Differences Between Inflatable SUPs and Regular Boards

By Renee Wetherford


If you are looking to start paddleboarding, you have probably explored purchasing equipment. Having your very own board can be costly to buy, but will end up costing less in the long run due to the fact that you can avoid high board rental charges.

There are several different paddleboard styles you can buy, including inflatable. Boards that are inflated have a number of advantages, however there are a few drawbacks. These kinds of boards are made with a specific person in mind who will value the advantages and not mind the downsides. Let's have a look at how they vary.

Ease in Transporting Them

Inflatable SUPs can be deflated and carried in a compact bag. This means that people do not need to load a big board on the top of their vehicles. They can also be transported on airplanes without requiring a significant charge normally charged for large travel luggage.

Because they can be packed into a smaller, more compact size, these boards can be easily secured in a car, carried on one's back and stored without using up much area. Traditional fiberglass boards do not offer these advantages. People who have a board rack on their SUV, sufficient storage space and no need to lock their boards while carrying them, this may not cause a problem.

Effort Required to Pump up the Board

Inflatable boards normally require a manual hand pump to be inflated. This can take between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the power of the individual doing the inflating. Pumping air into a paddleboard takes work, and for some petite women, it can be a workout. Regular boards naturally do not require this extra work, and some people like the benefit of not having to constantly inflate and deflate their gear.

Ability to Maneuver Them

The firmness of inflatable boards differs. In general, the less expensive boards have a lower psi inflation, and as a result are less firm. This means that they tend to bounce more in choppy water or surf. For beginners, this can feel more unsteady. For individuals paddling on lakes or other flat water locations, they may not be able to tell a distinction and for that reason not care.

Traditional boards can offer a more easy ride and increased maneuverability. Paddlers wanting a fast board that is easier to turn and move (ie those who want to race or do regular workouts) are more likely to choose a fiberglass board instead of the inflatable type, which are more tailored towards the leisure paddler or somebody thinking about yoga paddleboarding.

From my experience and research, inflatable paddleboards do not leak air frequently. Even so, most models have a patch kit just in case. These boards appear and feel like a fiberglass board to people not knowledgeable about the different styles of boards, and most newbie buyers are thrilled at how they do.

When buying, it is a good idea to compare the attributes of different equipment along with costs, so you can get a board that you enjoy.




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