Solid vs. Expandable
There are two types of paddleboards you can buy: inflatable or fixed (aka solid). One is not better than the other. This largely depends on your current situation and what you want to get out of the board.
Solid paddleboards are better for the ocean because they are more durable and can withstand the impact of jagged rocks and coral reefs. It is also more stable in choppy water, boat wakes, and waves. They are also generally heavier, more difficult to transport and more difficult to store.
Inflatable paddleboards allow you to easily store them in small spaces such as apartments, studios, or car trunks. Access to water is also easier, especially if you don’t have a truck or car with a roof rack.
craftiness
You can purchase specific types of paddleboards that are ergonomically designed for specific activities. Available in a variety of lengths, widths and styles to maximize functionality.
- touring: Touring paddleboards are designed to travel long distances on flat water and pass through rough water without problems. They tend to be long with pointed noses to maximize speed, but they are also wider than racing boards, making them feel more balanced over long periods of time.
- racing: Racing paddleboards are made for speed. They are generally long, lean and agile for excellent maneuverability. To purchase a high-quality racing paddleboard, you can expect to pay upwards of $1,000.
- yoga: Yoga paddleboards are longer and wider than regular SUPs, allowing you to feel more balanced while practicing your posture. Foot pads also tend to take up a lot of the surface area of the board, giving you plenty of room to move around.
- fishing: Fishing paddleboards are like yoga SUPs in that they are longer and wider for better balance. They also typically have a concave deck that helps lower the center of gravity and improve balance. Not to mention, there are more D-rings to hang your fishing gear on.
- several people: Most paddleboards fit up to 250-300 pounds. Paddleboards that can accommodate more than one person are quite large and spacious and can seat up to 20 feet long.
- leisure: A typical paddleboarder wants to maintain balance while sliding through the water without falling. Paddleboards range from 10 to 11 feet in length and offer a great combination of speed, stability, and maneuverability.
budget
Paddleboards come in a wide range of prices, so you can enjoy the sport on just about any budget. Inflatable boards tend to be cheaper than hardtop boards, while performance boards and racing boards are the most expensive you can buy. The price of a good paddleboard starts at around $300 and goes up to over $2,000.
save
Once upon a time, I lived in a 750 square foot one bedroom apartment and bought a 10 foot paddleboard. Did you have a detached garage? no. Do you have unusually large cabinets? No, I didn’t have that either. I didn’t understand the size of paddleboards so I didn’t consider storage space. I had to buy a wall mount to secure the paddleboard above the bed, almost like a makeshift headboard. Before I knew it, my house felt like a beach house in the middle of Reno, Nevada.
The moral of the story is to make sure you have the storage space for a sturdy SUP before you buy it.
