The surf instructors in Hawaii in the 1940s would stand on their surfboards so they could more easily check on their students.
This later developed into the activity now known as Stand-Up Paddleboarding.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding is a very popular water sport, as you may have noticed from all the articles I’ve written on the subject.
Stand-up paddleboarding has been gaining in popularity over the past ten years and is now one of the most well-known watersports in the world.
Like other water sports, the rider stands on a board floating on the water’s surface and uses a paddle to propel themselves and the board through the water.
If you are unsure of what kind of stand up paddleboard you want to buy, you should begin by considering whether you want an inflatable SUP board or an epoxy SUP board.
In the past, inflatable SUP boards were considered to be something new, but this has changed over time. Now, many people consider them to be the best option for a first paddleboard.
Inflatable vs. Epoxy Stand-Up Paddle Board
What makes an inflatable SUP board stable?
The stability of an inflatable SUP board is mostly dependent on the design’s thickness. This is seen through the difference in rail construction, as a well-made 5-inch board has a uniformly rounded rail.
See, increasing the thickness of an inflatable SUP board of the same outline to 6 inches reduces the stability it offers, making it completely different from a hardboard.
Inflatable SUP boards are more durable than epoxy SUPs, thanks to military-grade materials that can withstand scuffs and holes. This makes them more available in rivers, schools, and rental agencies, because they don’t need to be replaced as often.
An inflatable paddleboard is a better option if you want to experience paddleboarding. The boards are softer and less painful to fall on. You will also feel less fatigue because you will be standing on a rubber mat. The reduced contact pressure means that your feet, knees, back, and neck will feel more relaxed.
The inflatable SUP boards are much lighter than hardboards, so they are easier to travel with. You can deflate the boards and roll them up to fit in a bag, which saves a lot of space and money.
Plus, you can paddle in any location you want.
What’s the storage like for these boards? They take up much less space than hardboards, and can fit on a shelf. You don’t need a lot of space to store them.
I believe that an inflatable SUP board can compare to the performance of hard boards. The inflatable type is especially versatile, because it is rigid like fiberglass and epoxy boards. A good inflatable SUP board means that you can paddle on flat water, small waves, and even white water!
It can even hold up to 20% more volume, making it more stable and supporting more weight. So, I would recommend inflatable SUP boards to both casual and competitive paddleboarding.
How to Choose between an Inflatable SUP Board and Epoxy SUP Board
Now, you’re not sure which of the two models to pick? I’ve got you covered on this one. To know which one is the best for you, let’s look at this in terms of four things.
1. Is It Portable?
Inflatable SUP boards are easy to transport because you can deflate them and roll them up. This way, you don’t have to worry about airline surfboard fees.
On the other hand, hard paddleboards are difficult to transport and require the proper equipment to bring with you on your trips.
It’s up to you whether you want a hardboard or an inflatable board, depending on how much effort you’re willing to put in.
2. Do You Have Enough Storage Space?
When deciding between an inflatable SUP board and a hardboard, take into account how much space you have at home and how much you’re willing to store the board.
If you have very little space, an inflatable SUP board is a better option.
Now, if you’re set on getting the harder variants, make sure you have a spot for one during SUP season and off-season. Make sure that there is a lot of clearance so you can still move the board around the room; the recommended clearance is about 9-12 feet long.
3. Is It Durable?
If you drop an inflatable SUP board, there is no need to worry about scuffs and scratches, as they can match the build of hard boards. On the other hand, if you drop a hard board, you may need to repair it immediately, which can be costly.
The inflatable types are more commonly seen in whitewater and rocky rivers.
4. Does It Perform Well?
They’re also more resistant to dings and can take more abuse. This is especially important for those who paddle on more intense waters, those who follow long expeditions, or those who SUP competitively.
Hard paddleboards provide superb performance compared to inflatable ones. They are more agile, have better glides, and catch waves more easily. They’re also more resistant to dings and can take more abuse.
A certain speed test found that hard paddleboards were 5% faster than inflatable SUP boards, so inflatables aren’t too far behind in terms of performance.
Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards in 2022
If you’re looking for the best paddleboard, reading reviews is a good way to figure out what to look for.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
Surfstar 10’6 Advance All-Around
Adding to the success of the Flight series, Surfstar’s new 10’6 model offers more features and benefits than similar models, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a good all-around board.
