Paddling with a SUP, or stand up paddle, the board can be a great way to spend a relaxing day. Unlike surfboards, you do not need waves to have fun with a surfboard, and you can paddle in different types of bodies of water. In any case, you will need to have the best inflatable paddle board to fit your needs and preferences.
Here, we will provide you with inflatable sup reviews so that you will know which ones to get if you want to give this hobby a try. Our inflatable paddle board recommendations will also help out if you want to trade in your old paddle board for a new one.
Why Do You Need an ISUP Paddle Board?
First and foremost, an ISUP paddle board is very portable and lightweight, allowing you to travel with multiple boards in a small car. It is also very easy to set up as all you will need is a pump. They are also very inexpensive as compared to those made out of epoxy, PVC, or fiberglass.
On the other hand, some may say that inflatable paddle boards are not as durable as solid ones. Although this may be true in the early days, nowadays these types of boards are being made much stronger and can withstand abuse just like solid paddle boards.
Of course, a cheap inflatable paddle board will definitely break much more quickly, which is why you should definitely buy quality products from reputable manufacturers. The list below provides some of the best that you can find in the market today, and they are definitely worth looking over before you look anywhere else.
How Did We Pick these Products?
In our goal to find the best rated inflatable paddle board, we scoured through numerous websites and tried out a lot of products that are actually included in this list. We looked at the specifications of the boards and compared them with each other. We also utilized customer reviews as well as community boards for opinions on how well they performed as well as for other comments that they may have.
We made sure that we acquired only the most honest reviews in order to provide you with the most accurate data possible. We also consulted with expert board paddlers that gave their most truthful opinions about these products and which ones they would consider as the best inflatable stand up paddle boards. Of course, we also were able to test these items ourselves so that we could provide our own input.
We also categorized our list depending on the type of paddle board that you may be looking for. Of course, there are really no right or wrong choices, so you can definitely have a differing opinion from ours. In any case, this only serves as an inflatable paddle board buying guide so that you will have a more informed choice should you actually decide to purchase an inflatable paddling board of your own.
An in-depth discussion on the factors that we have used in the creation of this list is discussed in the next section. These are the things that you should definitely look for in an inflatable paddling board, and hopefully, this guide would provide you with all the information that you need for your next purchase.
Things to Consider When Buying an Inflatable Paddle Board
Not all inflatable paddle boards are the same. They have different dimension and specifications which would perform differently based on varying conditions. This will result in a better or worse experience for you. Thus, when you buy inflatable paddle board, look into the following and see if they would be a good fit.
Size
The dimensions of your paddle board are extremely important. This should definitely be based on your body type and type of usage due to balance issues, although take note that larger inflatable paddle boards will also affect your maneuverability. Lengths are usually around 10 feet while widths, on average, are around 32 to 34 inches. Thickness, on the other hand, is at about 4 to 6 inches. Always remember to choose the right size paddle board to make the most of this sport.
Materials
Inflatable paddle boards are usually made out of PVC with additional coatings that will add onto its durability. Most boards use PVC that is military grade, which means that it is absolutely tough and are designed for the greatest kinds of abuse.
Stability
The best blow up paddle board should be stable and should be firm and rigid when fully inflated. This will allow you to stand on them and for them to fully support your weight. They should also be stable even in choppy waters, which is very important as you’ll be spending a lot of your time in the water otherwise.
Durability
There is no question that durability should always be an issue. As previously mentioned, they should withstand multiple uses and should be made out of quality materials. Inflatable paddle boards are serious investments so you should definitely not waste your money on patches or buying new boards altogether.
Nose Rockers
Nose rockers, as long as the tail, are parts of the board that greatly affects your performance and experience. Different types of nose rockers will affect your speed, maneuverability, and ability to turn, among others. Knowing the nose rocker type and how it will affect your inflatable board is absolutely critical as it will help determine what to expect when you are already out in the water.
Hull Type
Hull Types of inflatable paddleboards are classified into two, namely planning and displacement. Boards with planning hulls flat, wide, and are more stable and, as such, better for beginners. On the other hand, displacement type hulls are pointed and are geared more towards those that value speed and distance when using paddle boards.
Weight Capacity
Some inflatable paddle boards can carry more than one person at a time along with additional gear. Knowing the weight capacity of your paddle board will help you know how to safely use your paddle board and can help in preventing accidents or injury due to overloading.
