazon say they have to use the hand pump to get the last few psi. I’m trying to figure out if the extra $60 is worth it. Thanks
I have both… I don’t actually find the dual stage electric pump much faster at all than the single stage to be honest. I prefer the dual stage only because I can see the progress on the PSI dial. However they both have problems at reaching the last couple PSI. That being said I use them all the time and if it inflates my board to only 13 or 14 PSI it is totally fine, it is always rigid enough. I have been told that there is going to be an upgraded version of this pump coming out eventually that addresses this issue, although I have yet to see it and have no idea when it will be on the market. I would suggest go for the single stage for now and maybe upgrade down the road if the ‘new and improved’ pump ever arrives.
I have the Bravo BP 12. Burnt out the piston twice before the distributor apparently fixed it. These are not robust pieces of equipment. Make sure to rest it before filling a second board. Also, I don’t trust any of the gauges on manual or electric pumps. I have a separate expensive gauge that shows all other pumps consistently overmeasure pressure. When they say it’s 15 psi it’s only 12-13. Food for thought.
It appears the Black and Decker has no high volume pump guage and there is no indication of maximum pressure on that function. Probably woudl have to fix an in-line manometer.
The 2 stage is great but I find it auto cuts off well shy of maximum pressure – Im getting 12 psi as measured by other manometers. I have fettled/hacked it though so it is giving 15psi now. Let me know if you would like to know how I did it!
Hey Tim, I’m having similar issues with my board. When I set my pump to 14 or 15 psi, it manually shuts off around 11/12 psi thinking it has reached the correct inflation.
You mind passing along how you were able to get around this?
Thanks!
Hi gays, anyone has tried the black & decker ASI500?
Haven’t tried it. It doesn’t look like it has the right valve attachment for an inflatable SUP but possibly one could be added on separately.
Do you know if all the aforementioned pump models will work with Aqua Marina? I just bought an enormous Aqua Marina Super Trip SUP (needed the extra stability since I’ll be towing my two kids <5 onboard) — and I'm dreading using the hand pump to fill this bubba. I've seen two offerings by Aqua Marina- 1- the "SUPER PUMP" http://www.aquamarina.com/h-pd-50-0_312.html?keyword=super it looks alot like the above #3 airhead— do you think its the same thing- just with a different label? The second option I found was on amazon 2- http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Inflatable-Paddle-Board-Kayak/dp/B00YYV2RCK/ref=sr_1_38?srs=8110903011&ie=UTF8&qid=1459382052&sr=8-38 I've seen this model with and without the cig charger. I would DEF need the cig charger, or a battery pack– as the 12V hood lift charge would be burdensome enough without little ones running about. Perhaps most concerning though, is the valve fitting — Searching amazon i came across several posters you stating the valve fitting was not appropriate for their Aqua Marina SUPS—- They said they inflate using the electric pump holding the fitting in place. Geez- If that's the case, I might as well use the hand pump. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
I don’t have much experience with the Aqua Marina boards so I am not 100% sure of their valve fitting. I am fairly sure the ‘super pump’ they offer is the same as the Airhead one. I have seen this one used by several different companies, just the colour and logo change. It works well but is a little slower than other electric pumps I have tried. I’m not sure about the second link you mentioned. It is one of my great frustrations that although most inflatable SUP’s use the same type of valve they seem to vary in size and consequently many of them need a different valve attachment to fit. I would suggest going with the electric pump they offer to be on the safe side. I have had to hold the fitting in place while using my electric pump on certain boards and it is NOT fun. Go with one that you know fits for sure. Sorry I couldn’t help you more, good luck!
I’m in the same boat. I’d like to get the pump for my aqua marina monster but I’m not sure if the valve is compatible. Any updates on this?
Thanks
You all might find this interesting: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1529801280/sipaboards-air-the-self-inflating-sup
Hi Allison, thanks for the review. I just couldn’t bring myself to spend the money on the two stage, and was hoping you’d have a review on the new single stage pump. Sounds like it’s more than adequate for the needlenose SUP, and more affordable. I think I’ll pick one up soon.
For sure I really think the single stage pump is all you need for the NN.
I have a Sea Eagle Longboard and my husband bought me that Bravo 2-stage pump. It frustrates me that they do not include an adaptor to connect the pump with the valve! Instead, it comes with a set of adaptors, and when I called to ask for help setting it up, the guy on the phone had some crazy jerry-rigging instructions that involved scuffing up the adaptor so that it will not slip out of the valve. When I reach a certain level of PSI it often pops out, and sometimes I’ve gotten the adaptor stuck in my valve.
Have you found an adaptor that has the little pegs that fit into the valve, similar to the hand-pump hose?
I agree a specific SUP valve adapter would be nice. I actually thought I might write to the Bravo company and suggest it. However I don’t have much trouble with the little white plastic adapters that are included. There’s one that fits the valve of the Longboard quite well. I do have to hold the hose by the valve the whole time it’s inflating instead of just securing it and leaving it and I’ve had the adapter get stuck before too… I am extra careful to make sure I pull the adapter out and not just the hose when inflation stops. It’s not perfect but it’s still the best I’ve tried so far and ultimately it still works fairly well. I tried once securing my own valve adapter to the hose but it didn’t fit the hose properly. What did work was attaching the electric pump hose to the hose of my manual pump that had the proper valve… makes for an extra long hose. Works really well but makes inflation slower so I usually don’t bother with that. I will definitely let you know if I find or figure out a more convenient option.