If you are looking to get into the sport of paddleboarding, you have probably checked out buying a board and paddle. Having your own equipment can be expensive to purchase, but will wind up costing less over time because you can prevent high equipment rental costs.
There are a variety of different paddleboard designs you can get, one of which is inflatable. Inflatable boards offer numerous perks, however, there are a few disadvantages as well. These types of boards are designed with a specific individual in mind who will appreciate the benefits and not care about the downsides. Let's have a look at how they are different.
Portability
Inflatable SUPs can be deflated and carried in a compact bag. This means that sports enthusiasts don't have to load a big board on the top of their cars. They can additionally be transported on planes without requiring a significant cost usually charged for large baggage.
Due to the fact that they can be packed into a smaller, more compact size, these boards can be easily secured in a vehicle, transported on one's back and stored without taking up much area. Standard fiberglass boards do not offer these advantages. Individuals who have a gear rack on their car, ample storage space and no need to secure their boards while carrying them, this might not cause a problem.
Effort Needed to Inflate the Board
Inflatable SUPs generally need a manual hand pump to be inflated. This can take between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the strength of the person doing the inflating. Pumping air into a paddleboard takes work, and for some petite ladies, it can be a chore. Hard boards naturally do not require this extra work, and some individuals like the convenience of not having to continually inflate and deflate their gear.
Ability to Maneuver Them
The firmness of inflatable boards varies. In general, the less expensive boards have a lower psi inflation, and for that reason are less firm. This means that they can bounce more in rough water or waves. For beginners, this can feel more unstable. For individuals paddling on lakes or various other flat water locations, they may not be able to notice a difference and as a result not care.
Typical boards can provide a more smooth ride and greater maneuverability. Paddlers wanting a fast board that is easier to turn and move around (ie those who want to race or do a significant amount of exercises) are more likely to opt for a fiberglass board rather than the inflatable type, which are more tailored towards the recreational paddler or somebody thinking about yoga paddleboard classes.
From my experience and research, inflatable SUPs do not leak air very often. Even so, the majority of models include a patch kit just in case. These boards look and feel like a fiberglass board to people not knowledgeable about the various types of boards, and a lot of newbie buyers are thrilled at their performance.
When shopping, it is a good idea to compare the features of different options along with prices, so you can get a board that you like.
There are a variety of different paddleboard designs you can get, one of which is inflatable. Inflatable boards offer numerous perks, however, there are a few disadvantages as well. These types of boards are designed with a specific individual in mind who will appreciate the benefits and not care about the downsides. Let's have a look at how they are different.
Portability
Inflatable SUPs can be deflated and carried in a compact bag. This means that sports enthusiasts don't have to load a big board on the top of their cars. They can additionally be transported on planes without requiring a significant cost usually charged for large baggage.
Due to the fact that they can be packed into a smaller, more compact size, these boards can be easily secured in a vehicle, transported on one's back and stored without taking up much area. Standard fiberglass boards do not offer these advantages. Individuals who have a gear rack on their car, ample storage space and no need to secure their boards while carrying them, this might not cause a problem.
Effort Needed to Inflate the Board
Inflatable SUPs generally need a manual hand pump to be inflated. This can take between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the strength of the person doing the inflating. Pumping air into a paddleboard takes work, and for some petite ladies, it can be a chore. Hard boards naturally do not require this extra work, and some individuals like the convenience of not having to continually inflate and deflate their gear.
Ability to Maneuver Them
The firmness of inflatable boards varies. In general, the less expensive boards have a lower psi inflation, and for that reason are less firm. This means that they can bounce more in rough water or waves. For beginners, this can feel more unstable. For individuals paddling on lakes or various other flat water locations, they may not be able to notice a difference and as a result not care.
Typical boards can provide a more smooth ride and greater maneuverability. Paddlers wanting a fast board that is easier to turn and move around (ie those who want to race or do a significant amount of exercises) are more likely to opt for a fiberglass board rather than the inflatable type, which are more tailored towards the recreational paddler or somebody thinking about yoga paddleboard classes.
From my experience and research, inflatable SUPs do not leak air very often. Even so, the majority of models include a patch kit just in case. These boards look and feel like a fiberglass board to people not knowledgeable about the various types of boards, and a lot of newbie buyers are thrilled at their performance.
When shopping, it is a good idea to compare the features of different options along with prices, so you can get a board that you like.