Fastest growing watersport it’s fun and a great exercise. A Stand Up Paddle Board can be hard or inflatable. We’ll figure out which fits you best.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding often called SUP Boarding is a great way to get outside meet new people and exercise while it is easy on the joints.
Who can Stand Up Paddle Boarding?
Pretty much everyone can do it. Wear safety gear like a swim vest a Rash guard and a hat for sun protection. A wetsuit if you go into cold water and probably Gloves and Neoprene Booties Because Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air
5 Things to consider between hard and inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board:
- Portability
- Storage Space
- Durability
- Performance
- Ease of use
Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards
Inflatable Boards are easy to pack and go from the huge size into a small deflated package you can just chuck in the backpack and then in the car trunk.
Most inflatable SUP boards also come with a backpack where you can store all of the items and carry them to your desired entry place. So you don’t need a Car luggage rack a big car or a large trunk.
For storage inside your house or garage you’ll only need the size of around a 100l backpack
Paddles are included and can be extended or retracted depending on your needs and sizes and for better and smaller storage space needed.
Leash keeps you close to your board in case you fall or there is a lot of current or waves.
The disadvantage with an inflatable SUP you’ll need to set it up before you go in the water that means you have to pump it up with the included high performance hand air pump and attach the fins.
Fins are screw-less and have a snap on clip for easy and quick installation
No worries about scratches or deflating they are constructed with a military grade PVC they can withstand daily drops and abuse.
Recap
An Inflatable Stand Up Paddle board is for you if
- You have minimal storage
- travel often with your SUP Board
- Need an extra durable board for daily abuse
Hard shell Stand Up Paddle Boards
You will need at least have a space of the size width length and thickness of your Board as it is a hard shell you can’t fold it.
You’ll need a car roof rack or a big car with a large trunk to carry your board to your desired entry. If you own a scooter there are SUP Board racks available for scooters another rack is also available for your bicycle.
Hard Board SUP’s are strong and reliable but have to be treated with the upmost care The same way as you would treat a traditional surfboard.
They have less drag and are more efficient but the difference is smaller than what you might think. In a speed test between an inflatable and a hard SUP Board the Hard Board will be around 5% faster. So if you don’t plan for ultra long distances or race your board you won’t notice the difference.
They have one more advantage you don’t need to set up the board just grab it and go.
Recap
A hard Stand Up Paddle Board is for you if
- You have enough space to store your board
- Want optimal performance
- SUP surf or race your board
- are a load and go paddler
Beginner level Stand Up Paddle Boards fall into 2 categories
- All-round boards designed exploring flat water lakes & oceans
- Race and touring boards which are built for speed & long distance paddling
Weight
Weight is around 15 to 40 pounds
Length & Width
10-14 feet in length
Width 28-35 inches
The length and the width of a paddle board also impacts the stability and how the board moves through the water.
A longer Board will move faster straighter and more efficiently through the water.
So beginners should look out for a long board as it is easier to keep the balance.
The width of a board has the biggest affect on the board stability typically the wider the board is the more stable it is.
Narrower boards are less stable but faster and can be used for racing but are also harder to stand on.
For beginners a board with 30 inches in width is a great way to start.
All good stand up paddle boards have 3 common features
- a handle in the center of the board for carrying
- a cushion deck pad for better standing and traction
- and fins for which allow the board to run straight
Buoyancy
Stand up Paddle Boards come in many different sizes and shapes usually they are larger than the traditional surfboards.
The larger size yields more buoyancy
The overall buoyancy is affected by it’s length and width this is often listed as “board volume” measured in liters.
You have to make sure the Board has enough positive buoyancy to support your weight.
The lower the SUP Board is submerged in the water the more unstable it becomes.
For example on any given board lighter Paddlers will float higher and therefore are more stable on the same board than the heavier paddler.
Material
Material is also a factor which affects the buoyancy of a stand up paddle board. Most solid paddle boards are made of fiberglass and epoxy resin layers over hollow wood or foam cores, while inflatable boards are made of a Military grad PVC.
Shapes
A Planing hull is round and flat and literately planes across the surface by pushing water down while lifting the nose of the board. It’s a good all around choice to start with as it is usually very stable in the water.
