Best Inflatable SUP

If you are adventurous, a paddle board (SUP) is all you need to make your time in the sea memorable. The current land scape offers a plethora of choices for a new board. There is, what we call a traditional board, which is a long, hard board ranging  from 6 to 12 feet that sometimes can be a bit heavy to carry. Then we have inflatables, unlike traditional boards, an inflatable paddle board provides one with the comfort and convenience they need to enjoy their time on the water. Here at Paddleboard Thrills, we bring you the best traditional and inflatable sup review(s) and advice. Check it out, now!

Traditional boards tend to be faster in the water then inflatables. They also require no time to inflate.Unpack the board and your ready to jump into the water! Additionally, for long rides, a traditional board will fatigue you less as it is more rigid through the water. With that being said, if you’re paddling some white water river situations, you might consider a inflatable as rocks don’t give and can break traditional board epoxy easily.

Deflated and packed in its bag, an inflatable standup board lets you bring it wherever you may want to visit. Once on site, simply inflate the board, stow your gear, and you and your family are ready for a nice day on the water. Inflatables have the stability of a normal boat and an amazing speed for both experienced paddlers and novices. It is also easy to control and it is well trimmed to maneuver through rugged water to get you to your destination safely.

While inflatable stand up paddle boards are common for water sports, you can also get one for your family. It is a great addition to your family vacation and the entire family can get some relaxing, but challenging exercise.

Inflatable SUPs come in a wide variety of designs, colors and materials. They are also various brands of these boards. Therefore, finding the right one can be challenging if you do not know what you are looking for. Besides, at a time when everybody is shopping online, it is logical to be confused, owing to the unlimited choices.

Understanding the most important features of a paddle board (traditional or inflatable boards) and their benefits can help you find the best  paddle board for your lifestyle. Read on for best  stand up paddle board reviews!

While we love out traditional boards, we do find inflatables the best option for our beginner paddle boarders.

Features and advantages of inflatable SUPs

Some of the features you should look out for when looking for your best inflatable paddle board include:

Compact

The most striking feature and advantage of the inflatable stand up paddle boards is the fact that they can be inflated and packed when they are not in use. This means that you can move with your paddle board wherever you want to.

When packaged, it can fit perfectly into your car trunk. No worrying about space, securing the board to your car, or any of the other inconvenience a hard body provides. You can also take it with you on your flight.  Utter convenience! You do not have to leave it at the shore. On the contrary, you can carry it back to your villa.

Lightweight

An inflatable SUP is light in weight. You should not have to call for assistance when you are transporting it to the water. Actually, you can carry it with one arm. Due to this important feature, you can take your paddle board to any place in the world.

You can enjoy paddling in your local oceanfront or wherever your heart desires.

Highly rigid

While the inflatable SUP is made from a cloth material when it is inflated, it is quite rigid. This feature alone enhances their performance. Besides, it improves its buoyancy and prevents the SUP from giving in to pressure from various factors.

However, the inside is very soft to ensure comfort. Usually, the material used to make the standup paddle board allows stretching while remaining strong and durable. Their durability is unmatched amid their lightness. Inflatable paddle boards do not damage easily and lasts long.

Long lasting

If the inflatable board is maintained well, it can last you for a long time.  The material is suited for water environments. Therefore, it lasts long. This saves you on cost.

However, the paddle board will last based on a number of factors such as the material used, the frequency of use and the make. Hence, it is quintessential to choose the best inflatable paddleboard. This is because the construction and the materials used can vary among different manufacturers.

What to look for in an inflatable stand up paddleboard

SUP hull type

One of the most important considerations you must make is the hull type. Why is it important?  The hull or body of the paddle board determines its performance in the water.

There are two hull types for you to choose from namely displacement and planing.  The latter is suitable for anyone who would like a board that does it all and it is also able to ride on ocean waves.

For beginners, these boards are striking, owing to their exemplary stability. They are also great for recreational surfing and paddling.

Displacement hulls on the other hand, feature a pointed edge like the one of a canoe. The sharp edge helps the paddle board to push water to the sides of the body, improving efficiency. They are also faster.

Hence, if you are looking for a speedy paddle board, a displacement hull is a great choice. However, if you just started paddling consider the planing hull first.

