Tips for Choosing the Right Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

When you visit a website and see all the types of paddle boards laid out before you, you may feel an initial sensation of pure and utter panic. That’s totally normal—when we first got into watersports, we felt the same way. Now, we’re cool as cucumbers and here to help you find the perfect gear. Read on to learn some tips for choosing the right inflatable stand-up paddle board.

Why Go Inflatable?

Inflatable paddle boards come with a host of benefits that we want to clarify before continuing (just so you feel confident that you’re making the right call)! Because inflatable boards, well, inflate, they’re easy to store. If you live somewhere without a lot of storage space, inflatable boards are a great choice.

To that end, inflatable boards are also way easier to transport than solid boards. Additionally, if you’re into SUP yoga, an inflatable board will provide you with a more comfortable experience that is also lighter on the knees.

Choose a Hull Type

The two main hull types are planing and displacement. Planing hulls are like surfboards—a maneuverable board that rests on top of the water. If you want to paddle leisurely or do SUP yoga, a planing hull is for you.

Alternatively, displacement hulls function sort of like kayaks. With a pointed nose that slices through the water, you’ll get more speed and smoothness, perfect for fitness paddling and racing.

Considering Width

As you’ve probably seen, paddle boards come in a variety of widths. The important thing to remember is that wider boards are more stable, but the wider your board gets, the slower it gets. Also, when your board becomes too wide, you’ll find it difficult to paddle. People who are more petite should choose boards that are around 25 inches wide, while those who are taller will have more luck with boards around 34 inches wide.

Picking a Length

Inflatable paddle boards also come in a bunch of different lengths. Short boards, which are under ten feet, are perfect for children or surfing. If you’re planning to do yoga or just want a solid, all-purpose board, choose one in the range of 10 to 12 feet. Finally, if you’re ready to go all-in on long-distance paddling, you’ll want a board that’s 12 feet or more.

Now that you know our tips for choosing the right inflatable stand-up paddle board, check out our collections from Imagine and JP-Australia and get ready to have the time of your life!