Inflatable paddleboard being pumped.

Inflatable paddleboards guide: ideal gifts for fun on the water

Stand up Paddle boarding is a sport that anyone can enjoy, just like other paddling activities, such as canoeing and kayaking. The only difference is that here, you need a good balance and some upper body strength if you plan to paddle longer distances.

Balancing on a board upon the water may seem like a daunting task but it surely is fun if practiced on a safe area with proper equipment. Choosing the proper equipment is very important as this will define how often you will paddle.

If you are going to use your board several times a week, and need to store it compactly between adventures, make sure to purchase a board that allow you to easily carry and store it. An inflatable paddleboard is an ideal option and there are advantages to it.

Inflatable Paddle board reviews and Inflatable boards for Summer 2022

When you get an inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, you are also usually getting a high-quality triple action dual chamber pump, fiberglass paddle, ankle leash, and a few other items like a carrying bag and fins. These packs that usually come with inflatable SUPS are a great deal if you are starting and want a board to have around the house to share with family and friends.

Brands like IRocker, or Bluefin have years of experience in developing paddles boards, and usually have rigid boards and other outdoor equipment too. Made from military-grade PVC with drop-stitch construction, these brands offer durable iSUPs that can handle normal wear and tear so you don’t have to worry about small scuffs puncturing your board.

One thing you should know, is that SUP boards feature great buoyancy and the highest weight capacity on our list, making it perfect for extra cargo, a puppy, or even a friend!

iSUPS are very durable, and these more famous brands even offer a full 2 year warranty on the the 10’ or 11’ models. Other more affordable and generic brands usually don’t offer warranties. But they can be great options for the weekend paddleboarder that is looking to spend less. If you weigh more than 160 lbs we would recommend the 11’. If you are shorter and weigh less, or you are more experienced, then go with the 10’ option.

As the best inflatable SUP board, this is an excellent choice for people just starting out. The tri fin system ensures this board will point where you want it to go. It is easy to inflate with the included pump, taking a mere five minutes. As this board is lightweight, it is easy to carry around. However, this does not affect its performance. Its thick stance allows you to ride high above the water, so you can even use it in rougher water, or if you don’t want your clothes to get wet!

The pump includes a gauge so you know exactly how rigid your board will be. It can be pumped to 15 PSI but is rideable past 10 PSI.

Inflatable boarder on Miami bay in front of Brickell
Inflatable boarder on Miami bay in front of Brickell.

The advantages of using inflatable Paddleboards

On this website we usually focus on inflatable Paddleboards. They are equally stable, but lighter to carry, easier to store and easier to transport than a rigid paddle board. I recommend many regular boards too, but for the purpose of beginners, I think inflatables are the way to go.

If you are looking to understand the advantages of inflatables and why they may be the best option for you. Read about inflatable advantages here.

The outdoor water sports activity known as stand-up paddleboarding has quickly gained popularity. It is an exciting and relaxing activity that allows you to conduct explorations without swimming in the water itself. 

Since SUP targets almost every major muscle in the body, it is not surprising that many individuals consider it as a way to achieve better overall fitness. This article will discuss what inflatable paddleboards are and why you should get one.

Best Inflatable Paddleboards for 2022

What Are Inflatable Paddleboards?

Just like their hard counterparts, inflatable paddleboards let you maneuver above the water. However, they are much easier to carry around since they can be deflated for easy storage. Most inflatable paddleboards are manufactured using a process called drop stitching. This process involves the binding of two material layers using extremely thin threads. 

Some people think that the inflatable variants are not as durable as hard paddleboards, which is not true. Inflatables are proven to be more durable than their traditional counterparts. The modern inflatables today can withstand extreme conditions and are puncture-resistant as well. Doesn’t matter where you are, either on a dock in south florida, or lake front in California, an inflatable paddleboard will be a lot of fun.

My kid and my dog on an inflatable Paddleboards.
My kid and my dog on an inflatable Paddleboards.

The Advantages of Using Inflatable Paddleboards

If you are still unsure whether to get one or not, here are some benefits of using inflatable paddleboards.

Ease of Storage

Bringing large equipment with you can be very inconvenient at times. Fortunately, opting for an inflatable kind will help you solve this problem. Once deflated, inflatable paddleboards become easily foldable into compact sizes. You can even carry one on your back as you ride your bicycle. 

When you are not using your inflatable paddleboard, you can easily store it in a small space such as your closet. This is helpful for those who don’t want to deal with storing bulky boards or individuals who live in apartments.

Ease of Transportation

Most inflatable variants also weigh around 22 pounds, which makes transportation not a hassle at all. Before the invention of inflatables, the majority of us needed to purchase car racks so we can transport hard paddleboards. The discovery of inflatables solved the storage and size limitations present back then. An inflatable paddleboard can easily fit in the back of most cars.

Price

Aside from the two benefits mentioned above, inflatables are considerably cheaper compared to hard paddleboards. Still, you need to ensure that you get one from a reliable manufacturer. Some of the inflatable paddleboards available today are very cheap, but they are not as reliable compared to the ones sold by premium brands. 

Even though you’ll save some money opting for cheaper paddleboards, the shorter lifespan that comes with them will cost you more in the long run. Getting one from a reliable brand instead won’t require you to buy a new inflatable paddleboard for a long time. 

Me on an inflatable Paddleboards cruising.
Me on an inflatable Paddleboards cruising.

Conclusion

Inflatable paddleboards and inflatable kayaks are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. Many individuals switch to inflatables because not only are they easier to carry around, but they come at lower prices compared to hard paddleboards as well. If you don’t want to deal with a space-consuming paddleboard anymore, switching to an inflatable one might be ideal for you.

If you are looking for an inflatable paddle board, here are the best inflatable SUPs for 2022.

Max Francisco

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