Volume/ weight

The next thing you need to consider when you are buying a paddle board is its volume. This is often expressed in liters. It depicts the capability of a paddle board to float with the weight on it.

The higher the volume the more weight the board can support. But, you should know that the size of the board does not dictate the volume. For example, a small board that is wide could still have a high volume.

Therefore, a person weighing 200 pounds should look for a small but voluminous board. Another important thing you should look for is the weight capacity typically expressed in lbs. 

It is a critical consideration, since if you pick one that carries lesser weight than yours, you wont be able to stay on the board and risk damaging its integrity. Therefore, ensure that you have read the specifications well to ascertain the weight and volume of the paddle board.

SUP width/length

The width of a stand up paddle determines the stability of the board. Usually, paddle boards measure 36 inches in width, so that they can fit various body sizes. Wide boards (31 inches and more) are more stable as compared to narrow boards.

Wider boards are easier to stand on.  However, they are slower than the narrow paddle boards. Narrow SUPs are less stable naturally. Be sure to consider the width of the paddle board you are planning to buy.

Next is paddleboard length. When you are considering the length of the board, think about the area that you want to paddle. For instance, if you are thinking about riding on fierce ocean waves, you will require a longer board.

You might also consider the length of your board, based on the storage space you have in your car and in your home. Besides, you might also want to consider the distance you have to take before reaching the beach. This is why we recommend inflating your board right before entry. Makes carrying the board to the edge of the water a lot easier.

Long boards tend to be swayed by the wind when you are carrying them. Short boards measure less than 9 feet and are suited for surfing. For the little ones, boards of 8 feet length are perfect.

Medium boards (9 feet to 10 feet) are useful for all applications. Longer boards are suitable for touring, racing, and gliding. They are also faster than shorter boards.

SUP materials

In addition, you need to consider the materials of the paddle board you are buying. The material had a large impact into the function of the paddle-board.

A common material in conventional boards is EPS foam. This is created from combining foam and fiberglass. Usually, most conventional boards are made of this material. Its interiors are made from plastic and carbon fiber.

Some conventional stand up paddle-boards have hollow cores to decrease their weight and to enhance their performance. Then, there is polyurethane foam. It is stronger than EPS foam. This material is mainly used in beginner boards.

However, most modern inflatable stand up paddle-boards, on the other hand, feature PVC exteriors with drop-stitch construction that create an air core. Inflatable boards are very durable, light to carry and easy to store.

Goosehill Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

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Comes with an above average pump and is a very sturdy board inflated.  Deflates and packs back up easily. The Rainbow only weighs 22.5LBS making it easy to carry and the weight capacity of of this paddle board is an astonishing 440lbs!!!

Solstice Bali Stand-Up Paddleboard

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On to our inflatables, the Solstice Bali Stand-Up Paddleboard is a modern inflatable SUP. It has a sleek appearance and is light enough to carry to the water. The board is streamlined to cut through water at high speeds.

The board comes with everything you need to paddle or surf. The beauty about it is that you can pack it in your car trunk; you simply deflate it and stock it in your car. Being inflatable also makes it easier to store the board in your house.

The board is made of 1000 Denier 3ply PVC material. The PVC accords it durability. It also inflates easily.

The paddle board also features stainless tie downs for holding the gear. In the package, you will also find a pump, gauge, and carry bag. The pump helps you to inflate the paddle board whereas the carry bag offers safe and convenient storage.

The Solstice Bali Stand-Up Paddleboard retails at the same price a solid stand up paddle board does. However, it oozes with comfort and elegance. It is also attractive. Besides, it is convenient since you can carry it to any place.

You can even carry it on your back. The paddle board is also stable to support you when paddling and surfing.

Read the full review

Conclusion – Stand Up Paddle Board Review

If price is not an issue, you need to get a Bote. They are by far one of the most superior paddle board brands on the market. With Bote
now available on Amazon, you can get it direct in just a matter of days! They even offer chairs and floating decks!

In addition, Solstice Bali Stand-Up Paddleboard is an affordable inflatable stand up board. It is made with a light but rigid material to enhance the performance of the board. It also comes with a pump and gauge together with a carry bag for storing the paddle board for easier transport.

Come back and visit often for our new and upcoming inflatable sup review(s)!