Are inflatable stand up paddle boards any good?
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. 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.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.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.Why Are Red Paddle Boards So Expensive? Red Paddle Co boards are made from better and more expensive materials than mass market boards and are hand-built to very high standards. The high-quality components and accessories that come with the boards also add to their cost.
Are inflatable paddle boards a good investment?
Generally speaking, inflatable paddleboards are cheaper to buy than hard paddleboards. Not only that, but on the whole, the repairs are cheaper too. Most come with their own little repair kit so you can fix the smaller repairs at home! 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!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.The features that make a particular paddle board best for beginners are stability, versatility, and ease of use. These needs are most likely to be met with a board that is inflatable, is no more than 5 inches thick, approximately 32”-34” in width, and a generally rounded or gently curved outline akin to a surfboard.Inflatable paddle boards are generally durable and puncture-resistant, but they can still be punctured by sharp objects or encounter wear and tear over time. However, most high-quality inflatable paddle boards are made from durable materials, such as drop-stitch PVC, which can provide good resistance to punctures.
How to choose a stand up inflatable paddle board?
To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness. 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.To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness.For several reasons, the iRocker Cruiser Ultra tops the list of our Best Beginner Paddle Boards. First, the Cruiser Ultra is extremely stable. Not only is it 33″ wide, but it also has a wide nose and wide, square tail that increase the board volume and stability far beyond more tapered shapes.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.
How much should I spend on an inflatable paddle board?
The cost of an inflatable paddle board can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size, quality, and brand of the board. Generally, the average cost of an inflatable paddle board ranges from $400 to $2000. It depends on your needs. But for most people—especially beginners—an inflatable paddle board is the best place to start. It’s easier to store, transport, and travel with, more durable than you think, and incredibly stable. If you live near the water and plan to surf or race, a hard board might make sense.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.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.A good inflatable paddle board from a reputable brand will generally cost between $900 for a solidly performing all-around board with a durable construction to $1200 and up for higher-end boards with additional material layering and unique design features for specialty uses.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.
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. Matter tends to expand when heated. The same is true of air inside an inflatable paddleboard. While a SUP inflated to the recommended maximum PSI is unlikely to ‘pop’, it is good practice to keep a board out of prolonged contact with direct sunlight on hot days.If you keep your inflatable SUP inflated for months at a time it will start to slowly release air. This happens extremely slowly however. If for example you leave your SUP inflated for 10 months it may lose 1-2 PSI’s worth of air so nothing that can totally change the integrity of your inflatable paddle boards.When choosing a SUP board, check its weight capacity. Many boards can handle weights between 100-175kgs, but some specialized high-weight capacity boards can support even more.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.
Do you go slower on an inflatable paddleboard?
Inflatable SUPs, while very durable and rigid when properly inflated, can still have a slight flex under pressure. This flex can absorb some of the paddling energy, making them marginally less efficient and slightly slower. 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.We have boards that are 5-6 years old, and hope that the current SUPs we have last in the 5-10 yr+ range). If your looking for a high-quality inflatable SUP that will last a long time, we’d recommend reading through our reviews of the following models: Blackfin Model XL. Rocker All Around 11.The biggest advantage of fiberglass paddle boards is that they don’t depend on air for rigidity. Because they have a reliably rigid feel, fiberglass stand-up paddle boards tend to offer higher performance than inflatable stand-up paddle boards.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.