Choosing Inflatable vs Hard Paddle Boards – What You Need To Know
If you are in the market for a new SUP, chances are you are weighing the pros and cons of an inflatable paddle board vs hard paddle boards. The obvious advantage with inflatable SUP boards is the portability over their rigid counterparts, but there is much more to it.
Considering the typical water conditions you are paddling on is the most important factor when choosing between an inflatable vs solid SUP board. In this article you will learn the key differences between inflatable and rigid standup paddle boards.
Inflatable vs Hard Paddle Board Differences
Before we dive, it is important to explain what an inflatable paddle board is, and to clarify that not all paddle boards are inflatable. Inflatable boards are exactly as the name suggests, hollow shells that when inflated become a rideable paddle board. Using a web of air pockets that, when filled with air, become stiff and able to support over 200lbs – sometimes more.
The 6 Main factors you need to consider when choosing inflatable vs solid sup:
- Typical Ocean/Lake/River conditions you are paddling in
- Storage space
- Transportation and portability
- Level of Experience and desired performance
- Durability
- Cost
Water Conditions for Inflatable vs Hard SUP boards
The popularity of standup paddle boarding has evolved the variety of types of boards available. Today, some SUP enthusiasts have 6, 8, or even 10+ different boards to best fit the water conditions and the style of paddling they are looking to do on any given day. Whether you are looking to fill a gap in your quiver or trying to decide on the first board to purchase, this section will help you better understand the pros and cons of an inflatable SUP vs hard SUP when it comes to various water conditions.
When it comes to paddleboarding, most people can fit within one of the big 3 as their primary place to paddle; oceans, rivers and lakes. Within these big 3 there are various types of paddling. For example on a river you can be paddling the wide open Colorado River in Austin, TX that has very little current and rocks, or you could be ripping Gore Creek in Vail, CO, dodging rocks and stomping waterfall drops in a Class 4 white water river. Don’t worry, there are countless varieties of boards for each of these styles of riding.
So, at the end of the day which is the right board for you?
In general, I opt for inflatable SUPs when on rivers and lakes and hard SUPs when in the ocean. The inflatable boards are much better at handling any unexpected rock shots and the lack of rigidity [compared to hard SUPs] actually make them perform better when going through rapids on a river. In the ocean I typically ride carbon fiber boards for both surfing, flat water and big open water racing. I find the epoxy boards don’t give me the flex that I am used to having grown up surfing on fiberglass shortboards.
Inflatables are more durable when it comes to the rounded rocks that are in rivers and lakes. They are susceptible to punctures on sharp rocks or sticks however. For this reason we come back to our advice that analyzing where you will most likely use your board is the best first step when choosing between inflatable and hard SUPs.
If you are looking for more performance on the water then the hard standup paddle board is the go to choice. Made with more responsive materials like epoxy and carbon fiber as well as stringer that provides extra stiffness, the hard board is difficult to beat in the surf. Accomplished surfers and experienced SUP riders will want to go with a hard paddle board when venturing into the surf break. Due to their rigid structure, these boards are shaped in all different sizes and varying levels of rocker and camber.
Beginner SUP riders on the other hand have a bit more to think about when it comes to exploring the ocean and waves. Because of how much you fall when first learning to ride a SUP in the ocean, it is a big factor when choosing your first board. The inflatable SUP boards can still catch waves well and provide for a very fun experience in the waves. Once you progress you will notice the difference instantly when riding an inflatable vs hard SUP.
Now, before you ask, “are inflatable paddle boards any good”, we still have 5 more sections to cover and you will see why inflatable boards have been growing in popularity.
Storage is a big factor when choosing inflatable vs solid SUP boards
A day on the water is better than one not on the water. Even if you are an advanced SUP athlete, an inflatable board could still be the best choice if space is limited. Inflatable boards are hands down the winner when it comes to storage. They pack up easily in an oversized backpack which fits in the trunk of pretty much any car – even a Mini Cooper!
This convenience of storage makes the inflatable perfect for those who like to have a SUP ready at a moment’s notice, without fussing with roof racks. People living in mountain towns have caught on to the inflatable trend because of the ease of transport and ability to stash the board away when ski season comes around. Aside for ease of storage, the packability of an inflatable board into a backpack makes it the perfect choice for exploring hidden mountain lakes that require hiking.
The easy storage benefits come with some extra challenges. Before getting into the water you will need to inflate the board which takes about 5-10 minutes depending on the size. It actually makes for the perfect warm up pumping up the board.
If you have the space then your options are endless for the board or boards you want to stock. Keep reading as there are many other factors to consider when choosing between inflatable and rigid paddle boards.
