Tired of watching all your friends hit the water with their paddle boards? Don’t want to keep renting a paddle board because you want to enjoy an adventure any time, on your terms? It’s time to break free! This summer is the perfect time to invest in your very own inflatable paddle board! But because it can be a big investment, you want to be sure you’re getting the right paddle board to meet your needs. So, how do you choose the right inflatable paddle board? Here’s everything you need to know!
Get to Know Each Type of Inflatable Paddle Board
There are a wide variety of inflatable paddle boards on the market. At a glance, they can look similar, but they come in different sizes and have slightly different features that set them apart from one another. Here are the four major types:
The All-Around SUP Board
All-around boards are designed as multipurpose boards. Because of their versatility, they’re popular and make excellent paddle boards for SUP newbies. All-around boards are stable yet maneuverable on the water. They’re great for cruising on a lake or slow-flowing river. Plus, as you get more comfortable, you can also take them into some light surf.
The Sporty SUP Board
This category includes SUP boards designed to go fast. These are longer, narrower boards that cut through the water at speed and can offer a thrilling experience in the right setting. If you’re interested in racing or you’re a more advanced rider, you may want a highly maneuverable board built for speed. Many sport SUPs are also built for surfing.
The Touring SUP Board
Touring SUP boards are designed for stability and speed rather than maneuverability or surfing prowess. When you plan on cruising on the water for hours or a full day, a touring SUP is an ideal choice. Touring SUPs are also an excellent option for SUP fishing enthusiasts. They’re large enough for all your gear and stable enough to feel comfortable reeling in the catch of the day.
The Kid’s SUP Board
Kids boards are smaller than typical SUPs. They’re made for kids and teens who are just learning to paddle board. They’re built for stability, so they make great all-around boards, just a bit smaller than the adult size! Look for a board that comes with a kids-size paddle as well for a perfect fit.
Know Your SUP Goals
If you know how you want to use your inflatable paddle board, it makes choosing a board a smooth process. New to paddle boarding and want to learn the basics? An all-around inflatable paddle board is the way to go. It’s a great board for learning the basics, and it is sure to last you for years to come.
Want a board suited for fishing or extended adventures along the lake shore? You’ll want to get an inflatable SUP board built for touring. This is a great option if you’ve been SUP boarding for a while and are looking to take your riding experience to the next level.
Thinking about hitting the surf but still want a board that you can cruise around on? As you may have guessed, you’ll want a sport SUP. While shopping for a sport SUP, there are subcategories of boards that excel at specific tasks. If you want to use it primarily for surfing, there are inflatable SUPs built just for that. If you want to race, you can find sport SUPs with slightly different designs made just for that, too.
Quality Matters!
As you start shopping for SUP boards, you’ll notice differences in price and the capabilities each inflatable paddle board has to offer. Like many things, the quality of your board can influence your riding experience. A poorly constructed inflatable SUP may begin to lose air over time. You may enjoy a few good rides at the beginning, then notice it’s losing its rigidity. Poor construction can also equal poor performance on the water.
Look for SUPs made with high-quality materials like dual or triple-layer military-grade PVC. Sturdy construction is essential when you want to get a good ride. It’s also important if you want an inflatable SUP board that is going to last for years to come. At the same time, you want to buy from an inflatable paddle board brand that specializes in the highest quality options and offers a generous return policy and SUP board warranty.
Lastly, look for a new inflatable paddle board that comes with everything you need to get started. The SUP board should come with a hand pump (some come with electric pumps), a travel bag, removable fins, and a paddle. Some boards even include an ankle strap. When you get everything you need in one box, you’ll be ready to hit the water in no time. That means your next paddle boarding adventure could be even closer than you think!
About iROCKER
With paddle boarding quickly becoming more popular than ever, get in on the fun with iROCKER! From lakes to streams to marinas, there are so many places to paddle board. It’s a hobby you can enjoy as a leisure activity or an exciting adventure. iROCKER is your source for new inflatable paddle boards and accessories. Get a new paddle board for your summer vacation! Or get the kids their very own paddle board in their favorite color with the NAUTICAL Kids board! iROCKER helps you enjoy more time out on the water, doing what you love. Check out their website for the latest deals on new paddle boards and discover all sorts of useful resources to help make your next paddle boarding adventure the best one yet!
Compare a wide variety of inflatable paddle board options at https://www.irockersup.com/