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. Paddle boarding, also known as stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), involves standing on a wider, more stable board and using a paddle to propel yourself through the water. One of the brilliant things about paddle boarding is that it can be done on a variety of bodies of water, from lakes and rivers to bays and oceans.An unstable paddle board is one that has a greater risk of capsizing. This is because the more weight you add to the board, the less buoyant it becomes. After a point of time, the buoyancy of water is going to exceed the buoyancy of your SUP board, which is when it’ll start to sink.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.In summary, a SUP and a paddle board refer to the same watercraft used for the sport of stand-up paddleboarding. SUP refers slightly more to the activity, of actually standing, rather than solely the board being used.
Is hard SUP better than inflatable?
Performance Generally, more performant than inflatable boards, they glide easily and quickly over the water and capable of gliding further and faster with only a few strokes. Made of fibre glass, they’re of better quality than inflatables and are generally more durable (when properly cared for). 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.Inflatable paddle board prices are a budget-friendly option for enthusiasts. Due to factors like material quality, design features, and brand reputation, prices range from $350 to $1,700. Entry-level boards are more affordable, while high-end models with advanced features can cost more.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.As a general rule of thumb, a more premium paddleboard will be lighter and no corners will be cut to get it to that weight. It will be lighter because of the technology used to get it to that weight as we have discussed above. It will have denser drop stitching, less layers of pvc, be heat bonded rather than glued.
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. 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.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.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.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.
How long will inflatable SUP last?
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. 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.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.It’s OK to store your SUP inflated As long as it’s out of direct sunlight, you can leave your iSUP inflated indefinitely.
What pressure should an inflatable SUP be?
The best inflatable stand-up paddle board PSI level is anywhere from 10 to 15. Most people inflate their board to about 10 to 12 PSI. A higher PSI will help if you are riding in cold or choppy water. If you need a bit more stability, try increasing the PSI of your board as well. Your paddle board is fully inflated when it feels firm to the touch and does not flex under pressure. Most boards have a recommended PSI, typically around 12-15 PSI, which you can check using the gauge on your pump.If you want a proper electric SUP pump at great value, then the HIKS 12V 20 PSI pump is probably the one for you. Spending just a fraction more on this 20 PSI pump instead of a 15 PSI pump means it’ll inflate any paddleboard you’ll own, will be able to inflate 2 boards in one sitting and do it all much quicker.What kind of pump options are there? We have two pump options: a manual air pump for inflatables and an electric paddle board pump. Both pumps take about 10 minutes or so to inflate the board to 10-12 PSI. The manual iSUP pump is the pump you will receive if you purchase the inflatable board package.