What is the difference between a SUP and a paddle board?
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. With the appropriate safety gear like a PFD and responsible practices, both kayaking and paddleboarding can be safe. Yet, considering the ease of remounting, the exceptional vantage point, and the full-body engagement, Glide SUP boards claim the title for safer, more versatile aquatic exploration.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.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.It’s important to remember that, as with any watersport, stand up paddle boarding alone can be dangerous, especially if you get into difficulty. If deciding to head out alone, you need to think carefully about the location where you will be paddling. Will it be a static spot?
Why not to buy a cheap paddle board?
In the low end, cheap paddle boards; the drop stitching is made with a cheap, low quality material which means after a couple of times of inflating and deflating your paddle board, these threads will snap. You will see people who have the cheaper SUPs, that their board is dipped in the middle when they’re using it. 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.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.You can generally keep an inflatable paddle board inflated for a short duration, ranging from a few days to a week, particularly if you use it frequently. However, leaving it inflated for extended periods could lead to gradual 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.
Why are SUP paddles so expensive?
Better Materials The least expensive materials used in paddle making are also the heaviest. Aluminum shafts and plastic or nylon blades are what you’ll find in budget paddles. Compare that with the lightest material used—carbon fiber—and there can be almost a pound difference. Not inflating your paddle board correctly You need to inflate your paddle board to the recommended PSI. If you don’t inflate it enough, it’ll lose its rigidity and flop around, making it harder for you to paddle. On the other hand, inflating it too much will cause your board to pop due to excess pressure.While paddle boards do have a weight limit, it’s not an absolute number, and each one has its own weight capacity. However, typically, a standard paddle board can accommodate around 200 to 500 pounds. There are also larger ones with higher weight limits that are capable of holding more than 700 pounds.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.Generally speaking, lighter paddlers (under 180 lbs) can inflate the board to 15-18 PSI, while heavier paddlers (over 180 lbs) should inflate to 15-22 PSI.Inflatable SUPs require that you pump the board to the suggested PSI. They’re just as rigid as the epoxy SUP since they are constructed with layers of military-grade PVC. Epoxy SUP – Serious paddlers looking for increased speed, glide and maneuverability, will prefer an epoxy board.
Is an inflatable or solid paddle board better?
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.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.For short term storage, leaving your board inflated is absolutely fine, permitting it’s in the perfect storage spot as we outlined above. All inflatable paddle boards will lose air pressure over time when left inflated, but it’s also key to remember that air pressure expands in extreme heat.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.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.
Why is my inflatable paddle board not inflating?
The lack of pressure buildup is caused by a lack of lubricant in the pump or unevenly distributed lubricant. If the pump won’t build pressure all you need to do is add some sort of lubricant, like Vaseline. Unscrew the top of the pump and add a glob of lubricant to the cylindrical piece on the inside. Pump, pump, pump and you’ll see the gauge needle dance around a bit. Once you reach 12-15psi, the needle will hold it’s position a little better, however, the gauge will only read while you are pumping and the air is being pushed into the board.Make sure your psi gauge is in-line, so you can read the inflation level as you pump. Attach the free end of the pump hose to the H3 valve on the board and twist clockwise until it locks into place. Pump up the board until it reaches 10-15 PSI.