SUP Electric Pumps
The best electric pumps for SUP boards and inflatable kayaks
Inflatable SUP boards and kayaks are much more comfortable to transport and store than their classic stiff counterparts.
BUT that also means that they always have to be filled with air before use. And after use, the air must be squeezed out again.
When buying a SUP board or inflatable kayak, a simple hand pump is usually included. It does its job, but if you want to get on the water fast or pump up more than just a board, you’ll appreciate electric pumps.
I did a total of 5 hours researching all kinds of E-pumps for SUPs and here are my results.
The short answer: The best electric pumps for SUP boards and kayaks
For even more tips, you can also check out my most visited page about SUP boards and SUP paddles .
Aqua Marina "SUPER" 12V water sports electric pump
- Operation via the cigarette lighter, car battery or external battery
- Pressure range: 0 to 20 psi
- Power: 168 W
- Voltage: 12V
- Adapter: H3 (compatible with 99% of all SUP boards)
- Inflate speed: 1 psi / min
- Deflate speed: 4 psi / min
- Inflation time: 3 to 10 minutes
The Water electric pump Super Aqua Marina is a superbly designed pump that is optimized for the high volumes of SUP boards and inflatable kayaks.
Connected to the car battery or the cigarette lighter takes only a few minutes to fill. Depending on the volume of the board, the superneeds three to ten minutes
This pump is equipped with an automatic system in which a target value for the air pressure is set and the electric pump pumps until the value is reached. The automatic shutdown of the Super then switches off the electric pump.
Supplied with battery terminals for the car battery. Inflating the boards with power from the cigarette lighter or car battery is really comfortable. If you want to use an external battery, you will need to purchase it separately.
Note: On Amazon , the feedback is partially negative, but this is only due to tube defects and is not due in any review of the pump itself. The defective hose can be replaced and it can go on.
Nevertheless, I highly recommend the Aqua Marina Aqua, because 1. Aqua Marina really has a clue about SUP boards and accessories, 2. in Germany little people rate products (hundreds of satisfied customers prefer paddling instead of writing reviews) and 3. the pump just works ,
Bravo 20 Electronic air pump 12V with integrated battery
- a maximum of 22 PSI
- Air volume: 125 l / min
- Voltage: 12V
- With integrated 12 V battery
- Charge to cigarette lighter, car battery or normal 220V outlet
- Connection: H3 and various adapters (suitable for almost all SUP boards)
The Bravo pump delivers a reliable result at a fair price. As with the model of Aqua Marina, Bravo’s model is also particularly well matched to the needs of Stand Up paddlers.
As a developer of SUP accessories and especially hand pumps for SUP boards Bravo can build on a lot of experience.
The operation is thanks to a simple pressure gauge and very easy. Furthermore, this pump is equipped with an automatic shutdown
In terms of size and weight, the Bravo is quite average with 22 x 32 x 22 cm or 3.5 kg.
Included in the delivery are various accessories. In addition to all the adapters, the terminals for connection to the car battery, the connection to the cigarette lighter and the carrying bag are particularly practical.
The Bravo 20 is the best choice if you are looking for an electric pump with battery for your SUP board.
Sport Vibrations® SUP electro pump with lead-acid battery
- maximum 15 PSI
- Operation by battery or car battery
- Connection: H3 (for all common SUP boards)
- Ideal for SUP boards, kites and motorboats
Another pump with battery is that of Sports Vibrations. The lead pump takes about 4 minutes 30 seconds to inflate a standard allround board.
The pump has a lead-acid battery thanks to which the pump can be transported. If the battery is not charged, this SUP electric pump also runs in live mode with a car battery.
The Sports Vibrations pumps are in the upper part. But quality is offered for the price. The sport vibration electric pumps with battery already performed well in tests. Who does not want to get a whole SUP filled with air in 5 minutes and do something else?
Jobe 2018 SUP Electric Pump
- max 20 PSI
- Connection: H3 (for almost all SUP boards) and three other connections
- Size: 20 x 20 x 14 cm
- Features: carrying handle,
In about 10 minutes an average SUP is inflated up to 20 PSI. Jobe dedicated the 2018 model to the Stand Up Paddling Board.
In continuous operation, two average all-round boards can be inflated. Thereafter, the electric pump must first cool again.
One of the strengths of the Jobe 2018 electric pump for SUP boards is its versatility. The Jobe 2018 can be supplied with power in the direct mains operation, operated by the cigarette lighter or in battery mode.
