PANDA OUTDOOR SPORTS (SUP &ISUP BOARD MANUFACTURER) has created this guide to help navigate the different options when it comes to inflatable stand up paddle boards (ISUPs). There are some key factors to consider when looking for the right paddle board to hit the water with. Answering the following questions will help determine the right paddle board for you:
1.Is an Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board right for me?
2.What board shape should I get?
Is an Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board right for me?
There are many advantages to going with an inflatable board, it’s no wonder they’re an increasingly popular choice for paddle boarders. However there are also compromises to consider. We’ll start by covering some of the advantages to going with an inflatable stand up paddle board.
Portable
A main advantage of inflatable over hard boards is their portability. Inflatable boards can be packed into a carry bag and taken with you just about anywhere. You can even check them onto an airplane and take them with you on your next vacation. If you’re looking to take full advantage of an inflatable paddle board’s portability, be sure to grab one with a good quality carry bag. Look for premium carry bags that feature padded shoulder and hip belts to help maximise comfort while carrying your board. If portability is important to you, be sure to avoid boards that are only sold with storage bags.
Storage
Going hand in hand with portability is ease of storage. Inflatable paddle boards can not only be deflated small enough to carry on your back, they can be packed down small for easy storage. The ability to store them in the trunk of a car as opposed to strapping them to a roof rack for transportation is also a nice plus.
Durable
Another advantage of an inflatable board that might come as a surprise is durability. Due to the soft nature of an inflatable they are able to absorb impacts. Inflatable paddle boards are built tough and can withstand some harsh conditions. No need to worry about bumping into rocks or docks. Hardboards, on the other hand, can easily dent, chip or crack as they take the full brunt of an impact.
Easy to Repair
Inflatable paddle boards are easier to repair in the event they have been punctured. Using the provided patch kit to seal any air leaks is straightforward and can even be done on the shoreline. Hardboards are much trickier to repair and require a repair shop that has specialized equipment in most cases.
Compromises
A compromise for inflatable boards would be the need to inflate and deflate the board. Unlike hard boards where you are pretty much ready to get on the water as soon as you arrive, inflatable boards take a little extra time to pump up and get going. It is not recommended to leave your board inflated while transporting, especially if you plan on strapping it to the outside of a moving vehicle as it can damage the board. If you plan on visiting a lot of different bodies of water in a short period of time, all the inflating and deflating can be quite tiresome. Luckily there are electric pumps to help deal with that issue that can save a lot of time and energy. Most models of hand and electric pumps have an inflate and deflate function to help get the board up to pressure and back down flat for easy packing.
Secondly, inflatable boards are more limited in what they can offer in the way of performance enhancing features. Hardboards can be made to hold almost any shape and are less limited in choice of materials that can be used. Inflatable boards are more limited as the material has to be malleable enough to accommodate inflating and deflating. Due to this, it isn’t as easy to force that material into certain shapes when inflated. However, the gaps in performance and durability have shrunk significantly due to advancements with inflatable boards such as drop stitching and layer fusion. This has allowed inflatable paddle boards to stack up very closely with hardboards in areas like performance and is no doubt a huge factor in their strong growth in popularity.
What board shape should I get?
Deciding on the best board shape to get is usually a fairly straightforward decision. All-Around and Touring are the two main shapes to consider when it comes to stand up paddle boards. Getting the right shape of board to suit your needs can have a big impact on the kind of experience you’ll have on the water. You want to make sure you get a board shape that fits the type of activities you would like to use it for, as well as your skill level.
Are you looking for maneuverability to cruise around on the water? Stability for balance and yoga? Want to get to the far end of the lake to set up camp? Haul fishing gear out to your favorite hot spot on the lake? These are all considerations that will help in deciding what shape of board works best for you.
All-Around Shape
Best for:
●Recreational paddle boarding
●Beginners
●SUP Surfing
●SUP Yoga
●SUP Fishing
●Cruising lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal ocean waters
●Bringing a pet along
The all-around shape is easily determined by its rounded nose design. As the name suggests, its shape performs well in a wide range of activities. This shape is best suited for activities on lakes or rivers but is also used in boards made for SUP surfing. Along with the rounded shape, all-around boards incorporate a shape into the design referred to as rocker. This raises the tip of the board up out of the water and helps handle any waves or chop you may encounter along with improved maneuverability. All-around boards are also typically made wider than other boards giving them increased stability. This makes them a good choice for beginners and activities like yoga that require lots of balance. They are also great for beginners since they perform well at a wide rang of activities so you can try different things out to see what you like best. The drawback is these boards aren’t as streamlined and won’t be as fast or efficient for long distance paddling.
The Touring Shape
Best For:
●Long expeditions
●Coastal treks
●SUP racing
●More advanced paddlers
The Touring paddle board shape has a pointed nose or a displacement hull, similar to that of a kayak. It is designed for longer or more fast-paced flat-water paddles. The pointed nose leads to higher efficiency and performance as its sleek design cuts through the water. These characteristics will allow you to track straighter and move more efficiently. The result is fewer strokes required to cover the same distance on the water as you would with other hull shapes. Touring boards are the best choice for long expedition type trips or speed and SUP racing The drawback is that these boards are less stable and maneuverable and are best saved for activities that involve getting from point A to B. Touring hull boards are best for intermediate to advanced paddlers due to their decreased stability.