Are inflatable stand-up paddle boards worth the money?
Quick Answer: For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable SUPs are much better overall, due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention. Getting Value from Your Purchase. A good inflatable SUP will have little or no noticeable flex and will not feel bouncy, but the price will be higher because of the expensive material required to make a board with ideal physical properties and outline shape.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.DURABILITY. The durability of your blow up paddle board is important, especially when it’s inflatable. Once a cheap paddle board starts to break down, it tends to be more than just a simple issue and more than likely isn’t worth the effort of fixing so you’ll end up going and buying a new one.The Mistral Lidl Inflatable SUP Board is the perfect choice for beginners who want to learn to paddle or for those who want to catch small waves. The wide and stable board has an anti-slip surface, which provides comfort and safety while paddling.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.
What are the disadvantages of an inflatable paddle board?
Disadvantages of inflatable SUPs Compared to hard boards, an inflatable SUP is not as rigid, which means they are not performance focused. Being less rigid, also means that they are less responsive and maneuverable when trying to make quick turns. Inflatable SUPs will also have more flex in them than hard boards. 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.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.This can be especially great for beginners or children. Very stable – For the most part I would say that inflatable SUP’s are more stable than a hard-shell board. I find them much easier to learn on and in general just an overall more stable ride.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.
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. You can leave your paddle board inflated indefinitely, but for extended periods, consider these precautions: Avoid Heavy Objects: Don’t treat your inflated board as a shelf to prevent damage. Clean Regularly: Wash off mud or sand to avoid stains and abrasion.Inflatable paddle boards are made using special drop-stitch fabrics which are expensive and require great precision in assembly to maintain an accurate board shape. High quality inflatable paddle boards are completely hand-made, so labor costs are high.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.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.
What is the life expectancy of an inflatable paddle board?
Longevity depends on a few different factors. Maintenance is key, like any else, if you take care of it it should last you! See Starboard’s tips on caring for your inflatable paddle board. 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.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.
How much should you spend on inflatable paddle board?
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. One of the main differences between cheap and expensive paddleboards lies in the quality of materials and construction. Cheap paddleboards are often made from less durable materials such as low-grade PVC or inflatable materials, which may impact their longevity and ability to withstand wear and tear.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.The river is one place where inflatables tend to be the default choice, and have really come into their own. In addition to the convenience factors that weigh in their favor when comparing with hard boards, they are generally better suited to river paddling than hard boards.Are Inflatable Paddle Boards More Stable? The stability of an inflatable paddle board depends largely on the thickness of the design. A well-made 5 inch thick inflatable paddle board will generally be more stable than a hard board because of the difference in rail construction.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.
How long will inflatable SUP last?
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. Do I need to deflate my paddle board after each use? Deflating your SUP board isn’t absolutely required, especially if you’ll be using it again in the near future. However, deflation does offer advantages such as saving storage space and minimizing the risk of long-term inflation damage.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.