Differences Between Inflatable SUPs and Regular Boards

By Kathryn Beale


If you are looking to learn paddleboarding, you have probably checked out buying gear. Having your very own gear can be costly to buy, but will end up costing less in the end because you can avoid high equipment rental charges.

There are a variety of various paddleboard styles you can get, including inflatable. Boards that are inflated have a number of advantages, however there are a few disadvantages. These kinds of boards are created with a certain individual in mind who will appreciate the advantages and not mind the drawbacks. Let's look at how they vary.

Portability

Inflatable SUPs can be deflated and delivered in a medium sized bag. This means that paddlers don't have to load a big board on the top of their cars. They can also be transported on airplanes without requiring a large cost generally charged for oversized baggage.

Due to the fact that they can be rolled up into a smaller, more compact size, these boards can be conveniently secured in a car, carried on one's back and stored without taking up much space. Typical fiberglass boards do not offer these advantages. People who have a gear rack on their car, adequate storage area and no need to secure their boards while carrying them, this may not cause an issue.

Time Needed to Pump up the Board

Inflatable boards usually need 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 effort, and for some petite women, it can be a chore. Regular boards of course do not require this additional work, and some people like the convenience of not having to constantly pump up and deflate their equipment.

Ability to Maneuver Them

The firmness of inflatable boards varies. In general, the less expensive boards have a lower psi inflation, and for that reason are less firm. This means that they can bounce more in rough water or surf. For newbies, this can feel more unstable. For individuals paddling on lakes or other flat water locations, they might not be able to notice a distinction and therefore not care.

Conventional boards can provide a more easy trip and increased maneuverability. Paddlers desiring a fast board that is much easier to turn and move (ie those who wish to race or do a significant amount of workouts) are more likely to prefer a hard board instead of the inflatable type, which are more designed to the recreational paddler or someone interested in yoga paddleboard classes.

From my experience and research, inflatable paddleboards do not leak air very often. Even so, the majority of models include a patch kit just in case. These boards look and feel like a fiberglass board to people not knowledgeable about the various styles of boards, and most newbie buyers are thrilled at how they perform.

When buying, it is a good idea to compare the attributes of different options as well as prices, so you can get a board that you will be happy with.




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