Inflatable Paddleboards VS Traditional SUPs
By Marie Montana
If you want to get into the sport of paddleboarding, you have probably explored buying a board and paddle. Having your own equipment can be expensive to purchase, but will wind up costing less over time because you can prevent high gear rental costs.
There are several various paddleboard styles you can buy, including inflatable. Boards that are inflated have several benefits, but there are a few disadvantages. These types of boards are designed with a specific person in mind who will value the advantages and not mind the disadvantages. Let's have a look at their differences.
Portability
Inflatable SUPs can be deflated and delivered in a medium sized bag. This means that sports enthusiasts don't have to load a huge board on the top of their vehicles. They can also be transported on planes without requiring a large fee normally charged for large baggage.
Because they can be rolled up into a smaller, more compact size, these boards can be conveniently secured in a car, transported on one's back and stored without taking up much area. Standard fiberglass boards do not offer these advantages. People who have a gear rack on their car, adequate storage area and no need to lock their boards while transporting them, this may not cause an issue.
Time Needed to Pump up the Board
Inflatable boards typically need a manual hand pump to be inflated. This can take from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the power of the individual doing the inflating. Pumping air into a paddleboard takes work, and for some petite ladies, it can be a workout. Traditional boards naturally do not require this added work, and some individuals choose the convenience of not needing to constantly inflate and deflate their gear.
Maneuverability
The firmness of inflatable boards varies. In general, the cheaper boards have a lower psi inflation, and as a result are less firm. This means that they can bounce more in rough water or waves. For novices, this can feel more unsteady. For individuals paddling on lakes or various other flat water places, they may not be able to tell a distinction and for that reason not care.
Traditional boards can offer a more streamlined ride and greater maneuverability. Paddlers wanting a fast board that is much easier to turn and move around (ie those who wish to race or do regular exercises) are more likely to opt for a hard board rather than the inflatable type, which are more designed to the recreational paddler or someone interested in yoga paddleboarding.
From my experience and research, inflatable paddleboards do not leak air frequently. Even so, the majority of models include a patch kit just in case. These boards appear and feel like a hard board to individuals not knowledgeable about the different styles of boards, and many newbie buyers are more than satisfied at how they do.
When buying, it is wise to compare the features of different items in addition to prices, so you can get a board that you will be happy with.
There are several various paddleboard styles you can buy, including inflatable. Boards that are inflated have several benefits, but there are a few disadvantages. These types of boards are designed with a specific person in mind who will value the advantages and not mind the disadvantages. Let's have a look at their differences.
Portability
Inflatable SUPs can be deflated and delivered in a medium sized bag. This means that sports enthusiasts don't have to load a huge board on the top of their vehicles. They can also be transported on planes without requiring a large fee normally charged for large baggage.
Because they can be rolled up into a smaller, more compact size, these boards can be conveniently secured in a car, transported on one's back and stored without taking up much area. Standard fiberglass boards do not offer these advantages. People who have a gear rack on their car, adequate storage area and no need to lock their boards while transporting them, this may not cause an issue.
Time Needed to Pump up the Board
Inflatable boards typically need a manual hand pump to be inflated. This can take from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the power of the individual doing the inflating. Pumping air into a paddleboard takes work, and for some petite ladies, it can be a workout. Traditional boards naturally do not require this added work, and some individuals choose the convenience of not needing to constantly inflate and deflate their gear.
Maneuverability
The firmness of inflatable boards varies. In general, the cheaper boards have a lower psi inflation, and as a result are less firm. This means that they can bounce more in rough water or waves. For novices, this can feel more unsteady. For individuals paddling on lakes or various other flat water places, they may not be able to tell a distinction and for that reason not care.
Traditional boards can offer a more streamlined ride and greater maneuverability. Paddlers wanting a fast board that is much easier to turn and move around (ie those who wish to race or do regular exercises) are more likely to opt for a hard board rather than the inflatable type, which are more designed to the recreational paddler or someone interested in yoga paddleboarding.
From my experience and research, inflatable paddleboards do not leak air frequently. Even so, the majority of models include a patch kit just in case. These boards appear and feel like a hard board to individuals not knowledgeable about the different styles of boards, and many newbie buyers are more than satisfied at how they do.
When buying, it is wise to compare the features of different items in addition to prices, so you can get a board that you will be happy with.
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This website is a good source to get additional advice on inflatable paddleboarding.