Inflatable vs. Hard: What type of SUP Is Right For You?

Stand Up Paddleboards come in two major variants when it comes to material. There are lightweight inflatable boards, and then there are durable hard boards. Many people often get confused as to which one is right for them. The choice depends upon your use and lifestyle. If you are confused or just are curious, then this article is right for you. Hard boards have several names like Epoxy, fibreglass, traditional or non-inflatable boards.

After proper usage and research, we came up to 5 factors that matter and will help you decide as to which type is right for you:

  • Storage Space
  • Performance
  • Durability
  • Portability
  • Cost

Storage Space:

This question/factor is often ignored by many people while buying boards. They treat boards like any other regular commodity, especially when purchasing online. But it is essential to consider how much space your house has. As the name suggests, inflatables can be deflated and folded. So, if you live in a small house or an apartment that has less storage space, then you should go for an Inflatable board. While purchasing a hard board, you must see as to where you will be storing it both during season and off-seasons. There should be plenty of room to move the board considering how huge they can be (9’ to 12’)

Performance:

When performance is a requirement, then hard boards should be your go-to as they provide optimal performance due to their structure. Now, inflatables on the other hands or more agile and quickly catch waves when surfing. They also have better glide performance. This is why they might be right for normal paddling. But if you have things like SUP racing, Touring or SUP surfing in your mind, then hard boards should be your go-to.

Durability:

Durability also matters when you will be paying such high bucks for a thing. Hard boards are generally made from materials like epoxy, carbon fibre etc. which makes them rigid and more prone to damages like dents and breaks. These damages will require immediate repair. Inflatables, on the other hand, can be dropped on water and can even take some heavy blows and still perform. This is why they are more suitable for white water paddling or paddling in hard rocky waters.

Portability:

Inflatables clearly will be your go-to if portability of the board is something of your concern. Inflatables can be deflated and carried around conveniently in a car trunk. Another benefit of this is that you can always take your board whenever you travel, just fold it and toss it along with your luggage. BOOM! You are ready to have a nice vacation. Hard Boards, on the other hand, need a full-size car to transport. They are also heavy and thus are difficult to carry from car to water.

Cost:

This is also an essential factor while choosing in between these two types. Inflatables are generally cheaper and more readily available. Thus if you are on a budget, inflatable boards will be the right choice. You can also get some hard boards at affordable prices, but then they lack in performance.

CONCLUSION:

You will need an inflatable board when you:

  • Have minimal storage
  • Travel often and want your board to be there.
  • Are a first-timer and on a strict budget.
  • Need a more durable board to quench your need for adventure.

You will need a hardboard when you:

  • Want to use it on local beaches, lakes or rivers.
  • Want to go SUP Surfing
  • Don’t mind the weight
  • Want best performance, agility and speed.

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