Is it worth buying an inflatable paddle board?
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. inflatable paddle boards offer unmatched portability, durability, and comfort — ideal for beginners and travelers. Hard boards may appeal to speed seekers, but inflatable sups win for most paddlers.The Best Paddle Boards for Most Beginners are Inflatable If you later get serious about surfing or racing, you might then consider a fiberglass or epoxy board for those activities, but an inflatable is what makes the most sense for your first board in most cases.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!Because they have a reliably rigid feel, fiberglass stand-up paddle boards tend to offer higher performance than inflatable stand-up paddle boards. Fiberglass boards offer responsive turning for surfers, and a smooth, fast ride to touring and race paddlers.
Are Costco paddle boards any good?
Costco blow-up paddleboards are good for those with limited storage space or if you’re looking for a paddleboard that’s easy to transport in any sized vehicle. Foam paddleboards offer a more rigid platform for greater performance on the water. Recreational paddlers will see a mix of single- and three-fin configurations on all-around paddleboards. Many inflatable SUPs have a three-fin setup, which works well for beginners as the side bites provide extra stability and assist in turning.An inflatable paddle board is much easier on the body of the rider and anybody else the board might come in contact with. A softer deck reduces fatigue. Standing on an inflatable SUP is similar to standing on one of those expensive rubber mats used in commercial settings to reduce fatigue.Solid paddle boards, while faster, are much less versatile than inflatable SUPs. Solid SUPs are more specialized for higher performance and high-speed activities like SUP racing and surfing. But they’re not nearly as good for activities that require more stability or storage, like touring, yoga, and fishing.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.
What is a good size inflatable paddle board?
Medium boards (10′ to 12′) are ideal for all-around use and for SUP yoga. Most of these boards have planing hulls, but sometime you’ll find a displacement-hull SUP at this length. Long boards (12’6 and above) are great for fast paddling and long-distance touring. The 11′ paddle board stands out in choppy waters or when embarking on long touring trips due to its superior stability and speed. Conversely, a 10′ board, due to its shorter length and great maneuverability, thrives in calm waters and is perfect for casual cruising.Most SUP boards are designed for one person only (especially inflatable SUPs). However, some family-sized paddle boards are designed to support the weight of several people, allowing two people to paddle and have fun together.The most popular SUP boards for general use are 10-11 feet in length and between 32 and 34 inches wide. If stability is a high priority for you, you’ll want to look for a board that is 33-34 inches wide. You can go wider, but you may end up with a board that is sluggish and less fun to paddle.The most popular SUP boards for general use are 10-11 feet in length and between 32 and 34 inches wide. If stability is a high priority for you, you’ll want to look for a board that is 33-34 inches wide. You can go wider, but you may end up with a board that is sluggish and less fun to paddle.
Is it harder to balance on an inflatable paddle board?
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. In summary, it is generally OK to leave your inflatable stand up board fully inflated, provided you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and store it in a cool, dry place.
How long will an inflatable paddle board 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. For this reason they are great for people who lack storage space. Extremely durable – Believe it or not ISUP’s are actually better suited for river paddling and rocky shores. These boards are not flimsy and whereas a fiberglass board might get dinged if it crashes into rocks, an inflatable will just bounce right off.Note: Current inflatable SUP construction quality and techniques are much more advanced today than they were 5 years ago. As such, it’s hard to know exactly how long newer inflatable SUPs will last. We have boards that are 5-6 years old, and hope that the current SUPs we have last in the 5-10 yr+ range).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.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!