Displacement hull has a pointed nose similar to a canoe to cut through the water. These kind of hulls are great choices for people who want to go longer distances. They are also used for races but can be less stable in the water compare to the Planing hulls.
Paddle for Stand Up Paddle Board
Paddles are made of different materials such as aluminum carbon fiber or Fiberglas and almost always collapsible and adjustable in length.
Quality Paddles like the Carbon Fiber Paddle on the left are adjustable from 72 to 86 inches (1.82-2.19m), making it ideal for paddlers above the height of 5 feet. It takes under 20 seconds to setup and take apart.
Here are our recommendations for inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards for beginners and advanced Paddlers
Bluefin Cruise Stand Up Paddle Board
- Inflates to 28 PSI, recommended boarding range 15-18 PSI
- 1000 Denier Exo Surface Laminate Technology PVC
- High tensile Pro Weave Drop Stitch with Space Yarn
- Gradual Rocker
- Welded Double Side Rails
- Croco-Diamond Deck pad with Kick pad
- Neoprene Carry Handles on Nose & Tail
- Mid-deck Neoprene Paddle Holder
- 2 piece carbon paddle with ergonomic shaft
- Integrated GoPro Mount
- 3 Fin Thruster Design with removable Smart Lock Center fin
- Loads of D-rings for customization
- Kayak Conversion Kit
Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Military grade material.
- Extra wide design creates an incredible all-around board for people of all skill level.
- Can be used in the ocean, fresh water lakes, and rivers.
- Weight of 17.5 pounds
- Board dimensions are 10’ long by 32” wide and 6” thick
- weight limit of 300 pounds.
- Collapsible aluminum paddle,
- Safety leash,
- Hand pump,
- Waterproof bag for cell phone and keys
- backpack to hold everything
- USA family owned company
- 1 year manufacturer’s warranty at no additional cost
- Detachable Fin
- Bungee on the front of the Board
FunWater Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Ultra light construction dual layer PVC 35% lighter
- Inflated 10’6″ long
- 33″ wide
- 6″ thick
- Weight 17.6 lbs
- Maximum capacity 330 lbs
- stable and great for all skill levels
- Constructed with additional PVC layer
- Great durability
- 3 removable fins
- Adjustable aluminum paddle
- High pressure pump
- Travel backpack
- Coil leash
- waterproof bag
- No risk returns within 30 days+ 60 day guarantee +1 year manufacturer warranty.
Homde Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Upgrade Version
- 10 feet long
- 30 inches wide
- 6 inches thick
- Max load is 253lbs.
- Great stability and balance
- All skill level to use in the ocean, lakes and rivers.
- Made of double-layer PVC material,
- 3 bottom panel fins
- Non-slip top deck
- Raised EVA pad for better kicking and direction control when surfing.
- Bungee cords on the deck makes it easy to store your backpack and other items.
- Safety leash
- Weight 18lbs
- Hand pump
- Ideal for lake, river or ocean
- Adjustable Paddle
- Storage Bag
- Patch Repair Accessory Kit
FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable SUP
- Ultra light construction
- Weight 16.7lbs
- Dual layer PVC
- Inflated 10′ long
- 30″ wide
- 6″ thick
- Maximum capacity 220 lbs
- All skill levels
- Board rails are strengthened
- 3 removable fins
- Adjustable aluminum paddle
- High pressure pump
- Travel backpack
- Coil leash
- Phone bag
- Warranty No risk returns within 30 days+ 60 day guarantee +1 year manufacturer warranty.
DAMA Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Ultra light construction
- Weight 19.6 lbs
- Dual layer PVC
- Inflated 11′ long
- 33″ wide
- 6″ thick
- Weight: 22.5lbs
- Max Capacity: 352lbs
- All skill levels
- Board rails are strengthened
- Adjustable aluminum paddle
- High pressure pump
- Travel backpack
- Coil leash
- Phone bag
- Sport camera bracket mount
- Warranty No risk returns within 30 days+ 60 day guarantee +1 year manufacturer warranty.
