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Stand up Paddle Boards - Inflatable Vs Regular With April Zilg (Pros & Cons)

In the world of professional paddle boarding, there are few pro paddlers as decorated as April Zilg. That’s why we asked her for her expert opinion on the newest trend inside the world of Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) - inflatable boards. 

April shared her thoughts on the pros and cons of both inflatable and regular paddle boards so you can decide which one is right for you.

The Physics of SUP

Let’s start with the foundational physics of paddle boards. Regardless of whether you ride an inflatable or a hard board, there are things to look at and consider with the shape and consistency of the board that can help with your decision.

Board Shape

The closer the shape is to an oval the more stable it will be, but the slower it will go and the fewer strokes you can take on each side when trying to travel in a straight line. The closer the shape is to a toothpick, the less stable it will be, but it will also be a lot faster to paddle with less effort to go upwind or up current. You’ll also be able to take more strokes per side before having to switch with a thinner board, which is great for conditioning.

Go Rigid

The more rigid your board is, the more forward momentum it will carry. This means that regular boards are faster to paddle. Some very high-end inflatables have built-in cables or poles to increase rigidity, but the lower-priced inflatables are nothing more than overpriced pool toys. They are very thin and therefore do not offer much rigidity.  

 

A good inflatable board should be at least six inches thick and inflate to 15psi. Be wary of boards that are six inches thick, but unable to be inflated to an appropriate psi. This is an indicator that it won’t be rigid enough for a good ride.

Board Length

When it comes to the length of your board, you’ll want to look in the range of 10’6” to 11’6”. Any shorter and you won’t be going very far in a straight line and you may have trouble balancing.

Storage and Transport

Proper storage and transport of your board is an important factor both in getting you to the water and protecting your board. Inflatables pack down small which makes them easy to store and transport. However, pumping them up before each use is a serious workout in itself.

 

Hard boards take up more space and when it comes to traveling to SUP events. You’ll need to check your board when flying, or arrange for a rental board at your destination. 


When it comes to transporting your hardboard by car, the new Salt Life rack pads make doing so safe and easy.

Paddle Performance 

Now that we have the physics down, let’s talk about how both regular and inflatables hold up to the paddle test on the water.

River Running

Inflatable boards can bounce off rocks without taking on damage, making them a great option for river running, whereas hard boards are brittle and will be damaged by rocks. There are a few “ultra-durable” hard board models on the market for dedicated river running, but if you’re going to run rapids or run up on shore, you’ll want an inflatable board that flexes instead of a hard board that is easily damaged by rocks.

Coastal Paddling 

If you’re in a coastal environment that has a lot of oyster shells, an inflatable board can quickly become a liability. One wrong turn in the marsh could put you in a shallow spot where your inflatable board can pop. It doesn’t matter if there’s one oyster or one thousand, if you run over the sharp edge of an oyster with an inflatable board you’ll find yourself quickly without any board at all. Although the oyster shells will still damage a hard board, they will not deflate and sink. 

White Water and Ocean Running

If you are learning how to run white water rapids, an inflatable board is a much safer option. If you want to take your board on the ocean waves, then don’t shop for an inflatable. The flex of the inflatable will always bend and match the curve of the wave and get “stuck” on the wave face. You may ride it in a straight line, but you won’t be able to go down the line or perform any turns or maneuvers.

Sun Impact

If you fully inflate a SUP and leave it out in the sun on a hot day, the air inside can expand and cause the board to pop. Repairs can be attempted, but rarely hold as the rip usually happens along the seam.

 

Hard boards aren’t immune from the sun either. If they are left out in direct sunlight they can overheat and the fiberglass layer can delaminate from the foam core, leaving a giant bubble that reduces the rigidity and will be costly to repair, if possible to repair at all. Regardless of your board choice, be sure to protect it from the elements. 

End Match Decision 

In the end, a hard board will always win out except for in some special circumstances like river running or those just starting to learn SUP. They make hard boards for every conceivable paddle sport and you won’t find an inflatable that comes close to the speed and handling skills of a hard board. But if you are falling a lot on your board, even in a flat water lake, an inflatable is going to be more forgiving on your body. 

 

Starting with an inflatable to "test the waters" is a great idea while you're learning the sport, and you can always sell it as you progress in the sport. Both hard and inflatable SUPs hold their value pretty well.

Remember, any time spent on the water is a good time if you are having fun. So don't let the inflatable vs hard board debate put you in analysis paralysis when it comes to purchasing your first board. If you're just getting started, the most important thing is to grab a board that is well made and within your budget. Don’t be afraid to shop used. You can find some great deals that will work perfectly for a beginner. Remember that the best board for you today might not be the best board for you down the road. Thanks to these helpful tips from April, you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you.

 

Happy Paddling!

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