Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards

Standup paddle boarding is an activity whose popularity knows no boundaries. It has gained a lot of momentum in the last couple of years because it is not only a way to work out and exercise, but some people also enjoy it and consider it to be a source of entertainment.

Despite being a new sport, the equipment and accessories required for this activity have taken over the market. There is a large number of manufacturers launching a diverse range of products for the customers.

If you are looking for a good inflatable standup paddleboard, this article is for you. We have put together a list of the best ISUP's in 2020. These products have optimal performance, are easy to store and carry around and are high quality and durable as well.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details:

Buying Guide For Choosing The Best Inflatable Paddle Board:

Comparison Between Fiberglass And An Inflatable Board:

When one looks at a fiberglass board and an inflatable board, the difference is hard to notice. The hardness of both the boards is almost the same. The only slight difference is the fact that the fiberglass boards have slightly more speed. But this difference is only noticed by the ones who have experienced both types of boards.

The buoyancy level and the weight-bearing capacity of both the boards are also the same. The fiberglass boards are a little stiffer, but this does not mean that the inflatable boards lack in performance in any way.

Features Of A ISUP You Must Take Into Consideration:

Length Of The Board.

The length of the board and the speed are directly proportional to one another. The longer the board, the faster it will go in the water. It is recommended that newbies opt for a smaller board, whereas experienced paddleboarders prefer speed; therefore, they choose a board that is long.

Width Of The Board

A board that has a smaller width is always better in terms of speed. But it is hard to maintain balance on less wide boards. The boards with better width are sturdy and smooth in terms of balancing, but the speed is compromised in this case.

Thickness Of The Board

The thicker the board is, the better. Thicker boards remain on the surface of the water and also have a better weight-bearing capacity.

Rocker Of The Board

The curve of the nose of the board is known as a rocker. The rocker of the board depends on the conditions of the water you are paddleboarding in. If the water has huge waves, then opt for a board that has a better rocker.

Pros:

Convenient To Carry Around And Store:

ISUP’s are far easier to store and carry around as compared to hard boards. They can be deflated and stored whenever and wherever desired. Most boards come with a backpack that can hold the board until the next use. Some boards also come with a carrying strap that can be used to carry the board around as desired.

Reliability:

The material of construction of the inflatable paddle boards is a military-grade PVC material that is renowned for durability and strength. The material is strong and sturdy yet flexible making these inflatable boards reliable.

Affordable:

When comparing the costs of the inflatable and the hard boards, one realizes that the inflatable boards are extremely budget-friendly. The boards often include a complete set of accessories and come with everything that one needs to get started with stand up paddle boarding.

Easy To Use:

The inflatable boards are very easy to use. They are highly recommended for newbies and beginners who are still in the learning phase. It is also suggested that small children use inflatable boards as the chances of them getting hurt when they fall on the board are far less when an inflatable board is being used.

Cons:

Board Setup:

Unlike a hard board, which can be used immediately, an inflatable paddleboard requires time to be set up. It has to be inflated before use and similarly deflated and stored afterward.

Cannot Surf:

The use of inflatable paddle boards for surfing is not at all recommended. Some experienced people can manage to surf with them, but the experience is not that great.

How to Evaluate The Quality Of A Inflatable Paddle Board:

Some of the characteristics one must look for in an inflatable paddleboard are as follows:

How Stable Is The Board?

Maintaining balance on the board is extremely important, especially for those who are new to paddle boarding. Balancing yourself on the board is a critical part of this activity, and having a board that is stable is a huge advantage in this case. The factor that contributes to the stability of the board is its thickness. It is recommended that one opts for a board that is at least four inches thick.

Performance Of The Board:

A good board is the one that is easy to steer in water and performs well when paddled. The rocker of the sup is the contributing factor in this regard. Since hard boards have a better rocker, therefore it is easy to paddle and control them as compared to inflatable boards.

