4. Where Will You Store Your Paddle Board?Ī big concern a lot of people have before buying a SUP is where they will store it at their house. To learn more, use our guide breaking down the difference between inflatables and epoxy paddle boards.
iSUPs can be easily inflated with the use of a hand pump or electric SUP pump.In terms of transportation, inflatables are effortless compared to epoxy and hard boards.Made of epoxy resin, with an EPS foam core, these rigid boards can withstand any adventure you take them on. Epoxy paddle boards are by far the most durable.If you’re a serious paddler and looking for increased maneuverability, speed, and glide, then an epoxy board might be right for you.When it comes down to performance, epoxy boards surpass inflatables.
Wondering how to assemble an inflatable board? Check it out here. If you plan to travel a lot with your SUP, an inflatable will be the best choice as it’s easy to take wherever your adventure takes you.For a first-time paddler, an inflatable board is ideal and works great in all conditions.When determining whether an inflatable or epoxy SUP is right for you, it really depends on your budget and storage/transportation options.
There are many differences between inflatable and epoxy paddle boards. Once you’ve figured out the type and size of SUP you want, it’s time to decide if you want an inflatable SUP or an epoxy paddle board. The Difference Between Inflatable and Epoxy SUPs Most touring boards are designed with a displacement hull, allowing the rider to travel longer distances with ease.ģ. The sharper nose allows the hull to slice through the water and gives the rider a fast and smooth ride. This makes it a great choice for casual paddling as well as surfing due to the design’s added maneuverability and stability.ĭisplacement Hull – A displacement hull has a sharply pointed nose that displaces the water to either side, making it the perfect choice for paddlers who want to cover long distances. Planing Hull – A planing hull is when the bottom of the board slightly tapers off towards the edges (like the bottom of a boat). The two most common types of paddle board hulls are: The hull will also determine the characteristics of how your board performs in the water. SUP Hull TypesĪnother aspect to consider as part of the SUP size is the design of your board’s hull or body. By then, your older board will be great for friends and family to use!Ĭheck out our SUP SIZE & WEIGHT CHART to find out what size paddle board is best for you. As your skill, balance, and strength improve, you can downsize to a board with less volume. The more volume the board has, the more stable it will be on the water.īeginner paddlers will usually want a board with more volume as well as thickness because of the additional stability this offers. The wider, longer, and thicker the board, the more volume and weight capacity it will have. Think of your ideal board size in terms of volume. Determine your stand up paddle board size based on your weight and paddle boarding experience.