Are inflatable SUPs good for surfing?
The answer is yes, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right inflatable stand-up paddle board for surfing. While any iSUP can technically be used for surfing, some are better suited to the task than others. 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.You can paddle quickly and with little effort. While caution is still necessary, inflatable surfboards are almost unbreakable and less dangerous in case of contact, making them ultimately very reassuring.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.Inflatable paddleboards have been proven over time to be more durable than epoxy SUPs. Quality inflatables are made from military grade materials that are not subject to the vulnerabilities of hard boards – dings and holes that require expensive repairs.
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. 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!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.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.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!Yes, inflatable paddle boards are worth it for many people due to their portability, easy storage, and durability.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive inflatable SUP?
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. Inflatable SUPs are more portable and easy to store, while hard boards offer excellent stability and speed. For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable boards are a better choice due to their durability, versatility, and injury prevention.The simple truth being iSUP’s are more durable, beginner friendly, easier to store, and best of all, cheaper! Non inflatable paddle boards accumulate dings, cannot easily be stored, do not come with a warranty, and do not come with a paddle!
How much should you 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. Inflatable paddleboards are more than just a passing phase; they are the future. With safety-centric designs, they promise unforgettable adventures on the water. In conclusion, inflatable paddleboards, with their myriad protective features, promise not just an adventure but a safe one.Both hard epoxy SUP boards and blow-up paddle boards are fantastic for lake and ocean paddle boarding. However, you must ensure your gear is from a reputable business and made from high-quality materials. Due to the calmer conditions of most lakes, inflatable boards would work best in these bodies of water.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!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 are the disadvantages of an inflatable paddle board?
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. Inflatable stand up paddle boards are much lighter than their solid counterparts, making them much easier to carry and move around. This makes them ideal for paddling rivers and canals, especially if you need to pass through locks.Speed and steering Stand up paddleboards are generally faster than kayaks, as they have a longer waterline and can glide more easily through the water. This makes them ideal for exploring open water, such as lakes, rivers, or even the ocean. Kayaks, however, are easier to steer in tight spaces.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.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.No matter what brand or model you buy, too short of a paddle will have you hitting your hands on the sides of the kayak. Too long and you could be adding extra strain to your shoulders and zig-zagging the kayak in the water, which can be exhausting. Selecting the right size is more of an art than a science.
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. How Long Can You Leave a SUP Inflated? You can leave your inflatable paddle board inflated indefinitely, as long as you store your board correctly. If you release air, keep your board out of sunlight, and in a cool, dry place, your inflatable board can remain inflated, and little to no damage will come to it.Leaving Your SUP Out In The Sun This is by far the easiest and most common way to unintentionally ruin a stand up paddle board. Leaving your SUP in the sun during those long, hot summer days can overheat your board, causing delamination on fiberglass or epoxy SUPs and busted seams on inflatable SUPs.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.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.
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. Whether you have a solid paddle board or an inflatable SUP, it’s possible to surf your SUP based on your skill level and the intensity of the waves.The answer is yes, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right inflatable stand-up paddle board for surfing.Surfing involves a lot of intense muscular exercises. In order to push through the water, the major exercise that surfers repeat is paddling. Paddling not only impacts the lower body muscles but it also involves the upper body, chest and abdominal muscles.