Portability:

Carrying the board to the water body can be a huge hassle for many people. If you do not own a car, it is highly recommended that you look for an inflatable board because they are very compact and can be transported with ease. The same is the case with people who have lesser storage space and want a board that does not require a lot of storage areas.

Time Required For Inflation:

The ideal PSI level of inflatable boards is between twelve to fifteen PSI. It requires anywhere between three to five minutes for one to inflate it. The modern boards cannot be over-inflated, with the pump provided, so just keep pumping until you think it’s hard enough. An excellent paddle board is the one that is easy to inflate and does not require a lot of time to get it to max pressure.

The Line Between Value and Money:

The demand for paddle boards is increasing as more and more people are now taking an interest in this sport. At the same time, the number of products in the market is skyrocketing as well. The average price range for an ISUP is between three hundred and fifty to eight hundred dollars. People assume that expensive boards are better, but in reality, this is not true. And one should focus more on the quality of the board rather than the price tag.

Accessory Set With The Board:

Here is a list of some essential accessories that one must ensure are included with the board:

Paddle:

A stand-up board is incomplete without a paddle. Most boards come with a paddle that is made of aluminum. Some boards also come with a paddle made of carbon. The paddles should be foldable so that they do not hinder the portability of the board.

Backpack:

Carrying a ISUP around becomes a lot easier when one has a backpack. Therefore, it is essential that you pick a board that comes with a backpack.

Personal Floatation Device:

It is very important to ensure you have a personal floatation device when you go stand up paddle boarding. Usually, the PFDs cost around twenty to fifty dollars.

Leash:

A leash can be very helpful when the situation in the water gets rough.

Roof Rack:

Having a roof rack is not an absolute essential when it comes to a stand up paddleboard, but it is beneficial for those who do this activity on a regular basis. It will cut down the time required to inflate or deflate the board by a significant factor.

Rules And Regulations For This Water Sport:

Give Way To Boats:

It may not seem like it, but stand up paddleboarding is a water sport. When in water, it is important to abide by the rules and regulations of water sports. If there is a bigger boat approaching you, it is recommended that you move away and give way to it.

Use A Personal Floatation Device:

Safety always comes first, and this remains true when one does this activity as well. Every area has different rules and regulations when it comes to the use of personal floatation devices, and one should go through them before heading out.

Different Ways You Can Use Your Board:

The choice of board should be given ample time and consideration. There are a number of inflatable stand up paddle boards available in the market. This means that one has a more significant number of options to choose from. There are several advantages of inflatable boards, and therefore they are highly preferred.

Before going to buy a board weigh yourself and also designate a budget for this purpose. The boards mentioned in this review are commendable and will not let you down.

Going through the reviews of the products is also very helpful as it gives one an insight into the performance of the product. Also, go through your requirements and look for the boards that have characteristics that meet your demands.

There is a general misconception that stand up paddle boards can only be used for one purpose. There are several different ways in which these boards can be used. You can use it for yoga and even for fishing.

This activity is not only an excellent leisure sport and hobby, but it is also a great way to work out while having fun. This is an activity that is suitable for people of all ages, whether it be children or adults.

It is a sport that is fit for everyone. It is a great way to meditate and relax. It is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy in a fun way. If you are new to this sport, you can start slow and gradually build up the level of your skill.

Picking The Best Board According To Your Needs:

The boards mentioned in this review are the ones that are top-rated and highly recommended. The boards discussed are good for people with all types of skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced paddle boarder, these boards will satisfy your needs.

After going threw reviews and making a list of the types of ISUP’s and accessories, you should know a few terms before going to buy one. Some of the definitions you need to be familiar with are:

Type Of Hull:

There are two types of boards with respect to hull types. There are planning hulls that are great in terms of balance and stability. This hull type is recommended for people who are beginners to the sport. The other hull type is the displacement hull, which is specially made for racers and competitions.

The boards with displacement hulls are better in terms of speed and have better control. Therefore, these boards are recommended for people who are experienced and have been in the sport for a while.