Runwave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board 11′
- Advanced Dropstitch technology
- High quality PVC material
- 11′ length
- 33” width
- 6″ thick
- Weight of the board 25 lbs
- Weight capacity: 160KG (352LB)
- For all levels
- High-pressure pump
- Non-slip pattern
- Collapsible and floating paddle
- Safety leash
- Travel backpack
- 3 Fins
- Bungee cords on front deck
SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
- Ultra strong military PVC Material
- Weight 19.6 lbs
- Dual layer PVC
- Inflated 10’6 feet long
- 32″ wide
- 6″ thick
- Maximum capacity 300 lbs
- All skill levels
- 3 removable fins
- Adjustable and foldable paddle
- High pressure pump
- Travel backpack
- Coil leash
- Phone bag
Additional SUP and Safety Equipment
Universal Kayak Seat
- Kayak Seat
- Materials: Kayak Seat – Polyester on the surface, filled with EVA inside Footrest – PVC + EVA + NBR.
- Universal Paddle Board Accessories, suitable for all sizes Paddle Board
- NOTE: your board must have D rings for kayak seat and straps for footrest.
- 4 Adjustable front and rear straps to secure the kayak seat and provide a variety of comfort options.
Tuomico Rechargeable Inflating Paddle Board Electric Air Pump with LED
- Built in dual motor – inflator & deflator
- 16 PSI,
- Ideal for use on high-pressure inflatables
- LCD Real Pressure Display & Auto Shut-Off
- The pump automatically stop when your pre-selected pressure is reached.
- 5 valve adapters included
- Low-noise electric
- Built In 6000mAh Li-on Rechargeable Battery
- 11.2 feet long car cigarette plug power cable.
- You can power the pump via car cigarette plug or built in battery
SUP Board Paddle Keeper
- Quantity:4 pieces.
- Two pieces hold one paddle
- Universal – Fit any size paddle shafts.
- No drilling
- Clips can snap on D ring or any bungee cord
SUP-Now Paddle Board Carrier/Storage Sling
- Triple Padded: The SUP-Now Paddleboard Carrier Strap shoulder pad is triple padded and made from soft and durable neoprene for maximum comfort on your shoulder.
- More Adjustable than Other Straps: which makes it better to use for people of all heights.
- High Quality Velcro: makes carrying your paddle easy, and even acts as a handle.
- Removable Drawstring Bag Attachment makes it easy to carry your water bottle, sun screen or other items.
- Instructions that were designed in the USA: Although the strap is easy to use, our product also comes with easy to follow instructions.
SUP Cooler & Mesh Bag in One
- Carry handle makes the cooler easy to carry when not connected to your paddle board.
- 4 industrial suction cups that will stick to hard top paddleboards.
- The suction cups will not work on inflatable boards, however the cooler can be placed under the board’s bungee rigging.
- Outside storage compartment
- Inside storage compartment
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest
- 200 denier nylon ripstop and nylon oxford
- Mesh in lower back fits high back seats;
- Shoulder adjustments with neoprene comfort pads
- SOLAS grade reflective material for visibility
- Expandable zippered pockets with mesh drainage
- Heavy duty nylon fabric; soft, lightweight flotation foam
Wonitago Stretchable Kayak Paddle Leash
- Durable Material 6mm elastic rubber
- the fixed elongation won’t over stretch and loose elasticity
- Stretchable Design, the paddle leash can be extended from 49inch (124cm) to 75inch (190cm)
- Easy to Use
- Multiple Use
- 12-month warranty
Daci Women Rash Guard Long Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit Zipper Surfing Bathing Suit UPF 50
- Zipper closure
- One Piece Women Rush Guard: It is designed with zipper on the chest for easy opening and closure. Built in bra offers you enough support yet.
- Long Sleeve Swimsuit: Sleek one piece design with wine red, making you stylish and charming while swimming, surfing, diving, wakeboarding, stand up paddle and water yoga.
- UPF 50+: Made of exclusive UV Block fabric with UPF 50+, protecting you against rashes, abrasions and harmful UV rays.
- Comfortable Material Bathing Suit: Soft, quick-dry and breathable durable fabric offers tighter fit while you enjoy your time on the beach.
- Six US Size to Choose: XS(US 0-2), S(US 4-6), M(US 8-10), L(US 12-14), XL(US 16), XXL(US 16W). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
- 20 different colors
American Trends Women Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- 15 different styles and colors
- 82% Polyester, 18% Elastane
- Zipper closure
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL: Womens Long Sleeve Rash Guard made of 82%polyester+18%elastane, super soft stretch fabric, quick dry and great elasticity, suitable for girls, women, ladies.
