Solid vs. inflatable
There are two types of paddle boards you can buy, inflatable paddle boards or rigid paddle boards (also called solid paddle boards). One isn’t better than the other – it mostly depends on your current situation and what you want to get out of the board.
Solid paddle boards tend to be better suited for the ocean because they are more durable and can withstand pounding against jagged rocks and coral reefs. They are also more stable when you encounter rough waters, sterns and waves. They are also generally heavier and more difficult to transport and store.
Inflatable paddle boards allow you to easily store them in small spaces like your apartment, studio, or car trunk. They also make it easier to reach water, especially if you don’t have a truck or vehicle with a roof rack.
Feature
You can buy specific types of paddle boards that are ergonomically designed for certain activities. Available in different lengths, widths and styles to maximize functionality.
- tour: Travel paddleboards can travel long distances on calm water and allow you to travel through rough waters with ease. They tend to be longer and pointed to maximize speed, but are wider than racing boards to help you feel more balanced for a long time.
- racing: Racing paddle boards are designed for speed. They are usually long, thin, and mobile. Expect to spend over $1,000 on a quality racing paddle board.
- Yoga: The yoga paddle board is longer and wider than a regular SUP, so you can feel more balanced while practicing poses. The footpads also tend to take up most of the surface area of the skateboard, so you have plenty of room to move around in them.
- fishing: Fishing paddle boards are like yoga stand-up paddle boards, longer and wider for better balance. They also often have recessed decks to help lower the center of gravity and improve balance. Not to mention, there are more D-rings to hang your fishing tackle on.
- multiple people: Most paddle boards can hold between 250 and 300 pounds. Paddle boards suitable for multiple use are very large and wide, up to 20 feet in length.
- leisure: The average paddleboarder wants to glide through the water and maintain balance without falling off. Paddleboard lengths range from 10 to 11 feet, providing the perfect combination of speed, stability and maneuverability.
Budget
You can find paddle boards in a variety of price ranges, so you can enjoy the sport on almost any budget. Inflatable boards tend to be less expensive than hardtop boards, while performance and racing boards are among the most expensive boards you can buy. Prices for a good paddle board start around $300 and go up to $2,000 or more.
storage
Once upon a time I lived in a 750 square foot one bedroom apartment and bought a 10 foot paddle board. Do I have a detached garage? No. No, neither did I. Not knowing the sheer size of the paddle board, I didn’t factor in storage space. I had to buy a wall mount to attach the paddle board to the bed, almost like a makeshift headboard. Before I knew it, my place felt like a beach house in downtown Reno, Nevada.
The moral of the story is, if you’re inclined to buy that kind of SUP, make sure you have enough storage space before buying one.
