Inflatable vs Hard Paddle Boards: Which is best?

What are the pros and cons of inflatable vs hard paddle boards? Choosing between a hard, rigid paddle board and an inflatable SUP might not be so easy because each has its pros and features that you really don’t want to miss out on.

However, at the end of the day, you’re still left with a choice to make, and this piece is here to guide you through making this decision. 

How does construction differ?

Inflatable Paddle Boards:

Inflatable paddle boards are made out of PVC plastic and typically weigh between 18 and 28 pounds. They come with a valve that would be attached to the pump and then inflated to about 15 psi. Once inflated, they get rigid and some are extra stiff thanks to rods or carbon strips that run from the nose to tail along the stringer or rails.

Hard Paddle Boards:

Hard boards on the other hand are your regular old epoxy boards. No, they are not made out of wood. Instead, they are made out of an EPS foam core that is wrapped in layer after layer of resin and fiberglass. There’s no need for inflating here and you can just hit the water without the wait time. 

What are the Pros and Cons?

These are some of the pros and cons of an inflatable vs hard paddle board:

1. Durability

Without mincing words, inflatable boards win when it comes to durability. You wouldn’t get dings or scratches when your board drops. However, if your hard board drops, you might need to visit a repairer. If you want a board that you don’t want to treat like an egg, an inflatable is your best bet. Furthermore, thanks to their durability, you can paddle rocky rivers without stressing about damage so much. 

2. Portability

Inflatables can literally be inflated and deflated when not in use making them the easiest to transport. You don’t have to get a large vehicle for transport. Just roll them up like a sleeping bag and you’re good to go. They’re great for bringing along for vacations or weekend getaways.

Hard paddle boards on the other hand weigh significantly more and would require either a car rack or a large car for transport. The upside to the hard board is that you don’t have to spend time inflating – just get up and go!

3. Storage Space

This is for home storage. Does your home have sufficient space to store a hard board or are you hard strapped for space? If you live in a house with a garage or significant storage space, a hard board would find a place to stay. Keep in mind that these boards are about 9-12 feet, so you would need space for maneuvering too.

But if you stay in an apartment or a condo with little to no extra storage space, then an inflatable might be a great call since they can be kept practically anywhere. 

4. Performance

Based on the versatility of paddle board performance, hard boards offer a significantly more optimal performance relative to inflatables.

They catch waves easier when SUP surfing, glide better, and are generally more agile on water. So, if you’re looking at SUP racing or surfing, a hard paddle board might be more practical.

Overall though, in terms of speed, the hard board is about 5% faster, so not a great difference.

5. Cost

If this is your first board and/ or you’re working with a tight budget, then it goes without saying that an inflatable is a great way to save a pretty penny. Hard boards are significantly more expensive than inflatables and might also require more maintenance costs. Inflatables on the other hand basically require inflating and deflating them and that’s about it. 

The Bottom Line

So with inflatable vs hard paddle boards, Inflatable boards are great for convenience, minimal storage space, durability, and sticking within a budget. However, if you’re after high-speed performance, plan to surf, and wish to avoid time lost setting up upon arrival, a hard board might be a great choice for you.