- UNIQUE DESIGN: One piece swimsuit design, thin and soft chest pad with no rims to provide extra support; front zipper is easy to open and close, giving you more freedom to wear, shows your perfect body.
- FASHION FLORAL PRINTED: Fashion sexy colorblock floral printed, rich colors and printing make this swimsuit outstanding. A set of exquisite swimwear makes you more confident.
- SUITABLE OCCASION: High-density fabric protects your skin from harmful UV blocking, suitable for Surfing, Diving, Swimming, Wakeboarding, Beach activities, Swimming pool etc.
- IDEAL GIFT: Soft and skin-friendly swimsuits are the best choice in summer.It also be a good gift for your family members, friend or other you love, spend a wonderful holiday together.
O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- [U.P.F. 50+ Max UV Protection Factor by O’Neill] creates tight Performance Fit that hugs your body like a second skin.
- [Skin Cancer Foundation Recommended] Polyester/Spandex blend for effective UV protection with minimal heat absorption.
- [Quick Dry 4-way Stretch Moves with You] for wearing alone or under a wetsuit for rash protection with minimal seam placement.
- [Strategic Seamless Paddle Zones Stop Chafing] Supports movement throughout this O’Neill Basic Skins 50+ long sleeved rash guard with value-driven choices.
- [O’Neill Wetsuits since 1952 Creating Industry Leading Functional Gear] Cleanly Designed Graphics for rash prevention during outdoor sports and activities.
Sanabul Essentials Long Sleeve
- 6 different colors
- Just What You Need: A rash guard created to go on the journey with you. We designed The Essential series to feel and perform like a premium product, but at a fair price
- Fit Right In: Sanabul Essentials sports a classic, uncluttered style that you can wear confidently on your first day or when upgrading to a cleaner look. These rashguards are also IBJJF legal
- Tested by Pros, Created for You: Some of the top competitors in the world rep Sanabul, like BJJ black belt Guilherme Bomba and legendary Jiu Jitsu coach, John Danaher. They put our designs through the ringer, so you can trust what you’re wearing has the same grit as you. Fabric treatment means longer life and cleaner training
- Designed to Perform: Other rash guards constrict your movement and overheat your body. Sanabul’s mesh underarms and gradual compression keeps you agile and provides better ventilation
- Good for Multiple Activities: We even added UV SPF 50 protection so you can take our rash guards out to the beach or the trail
GADIEMKENSD UPF 50+ Outdoor Hat
- Sunscreen: Has 50+ UPF
- The brim and edges are reflective
- Water repellent
- Hat circumference 22-24 inches (56-61cm)
- Weight Only 2.3 oz (65g)
- Hat Brim: 2.76 inches/ 7cm
- Hat Depth: 4.3inches/11cm
- Material: Nylon and Polyester
- Soft and breathable
SurfDurt Original Sunblock – Natural Sun Screen SPF 30 Sunscreen
- REEF SAFE & CRUELTY-FREE: SurfDurt is a reef safe sunscreen made with 11, food-grade ingredients and non-nano zinc oxide. We replaced harmful toxins for a natural sunscreen that protects your skin and keeps marine and aquatic life safe.
- NATURAL MINERAL SUNSCREEN: SurfDurt’s only active ingredient is safe for you and the reefs: non-nano zinc oxide. This mineral base includes nourishing antioxidants and food-derived ingredients: coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil for sun protection.
- PERFORMANCE DRIVEN: Premium, surf-resistant sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB, broad spectrum, SPF 30 protection that is water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Sweat-proof, surf-resistant, thick and spreadable coverage you can see and trust.
- PRODUCED IN CA, USA: This natural sunblock with non-nano zinc oxide is produced in San Diego, CA with all sustainably-sourced ingredients. A safe sunscreen that actually does what it’s supposed to: protects.
- YOU’RE THE REAL SOLUTION: We know our natural sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide is truly amazing, but reef-safe sunscreen really makes a difference because of the people who choose to use it. This is just a formula, the real solution is you.
This was our Equipment and buying guide and the list of the Best inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards on the market in 2021! I hope you enjoyed it and if you did so and don’t want to miss any of our next Equipment guides sign up for the Newsletter here.
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