Transportation and Portability of Inflatable and Rigid SUP Boards
If you have ever knocked all the walls of your stairway trying to haul your rigid SUP down to ground level, then you can relate to the importance of portability. Having a board that you can manage yourself is an important factor when choosing between an inflatable paddle board vs solid paddle boards. As you now know, the inflatable boards can pack up easily and fit in most cars but there is more to consider depending on skill level.
If performance is a critical factor for you as a SUP rider, then making sacrifices on storage is only half the battle when it comes to board choice. Your car can restrict your options even if you have made all other concessions to store your board. Transporting rigid boards requires a truck and/or solid roof racks. Even if you have an SUV with racks, the height of the car and weight of the board can be an issue when loading and unloading. This makes a solid argument for inflatable boards if you think loading and unloading could be an issue.
As you can tell by now, there is a bit more commitment involved with non inflatable paddle boards than inflatable paddle boards. If you are worried about being able to handle the size of a rigid board then going the inflatable route is likely the better choice.
Level of Experience As a Paddle Boarder
If you are at a level where performance is a must, you likely have figured out a solution and transportation. You don’t want to stop reading just yet as there is still more to cover when it comes to durability between rigid and inflatable SUPs. For those still trying to decide on the best board to purchase, this section is important to read.
Beginners and novice paddlers can benefit from both inflatable and rigid boards in different ways. For those looking for family fun on the water with limited risk of bruises, the inflatable again is a great choice. Being an inflatable you will not get bruised if you end up falling on the board – which, by the way, happens very frequently when you are just learning how to paddle a stand up paddle board.
As mentioned above, the choice of board needs to take into account your ability level. If you live right on a lake and enjoy longer paddles, you may consider a touring or flat water race board. On the other hand, those that are rarely on the water might want to opt for a wide all-around board or stable inflatable board.
Advanced riders looking to ride faster waves will want to go with a hard board that is shorter and has enough rocker to handle the slope of the wave face. While SUP gives you an advantage of getting a long runway into waves you still need to have plenty of rocker to handle the drop once the wave sucks off the reef and goes from fast to lightspeed. Most performance SUPs are made from Epoxy, Fiberglass, Carbon fiber or a combination of these materials.
Epoxy boards have the least amount of “feel” to them as they are typically punched out from a mold in various layers and sealed using extreme heat. Carbon fiber boards are also made from a mold but are usually hollow which gives them better feel when riding waves. These boards are also the most durable but are the most costly to repair when damaged.
Finally, fiberglass boards are made just like your traditional performance shortboard or longboard. They feature a foam core with stringer that is shaped by hand or automated shaping machine and then finished with fiberglass and resin. Because you are standing the whole time these boards will have additional layers of fiberglass on the deck for added durability. Just like your standard shortboard, you get a similar feel in a larger format. You can repair fiberglass boards using the same kit you have for your standard surfboard.
Most pros are using either carbon fiber or foam boards with either fiberglass or epoxy resin coating. This is because these boards provide much better responsiveness in pretty much all surf conditions. Beginners wouldn’t lose the benefit from riding a carbon fiber board but their wallet would take a hit as carbon fiber SUP boards are 3x or more the price of an epoxy board.
Durability of Inflatable boards vs Solid boards
When hearing the word “inflatable”, you might automatically assume that these boards would be less durable. Far from the truth! Inflatable SUP boards can actually take a beating and still keep rolling. Unlike their solid counterparts that can crack or ding, the inflatable SUP board absorbs impacts from smooth rocks just like when your head sinks in on a pillow as it rests.
This is why a majority of river SUP riders opt for inflatable boards. Without this ability to absorb blows from the smooth river rocks, the rider would be constantly in their shop repairing dings, scratches, or worse after a day on the river. While the inflatable SUP is durable, it is not invincible and a well placed sharp rock or stick can puncture the board leaving you in a potentially precarious position depending on where you are.
We cover how to repair inflatable SUPS, as well as general paddle board care tips right here.
When it comes to durability on the ocean and in the surf, the solid board takes the cake. Neither board is a match for razor sharp coral reefs – but at least on a solid board you can still paddle in whereas the inflatable could be a limp noodle after meeting the wrong coral. Aside from the hazards below the water, the surf itself has its own risks that could leave your inflatable popped or the wrong solid board snapped in half.
As hinted at above, there is a big difference in durability between construction methods of epoxy, fiberglass and carbon fiber. With fiberglass boards, you will get the responsiveness and feel that is synonymous with your standard shortboard, but with great responsiveness comes less great durability. For a good fiberglass SUP to have the performance benefits you can not use too much fiberglass cloth and resin – this will weigh the board down and make it lose all of its feel.
