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. 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!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.
What’s better, solid or 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. Why Is Paddle Board Thickness Important? An inflatable SUP needs to have a certain amount of thickness to ensure that it has enough rigidity and stability to support a rider’s weight on the water. However, if the board is too thick, then riders will have trouble feeling “connected” to the water.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.Most SUP boards should be inflated to a maximum of 15 PSI or approx. If you want to use a SUP board, it is important to use the correct air pressure. The correct air pressure depends on the type of board you use and the conditions in which you will use the board.A SUP board must work for your size. If the board doesn’t displace the correct amount of water for your weight, you won’t be supported well and the board may feel unstable. Board volume and weight capacity are two factors that affect how stable you will feel and how well the board will travel through the water.For all-around and river specific uses, inflatable boards have significant performance advantages over hard boards that benefit most paddlers. For big wave surfing and competition class SUP racing, hard stand up paddle boards have an edge in performance.
How do I know if my paddle board is fully inflated?
As the board begins to inflate, the pressure gauge will start to move. Once the pressure gauge reaches between 12 and 15 PSI*, detach the pump hose from the air valve and replace the safety cap. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a hand pump, try out one of our Electric Pumps. 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.
How much for a decent paddle board?
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. It’s always better to go with a SUP-specific brand. These boards will last for many years, carry a good warranty, and perform well on the water for paddlers with an appropriately sized board. SUPs in the mid range price category offer excellent performance and quality at a reasonable cost.The most commonly used SUP boards are 10 to 12. Boards 10 to 11 feet are ideal for beginners and casual all-around paddlers and SUP yoga. If you want touring and longer distances, opt for 11 to 12.Costco sells relatively cheap paddleboards. You get what you pay for in terms of quality. Costco standup paddleboards are not made for heavy use, so durability is far less than what you’d get in a more expensive board.The Adventure Series paddle boards are some of the most durable SUP boards on the market today. These paddle boards are built to take abuse. Virtually ding proof, the board is constructed like a traditional epoxy fiberglass paddleboard, but then wrapped in an ABS thermo-mold plastic shell under high heat and pressure.
Are thicker paddle boards better?
Board thickness is just as important as length, width, and outline shape. Inflatable SUP boards for all-around paddling, especially for riders who are developing their skills, should generally be 5 inches thick. If you’re new to paddling, look for a board 33” to 35” in width for more stability. If speed is a priority for you, look for a board 31” to 32” wide and 10 to 12 ½ feet long. Pro Advice: when shopping for your first paddle board, consider an All Around SUP around at least 10’6 long and 31” to 35” wide.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.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 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 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.