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Research >> Paddle Board >> Inflatable vs Non-Inflatable

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Inflatable vs Non-Inflatable Paddle Boards

June 23, 2019
Research
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paddle board

Table of Contents:

Will it be a Non-inflatable or Inflatable Paddle Board?
Non-Inflatable Paddle Board
Advantages Non-Inflatable Paddle Board:
Disadvantages of Non-Inflatable Paddle Board:
Inflatable Paddle Board
Advantages of Inflatable Paddle Boards:
The Disadvantages of Inflatable Paddle Boards
How to avoid to but substandard boards:

Stand up paddling is becoming very popular. A lot of people are wanting to jump the bandwagon. In order to do so, one needs a paddle board. A newbie could be in a dilemma which one to choose. There are two major types of paddle boards, either you go for a non-inflatable board which is a hard or an inflatable board.

Let’s find out what sets them apart. But first, what really should be the considerations in choosing which board to buy before making that final decision?

Actually both are good hence a would be paddler or a paddler should base their choice according to:

Performance - Let’s face it, you have to purchase what you need or what are your goals in paddle boarding are. There is barely a thin line that separates a non-inflatable board to an inflatable board in terms of performance. Hard paddle boards gives the best performance wise in comparison with an inflatable board. This is in the following basis: it’s faster, has a better glide, and easier to conquer and catch waves when SUP surfing. It’s the topmost option when one will go SUP surfing, SUP racing and for longer paddling distances.

The small difference is in the speed. An actual test showed that hard boards are only 5% faster than an inflatable board! This proves that inflatables are extra rigid and aren’t too far behind hard boards when it comes to agility.

Portability - For a hard board, one will need a vehicle with a rack on it, to be able to transport it. An inflatable is portable and if one is the type who goes traveling and paddle boarding, it will come in really handy. It can fit in a carry bag, or backpack and off one goes, anywhere!

Storage space - Do you have the place to store a hard board? How much space do you have that can be used as a storage space? This is one factor that needs to be considered. A hard board needs a storage space unlike an inflatable that doesn’t need one.

Durability - Unbelievable but true, inflatables are more durable than hard boards. Why so? Inflatables are indestructible against dings, scratches, and damages. This cannot be relied upon a hard board. They can be accidentally dropped and can suffer damages. If you are the type that wants to have fun and throw all this caution in the wind, then an inflatable is your best bet!

Cost - Normally, non-inflatable boards are more expensive than an inflatable paddle board. If you’re buying on a certain budget only, it’s an inflatable that would be easier on the pockets. That’s one factor that inflatables are more suited for beginners and families.

Will it be a Non-inflatable or Inflatable Paddle Board?

Non-Inflatable Paddle Board

If you’re that type of paddler who prefers the real hard stand up paddle board then a non-inflatable one is what’s best for you! A non-inflatable board is as solid as it could be. A hard board is preferred by the experienced paddlers since it’s very useful in paddling long distances. In addition, non-inflatables have better gliding attributes in them. And if you plan to go ocean paddling, then absolutely a hard board is what you need.

A solid / hard board is your sure to go to when you’re for performance or wider type selection. One argument raised by pro-hard board believers is the abundance and availability of any size and shape in a hard board whereas, not so with an inflatable board.

Non-inflatables can be made from: epoxy, fiberglass, foam, plastic, and wood.

Advantages Non-Inflatable Paddle Board:

• Strength – Simply stronger

• Size options – Hard boards had been there for the longest time. They are even easier to make and can be customized. There are a lot of sizes available

• Speed – A hard board is the only way to do it, if you’re after speed.

• Durability – They have a longer lasting life-span

• Rigidity – As hard and solid as it can get. There are water paddling activities that are done best with a hard board like

• Cost – Foam which is a kind of a hard board can be one of the lowest costing boards on the market.

Disadvantages of Non-Inflatable Paddle Board:

• Storage – One needs ample space to store a hard paddleboard. This is a one-point advantage of inflatables, there is no need for a big storage space.

• Mobility– A vehicle is needed in transporting a hard board. You even need a rack on your vehicle to hold it and needs to be mounted and tied safely. This is the second point advantage of an inflatable, they are portable.

