Over the past few years, inflatable SUP manufacturing has advanced to the point where the performance of today's best iSUPs is very similar to that of hard paddle boards. Inflatable paddle boards have gotten lighter and more rigid. Now they combine excellent performance and durability with all the portability and convenience that only iSUPs offer.
In a nutshell: unless you're chasing race-day top speed, an inflatable SUP is the better buy for almost everyone - it's more forgiving to fall on, it rolls up small enough to stash under a bed, it fits in your trunk without a roof rack, it shrugs off the dings that crack a hard board, it checks in as luggage so you can paddle on vacation, it's lighter to carry, and one board handles everything from yoga to whitewater. Today's best iSUPs paddle so close to hard boards that the convenience is what tips the decision.
In this article, we'll take a look at the top seven reasons why you should consider buying an inflatable paddle board instead of a rigid board. If you're in the market for a stand up paddle board, we hope that this information will be useful in helping you make the right decision.
REASON #1: Inflatable Paddle Boards are Safer
Inflatable paddle boards are capable of being pumped up to very high pressures and offer excellent rigidity. They are also more forgiving than a hard board when it comes to bumps and knocks. Falling on an inflatable SUP is less likely to cause injury than falling on a rigid paddle board, making iSUPs the better choice as far as safety is concerned.
Although rigid and easy to ride, inflatable stand up paddleboards are far more forgiving than hard boards when falls happen.
REASON #2: iSUPs are Easy to Store
Unlike hard paddle boards that require large, dedicated storage areas inside of your home or garage, inflatable SUPs can literally be stashed anywhere. A deflated and rolled-up iSUP can be stashed under your bed, in a closet, and just about anywhere else you can imagine.
REASON #3: Inflatable SUPs are Easy to Transport
Rigid paddle boards require expensive accessories like roof racks and trailers to transport. But inflatable paddle boards can be tossed in the backseat or trunk of any vehicle. All of our Thurso Surf SUP packages come with a quality travel backpack which makes it easy to hike and bike with your board on your shoulders.
REASON #4: Inflatable Paddle Boards are More Durable
Unlike Hard SUPs that are susceptible to dings and cracks, well-built inflatable paddle boards are virtually bombproof. iSUPs are ding-proof and capable of withstanding an extreme amount of abuse. That makes them an ideal choice whenever durability is a top concern. Our iSUPs feature the strongest inflatable paddleboard construction currently available on the market for the ultimate toughness, rigidity and durability.
Dive into the details of SUP construction over here.
REASON #5: Inflatable SUPs are Travel-Friendly
Going on an island vacation where you'd love to do some paddling? An inflatable SUP can be rolled-up and checked in with the rest of your luggage. That way you can paddle anywhere in the world without having to worry about expensive paddle board rental fees!
Learn our top 5 travel tips for flying with your SUP.
REASON #6: iSUPs are Lighter
Inflatable SUPs continue to get lighter and lighter. This makes them the perfect choice for children and anyone who has difficulty handling heavy and cumbersome hard paddle boards. Even when fully inflated, inflatable SUPs are extremely easy to carry around without additional assistance.
REASON #7: Inflatable SUPs are More Versatile
Inflatable SUPs can be used for a wide range of paddling activities and conditions. From SUP fitness to surfing to fishing to whitewater, iSUPs can handle anything and everything you can throw at them.
The Numbers Behind the Switch
All that talk about being lighter, tougher, and easier to haul around only matters if the specs back it up - so here's what a few of our inflatable packages actually weigh and cost. Every price below is the full ready-to-paddle package: the board plus paddle, pump, fins, leash, and a travel backpack, so there are no hidden extras to buy before your first session.
| Board | Length | Width | Weight | Max capacity | Package price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterwalker 120 (all-around) | 10' | 30" | 22.5 lb | 210 lb | $549 |
| Waterwalker 126 (all-around) | 10'6" | 31" | 24.3 lb | 300 lb | $649 |
| Waterwalker 132 (all-around) | 11' | 32" | 22.0 lb | 330 lb | $649 |
| Expedition 138 (touring) | 11'6" | 30" | 24.0 lb | 330 lb | $649 |
Look at the Waterwalker 132: at 22 lb it's lighter than the 10'6" 126, yet it still carries up to 330 lb - the kind of weight-to-capacity ratio a comparable hard board can't touch once you factor in the roof rack you'd need to move it. And because the whole kit deflates into one backpack, that 22 lb is the only thing you're carrying to the water. Every board ships with our 2-year warranty and a 30-day return window, so you're not gambling on the switch.
Still, the honest answer to "hard or inflatable?" depends on how you paddle, where you store it, and who's coming along - so if you're weighing the trade-offs for your own setup, our team is happy to talk through what actually fits your life. The best board is the one that gets you on the water most often. And if you decide an inflatable is that board, you're welcome to see how ours are built across our inflatable range.
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