Conclusion: The Jobe pump is a very solid model with a convincing price-performance ratio.
Note: Feedback on Amazon is currently quite negative. One batch of pumps was probably damaged during transport. It remains to be seen how the quality will be in the upcoming deliveries. I still recommend Jobe 2018 because of its unbeaten value for money.
What do you think about the best electric pump for your SUP board?
So you’re ready to trade your hand pump for an electric model. I’ll show you what’s up for an electric pump for SUP boards. Equipped with the knowledge about the most important characteristics of these E-pumps, you can make a good and, above all, informed decision.
So you’re ready to trade your hand pump for an electric model. I’ll show you what’s up for an electric pump for SUP boards. Equipped with the knowledge about the most important characteristics of these E-pumps, you can make a good and, above all, informed decision.
- The perfect model for you
- compatibility
- energy
- Achievable pressure range
- features
- Pressure display and automatic shutdown
- FAQ
The perfect model for you
The perfect pump should be compatible with all your SUP boards and other inflatable kayaks, air mattresses, bath islands and co. There are still no standardized pump connections. So you have to deal with the different connection systems and adapters.
In terms of functionality, you should first pay attention to the achievable pressure range of the pump. More advanced comfort features include a two-step system that makes inflation faster, or a dual function to let the air out of the board. An automatic shutdown function can additionally protect your equipment.
Ultimately, the type of energy source is crucial. Some pumps require a car battery, some use rechargeable batteries, and others use their cigarette lighter power.
Compatibility
The output of the pump must be compatible with your Stand Up Paddling Board. It would be ideal if the pump can also supply your air mattresses or the inflatable kayak with air.
There is no such thing as a standardized solution, which is why various connections and corresponding adapters are frequently used. Inflatable Stand Up Paddling Boards, however, are often the Halkey-Roberts connector (also called H3, HR or H-valve). Individual manufacturers may deviate from it.
Anyone looking for the optimal pump faces the dilemma of finding a model that fits SUPs, kayaks and the whole air mattress.
Energy
The manufacturers of the electric pump usually assume that you come by car. Most pumps are powered by the car battery or cigarette lighter.
Some other models allow flexibility in the sense that they can also be operated with an external battery pack.
If you are worried about having to call the ADAC for a SUP tour or you are paddling on foot or by bicycle anyway, you should probably go for the external battery.
Tip: If you run the engine while pumping, you do not have to worry about an empty car battery and may increase the performance of the battery and thus the inflation rate.
Achievable pressure range
You should be able to find out the optimal pressure either from the user manual of your SUP board or from the manufacturer’s website. The unit of measurement you are looking for is called PS. This means pound per square inch.
For SUP boards this is 95% in the range of 10 to 15 PSI. Inflatable boats are below this pressure level. Large water landscapes may require a higher value.
Most of the pumps presented here achieve values of 15 to 20 psi, which is exactly the right pressure range for SUP boards.
Features
Electric pumps are either single-stage or two-stage models. The former blow air into the board until the desired pressure level is reached. The speed here depends on the strength of the pump.
The latter only start with a high volume and only increase the pressure in the second stage. The result is a significantly reduced inflation time.
Strong pumps fill the board faster with air, but they are also louder.
Practically, in any case, the function, the air through the pump again drain. This saves time and is much more comfortable.
Pressure display and automatic shutdown
Additional features such as a pressure gauge that allows you to keep track of progress or an Auto Power Off feature can be quite handy. The pressure gauge is typically a simple pointer or a small LCD display.
Automatic shutdown is an important safety feature that almost all pumps have by now. Typically, you will select a pressure target and the pump will continue to work until the appropriate PSI is reached.
FAQ
How long does it take to pump up my SUP board with an electric pump?
The time varies from pump to pump and from board to board. But you can expect the rule of thumb to be 1 psi per minute. Until your board is fully inflated, 5 to 10 minutes should pass
This is a little faster than with hand pumps. Here, most paddlers are busy for about 10 to 20 minutes. So it takes longer, and not only that, while these people have wasted a lot of their energy pumping up, you can fully exhaust yourself while paddling.
How much PSI should I use to inflate my SUP board?
For all inflatable SUP board, kayaks and air mattresses, you should always look for the manufacturer’s information. Either in the manual or at the latest on the official website you will find the corresponding values.
For SUP boards, a value in the range of 10 to 15 PSI is appropriate. Like the Tower Paddle Boards with a maximum of 25 PSI , other SUP boards often last longer. But from about 15 PSI you will be able to notice almost no difference anyway.
