Inflatable Paddle Boards

Inflatable Paddle Board

Making the choice between inflatable paddle boards or hard paddle boards seems like a straightforward decision. But this is one of those decisions that also has what you might call a real estate aspect. Both paddle boards models offer advantages, as well as disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision may come down to your closet and your wallet. Curious? Read on and you’ll know how to decide whether an inflatable paddle board is the choice for you.

Best Inflatable Paddle Boards Offers

The Variety And Versatility Of An Inflatable Sup Board

Inflatable means options; that’s because an inflatable SUP board can be tailored for a paddle boarder’s specific needs. If yoga and water are passions of yours, an inflatable paddle board creates the perfect blend of medium and activity. The wide base of an inflatable helps keep it in place, which is definitely an advantage if you’re in the Sirsasana headstand position.

Inflatables are also great for rafting. Whether sitting or standing, your inflatable SUP puts you in a perfect position for fishing. Rafting, yoga, and fishing are three diverse activities made more enjoyable because you’re engaging in them with an inflatable paddle board.

Best Inflatable Paddle Boards For Any Occasion

The best inflatable paddle board will have a 14 PSI for a high drop stitch thread count. This refers to the number of stitches that runs from the top to the bottom of your board. The higher the count, the better the quality of the board. Choosing a quality inflatable SUP gives you a first-class paddle board experience.

The Convenience Of Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Boards

The convenience brings us to the real estate aspect of choosing between a stand up inflatable paddle board or a rigid SUP board. If you have room in your home to store a hard board that might be more than 12 feet in length and as much as 36 inches wide, then storage isn’t a problem. But if you live in smaller quarters, a roomy closet might be hard to come by. In that case, inflatable paddle boards win the convenience competition.

When it comes to convenience, the inflatable paddle board is a winner. Yes, it does take 10 minutes to fully inflate, but when you can carry this board wherever you go, you’re always ready for the water. When you’re not on the water, you can easily store the deflated paddle board in the trunk of your car. It’s so light in weight that you can even store it in your backpack—you’ll barely notice that it’s there! What could be more convenient than being vacation-ready any time you’re near the water?

Top-Rated Inflatable Paddleboards

Customized With Air: The Blow Up Paddle Board

Both blow up paddle board and hard paddle boards are basically the same shape. Blow up boards, because they are filled with air, have a circular shape rather than the defined corners of a hard board. An inflatable paddle board, when it’s deflated, can be folded. A hard board keeps its shape without changes.

An inflatable paddle board’s tough PVC material alters the shape of the board, depending on how much air is inside. A hard board doesn’t have air as one of its components; instead, it might be made out of foam, fiberglass, plastic, Kevlar, or wood, with an epoxy lining.

Air weighs less than wood or fiberglass, so the weights of the two boards differ. It’s important to keep in mind that if your inflatable board isn’t pressurized to the correct level, it may be difficult to control because it will be shaky. In such an unstable state, the under-inflated paddle board offers insufficient protection if you’re exposed to underwater objects. That’s not the case with a hard board, which isn’t at risk of a puncture.

Comparing The Inflatable And Hard Stand Up Paddle Board

One of the disadvantages of an inflatable paddle board stems from the very material that makes it adaptable. Exposure to the sun and the elements challenges the PVC material that an inflatable stand up paddle board is made of, reducing its life span.

A hard paddle board doesn’t need to be inflated, so there’s never a time when it’s not ready to use, while an inflatable paddle board might need 10 minutes to be completely inflated.

When you’re moving in choppy water, a hard paddle board, which responds better to the way the water is behaving, makes it easier for you to respond as the situation requires. This control, plus the hard board’s speed advantage, give the hard board the edge in paddle board competitions.

Inflatable paddle boards cost less than hard SUPs.

A hard board is more likely to suffer a dent or nick because it’s precisely because it’s made out of hard material. In many cases, the inflatable board can sustain a blow better. Just because the inflatable paddle board is full of air doesn’t mean that it’s weak or flimsy. The tough PVC material that an inflatable board is made up gives it a durability that can even come off as a winner against rocks in the water.

So, which paddle board to choose? The hard board or the inflatable board? If convenience is your goal, then the inflatable paddle board, with its easy storage and versatility, is the one for you. If you’re looking at your choice from a performance angle, the hard board, with its superior glide and agility, is the right choice.