Is it worth buying an inflatable paddle board?
An inflatable paddle board is a great option if you want to buy an SUP board, but live in a small place and want portability. Does it perform just like a hard board? No, but the other benefits make up for the deficiencies and unless you are a serious paddle boarder, an inflatable works just fine – better than fine! SUP stands for stand-up paddle board, which describes a type of watercraft used for paddleboarding.Most SUP boards are designed for one person only (especially inflatable SUPs). However, some family-sized paddle boards are designed to support the weight of several people, allowing two people to paddle and have fun together.SUP Equipment The Board: A stand-up paddleboard is larger, wider, and generally more buoyant than a traditional paddleboard. It ranges between 9 and 12 feet in length and is designed to support a standing rider.Quick Answer: For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable SUPs are much better overall, due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention. But if you are buying a board mainly for SUP surfing or racing, certain technical attributes of hardboards make them worthy of consideration.
Do you go slower on an inflatable paddleboard?
The Role of the Board Among these, touring paddle boards are specifically designed to glide through the water at higher speeds due to their narrow and long design. An inflatable board might be lighter, but it often lacks the stiffness of a solid board which can hinder speed. As a general rule, paddlers up to 95kg should consider a board no wider than 32 while those above 95kg should look at one that’s either 33 or 34 wide. Length – SUP length will have the greatest effect on a paddleboards glide as well as its agility ie: ability to make quick turns.The 11′ paddle board stands out in choppy waters or when embarking on long touring trips due to its superior stability and speed. Conversely, a 10′ board, due to its shorter length and great maneuverability, thrives in calm waters and is perfect for casual cruising.Length: A board between 10 to 12 feet is ideal for most adults. Longer boards offer more stability and a smoother glide, while shorter boards are easier to manoeuvre. Width: Look for a board that’s 30 to 34 inches wide. Wider boards provide greater balance, making them perfect for beginners.The 11′ paddle board stands out in choppy waters or when embarking on long touring trips due to its superior stability and speed. Conversely, a 10′ board, due to its shorter length and great maneuverability, thrives in calm waters and is perfect for casual cruising.
Is it harder to balance on an inflatable paddle board?
Bottom Line: If you’re a beginner, an inflatable board is not harder to stand on. In fact, it might be more forgiving and comfortable, especially in real-world paddling conditions like lakes, bays, and rivers. Rigidity: A well-built board should feel solid under your feet with minimal flex, even for heavier paddlers. Stability: It should track straight and offer good side-to-side stability without feeling like a pool toy. Handling: It should be easy to turn and responsive to your paddle strokes.Why Is Paddle Board Thickness Important? An inflatable SUP needs to have a certain amount of thickness to ensure that it has enough rigidity and stability to support a rider’s weight on the water. However, if the board is too thick, then riders will have trouble feeling “connected” to the water.In summary, it is generally OK to leave your inflatable stand up board fully inflated, provided you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and store it in a cool, dry place.Bottom Line: If you’re a beginner, an inflatable board is not harder to stand on. In fact, it might be more forgiving and comfortable, especially in real-world paddling conditions like lakes, bays, and rivers.
Which is better, a hard or inflatable paddle board?
For all-around and river specific uses, inflatable boards have significant performance advantages over hard boards that benefit most paddlers. For big wave surfing and competition class SUP racing, hard stand up paddle boards have an edge in performance. Additional fins can help increase tracking performance, but can also make the board harder to turn. They can provide a little bit of additional stability, but also slow the board down from additional drag. A single fin box works well for flat water paddling.This really depends on what you are doing on your paddleboard. If you are having a gentle cruise around the local lake or canal, then just a single fin at the middle of the back of the board is perfect. If you are taking to the surf or whitewater, then a set of smaller fins at either side of the back of the board.Recreational paddlers will see a mix of single- and three-fin configurations on all-around paddleboards. Many inflatable SUPs have a three-fin setup, which works well for beginners as the side bites provide extra stability and assist in turning.Thruster Fin Setup (Tri Fins) So it’s called thruster or tri fins setup. It is a very common configuration and can be found on a variety of surfboard shapes and sizes. From beginner to expert, the tri fins will always be the answer. The extra +1 fin on the back provides more stability and maneuverability.A single fin is ideal for a classic style of surfing and for optimizing nose riding. Single fins are also ideal for SUP races because they provide stability without the unnecessary drag created by additional fins. Twin fins provide dramatically increased speed and maneuverability.
What is the lifespan of an inflatable paddle board?
With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction. Expected Lifespan: With regular use, basic models last about three years, while high-quality options like those from Glide can last over seven years. Comparison to Hard Boards: iSUPs offer benefits such as portability and safety, making them a preferable choice for many paddlers over hard paddle boards.With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.Dog owners are often concerned that their four legged friends might “pop” or damage an inflatable paddle board with their claws, however this is completely untrue. It’s a myth that inflatable paddle boards are flimsy and unreliable.The cheaper inflatable paddle boards in the market tend to be constructed with glued seams which over time and constant inflating, deflating, folding up, and unfolding tend to loosen and cause punctures. This is dangerous. There’s nothing worse than being out on the water and realising that your board is deflating!
Is thicker inflatable paddle board better?
SUP Thickness If you’re looking at two boards of the same length and width but different thicknesses, the thicker board has more volume than the thinner one and the higher the volume, the more weight it can support. In fact, inflatable paddle boards are more durable, more stable, and are extremely difficult to pop or puncture when compared to non inflatable paddle boards. Not to mention they come with a 2 year warranty! If you’re not convinced yet, hear what our customers have to say about our iSUPs in our iSUP product reviews.Quick Answer: For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable SUPs are much better overall, due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention. But if you are buying a board mainly for SUP surfing or racing, certain technical attributes of hardboards make them worthy of consideration.Board thickness is just as important as length, width, and outline shape. Inflatable SUP boards for all-around paddling, especially for riders who are developing their skills, should generally be 5 inches thick.
Why are inflatable paddle boards so expensive?
Inflatable paddle boards are crafted using high-quality materials that ensure durability and performance. These materials are chosen to withstand various water conditions and provide a reliable and long-lasting product. The cost of these materials contributes to the overall pricing of inflatable paddle boards. Durability in Different Environments: Contrary to what you might expect, high-quality inflatable paddle boards are very durable. They’re made with strong materials that can withstand contact with rocks, logs, and other potential hazards in various water environments.Inflatable boards: Made from PVC material, they are generally resistant to punctures and impacts. However, they can be susceptible to damage from punctures by sharp objects like fins or rocks.Yes, inflatable paddle boards can burst, but this outcome is rare and typically the result of certain conditions or misuse. Over inflation, temperature variations, and material wear are the primary factors that could lead to a board bursting. Overinflation is the most direct path to a paddle board bursting.