• Comfort – Hard boards follow have harder surfaces that’s not really that comfortable

• Weight – Most hard boards will weigh more than an inflatable. There are lighter boards available though.

Inflatable Paddle Board

Inflatable paddle boards had come a long way. They come into existence as an option to the hard boards available in the market. That is all in the past. They now give the non-inflatable boards a run for their money! They could be as rigid and as stable as a hard board can be. Nowadays, there are a lot of inflatable stand up paddle boards to select from.

They are available in different price range brackets. Most of the affordable and cheaper ones are imported from China. With proper care, they can last longer and won’t suffer from

damages. There are manufacturers that had been in the business for the longest time and built a name and reputation of reliable, durable, and high standard of craftsmanship.

Advantages of Inflatable Paddle Boards:

• They are portable – Basically, you can bring them everywhere! Once they are deflated, you can just stuff it in a backpack or carry bag and boom! You’re out to any paddling destination. On the contrary, a hard board needs to be transported in a pick-up, or at the top of your vehicle.

• Travel with it on land, air, and water – They are so convenient to bring along practically anywhere. You can bring it in any land transportation mode, bring it in any water transportation means and bring it on an airplane, helicopter, or even jet with it. Isn’t it amazing? Paddle boarding in Hawaii this summer, and in the Philippines next! Way to go!

• Very comfortable soft surfaces - An added bonus for using an inflatable is you’ll have a comfortable less tiring paddling time. The soft surface will ensure your body especially your feet will be more relaxed and less strained. It’s also safer for times that unavoidable falls can happen. Your landing will be of lesser impact and most likely safer

from injuries.

• Very stable - Yes, you heard it right. There are inflatable boards that are more stable than a hard board!

• Less storage area – You can just put your deflated board in a cabinet or bigger drawer at home. It doesn’t demand a storage area like maybe a garage or shed.

• Very sturdy – Inflatables work very well even in rocky areas, or water conditions with jagged shorelines and coastlines. They simply can bounce off when threatened or bumped into those areas. These inflatables are very durable and just avoid sharp objects or pointed surfaces.

• They are versatile - They can be used by all age bracket and skill levels. It can be used too by multiple riders. Each member of the family can enjoy and it can be used on flat-water lakes, raging rivers, whitewater rapids, ocean, bays, and to go surfing.

• Lightweight - They can weigh as light as 15 lbs. to 30 plus lbs the most. It only needs one person to carry it. A person can even carry more if necessary.

• Very convenient - An inflatable doesn’t get in the way. Literally, it’s very compact and very convenient at all times. No transportation issues or demands at all! You can even just walk carrying it!

The Disadvantages of Inflatable Paddle Boards

• Slower maneuverability – They are harder to maneuver especially when turning the boards.

• Lesser rigidity – An inflatable is rigid, but it will never be comparable to fiberglass or epoxy hard board’s rigidity.

• The price – Cost wise, some can be more expensive and have over the board price tags

• Can bend or sink - Air is what sustains them. There are possibilities they would bend, if air comes out or worst sink just in case holes will be present.

• Prone to holes – Reality is yes, they can be punctured, or prone to holes, and then what? It will be deflated little by little!

How to avoid to but substandard boards:

This will help you in choosing the right board and to avoid buying the wrong one!

• Talk to people in the know in SUP paddle boarding

• Read Reviews of SUP paddle boards

• Ask around and join discussions about paddle boards

• Do your own research

• Know the manufacturers and reliable companies that produce SUP paddle boards

• Buy from legit stores, shops, sites, and suppliers.

• For inflatables purchase only those that passed the recommended PSI. Don’t purchase boards with lesser PSI than 14.

At the end of the day, eventually you need to choose whatever paddle board you feel will fit to your needs, goals, lifestyle, and purpose. Just remember if you don’t have enough space, you like to travel, you want something easy on the pocket, and you want to experience a lot of water activities then your best bet is an inflatable paddle board.

On the other hand if you just want to go paddling nearby, you want to surf, and be challenged by those waves, you don’t mind loading and unloading it to the top of your vehicle, and you’re for speed, performance, and want to pursue SUP racing, then you should be purchasing a hard board!

Better yet, you might eventually purchase both inflatable and non-inflatable paddle boards and get to enjoy both worlds!

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