Going back to the same outdoor activities every summer might be exhausting for some. But you won't have to deal with this if you can learn a new sport like paddle boarding and get a stand up paddle board to enjoy the water. The coolest thing is that now, it has a sturdier, transportable, storable, and perhaps a better version known as an inflatable stand up paddle board.

If you are new to the rising sport of stand up paddle boarding and are seeking a board that will take you from beginner to intermediate levels, here are some recommendations for selecting the best stand up inflatable paddle board.

Are Inflatable Paddle Boards Good for Beginners?

Inflatable stand up paddle boards, often known as iSUPs, are great for beginners. Although their sizes and manufacturing materials vary widely, they can provide a more solid build so it can last longer and serve as softer landing hulls in case you fall.

Consider the SurfStar paddle board as an example. For increased compression and toughness, the board body is constructed with high quality (some products are double-layer for even more rigidity) PVC and a reinforced drop-stitch core. Not all boards are the same, it is always good to choose a brand that offers good boards. With SurfStar new 2022 boards, there is an extra action camera mount and fiberglass paddle which is an upgrade from conventional boards retailed for only 399 USD.

What Is the Difference Between Inflatable and Hard Paddle Boards?

Moving forward, you may wonder: if inflatable boards are regarded as durable, what distinguishes them from hard-made ones?

First, inflatable stand up paddle boards are made up of PVC plastic with woven fibers that connect the top and bottom of the board at various spots. They are typically the size and weight of a big duffel bag, weighing between 18 and 20 pounds.

They come with a valve that is connected to a pump that inflates the board to 15 psi. Most inflatable stand up paddle boards, particularly those designed for river paddling, have flexible built-in fins. Because they are made up of air and plastic, they are lighter than hard paddle boards and have a bigger volume.

Meanwhile, hard stand up paddle boards, also referred to as epoxy boards, are produced from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, foam, plastics, Kevlar, and wood, and are coated with layers of epoxy resin. Hence, the name.

The layers of fiberglass, Kevlar, or bamboo veneer provide durability and stiffness. The epoxy finish hardens the board and makes it waterproof. Most epoxy boards have an air vent built on the deck to keep the epoxy resin from delaminating from the foam blank.

Although there are less expensive layers of materials available, such as plastic, they do not provide the same level of performance as epoxy resin.

If there are differences in the materials and qualities that make up the inflatable and hard stand up paddle boards, there are also substantial differences in how they may be utilized.

Inflatable stand up paddle boards are far superior for all-around pleasure-purposed water paddling, thanks to its durability, portability, weight, adaptability, and injury avoidance. However, if you are purchasing a board primarily for SUP surfing or racing, some technical characteristics of hardboards merit attention.

How Do I Choose a Paddle Board?

Now that we've filled you in with their differences, the next question you should ask is how do you actually choose the best paddle board. Beginner or not, there are certain factors to consider. Here, we listed down things you should keep in mind before adding a board to your cart.

Is it easy to store?

Often, you will hear that the size of the paddleboard is determined by the space available. So before purchasing a stand up paddle board, whether rigid or inflatable, consider how much storage space you have at home.

Can it accommodate a 12'6'' paddle board or can it only fit smaller ones? Ideally, an inflatable stand up paddle board won't take up much space compared to hard ones.

Is it easy to carry?

Carrying heavy items on a trip with friends and family may not be the greatest scenario you have in mind. Fortunately, inflatable paddleboards are more portable than stiff paddle boards.

Transporting iSUPs does not require a huge van or truck. You can even fly with them without paying additional expenses. Simply put it in a bag; most inflatables come with a backpack for convenient storage. This means you may deflate after usage and inflate before use.

Meanwhile, moving the epoxy board will necessitate a large vehicle, as it is often heavier and more difficult to transfer from one location to another.

Does it move smoothly on water?

The movement of a paddle board on the water is determined by the type and size of the board you consider purchasing. As a beginner, you'd like a lighter paddle board so you can learn how to better control it while on the water.

The majority of inflatable boards weigh around 20 pounds. However, hard boards can weigh from 30 to 50 pounds. This distinction has an impact on how each board operates. Inflatables are easy to get into the water since they are lightweight. Meanwhile, hard paddle boards require your assistance to keep them stable on the water.

Is it durable?

Assuming you've mastered the art of paddle boarding, the next question is how long will your SUP can keep you company. iSUPs are more durable than epoxy boards.

If you dropped your inflatables by accident, you would not notice a dent or hole. Because they are resilient, inflatables are also ideal for kayaking rough rivers. You just need a paddle board with kayak seat to experience it.

Final Verdict

Inflatables outperform hardboards in a range of situations, particularly on water. Inflatable stand up paddle boards are versatile and may be used in any water sport. They are more stable, safer, and can handle additional paddler and passenger weight since they can have up to 20% more volume on water.

You can even opt for a paddle board with a camera mount to record the fun moments. Or you can get an inflatable stand up paddle board with upgraded paddles. Basically, do anything you want with an improved medium to ride the waves.

This 2022, inflatable paddle boards are the trend. You just need to ride the wave to find it out yourself.