Inflatable paddle boards are becoming more and more popular. However, there are some misconceptions about them that companies don’t want you to know about.
My name’s Eddie, and I’m a seasoned paddle board instructor from Southern California. Keep reading to avoid costly mistakes in the future when purchasing your first inflatable paddle board.
We’ll be going over……
- Pros and Cons of Inflatables
- What Size Paddle Board Should I Get?
- Why PSI is an Important Factor
- Pumps, Fins, and Other Necessary Features
- Risks With Cheap Inflatables
- Safety Tips
- Conclusion
PROS AND CONS OF INFLATABLES
Let’s discuss the major benefits of owning an inflatable paddle board.
Pros
-They are easy to transport.
-They are great for traveling.
-They don’t take a lot of space to store at home.
-Good Quality inflatables are very durable.
Cons
-They don’t perform as well as traditional hard tops.
-They are less versatile and meant for mainly flat water.
-They require work to inflate.
-Cheap inflatables are very risky and potentially dangerous.
Something to keep in mind is everything has a purpose and place. Inflatables are great for traveling and transporting or if you are lacking in space. They shouldn’t be a substitute for a real hard top.
WHAT SIZE PADDLE BOARD SHOULD I GET?
The most important thing when getting started is getting the right board and the right size.
Many people have a poor experience because they jump on a board way too small or way to advance for them.
I have a chart here you can use to determine based on your weight and experience.
The minimum length of the board is reflected a lot on your weight.
Length
If you are under 170lbs = minimum length is 10ft
If you are over 170lbs = minimum length is 11ft
Width
The width of the board is largely determined by experience.
The rule to paddle boarding is the longer and narrower the board, the faster you’ll go.
Here’s some width size to determine which one is best for you.
24”-26” = Advance Paddlers who paddle regularly and prefer speed
27-30” = Intermediate Paddlers who have experience and paddle as a hobby
31”-34” = Beginner Paddlers who are getting started or those who prefer the highest stability and paddle very casually.
I always recommend a minimum of 32” wide for people who are just getting started. This is a nice stable width to get started properly, as you won’t have to focus too much attention on balance.
WHY IS PSI AN IMPORTANT FACTOR
PSI essentially is how much air you can put into it and how tight you can make a board.
PSI makes a major difference.
The PSI determines how strong, rigid, and handling ability.
An inflatable with a higher PSI generally determines the quality of the board itself.
I recommend 12 PSI as the lowest you really want to go for. The goal is to get close to 20 PSI or over.
PUMPS AND WHAT FEATURES YOU NEED
In this section I’ll be covering the necessary tools you’ll need to prepare you for any situation you might encounter.
Things you need to consider are…
- Finbox
- Pumps
- Straps
- Repair Kit
Finbox
This is a common mistake first time buyers generally make.
Most inflatable paddle boards have a U.S. standard fin box, however, there are boards made overseas that are not U.S. standard.
The problem with not getting a U.S. fin box is it is harder to buy a replacement fin. This makes it more stressful if you damage or lose one.
It’s a proven design that works. Some companies don’t use the U.S. fin box because it is cheap, but this makes it less reliable causing the fins to be loose or even fall out.
Always stick with a U.S. Standard Fin Box.
Pumps
The type of pump you have will determine the amount of work you have to do.
Cheaper pumps will have 1 cylinder while a better more efficient pump will have 2 cylinders.
The pump doesn’t affect your paddling experience, however if you don’t want to spend a lot of time and energy I’d go for the 2 cylinders or .
IMPROTANT!
No matter what cylinder you have, ALWAYS get a pump with a pressure gage.
Without one, you will have no idea if you have enough air or you are pushing it too far.
Trust me. Nobody wants to start heading out onto the water only to realize they don’t have enough air and the board is bouncing and your feet are sinking.
Straps
Straps aren’t on the top of important list, but it can make a difference if your goal is to go camping with your paddle board.
Having plenty of straps allow you to tie your board down easier along with carrying your camping cargo.
It’s also nice to have additional straps to make carrying the board easier.
Repair Kit
The repair kit is like the spare tire on your car.
The last thing you want is to go out paddle board only to puncture a hole by accident and not have a repair kit.
You should always take it with you and make sure it’s in a waterproof container.
Repair Kit Necessities
- Patches
- Glue
- Extra Fin Screw
- Water Proof Container
RISKS WITH CHEAP INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARDS
In the world of paddle boarding you get what you pay for.
I’m not here to try to convince you to buy the most expensive paddle board, but I do want you to know the risks of cheap ones.
Higher end inflatable SUPS have a much tougher hull and stronger seems.
There have been horror stories of people paddling frantically to get back to shore as air escapes their board due to poor construction.
Cheap paddle boards are as implied, cheap.
Here are some risks you take.
- Seems leaking air or coming apart
- Poor fin box, allow water to enter the board
- Loose fins
- Easier to puncture, weaker hull
- Not long lasting
The last thing I want you to do is get a cheap board and go out in a big lake or ocean panicking because you’re not sure if your board can make it back before it sinks.
Even worse if the water conditions aren’t good you increase your chances of drowning or if the water temperature is too low, you face hypothermia.
Unless you plan on using it as a toy, in the world of paddle boarding, don’t go cheap.
SAFETY TIPS
The weather and environment affects your inflatable quite a bit. Follow these tips to avoid puncturing you inflatable SUP.
- Always make sure you don’t paddle near rocks with sharp edges or buoys with metal frames.
- If you are going down river, make sure you keep an eye out for protruding branches from fallen trees.
- Don’t store you board in a cold, frigid environment. Freezing cold temperatures can compromise the integrity of the board.
CONCLUSION
That’s it! Everything you need to know to get started before purchasing your first inflatable paddle board! Let’s recap all that you have learned!
✓Inflatable SUPS are compact and great for traveling or storage.
✓Make sure you get one suitable for your weight.
✓PSI is extremely important in board quality.
✓Make sure you get a pump with a gage, and always carry your repair kit.
✓Don’t buy a cheap inflatable unless you are willing to take the risks.
✓Store your inflatable in a mild climate and always keep an out for obstacles that may puncture your board.