What’s the difference between a paddle board and a SUP?
Paddle boarding, also known as stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), involves standing on a wider, more stable board and using a paddle to propel yourself through the water. One of the brilliant things about paddle boarding is that it can be done on a variety of bodies of water, from lakes and rivers to bays and oceans. Cheap iSUPs often use lower-grade materials that may not be as durable or long-lasting. Expensive iSUPs typically use high-quality materials, such as military-grade PVC, which provide better durability and resistance to punctures and wear.Cheap inflatable SUPs only have one PVC layer. Although they’re lightweight and easy to carry, their rigidity is not impressive and, as you can imagine, they aren’t durable. Expensive iSUPs usually have two or more layers of high-quality PVC. They are much more rigid and even feel like solid boards once fully inflated.As we’ve shown above, inflatable boards are easy to transport and store, durable and are usually more affordable than rigid paddle boards, making them ideal for leisure paddling. But if you’re looking for a board for SUP surfing or racing, a good quality rigid board may be a better option.
What is better, an inflatable or a paddle board?
inflatable paddle boards are easier to transport and store due to their ability to deflate into a bag. They’re also more forgiving if you fall, and their durability makes them ideal for rocky areas. However, solid boards offer superior performance on the water. Performance limitations: inflatable paddle boards might not offer the same level of performance as hard boards. They are often less rigid, which can impact their speed and maneuverability. This is particularly noticeable in advanced paddling techniques, racing, or when navigating choppy waters.Generally, the average cost of an inflatable paddle board ranges from $400 to $2000. Here are some price ranges to keep in mind: Entry-level inflatable paddle boards typically cost around $400 to $700.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.Why Are Paddle Boards So Expensive? Paddle boards are expensive because making a SUP board that is durable, lightweight, and performs well requires the use of expensive materials and labor intensive manufacturing techniques.
Is it OK to keep inflatable paddle board inflated?
So is it ok to leave paddle board inflated? It is generally not advisable to leave your inflatable paddle board inflated for long periods of time when not in use, especially in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. Yes, inflatable stand-up paddle boards (iSUPs) are safe.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.They are less likely to puncture easily, which will save you time, money, and effort in terms of paddleboard upkeep. To summarize, inflatable paddle boards are quite durable and sometimes even better for consumer use than non-inflatable ones.
Are inflatable paddleboards safe?
Yes, inflatable stand-up paddle boards (iSUPs) are safe. While paddle boarding is not hard, it is a skill to learn, and is one that gets better with time. In just a few simple steps, you will be paddling like a pro in no time.Low impact exercise: Paddle boarding is a low-impact exercise, which means it puts less stress on your joints compared to other activities like running or jumping. This makes it a great option for people with injuries or arthritis.While paddle boards are generally designed to float, certain factors can affect their buoyancy: Overloading: Each paddle board has a recommended weight limit. Exceeding this limit can compromise the board’s buoyancy, making it sit lower in the water and potentially become unstable.It depends on what you mean by “harder. Paddle boarding requires more balance and engages more of the body simultaneously, which some might find more challenging. However, kayaking demands significant upper body strength and endurance, especially over longer distances.Inflatable paddle boards are known for their excellent stability. Their wider design and inflatable core create a more buoyant platform compared to some hard boards. The increased stability makes them ideal for beginners learning to stand up paddle or for those who enjoy leisurely paddling on calm waters.
Will my dog pop my inflatable paddle board?
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. Durability: Surprisingly, inflatable paddle boards are more durable than solid paddle boards. Quality inflatables are made from military grade materials, so if you knock or drop your inflatable board, it won’t dent or scratch. This also makes inflatable boards perfect for white water paddling or paddling rocky rivers.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.How Long Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Last? We could answer this question with an arbitrary range, such as 2 to 12 years, but the truth is that the durability of an inflatable SUP will depend on the quality of the board you buy and the type of use it endures.
Can inflatable paddle boards be left in the sun?
In general, it’s a good idea to store your iSUP in a cool, dry place when it’s fully inflated. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot, humid environment, as these conditions can cause the board to degrade over time. This is good news for warmer weather. As the air inside your board expands the iSUP’s Dropstitch, seams, glue and PVC should retain their integrity. This all said air can still expand too much. And in some cases, your inflatable may pop.