Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Boards

If you are evaluating stand up inflatable paddle boards you need answers to the following 5 critical questions so you purchase the right board.

5 Critical Questions

1. How durable is an inflatable paddle board?
2. How long does it take to inflate and deflate an inflatable paddle board?
3. Can an inflatable paddle board hold up in rough water conditions or against rocks and debris?
4. Is the performance of an inflatable paddle board comparable to a solid paddle board?
5. What are the advantages of an inflatable paddle board when it comes to storage and transportation?

Once you are sure that an inflatable paddle board is right for you, and if you plan to paddle board recreationally, we have a couple recommendations based on our experience. Below we provide detailed answers to each question, so read on!

Top 5 things to know if you are considering an inflatable stand up paddle board

Durability of an Inflatable Paddle Board

Inflatable paddle boards, particularly high-quality ones, are remarkably durable. They are made from robust PVC material with drop-stitch construction, allowing them to withstand bumps, knocks, and scrapes that a solid board might not. When fully inflated, a premium stand up inflatable paddle board should feel as firm as a hardboard and can carry substantial weight without buckling or damaging.

Inflation and Deflation Time

The time taken to inflate a stand up inflatable paddle board depends on the type of pump used. With a standard hand pump, it may take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. Electric pumps can inflate the board much quicker. Deflation is usually faster and straightforward, often taking just a few minutes.

• Read all about pumps and inflators

Performance in Rough Water Conditions

While not quite as rigid as solid boards, top-quality inflatable paddle boards can still hold up well in different water conditions, including moderately rough waters. They are also more forgiving when coming into contact with rocks, debris, or falls, thanks to their flexible nature.

• Read more about how well inflatable paddle boards perform

Performance Comparison to Solid Paddle Boards

Initially, inflatable paddle boards trailed behind solid boards in terms of speed and maneuverability. Recent advancements in technology, however, have allowed top-tier stand up inflatable paddle boards to close this performance gap considerably. Although experts in competitive settings might still prefer hard boards, most casual and intermediate paddle boarders find the performance of high-quality inflatable boards more than satisfactory.

• Read about the pros and cons between solid and inflatable paddle boards

Storage and Transportation Advantages

One of the main advantages of a stand up inflatable paddle board is its convenience for storing and transporting. When deflated, it can be rolled up to roughly the size of a sleeping bag and packed into a carry bag. This makes it perfect for those with limited storage space or those who wish to travel with their board. Setting it up is as easy as finding a nearby water source, unrolling the board, and inflating it.

• Read about more reasons we love inflatable paddle boards

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Answer a 5 Question Quiz to find your PERFECT Paddle Board!

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Our Favorite Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Boards

When you are building a house, it is important to have the right tool for the job. Same goes for paddle boarding. HOW you intend to paddle and the kinds of on the water memories you want to create all play into purchasing the perfect paddle board.

Here are our favorite stand up inflatable paddle boards based on how we like to paddle.

#1 - Recreational Paddling

This is one of the most popular uses for an inflatable stand up paddle board. Whether on a calm lake, a gentle river, or the open ocean, paddle boarding offers a wonderful way to immerse yourself in nature, relax and enjoy the water.

For recreational paddle boarding we prefer a stable, easy to maneuver board that is at least 31” wide and at least 10’6” long. If you are tall or big framed, consider getting 32”-33” wide board that is at least 11 feet long and pay attention to the weight limit if you plan to carry gear, additional people or a large dog.

• Read about fun ways to enjoy paddle boarding
• Read best paddle board for beginners
• Read about our absolutely FAVORITE recreational paddle board by BOTE (be sure to scroll down to the video!)

#2 - Fitness and Exercise

Paddle boarding is a fantastic full-body workout engaging your core muscles and improving balance, making it a fun way to stay in shape. Some even take it a step further with SUP yoga or pilates.

If you are wanting to stay in shape by paddling on a regular basis, you should look for the same type of paddle board we discuss above. Paddle boards designed for recreational paddling will be perfect for you. If you want to do an activity like yoga or pilates on your paddle board, then look for a wider paddle board. Once that is between 33”-35” wide and at least 11 feet long is perfect for both yoga and paddling recreationally.

• Read all about exercising on a paddle board

#3 - Touring and Exploring

Inflatable paddle boards are great for expeditions and for exploring new waterways. Their stability and durability make them perfect to journey long distances, discover hard-to-reach areas, or embark on an adventure journey. Many avid fishermen are taking up paddle boarding so that they can get to secret fishing spots and catch the best fish.

If you plan to tour and explore you want a paddle board that is both very durable so it doesn’t break if you hit an underwater branch or rocks AND you want it to be light weight so you can easily carry it in a backpack to that remote mountain lake or in your luggage on that airline or car camping trip.

• Read about our very favorite touring and fishing paddle board with a couple accessories you can do it all.  (be sure to scroll down and watch the video)
• Read all about fishing on a paddle board
• Read all about fishing paddle boards with seats
• Read all about exploring on a paddle board with more than one person

#4 - Watersports

From SUP surfing on ocean waves to river rapids riding, the inflatable stand up paddle board can be used in various water sports. They bring in a fun and thrilling twist to regular paddle boarding.

For surfing and riding river rapids you need to give up some stability in favor of maneuverability. Since any board will try to round up on you in waves, it is important to have one with a good fin that isn’t too long. That means a board that is no longer than 10’6”.

For riding on rivers we prefer to use a board that is 10’6” long that has three fins. Typically, there will be one center fin that is long and removable and then two small 1-3” long side fins that may or may not be removable. When we run rivers, we leave the center fin out and use just the side fins so that our board tracks straight but isn’t hitting every rock in the river. We have taken some spectacular falls when our board stops suddenly (no matter how briefly) due to a rock. For bystanders, it looks like the rider suddenly decides to sprint to the front of their board before belly flopping. It is for this reason that Julie prefers to run rivers and rapids sitting down comfortably and securely in her folding chair.

• Read all about the most comfortable and easy to use paddle board seats!

#5 - Paddle Boarding with Pets

Many people love to bring their pet dog along for a paddle. With a little training, it can be a great bonding activity. The stability of the inflatable paddle board makes it possible and safe for both rider and pet.

We love paddle boarding with our dogs. When you paddle board with dogs you want a longer paddle board so they are not right on top of you the whole time. If you have a dog that is more than 20 pounds or if you want to paddle with multiple dogs, you will want a paddle board close to 12-feet long and at least 33-inches wide for the stability. For a mellow dog that is less than 20 pounds you can get away with a standard 31’inch wide and 10’6” long board.

• Read all about training your dog to paddle board
• Read all about the best paddle boards for dogs

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