It's a question we get asked a lot but both have their advantages and disavantages. 

Purchasing the right type of paddleboard for your needs will determine whether you progress as well as enjoy your paddleboarding.

Why Choose an inflatable SUP?

Storage:

Inflatable SUPs or iSUPs take up very litte room when in their storage bag.
This and the fact they are relatively lightweight means that even if you live in a house with either not much space or no garage, you will be able to store a iSUP.

 

As most iSUP bags feature rucksack straps or shoulder straps you will be able to get to otherwise difficult to reach locations such as secluded beaches and hidden lakes.

Durability:

If durability is a concern then an Inflatable SUP will be worth looking at as small bumps and scraps on rocks will do very little to damage your board whereas dropping a solid SUP can result in cracks.

Even if you do manage to puncture your iSUP most, if not all are supplied with a patch repair kit to get you back out on the water as soon as possible.

Manoeuvrability:

Although inflatable paddleboards can handle most of conditions, you will always get better manoeuverability from a solid board.

When initiating a step back turn, for example, a solid board has a much more direct response and requires less effort to manoeuvre your board, when necessary.

Flex:

Inflatable boards tend to flex more than solid sup's in the top and tail. This is great for learning and general paddleboarding as it can forgive any mistakes you make and allow you more time to adjust.

Whilst this is a not a problem for higher end boards, pumping your SUP to the correct pressure each time, will resolve this problem.

Due to the varied range of iSUP board types now available on the market you will be sure to find one that suits your needs. Want to cruise the coast? Try the Aqua Marina Hyper or the Fanatic Ray Air. How about a day out with the family? Try the Jobe Yarra or Aqua Marina Beast. You can even buy an isup specifically designed for fishing!

Why Choose a SOLID SUP?

GET OUT AND GO:

Solid SUP's are ready as soon as you get to the water, no need for pumping, checking for the correct pressure, no chance of it having issues losing buoyancy.

Simply get out on the water and feel the direct connection under your feet.

Glide:

Solid SUP'S quite simply glide better due to their shaping and bottom designs and will get you moving on the water quicker and with less effort.

Solid boards also sit differently in the water, as opposed to inflatables that tend to sit on top of the water, making them more prone to the effects of the wind pushing you off a straight line course.

RIGIDITY:

Solid SUP's are rigid and therefore have no flex meaning any weight transfer to the top or tail for example will be felt immediately, making them great for performance riding.

Inflatables boards however will flex more from the tip to the tail making them more difficult to control especially when using them in surf or choppy water conditions.

PERFORMANCE:

If you’re looking for performance, then a Solid SUP is the best choice for you. They’re stiffer that the inflatable boards and are very responsive.

They are much preferred for use in the surf for their quicker turning, hold their glide better on the water and provide an easy and lively feeling.

There are a varied style of solid sup's available on the market you will be sure to find one that suits your needs. Try the Fanatic Fly or the Jobe Titan Aras. How about a moving out into the surf? Try the Smik North Freo Short Mac or Naish Mad Dog.