SUP - or Stand Up Paddle Surfing - is the fastest growing water sport worldwide. We can see why! SUP can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family, as a workout, fun socializing or a meditative ride on the water. It's easy to learn and requires no extraordinary skill, balance or physique. Many people choose an inflatable model for a number of reasons. Here we'll give you an overview of the pros and cons and review the different types and models.
Why choose an inflatable SUP board?
As a starting point, many would say that a fixed board is better than an inflatable board. The fixed models are stiffer and glide through the water faster. But there are also many advantages to an inflatable SUP board. It weighs less and is easier to carry. It is easy to store and transport. An inflatable board is also more forgiving to learn on, as it's more forgiving if you have to kneel or fall down on the board. It's also ideal for families and children as it doesn't get marks and scratches in the same way as a fixed board.
An inflatable board is best suited for recreational sailing, touring or exercise on flat water such as lakes, rivers or along the coast. An inflatable board will always fall short of a fixed board if the water is choppy or windy. A fixed board will be more stable in the water. Most people choose an inflatable board because of its accessibility, price and the possibility of storage and transportation.
Which inflatable board should I choose?
Searching online for an inflatable SUP board can be a jungle. There's a plethora of brands, fake pre-prices and private label or no name brands. Boards can be bought for as little as 900 kroner, but be aware that there is a big difference in quality, safety and durability.
At One Open Sky we have a large selection of inflatable SUP boards, paddles and accessories - all carefully selected based on price and quality to give you the best value for money. We offer you honest and competent advice to make sure you get the right board the first time.
Price and quality
As mentioned, there is a big difference in the quality of inflatable boards, and as with most things, quality and price often go hand in hand. Some manufacturers have developed their own inflatable constructions that come very close to the feeling of a solid board. There are inflatable boards for competition use that come so close to solid boards in stiffness, speed and glide through the water that it's almost impossible to tell the difference when you ride them. A cheap SUP board, on the other hand, can be roughly described as an expensive air mattress. We don't sell the cheapest models, as we've found that these simply don't work and break quickly. It can be a good alternative, but be honest with yourself before you buy. Buying a board that doesn't fit your needs the first time can be an expensive lesson. If you have any doubts, we are always ready to help you at One Open Sky.
Construction and stiffness
Construction is probably the most important thing to consider when looking for an inflatable SUP board - and this is where the price difference becomes apparent.
Layers
Boards are made in one, two and three layers of material. Generally speaking, multiple layers will give you a stiffer board than a board with only one layer. But a board with multiple layers of material will also be significantly heavier. That's why quality brands like Naish and Starboard have developed methods and materials that make single-layer boards stiffer and therefore lighter. The better boards are also constructed in a way where the material is fused together rather than glued together. This also results in lighter weight (up to two kilograms) and better durability (as the materials do not "let go" and come apart). Read more about Starboard's ZEN single layer construction here.
A board made of better materials also means that the board can be pumped with higher pressure, which naturally makes it stiffer. This improves performance, so the board doesn't become "slack" and curve down the middle when you stand on it. This keeps the shape, directional stability and glide through the water so you sail faster and use less effort to move forward.
A stiffer board provides a more efficient paddle stroke, as the energy from your stroke pushes the board forward, instead of being lost in the movement of the board if it "blows". In addition, it also has a stiffer torsion flex, so the board is more rigid and doesn't "twist" lengthwise. This means the board is more stable in choppy water and windy conditions.
In addition to stiffness, quality and construction also affect the board's durability and can prevent the board from "going out of shape".
The material inside the board (yarn / stitching)
The top and bottom material is held together by woven threads or fibers that run vertically through the cavity, from the top layer to the bottom layer. These yarns can also vary greatly in material, shape and the way they are woven. This affects stiffness, how hard the board can be pumped, board shape and weight. Most established surf brands have developed their own methods and materials, which are often significantly better than most mid-range boards. Examples include Starboard's Linear Dropstich and Woven Dropstitch, SHARK SUPS 50 PSI Drop Stich (Shark Fusion Technology) or Naish's X-Weave Dropstitch.
Stringers
Stringers are known from fixed surfboards and are one or more narrow strips of stronger material that merge with the top and/or bottom material and run from the tail to the nose. This, like many other details, helps increase stiffness without making the board too heavy.
Joints and sides (rails)
Most boards are reinforced at the sides, again to increase stiffness and maintain shape, but definitely also to increase durability and board life. The better boards use better materials, and these are also fused together at the joints rather than glued. This results in a lighter board, but also a significantly better board as it cannot leak in the same way as a board that is glued together at the joints.
Shape and form
The shape of the board has an impact on whether the board is beginner-friendly or if it sails fast. Therefore, it's important to decide what level you are at, where you will use your SUP, whether you want the whole family to enjoy it, or whether you want to go fast. In general, there is more speed and directional stability in a narrow and long board, whereas a wide shorter and wider board turns faster.
All-round board
As the name suggests, this is a board that can be used for a little bit of everything. The board looks like a traditional surfboard with a rounded nose and is typically 10-12 feet long and 30-32 inches wide. The length provides directional stability, but the width provides good stability when paddling. An all-round board can be used for fun and touring, beach play and small wave fun.