Weight Bearing Range:

The weight-bearing range is the amount of weight that the board can easily bear. Look for a board that has a weight-bearing range that is slightly more than your weight so it can be suitable despite the fluctuation in your weight. Moreover, look for a board with a much larger weight capacity if you like to carry things or bring someone else with you.

Length Of The Board:

The boards that are less than nine feet in length fall in the category of small boards and are made for children and small kids. The boards that lie between nine and twelve feet are medium length boards and are made for calmer water bodies.

The boards that are between twelve to fourteen feet in length are known as longboards and are for racers. These boards are usually less wide and are harder to navigate. Therefore the long boards are only recommended for experienced riders.

Material Of Construction Of The Board:

There are a number of different materials that the boards are made out of.

Inflatable Paddle Boards: These boards are the ones that are highly recommended. Most of the these boards are made of military-grade PVC material, which makes the boards strong but flexible at the same time. The boards mentioned in this review are all made of PVC.

EPS:

The boards made of fiber and coated with plastic on the outer surface are known for being lightweight yet durable.

Polyurethane:

Polyurethane is also a type of foam. The boards made of polyurethane are heavier as compared to the ones made out of EPS foam, but they are highly recommended for beginners because it is easier to maintain balance on them.

Hollow:

There are a few boards that are empty on the inside but have a strong outer coating. Such boards are also known for being very lightweight.

Fins Of The Board:

In order to steer the board in water, fins play a very important role. The boards either have a single fixed fin or come with multiple fins that are detachable. The boards with single fins are perfect for beginners as they make it very easy to move the board in the water. The boards with multiple fins are more suited for experienced people as they are smaller in size and do not offer a lot of friction and resistance in the water.

Accessories That Come With The Board:

Some boards come with a comprehensive set of accessories. If not provided with the board, these accessories can also be bought separately. Some of these essentials are:

Paddles:

 A paddle is needed to control the board in the water. It is recommended that you pick a paddle that is a few inches longer than your height. One can also opt for paddles that are adjustable so that they can be adjusted as needed.

Leashes:

Paddleboarding is a water sport, and one does need assurance that he will stay on top of the board. This is easy if you are experienced, but the use of a leash is very important for people who are learning it and require help staying balanced on the board.

Pump For Inflation:

Inflatable boards need to be inflated before use. Using a manual pump is an option, but it requires a lot of effort and time. Therefore it is advised that one spends a couple of bucks and invests in an automatic pump.

Backpack For Storage:

The good thing about an inflatable boards is the fact that they can easily be deflated and fitted into a small bag. These bags help store the boards when they are not being used.

Gauge For PSI Level:

There is a recommended PSI level to which the board must be filled. A gauge is important for the purpose of measuring the PSI level during inflation, so the risk of overinflation can be ruled out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion And Final Thoughts:

Everyone wants to stay fit and active. But the reason most people fail to achieve this goal is that the process can be tiring and boring. However, this will not be the case if you opt for stand up paddleboarding. It is a great way to stay fit and active while having a lot of fun.

This activity is not only a complete workout for the human body, but it is also a very calming and relaxing experience for our mind. There is nothing more relaxing than having a meditation session in the middle of a water body.

Simply invest in a high-quality inflatable stand up paddle board, and you will be good to go. These boards are made of high-quality military-grade PVC, which makes them extremely strong and reliable. The boards become hard when fully inflated, and it is difficult to tell the inflatable boards apart from the hard boards.

This activity may seem very hard in the beginning but take smaller steps and let yourself get used to the experience. Learn slowly, but do not give up. Once you get the hold of this sport, you will enjoy it a lot, and it will be hard to let it go.

The good thing about the sport is it's a great leisure activity and is excellent for both mental as well as physical health.

ISUP’s are a plus because they are optimal in terms of performance and are easy to carry around and store as well. A good set of accessories with these boards is also essential so that you have everything you need to enjoy the sport to the fullest.