Finding this fine line is a challenge of many shapers since boards with less glassing have a better feel than ones with more. However, the thinner glassed boards are much more likely to break under larger surf and get punctured more easily on rocks and reefs. Consider the size of surf your riding and your budget before committing to a custom fiberglass board – in fast hollow surf your high performance fiberglass board could get busted up more frequently than you might like.
Cost of Inflatable vs Hard Paddle Boards
Entry level inflatable boards can be found for around $350 to $600. These boards are perfect for paddlers who are just getting started and looking for something fun to paddle around. You can usually find a package deal that will include a collapsible paddle as well.
Not over spending on your first board lets you get started paddling and figuring out what you like and don’t like about your first board. As you progress, there will be plenty of options out there that will better suit your style of riding. It takes falling and paddling around to learn what your style is, so give it time and enjoy the learning process.
If you are committed to getting into the surf as soon as possible then going with a 10’6” epoxy all around paddle board is your best bet. A decent board will start around $1,000 and go up from there. As I mentioned before, it is worth getting a decent 10’6 all around board as you will love using it for years to come – even as your ability level grows and your interest in trying different shape boards expands.
Advanced riders can expect to pay north of $1,000 for a quality inflatable paddle board. These boards offer more durable materials and are more rigid than some of the cheaper models. You will usually get a nicer air pump which cuts down your time inflating your board. Sure, you can just buy a nicer pump for your budget board but at least you are getting something a bit more when going premium.
When it comes to carbon fiber race boards and surfing SUPs, the price tag gets into the $2,000 to $3,500 range. It is good to start riding different shapes and sizes of boards before pulling the trigger on a performance board. As you try different boards you will get a better feel for width preference, riding style, desired effect in certain conditions, and even brands that make boards that just work better for you.
Where to Start When Choosing a New Board
Now that you know all the details of inflatable vs solid boards it is time to make a decision, purchase a board, and get out on the water. Take the time to research and explore all the different options for what will work best with your lifestyle. Get a board that checks all – or the most – of the top 6 factors in choosing a board.
Don’t worry about starting with a beginner inflatable if your goal is to one day surf the North Shore of Oahu on a SUP or compete in the Molokai 2 Oahu World Championship. The most important thing is to have a board that you will be able to ride as much as possible.
Having more time on the water is way more important than having the perfect board that collects dust in a storage shed or garage. If you have a board that is convenient for you to use frequently you will become a much better paddler. And, if SUP riding is your calling, you will figure out ways to keep different boards – through friends you meet or even location changes.
Having the right wetsuit, sun protection and PFD is the last piece to completing your first paddle board purchase. No matter what board you are riding, if you are paddling out of a harbor you will be required to wear a PFD of some sort. There are options that wear like a fanny pack which free up your arms and shoulders so not to limit movement when paddling. These are great options and are approved by the US Coast Guard (most brands).
In cold water conditions having a wetsuit is a must, from something less restrictive like a long John (or long Jane) to full suits that provide complete coverage, some kind of protection against the elements is going to keep you safe if you fall in. Paired with your PFD for emergencies you are ready to hit the water!
Using your inflatable SUP for the first time
Now that you are all geared up and ready to hit the water you need to know the right ways to inflate your inflatable standup paddle board and get to paddling. Start by laying your board on grass or a surface that doesn’t have sharp rocks or thorns. Attach your inflator hose and pump the board to the PSI that is stated on your board – typically found at or around the valve. Once inflated, check for any hissing or air leaks. Flip the board over and install the fins – be sure to tighten any screws so not to loose fins in the water. Attach your lease and head to the water!
Start on your knees when you get onto your board for the first time. This keeps a much lower center of gravity and is easier to paddle. Once you are in deeper water and away from rocks or other hazards you can work on standing up on the board. Don’t worry if you fall multiple times, it is part of the fun in learning and you will be getting a great workout lifting yourself back up onto the board after.
Most of all, enjoy the time on the water with your new paddle board!
Ready to decide on an inflatable vs hard paddle board?
Hopefully you have a good understanding of the differences between types of SUPs on the market today. To summarize-In general, advanced riders will opt towards hard paddle boards over an inflatable standup paddle board. This is because hard SUP’s are more responsive and perform better in most conditions. Inflatable boards are convenient in that they pack easily and don’t hurt if you fall on the board, but can also be the best choice on rocky rivers or hike-in locations.
About the Author Stephen H
Stephen is a a UCSB Alumni and holds a B.S. in Economics. He has been included in Honolulu Magazine's list of 50 Top Executives and was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the Small Business Association (SBA). In Hawaii, Stephen competed in various SUP and Outrigger Canoe racing events. He won the State Championship OC1 race and the prestigious Molokai2Oahu outrigger race (koa division). He is currently training for the Molokai2Oahu Solo race on a standup paddle board.