Rigid vs Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards: Which Should You Choose?
Stand up paddleboards come in two main types. A rigid SUP can be built of epoxy or, for higher end boards, wood. Inflatable boards, or iSUPs, have a thick and durable plastic shell that you inflate before getting on the water.
Both boards are great options and experienced paddleboarders will often have a definite preference for which they prefer, but when you are just starting out, whether you are buying an SUP or renting an SUP in South Lake Tahoe, you might wonder which one to choose. Here are some of the basic differences between rigid and inflatable SUPs and how they will affect your ride.
Differences Between a Flexible and Rigid Stand Up Paddleboard
While stand up paddleboarding has been a sport for many years, inflatable standup paddleboards are newer to the market, but have helped to make the sport far more accessible.
If you are buying your own, they are often more affordable, easier to store, and easier to travel with. They can be rolled up to be relatively easily carried and then inflated with a pump but when you are ready to use them. Properly inflated, an iSUP is nearly as stable as a solid SUP as the air inside keeps the board extremely taut, making the inflatable boards about as easy to balance on when you are out on the water.
The main differences between the 2 types of boards include:
Durability - Inflatable stand up paddleboards are more resistant to damage from drops and scrapes since the material will not crack or scratch, making this a good choice as you learn to handle the board and what underwater obstacles to look out for. Depending on the quality of an inflatable paddleboard, it may be less durable over time than a rigid board.
iSUPs are Better for Falls - When you lose your balance and fall on a stand up paddleboard, you want to try to fall into the water, as that is safest. But you may miss and land on your board as you are learning. In these cases, an inflatable SUP will cushion your fall somewhat and make injury less likely.
iSUPs are Gentler on Your Body - Because you are standing on a cushioned surface on an inflatable stand up paddleboard, your feet will feel less tired and your legs, knees, hips, and back will experience less strain throughout the day. The extra cushioning is also good for SUP yoga, although you could accomplish the same effect with a rigid SUP that has a cushioned mat on it.
Rigid SUPs Have Better Performance - In most cases, rigid SUPs will have slightly better performance in terms of speed and handling than their inflatable counterparts. As you become more comfortable and skilled navigating a stand up paddleboard, this difference in performance can be noticeable and start to make the rigid SUP a better option.
With all of these considerations, an inflatable SUP is often the better option for beginners, particularly if you are planning on buying your own stand up paddleboard. At SUP Tahoe, we rent both inflatable and rigid paddleboards, giving you a low stakes way to try either of them to get a feel for which type of board you like best. To try out stand up paddleboarding in Tahoe, book your rental SUP online. You can also stop by our SUP showroom to see the different options to buy your own stand up paddleboard.
