Inflatable fun! (paddleboards ;) )
My search for inflatable boats actually turned up 2 winners, so now I'm on the hunt for an inflatable paddleboard to add to our collection. Does anyone have any advice or tips? My internet researc...
Forum Discussion
I own two hard sided SUP's and have rented inflatable SUPs. I also own 3 kayaks as well as being a windsurfer. So I think I can lend some experience.
Personally, I enjoy SUPing much more than kayaking if it's a nice day. Standing feels more natural to me, it's a great workout, and you can travel fairly quickly once you get the technique down. Side note: every casual SUPer I see has terrible technique, making it much harder on themselves to move. However, if the wind or swell picks up, SUP's are a pain and I'd rather be in a kayak.
Before you decide to buy an inflatable SUP, here's what I would consider:
1. The inflatable SUP's have really come a long way. They aren't as good as a hard sided board but they're getting closer, and there's obvious the convenience of storage. BUT the flip side is you have to inflate and deflate. iSUP's typically come with a manual pump that takes ~10 minutes to inflate. That's a LONG time to be pumping. Or you can buy a $100 electric pump that attaches to a car battery. So you have to account for the additional time to pump / deflate. With my hard sided boards, I keep them on top of my truck. Two straps off and I'm ready to hit the water.
2. You didn't mention how tall / large you are. Bigger you are, you'll probably want a wider board for stability. If you're only going to us it in flat water (i.e., not for waves or in a river), then I would get a board that's at least 10 feet long. 11+ feet even better. My two boards are 12.5' long. Reason being, a longer board will track straighter.
3. Don't forget the cost of the paddle. I HIGHLY recommend carbon fiber. It makes the paddling experience so much nicer.
Having said all of the above, if I was going to buy an iSUP, I'd get the package below. It includes a highly reputable 12'6" board, a CARBON FIBER adjustable paddle, pump, and bag.
http://www.bigwinds.com/naish-sup-15-sup-package-one-makani
Personally, I enjoy SUPing much more than kayaking if it's a nice day. Standing feels more natural to me, it's a great workout, and you can travel fairly quickly once you get the technique down. Side note: every casual SUPer I see has terrible technique, making it much harder on themselves to move. However, if the wind or swell picks up, SUP's are a pain and I'd rather be in a kayak.
Before you decide to buy an inflatable SUP, here's what I would consider:
1. The inflatable SUP's have really come a long way. They aren't as good as a hard sided board but they're getting closer, and there's obvious the convenience of storage. BUT the flip side is you have to inflate and deflate. iSUP's typically come with a manual pump that takes ~10 minutes to inflate. That's a LONG time to be pumping. Or you can buy a $100 electric pump that attaches to a car battery. So you have to account for the additional time to pump / deflate. With my hard sided boards, I keep them on top of my truck. Two straps off and I'm ready to hit the water.
2. You didn't mention how tall / large you are. Bigger you are, you'll probably want a wider board for stability. If you're only going to us it in flat water (i.e., not for waves or in a river), then I would get a board that's at least 10 feet long. 11+ feet even better. My two boards are 12.5' long. Reason being, a longer board will track straighter.
3. Don't forget the cost of the paddle. I HIGHLY recommend carbon fiber. It makes the paddling experience so much nicer.
Having said all of the above, if I was going to buy an iSUP, I'd get the package below. It includes a highly reputable 12'6" board, a CARBON FIBER adjustable paddle, pump, and bag.
http://www.bigwinds.com/naish-sup-15-sup-package-one-makani