Fins
Fins in inflatable paddle boards differ in number and size depending on the product. Single fins provide better resistance which then leads to better stability. On the other hand, multiple smaller fins allow for less resistance in different areas, which then helps you better manoeuver as well as travel faster.
Paddling Performance
Paddling performance depends on the shape of your paddling board as well as your own skills. A combination of the rocker, hull type, and fin structure will determine how easy you will be able to paddle. Of course, this would also affect how fast and how versatile you can be in the water.
Ease of Transport
Inflatable paddle boards should be lightweight and can be easily carried along with other essentials and accessories. Not only should it be light, but inflatable paddle boards should also take up little space. This is a big plus especially if storage bags are already provided for easy transport and storage.
Ease of Inflation
Most inflatable paddle boards can be inflated and deflated using pumps. These pumps often come along with the package and can either be manual and automatic. You can use a third party pump in some cases, but you should definitely have one along with you to provide ease in setting up and taking down.
Versatility
Some inflatable paddle boards can also serve other functions such as for surfing, touring, fishing, or even carrying a dog. A multi-purpose inflatable paddle will definitely add more value to your money as you would no longer have to buy separate items for different purposes.
Accessories
Accessories for inflatable paddle boards include paddles, pads, pumps, and leashes, among other things. Fins and other detachable equipment are also considered, especially if they are included in the purpose. Having accessories are great because they add adaptability to your boards and you can use them depending on your needs and preferences.
Value for the Money
Of course, the price would always be a factor when looking for the best inflatable paddle board. The best inflatable paddle board for the money are those that will last for a long time while still maintaining superior quality. Usually less expensive than solid boards, inflatable paddle boards should last you a long time and not be affected quickly by wear and tear caused by regular use.
Our Top 10 Best Inflatable SUP Boards
Here, we present to you our top 10 inflatable paddle boards. Please take note that this list merely serves as a guide, and our inflatable stand up paddle board reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, as ultimately, the choice of which product to buy with always be yours.
With that, let’s begin with our best overall inflatable paddle board based on our reviews and research.
Care and Maintenance of Inflatable Paddle Boards
A good inflatable paddle board will be able to serve you for many years. However, this will depend on how well you take care of it. Here are some tips on how you can take care of your inflatable paddle boards so that they will last you for a very long time while still performing at peak condition.
- Always wash your SUP board after use.
- Use fresh water and soap to clear sand and other debris.
- Make sure that water does not get inside the board.
- Make sure that the boards are not stored in direct sunlight
- Make sure that the boards are completely deflated before they are rolled and stored away
- Apply UV gear protectant such as 303 Aerospace Protectant on your board twice or thrice a year, especially when it is being used regularly.
- Check for holes by putting enough air and submerging in water. Bubbles will show where the holes are.
- Patch any holes using repair kits so as to not exacerbate the damage further.
- Always keep the warranty handy whenever it is available
General SUP Boarding Rules
Using a top inflatable paddle board does not make you safe, especially if you do not know about safety protocols when SUP boarding. Here are some rules that you should always adhere to in order to avoid accidents or injury.
- Always wear a flotation device.
- Use an ankle leash, preferably with a breakaway mechanism.
- Do not paddle too far especially if you are not experienced.
- Do not go SUP boarding when there is low visibility or if there are low light conditions.
- Do not go SUP boarding during harsh weather conditions or if there are large waves.
- Always provide ample space between your board and other objects such as other paddlers, other swimmers, boats, rocks, or other debris in the water.
- Always have someone know where you are in case of emergencies.
- Have a partner that can keep you in his or her sights at all times.
- Always wear protective clothing or sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Final Words
Now, we have reached the end of our inflatable paddle board review. Hopefully, our extensive research and testing have helped you choose the best inflatable paddle board for you based on your skills and preferences. If not, then hopefully our guide has helped you gain more knowledge about these products so that you will be able to make a more informed choice.
Our top favorites are the ROC Inflatable Board and the Ten Toes Weekender for its look, as well as Peak Expedition for its versatility and ability to carry a lot of stuff. Of course, that’s our opinion only, and you can freely choose which, among the inflatable paddle boards on the market that are not necessarily included in this list is your best bet. Happy paddling!