Are electric pumps with batteries or those that use the car as a power source better?
The batteries of the electric pumps for SUP boards are also not comparable to the batteries of modern mobile phones. The pump batteries of the type lead or nickel-metal hydride and laborious in the care. Overcharging (hanging on the charging cable too long) should be avoided, as should temperatures below zero degrees or excessive discharging.
The electrical engineer Daniel Martschin advises: “Such batteries should not unload more than 60 percent and then recharge soon, otherwise you lose storage capacity and the number of possible charge cycles is reduced in bad treatment.”
Since the method seems more practical with the current from the car. Whoever has the opportunity, should bet on it. For even the price of the strong batteries make a strong impact.
What are the advantages of an electric pump?
Above all, electric pumps for SUP boards are a time saver. If you often go stand up paddling and need to deflate the air for transport and storage each time, the pumping time will add up quickly.
During a trip with friends and family, the whole pump can take a good half an hour. It puts you in a good mood and saves you precious time on the water.
The power act of pumping is not negligible. The first bumps are still very easy. In the two-digit PSI values, however, it is very tiring. And who does not want to have full energy on the water?
With the function to let the air out of your board by pump, you also save time and nerves at the end of a tour.
Should I inflate my iSUP or store folded?
The short answer is puffed up . If you want to store your inflatable SUP board for several months or even winter, you should first find a dry storage area and store the board there slightly inflated with about 5 PSI.
In my guide to the topic of how SUP storage boards properly stored you will find more information.
Can the pump destroy my SUP board with too much PSI?
In theory, too much air pressure can cause cracks or even permanent damage to the envelope. Practically this is hardly possible. On the one hand, you should first inform yourself about adequate pressure for your SUP board or other type of water sports equipment. On the other hand, the boards withstand much greater pressure than the recommended PSI values.
The pumps do not work like some pumps at gas stations by hand, but one selects a value for the pressure and the pump then blows a corresponding amount of air into the board. When the value is reached, the pump shuts off automatically.
With hand pumps it is not possible to overfill the board. Although there is no automatic switch-off device, it is very tiring to get PSI values beyond 17 to 18 by hand. Tower Paddle Boards has indicated on their website that their boards have been tested to 25 PSI and withstood.
With smaller water toys such as inflatable animals and balls you must pay attention in any case. Here too much pressure can cause a bursting speed. The lower limit of the achievable pressure range can also be problematic. Under certain circumstances, the limits (typically 1 to 5 PSI as the lower limit) are already too much.
Conclusion
The powerful e-pumps are comfortable and a piece of equipment that you will appreciate over time. The more regularly you go stand up paddling or inflate an air mattress, the more you will love this one-time purchase.
Many people today opt for inflatable boards, because the transport of this is associated with significantly less effort. Electric pumps can further reduce stress during assembly and disassembly. You can spend more time on the water and use all your strength while paddling.
Unfortunately there are hardly any alternatives to the presented hand and electric pumps. Adapters like this one from Red Paddle allow inflation at the gas station. Classic compressors, however, are unsuitable for SUP boards. Typically, they fall into one of two categories: too weak for the high PSI or too slow (45+ minutes per board) as customers on Amazon * and isupworld.com report.
With smaller water toys such as inflatable animals and balls you must pay attention in any case. Here too much pressure can cause a bursting speed. The lower limit of the achievable pressure range can also be problematic. Under certain circumstances, the limits (typically 1 to 5 PSI as the lower limit) are already too much.
Swell
- Outsidepersuits, Best Eletric Pumps , August 23, 2018
- Inflatable SUP World, Top 3 Electric Pumps , August 6, 2015
-150 € SUP Sale
Smaller discount offer many manufacturers from time to time, but at supboard-99.dethere are currently up to 150 € discount on selected SUP boards.
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Author
Hi, I’m Manfred. For years I’ve written here on standup-experte.com about SUP and everything that goes with it.
Comment by the author
2019 is a great year to enter Stand Up Paddling. Sure the summer will be just as great as last year. And the selection of boards has never been so great!
My favorites for this SUP season are:
- For newcomers without accessories: WOWSEA AN17 305cm (quality, low priced complete set)
- For families: Aqua Marina Atlas * (large board with space for several people)
- For experienced paddlers: Bluefin Cruise 330 cm / 365 cm (wonderful Touring Board)
