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Which Stand Up Paddle Board Should I Buy? Ultimate Beginners Guide

/ Gear, Product Reviews / By

When considering the purchase of a new standup paddle board (SUP), the first question you should ask yourself is what type of paddle board you would like to purchase. In the world of SUPs, the market is divided between the classic rigid paddle board, typically consisting of a foam core with a fiberglass/epoxy shell, and the newer and increasingly popular inflatable paddle boards, typically consisting of a drop stitch core and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outer layer. Where once cheap and chintzy inflatable boards repelled any serious interest, dramatic improvements in design and durability such as using military grade PVC have transformed inflatable SUPs into the preferred product for both beginner and advanced paddle boarders alike. Below, we will dive a little deeper and discuss the pros and cons of both designs, to best help you answer the question of which stand up paddle board should I buy. 

Which stand up paddle board should I buy?

Rigid SUPs

Pros

  • Performance 
    • Rigid SUPs typically provide superior speed and maneuverability and are thus favored for the more advanced pursuits of racing or surfing 
  • Durability 
    • Rigid SUPs are less prone to punctures and impact damage 
  • Stability
    • Rigid SUPs are typically more stable with wavy and choppy waters compared to inflatable SUPs 
  • Tracking
    • Rigid SUPs typically require less effort to travel in a straight line making them the ideal choice for traveling longer distances

Cons

  • Transportation
    • Rigid SUPs are typically a little heavier with an average weight between 20-35 lbs compared to the average weight of inflatable paddle boards which measure between 17-30 lbs. 
    • Rigid SUPs often require a larger vehicle and or roof rack for transportation as well
  • Storage
    • Rigid SUPs need far more space for storage 

Which stand up paddle board should I buy?

Inflatable SUPs

Pros

  • Portability 
    • Inflatable SUPs can be easily deflated, rolled up, and transported in a backpack making them ideal for traveling or for those worried about getting a large paddle board on and off their car’s roof rack
  • Storage 
    • Inflatable SUPs are stored in sturdy backpacks often taking up less than 2 sq ft of space making them ideal for those with limited storage capacity
  • Cost
    • Inflatable SUPs are often significantly cheaper than rigid boards making them an ideal first board for beginners looking to enter the scene

Cons

  • Performance 
    • Although inflatables have improved dramatically, they still typically lack the speed and responsiveness of rigid boards often desired in advanced paddling scenarios
  • Stability 
    • Inflatable SUPs typically are not as stable in very wavy or choppy waters
  • Puncture Risk
    • Although modern materials and designs have significantly reduced the risk of punctures, sharp objects and rough surfaces can still pose a risk

So what is the verdict? Which standup paddle board should I buy? Generally speaking, we would say that for the majority of beginner or casual paddle boarders, the price point, dramatic improvements in durability, and portability/storability of the inflatable SUPs make them our top option. Inflatable SUPs are often now made with military grade PVC making it downright difficult to damage them. Furthermore, the high end benefits in performance of the rigid boards are not typically appreciable to the average paddle boarder and are in our opinion a negligible factor for paddle boarders.

So who would benefit from a rigid SUP? If you have a waterfront setup where transportation is not a consideration and you anticipate regular at times daily use of your SUP from lots of different people, then the rigid SUP would be the way to go. We think this because speaking from experience, the process of inflating, deflating and storing the inflatable SUPs can take a decent amount of time which would be highly inconvenient for daily use. Furthemore, the superior durability of the rigid boards would provide peace of mind if your SUP is being used by other friends, family, or customers when you’re not always around.

Now let’s look at some inflatable SUP options. Bias alert! 3 years ago I purchased the iROCKER Cruiser 10’6” and love it. Our adventures together are where all these pictures are from! It is our top choice but comes in at a higher price point than options 2 and 3. iRocker often has sales, so if you’re not in a time crunch you can consider waiting for a deal to come along if looking to purchase one of these highly rated boards! Otherwise, options 2 and 3 are GREAT more budget friendly choices as well! 

Algonquin Provincial Park Highway 60 Corridor

Which stand up paddle board should I buy?

Our top INFLATABLE SUP choices:

  1. iROCKER CRUISER 10’6” Inflatable Paddle Board

Highlights

      • Made by one of the most trusted names in inflatable SUPs
      • Weight limit up to 435lb making it ideal for both solo or tandem riders
      • Stable design makes this model ideal for beginners, yoga, and even children
      • Incredibly durable military grade PVC material
      • Carrying backpack has wheels for even easier transport

2. ROC INFLATABLE SUP

Highlights

      • Amazon Best Seller!
      • Awesome accessory such as matching drysack and kayak seat attachment
      • Incredibly durable military grade PVC material with 350lb weight limit

3. FUNWATER TIKI 10’6” INFLATABLE SUP

Highlights

      • Great amazon reviews at a lower price point!
      • Durable military grade PVC material with 330lb weight limit

Check out more product reviews and gear articles HERE!

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