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Sturdy vs. inflatable
There are two types of paddleboards you can buy: inflatable or rigid, also called sturdy. One is not better than the other; it will mainly depend on your current circumstances and what you want to get out of your board.
Sturdy paddleboards are usually better for the ocean as they are more durable and likely to withstand the blows of jagged rocks and coral reefs. They are also more stable when you hit choppy water, the boat wakes up and waves. They also tend to be heavier, more difficult to transport and more difficult to store.
Inflatable paddle boards allow you to easily store it in small spaces such as apartments, studios or the trunk of your car. They are also easier to get to the water, especially if you don’t own a truck or vehicle with roof racks.
Functionality
You can purchase specific types of paddleboards that are ergonomically designed for certain activities. There are different lengths, widths and styles to maximize functionality.
- Touring: Touring paddleboards are intended to travel long distances on flat water and allow you to cut through choppy water without any problems. They are usually long and have a pointed nose to maximize speed, but are wider than a racing board so you feel more balanced for longer periods of time.
- Racing: Racing paddleboards are built for speed. They are usually tall, lean and agile, so they have excellent maneuverability. Expect to pay more than $1,000 for a high-quality racing paddleboard.
- Yoga: Yoga paddleboards are longer and wider than your average SUP, so you feel more balanced while practicing your poses. The sole of the foot also often takes up a large part of the surface of the board, so you have plenty of room to move.
- Pisces: Fishing paddleboards are like yoga SUPs in that they are longer and wider for better balance. They also typically have a recessed deck to lower the center of gravity and improve balance. And don’t forget: more D-rings to hook your fishing gear to.
- Multiple people: Most paddleboards are rated for a maximum of 250 to 300 pounds. Paddleboards intended for more than one person are quite large, wide and can be up to 6 meters long.
- Spare time: The average paddleboarder wants to glide and balance through the water without falling off. A paddleboard can be between 10 and 10 feet long and offers a nice combination of speed, stability and maneuverability.
Budget
With paddleboards you will find a wide price range, so you can enjoy the sport on almost any budget. Inflatable boards tend to be cheaper than hardtop boards, while performance and racing boards are among the most expensive you can buy. For a good paddleboard, prices start around €300 and go up to €2,000 or more.
Storage
There was once a time when I lived in a 750 square foot one bedroom apartment and bought a 10 foot paddle board. Did I have a detached garage? No. Did I have an abnormally large storage closet? No, I didn’t have that either. Not understanding the sheer size of a paddleboard, I didn’t consider storage. I had to buy wall brackets to hold my paddleboard above my bed, almost like a makeshift headboard. Before I knew it, my house felt like a beach house in the middle of Reno, Nevada.
Moral of the story is: make sure you have the storage space for a solid SUP before you buy, if that’s the kind you’re leaning towards.