Touring board
If you primarily use the board on flat water, and preferably on longer trips, choose a board with a touring shape. This type of board is longer than the all-round models (typically from 11+ feet) and has a pointed nose, which means the board looks more like a kayak than a surfboard when viewed from above. This provides better directional stability and better glide through the water, resulting in less drag and faster propulsion. It also means you don't have to change sides between each paddle stroke to stay on course, but can take multiple strokes on each side. Again, however, you need to pay attention to quality and stiffness. If the board doesn't have the right stiffness, it will bend up from the center like a banana the moment you stand on it. This means that the effective waterline (where the board touches the water) will be very short and both speed and directional stability will be completely lost.
Race board
A race board is designed to achieve maximum speed. They are long and narrow - typically either 12'6 or 14 feet in length and up to 24 inches in width. Be aware that the narrow width for speed also makes the board more unstable, so if you are less experienced, we recommend that you buy a touring board instead. If you want a board that is really fast and performs at a level that comes close to a fixed board, make sure you buy a board that is also at the high end in terms of quality.
Wave board
There are also inflatable boards dedicated to waves. They are shorter and wider, so they turn faster and can swing on the waves. With the high impact of the waves, it's really important that the board is as stiff as possible to perform in waves. If you are dedicated to wave sailing, we would always recommend buying a fixed board.
Size and volume
Volume is often given in liters and can be seen as an expression of how many maximum kilos the board can carry without compromising its stiffness and performance. However, on most inflatable boards, this is translated into a recommended weight class, for example SUP surfers up to 110 kg. However, be aware that different manufacturers may state this using different methods - there is a big difference between whether the board is suitable and performs for a person weighing 110 kg, for example, or whether the board simply won't sink at this pressure. You can expect the established surf brands to base their ratings on performance.
Length and width
Length and width are typically given in feet and inches, so a board listed as 12'6" x 30" is 12 feet and 6 inches long (which is 381 cm) and 30 inches (76.2 cm) wide at its widest point.
The wider a board is, the more stable it is, but at the same time, a narrower board will shoot through the water faster. Stability can quickly become an individual issue, but if you're completely inexperienced in this area, we recommend choosing a board that is at least 30" wide.
Thickness
The thicker the board, the more volume there will naturally be in the board. But the thickness is also an indication of how rigid the board is. Cheaper boards are typically thinner and therefore less stiff, which means they bend up a bit in both the front and the back. This results in a slower board that is less directionally stable and requires more power to get the board moving.
Thickness is also typically given in inches and is usually in the range of four to six inches.
So which board should I choose?
To answer this, you need to ask yourself what your needs are. Below we've gathered some categories based on the needs we most often encounter with our customers at One Open Sky and ranked them based on a "good, better, best" principle.
"I'm looking for an all-round board for recreational use"
In our experience, a decent inflatable for recreational use, shorter trips and family fun starts in the price range around 3000,- incl. bag, leash and paddle. If you go for a cheaper board, you will in most cases end up buying a cat in a bag. Be aware that in this market there are often "bargains" where the pre-price is way up. We have chosen to only sell models we can vouch for ourselves.
Our good offer:
"I want a board that can do more than the cheaper packages"
If you're using the board on flat water and longer trips, you may want to choose a longer board (+11 feet), possibly with a pointed nose and straight outline (sides) for better glide through the water, less resistance and increased directional stability. Quality is crucial to the board's performance, and as described above, a better and stiffer board is made in a different cost structure and will therefore sail significantly better than cheaper package solutions. Among the brands we would highlight Starboard, Naish, Gladiator (Pro) and JP, which are all recognized surf brands known for their good quality and high performance.
Our top picks:
Starboard iGo Zen Touring 12'6 x 30
"I want the best of the best"
If you want a board that performs at the highest level, but only choose an inflatable board because it needs to be packable for storage or transportation, go for a board that is as rigid as possible when inflated. There are many tests and reviews, and one of the boards that consistently comes out on top is the Starboard Airline, which in addition to having a top construction also has a wire that runs under the entire board and acts as a stringer that keeps the board really stiff.
Our top pick:
Starboard Touring S Deluxe 12'6 x 28
Want to see more options?
See all our inflatable SUP boards here >>
What else do I need?
The paddle
A paddle is of course a must. Most cheaper inflatable SUP boards come in packages that include a paddle and sometimes a leash. These are fine, but be aware that the paddle is actually just as important to your experience and speed as the board. There are many good paddles in the 800 - 1200 price range that will give you a significantly better experience than the aluminum paddle often included in the packages.
See our large selection of SUP paddles here >>
Leash
A leash ensures that you always have control of your board. If you fall into the water, currents, wind and small waves can make it almost impossible to swim the board out. In addition, the leash also acts as a safety device - with a leash you are always attached to the board and can get back on it no matter what happens. We therefore always recommend that you use a leash. For flat water, a coil leash - shaped like an old-fashioned telephone cord - is an advantage as it doesn't drag the board and creates resistance (less speed). Most packages come with a leash included, and Starboard's "Lightweight Leash" is great for all-round use.
See leashes and prices here >>
Swim vest
It is a legal requirement to bring an approved life jacket when using a SUP board. If you don't wear a vest, you not only risk a fine (which is significantly more expensive than most vests), but you also compromise your safety. That's why we always recommend that you wear a life jacket. If you find the vest heavy and bulky, there are alternatives such as Spinlock Alto - inflatable floating ring/vest approved as a life jacket (see it here).
See approved life jackets here >>
More questions?
Please contact us if you have more questions or need help putting together the right package for you.
Online / web sales: Tel. 97122965 / email: info@oneopensky.dk
Store Copenhagen: Tel. 35820777 / email: kbh@oneopensky.dk
Store Herning: Tel. 97122965 / email: herning@oneopensky.dk