The fiberglass paddle is a better than a normal paddle. It is lighter and easier to use, making it a good choice for an intermediate paddler. It is not a premium board, but it is still better than a budget board.
This board has double-reinforced side rails for stability and a rigid ride over small waves. At 33 inches, it has more room for your feet to find their balance. It can also carry more weight, which is ideal for tandem trips and even fishing.
There are two cargo sections for storage.
It’s not the quickest option out there, but it’s worth taking your time with it if you can, and the Advance Star does a pretty good job at this.
Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’
This premium version of the Cruise 12′ is excellent for speed and distance in most water conditions, and has incredible traction.
This board is built with a carbon-railing construction and an air/duo chamber, making it rigid and stable in the water.
This board is made with heat-welded bonds for a smooth, aerodynamic finish. It is also stable and has good traction, making it ideal for beginners or for cruising through calm waters.
The kayak package that is included with the Bluefin boards makes it a great investment for people who are just starting out with paddle boarding.
The Bluefin Carbon Cruise is a great kayak with plenty of added features for comfort, including a crocodile traction pad for added grip when paddling, and handles for easy carrying to and from the water.
This board is a reliable and sturdy investment that will last a long time.
Isle Switch SUP & Kayak
We got a new paddle board from Isle for testing and thought it was just another 2-in-1 Hybrid. However, we were wrong. Most hybrids are SUPs that you can sit on, but the Switch is conceived as an inflatable kayak that is also a great SUP touring board.
The design of the Isle Surf and SUP 10’6″ Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board is very versatile and includes a tandem kayak customization as well as link loops that connect to other boards. This will be a modular system for accessories that Isle is still developing.
It’s great to see companies innovating in the paddle board market and coming up with new, good products.
Effectively, the Switch is the best of both worlds in the inflatable paddle board industry. You get the best of both the kayak and stand-up paddle boarding experience without sacrificing anything in either category.
This inflatable is a good choice for both kayaking and SUP boarding.
iRocker All-Around 10′ Ultra
Even experts were surprised by how light and easy the iRocker All-Around 10′ Ultra was to carry and how quickly it could be set up and inflated. Most people were shocked at how small the iRocker All-Around 10′ Ultra was when they saw it in person. It’s very easy to carry and can be set up and inflated very quickly.
Although we were worried about what kind of performance would be sacrificed in order to have such a compact design, we were pleased and amazed with the experience on the water.
In other words, this paddle board is best for shorter, lighter paddlers. The taller the paddler, the less stable the board becomes, so they need to be more skilled to use it.
This board comes with an accessory bag and an electric pump, although you will need to provide your own power source.
The price for this SUP board is high, but it is a good investment for people who want to improve their stand-up experience.
South Bay Hippocamp 11’6”
This paddle board is a great option for those who want a high-quality, mid-range SUP fishing experience.
This paddle board is great for fishing trips because it is stable and has features that make it convenient and enjoyable.
The Hippocamp package comes with a variety of different accessories that can enhance your paddle boarding experience. These accessories include, but are not limited to, a kayak conversion kit and a 4 piece adjustable carbon fiber paddle. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, the Hippocamp package has something to offer you.
The South Bay Hippocamp inflatable fishing SUP provides riders with a very stable paddle board experience and comes with several high-quality accessories, making it a comprehensive and competitive paddle board package.
Thurso Surf Waterwalker 11
The Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 is a good stand-up paddleboard for all-round use.
The Waterwalker board is one of the best boards for those starting in the sport because it is very stable and has a lot of potential for good performance.
This SUP is much heavier than other boards at 30 lbs, providing more stability. It is perfect for yoga enthusiasts and families who want to enjoy equal amounts of possibility and joy.
The company has listened to its customers and made design tweaks to show thoughtful evolution. The kayak add-on, while not included in the basic pack, gives this product another useful dimension.
You’ll love this smart kayak as it conforms to your every need The smart transport bag is easy to use, and the smart pump makes it easy to blow up the kayak. The 132 is stable and steady, even in choppy water or subject to the wake of motorboats.
You’ll love how this kayak conforms to your every need.
