Inflatable stand up paddle boards have plenty of advantages over hard SUPs. On issues such as portability, durability and cost - inflatable SUPS trump hard paddleboards every time. However, when it comes to performance, there is plenty of speculation as to whether hard paddleboards out-perform iSUPs, especially when it comes to surfing. Although this may have been the case a few years ago, inflatable SUP technology is constantly improving, with the gap between hard and inflatable paddleboards growing ever smaller.
If you’re looking to purchase an inflatable stand up paddle board for surfing, there are a number of things to think about. Namely, you’ll have to consider the aspects of the board that affect the drive, speed, turning and grip of the board. To make this as easy for you as possible, we run through the key components of what makes a good inflatable SUP for surfing.
It’s important to note that you can surf with nearly all inflatable stand-up paddle boards, no matter the make. However, inflatable SUPs which are specifically designed for surfing make it much easier to paddle out to sea and catch waves effectively.
The size of your SUP
The size of your paddleboard is perhaps one of the most important things to consider if you want to use your iSUP for surfing. Larger, longer and wider SUPs are ideal for use on calm waters but could impede your performance while out on white water and open face waves.
To surf with a SUP, you’ll want a smaller template to provide greater control and manoeuvrability. If your board is too long, you won’t be able to turn as easily on the face of the wave. The agility of a smaller board also helps when it comes to positioning in the line-up: you can turn faster allowing you to more easily get in the right spot to catch the next wave.
The idea of downsizing may seem daunting, as smaller boards tend to be harder to balance on. However, what most surfing iSUPs lack in length, they make up for in volume. Well-made surfing iSUPS will provide thickness through the rails, meaning you’ll be able to stand comfortably on your board without it sitting too low in the water.
Before buying your board, consider both your size and skill level. Smaller boards (7’-10’) will best suit more advanced SUP surfers, or those with smaller frames. If you are still a beginner or if you are a larger person, choose a longer board (10’-12’) for more stability.
The shape of the board
The outline shape of your iSUP will make a huge difference to the overall performance of the board, particularly when it comes to the bottom turns and top turns. SUPs with a wider girth can feel slow and sluggish to turn. Try and choose a SUP with a narrower tail, so that you have better manoeuvrability while catching and riding waves.
The curve of the board underneath, known as the rocker, will also make a difference to the manoeuvrability of your SUP. More rocker will mean your board is more manoeuvrable and fits better in the pocket of the wave. This helps with taking off and dropping down the face of a wave as you are less likely to nose dive. However, more rocker on a board means it can be more difficult to control if you are not so experienced. Here, it’s important to find a balance; more rocker means your board is more capable in all types of waves but more difficult to control, whereas less rocker will make your board easier to ride but it won’t be as suited to steep open-face waves.
The stiffness of the board
Despite the inflatable nature of your iSUP, you’ll want your board to be as stiff as possible. Be sure to consider the materials and construction processes used as these will greatly affect the stiffness of your board once inflated. For example, all TBF boards use a combination of high density drop-stitched air chambers and double wall fabric as a minimum to ensure a solid board. Moving up in our range we also add PVC stiffening strips and the very best woven fabrics.
You'll also want to pay attention to the air pressure rating to ensure stiffness and rigidity. TBF boards inflate to 18Psi which is plenty high enough to allow your board to be able to perform in the surf.
Stiffness is an especially important factor because you need to be able to move around your deck whilst surfing. You'll want to stand at the back of your board quite a lot to lift the nose when paddling out, making quick pivot turns and to avoid nose-diving whilst riding waves.
The thickness of your board
The thickness of your iSUP is also a key factor for performance. Volume is great for inflatable paddleboards, but you don’t want your board to be too think and clunky, or you’ll struggle to get out of awkward situations.
Boards of about 4-5-inch thickness tend to have better overall performance levels because you’ll be able to push the rail of the board into the water, giving you better turning ability, grip and drive.
Fin material and placement
The material your fins are made from is an aspect that should not be overlooked. You’ll want your fins to be strong and robust, to give you drive and higher performance while surfing. If your fins aren’t stiff enough, they won’t stay in their rigid position. Rigid fins allow you to force your board into manoeuvres, meaning that when you lean into a turn, you’ll have far more control.
The number of fins your board has and the placement of them can also affect the performance of your SUP. Boards with three or more fins (tri-fin configuration or thruster set-up) will give your board more power and control while riding waves.
Choosing your iSUP for surfing
At Two Bare Feet, we have a range of high-quality surf iSUPS on offer. Each of our boards is built to suit your specific requirements, with plenty of options available to suit all ages and abilities.
Our boards are all inflatable to 18psi, which is the highest air pressure rating used by iSUP board manufacturers. This guarantees a very stiff inflatable SUP and demonstrates the overall build quality of our products. In addition, all our boards are extra durable, with a diamond-patterned heat-moulded EVA deck grip, which prevents damage to the top surface and providing riders with extra grip.
If you need help choosing the right board for you, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team who will gladly provide you with free, professional advice.
