Why are inflatable paddle boards so expensive?
Inflatable paddle boards are pricey because they are made from expensive materials and require skilled craftsmanship. At our headquarters in Hebden Bridge, we meticulously design every paddle board in-house, driven by our enthusiasm for all things outdoors.
Why not to buy a cheap paddle board?
In the low end, cheap paddle boards; the drop stitching is made with a cheap, low quality material which means after a couple of times of inflating and deflating your paddle board, these threads will snap. You will see people who have the cheaper SUPs, that their board is dipped in the middle when they’re using it. Quick Answer: For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable SUPs are much better overall, due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention.High quality inflatable paddle boards are completely hand-made, so labor costs are high. Some lower cost inflatable SUPs are assembled in a more automated mass production process, which keeps the cost down but results in lower quality and performance.
Is it worth buying an inflatable paddle board?
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. Over Expansion in Paddle Boards There is no rule saying you can’t leave your paddle board inflated; however, we strongly recommend that if you’re leaving your paddle board in storage for long periods of time, you should deflate it to keep it in its best possible condition.Yes, you can leave your paddle board inflated for short periods, but it’s essential to regularly check its condition and inflation level.For short term storage, leaving your board inflated is absolutely fine, permitting it’s in the perfect storage spot as we outlined above. All inflatable paddle boards will lose air pressure over time when left inflated, but it’s also key to remember that air pressure expands in extreme heat.Not inflating your paddle board correctly You need to inflate your paddle board to the recommended PSI. If you don’t inflate it enough, it’ll lose its rigidity and flop around, making it harder for you to paddle. On the other hand, inflating it too much will cause your board to pop due to excess pressure.How much should a beginner paddle board cost? Inflatable paddle boards can vary in price depending on a variety of factors like brand, size, accessories, and features. Prices can be anywhere from $200 to $800, and you would be hard-pressed to find a paddle board for less than $200.
What is the life expectancy 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. 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.Do rocks or coral damage the iSUP? No, most rocks you encounter should be no problem for your inflatable paddle board. Our iSUP boards are built with double layers of PVC, so they are extremely durable and can handle a lot of abuse. We have customers use our boards on white water rapids all the time without issue!To paddle with two people, you need a suitable paddle board, and it is often advisable to take an inflatable paddle board for two people. It will be necessary to have the right gestures not to hurt yourself, but also not to damage the sup board.The bottom line is that inflatable paddle boards are better to use in general because they’re lightweight, stable, durable, and can be used in a variety of settings. However, if you plan on surfing, racing, or optimizing your performance, hard epoxy boards are the right choice.