It can be a challenge to know how to choose the best inflatable stand-up paddle board (ISUP). If you search online for inflatable SUPs you will find that there are many models to choose from and there can be a huge difference in the price range. If you love paddle boarding and are thinking of buying an ISUP, how can you choose which one is best for you?
Before you know which is the best inflatable SUP for your needs, why would you want to choose an inflatable paddleboard in the first place? There are many reasons why inflatable paddleboards are great for anyone who wants to have fun on the water.
Advantages of Inflatable Paddleboards
First of all, over the past few years, there have been great technological advances in the design and construction of inflatable SUPs. For example, the inflatable paddleboards by Red Paddle Co, the market leader in ISUPs, can rival solid SUPs.
Why think about buying an inflatable SUP?
1. Mobility
This is the #1 reason to buy an ISUP – they are completely mobile. In fact, they are so mobile that you can pack them in your backpack and head off down to the beach. Or, you can easily pack it in your luggage and take it with you on vacation.
2. Durability
High-quality ISUPs can be more durable than solid ‘traditional’ paddleboards. Inflatable paddleboards stand up really well in rivers and oceans. For example, you don’t have to worry about the board getting damaged on rocks or sticks.
Because they roll up with you transport them, there is very little risk that they get damaged in transport.
3. Storage
Solid SUPs take up a lot of room, both at home and transporting them and, let’s face it, not everyone has that kind of room. So, an ISUP which gets stored in the closet and transported in the boot of a car is the perfect choice for most people.
Reasons to Choose the Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard
Taking those factors into consideration you can see why you should always stay away from cheaper boards. They may look good and appear to do the job, but in the end, you will lose out on the performance and fun that a top-quality ISUP can give you.
Here are the main factors that can help you choose a high-quality inflatable SUP that will perform well and last you a lifetime.
1. Authentic Experience
One advantage of investing in a high-quality ISUP is the fact that you are always guaranteed an authentic experience. For example, Red Paddle Co have designed their inflatables so that there is no compromise in performance over a solid epoxy SUP. This is something that cheaper ISUPs (for example the type that are on sale in Cosco) can never achieve.
2. Outstanding Quality
With the top of the range inflatable paddleboards, you are always guaranteed the best quality on the market. Companies like Red Paddle Co. invest heavily in designing boards using the latest technologies and manufacturing techniques. They even ran a tractor over one of their boards without causing it damage!
3. Top Performance
Cheaper ISUPs can never rival high-quality inflatable paddleboards when it comes to performance. Most of the cheaper boards are made by manufacturers who also build solid paddleboards. This means that there is always some kind of compromise in design and manufacturing. However, some of the top inflatable stand up paddle board manufacturers only build ISUPs.
4. The Best Accessories
With the top boards also come the best accessories. In that respect, Red Paddle Co are leading the way among inflatable paddleboard manufacturers. They offer the Titan pump to make sure that you can inflate your ISUP to the required psi. They also offer fantastic travel and storage case solutions.
When it comes to choosing the best inflatable stand up paddleboard you should never compromise on quality. Truly, a high-quality ISUP offers you complete freedom to enjoy your time on the water.