Inflatable Paddleboards Versus Fiberglass SUPs

By Jill Jannett


If you are looking to start the sport of paddleboarding, you have probably looked into buying a board and paddle. Having your very own equipment can be costly to buy, but will wind up costing less in the end because you can prevent high board rental charges.

There are a variety of different paddleboard types you can buy, one of which is inflatable. Boards that are inflated have a number of perks, but there are a few disadvantages. These types of boards are created with a specific person in mind who will value the advantages and not care about the downsides. Let's look at their differences.

Ease in Transporting Them

Inflatable SUPs can be deflated and delivered in a medium sized bag. This means that paddlers do not have to load a big board on the top of their cars. They can additionally be carried on planes without requiring a significant fee generally charged for extra-large travel luggage.

Because they can be rolled up into a smaller, more compact size, these boards can be easily secured in a vehicle, transported on one's back and stored without taking up much space. Conventional fiberglass boards do not provide these benefits. Individuals who have a board rack on their car, ample storage space and no need to secure their boards while carrying them, this might not cause a problem.

Time Required to Pump up the Board

Inflatable boards normally require a manual hand pump to be pumped up. This can take between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the power of the person doing the inflating. Pumping air into a paddleboard takes work, and for some small women, it can be a workout. Fiberglass boards obviously do not require this added work, and some individuals prefer the convenience of not having to continually pump up and deflate their gear.

Ability to Maneuver Them

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

Conventional boards can offer a more smooth ride and greater maneuverability. Paddlers desiring a fast board that is much easier to turn and move around (ie those who want to race or do regular exercises) are more likely to opt for a hard board rather than the inflatable type, which are more tailored towards the recreational paddler or somebody interested in yoga paddleboard classes.

From my experience and research, inflatable SUPs do not leak air very often. That said, many models have a patch kit just in case. These boards look and feel like a fiberglass board to individuals not knowledgeable about the various styles of boards, and a lot of novice purchasers are thrilled at how they carry out.

When shopping, it is wise to compare the attributes of different options in addition to costs, so you can get a board that you will be happy with.




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