Inflatable SUP vs Regular

The first decision to make after you catch the SUP bug and set out shopping for your new board is whether you go down the hard board or inflatable paddleboard route. Both types of board have their advantages and disadvantages, but which you choose will depend on what kind of paddleboarding you want to pursue.

It’s becoming more common to see people whipping their paddleboards out of portable carry bags – so the first question you might ask yourself is, are all paddleboards inflatable? The short answer is no. 

Hard paddleboards are constructed much like a classic fibreglass surfboard – shaping a foam core and then finishing with fibreglass layers. This creates a solid, stiff, but lightweight board. However, hard paddleboards can be tricky to transport and store due to their size. This is how the inflatable SUP was born.  

Most affordable iSUPs, such as our Entradia Paddleboards, consist of layers of DWF which are glued together with an air chamber inside – keeping them airtight. Whereas more premium iSUPs, like our Sport Air Paddleboards, use fusion DWF consisting of layers of PVC heat-fused together making them more durable. on the deck, underside, and rails of the board. 

They are usually stored rolled up in a bag and come in a full range of shapes and sizes. iSUPs are inflated through the board’s air valve to become highly capable stand-up paddleboards. Thanks to advances in technology and design, inflatable paddleboards can now very much compete with hard, fibreglass paddleboards. But which is better? Below, we’ve outlined the five key factors to consider which will help guide you in the right direction when deciding between a hard paddleboard and an inflatable SUP.

Paddleboards are big. Few riders will have a board shorter than 10ft and some paddlers may even have boards that reach 14ft. Therefore, the portability of your SUP is a big consideration and of course, inflatable boards win here.

Two Bare Feet iSUPs can be easily deflated and rolled away into a large carry bag which you can carry on your back. The benefits of this are never-ending when compared with hardboards, which can be a pain to transport and require you to have a roof rack.

With your inflatable SUP packed away in your rucksack, they take up little space in your car and can be easily carried over distances to find that perfect launch spot at a secluded cove.

A deflated paddleboard also has the additional benefit of being transported internationally with ease. Many paddlers fly with inflatable SUPs to avoid hassle and the extra sports baggage fees.

Many people simply don’t have the space to store a huge hardboard. Without a garage it’s tricky and even with a garage, you still need plenty of room to manoeuvre a large, heavy board.

Lack of storage space is another reason why inflatable SUPs are so popular; again, you can simply deflate and roll your iSUP away to be stored wherever you like in your home.

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While an inflatable may get slightly scuffed, a hard board will crack. A crack could compromise the watertight build, meaning it would need repairing before you can use it. With this type of damage, you’ll have to go to a surf or SUP shop for a professional repair.

The worst-case scenario for an inflatable paddleboard is a puncture. Whilst unlikely, all our paddleboard packages have a repair kit which includes PVC patches and marine-grade PVC glue so you can make repairs yourself. We detail how to do so in our SUP User Guide.

Hard paddleboards do generally trump their inflatable counterparts when it comes to overall performance. This is because hard boards are much more rigid thanks to the solid epoxy materials. The extra stiffness helps with speed, as no energy is lost through the board bowing or flexing as you paddle.

Hard boards also tend to perform better for SUP surfing, again thanks to the stiffness, as well as their narrower rails. This is why you’ll always see professional racers and SUP surfers on hard, fibreglass paddleboards. However, unless you’re a professional, inflatable SUPs are a great and more cost-effective option to enjoy the water.

There are many great inflatable paddleboards on the market. If you buy from a high-quality manufacturer, you can get a board that is perfectly firm enough for your needs as a beginner or experienced paddleboarding enthusiast.

If you’re concerned about budget, inflatable SUPs are the way to go. Our entry-level SUP packages start at an affordable price and you’ll have everything you need to hit the water. 

Hard paddleboards, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from £800 to well beyond £1000. On top of this initial cost, you will also have to splash out on paddles and bags to protect your precious new ride.

We hope these five key areas are enough to help you make your decision but should you need any tips about paddleboarding, or more insight into our inflatable range of SUP packages and paddleboard accessories, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team or read more commonly asked questions about SUP boards!