Paddle boarding is taking the world by storm and I’m guessing if you have landed on this article you can’t wait to get your own board and join in on the action.
You may have seen though that there are a few different options when it comes to paddle boards.
The two main variations being Inflatable SUPs and Hard Top Epoxy SUPs.
Both of these construction types offer different benefits and depending on what your situation is and what style of paddle boarding you want to do, will greatly affect which board you are likely to choose.
Inflatable paddle boards are a fantastic choice if you have limited storage, travel frequently or you are on a bit more of a budget. Hard top epoxy boards are a great choice for those with ample storage, a way of transporting the board and are looking for the most high end performance available.
These are just a few of the benefits for each board however I feel when we deep dive into these benefits the lines become a lot more blurred as to which board takes the crown and deserves your purchase.
To take a closer look at each of the benefits offered by both boards let’s first start with Inflatable SUPs
Inflatable Paddle Board
Inflatable paddleboards are boards that are able to be deflated and inflated using a pump that is included with the purchase of your board.
The board is constructed using a special reinforced rubber compound.
When fully inflated the boards become stiff and rigid to still offer good performance.
Transport
One of the major issues with paddle boards is that they are obviously quite large in size, even the smallest of paddle boards are still considerably bigger than traditional shortboards.
Now the reason they are larger is to ensure they are buoyant and stable when on the water to ensure you don’t start slowly sinking below the surface the second you jump to your feet.
This is where inflatable paddle boards can be a fantastic option and a massive saving grace.
As Inflatable SUPs can be inflated and deflated as required it makes them very easy to transport.
When deflated the boards can be rolled up and placed in a carry bag that is often provided when you purchase your board.
On top of this you can also often dismantle your paddle, remove the fin and remove the leash to put all essential items in the same carry bag
This means that the board and all accessories can easily be packaged making it easy to carry, transport and store.
To give you an idea of sizes when the board and all its contents are packed away this particular board by Fatstick measures.
When rolled up the and all items are in the bag, the bag measures approximately
900mm (h) x 380mm (w) x 380mm (d)
Considering this board when fully inflated is 10’6” and 32” wide I think you will agree that is not only super convenient but pretty impressive
Frequent Travellers
If you are a frequent traveller and you absolutely need your board at your side at all times, you really can’t go wrong with the inflatable paddle board.
Having to load up your large epoxy paddleboard can be quite inconvenient and if your frequent travelling is international meaning you are on and off planes, it is not only inconvenient but extremely expensive.
Couple the expensive airport charges for transporting the board with the potential risk of damage when being loaded, throughout the journey or off loading.
Having an epoxy board if you are a frequent traveller can be an absolute nightmare.
The same can not be said however, for the inflatable board.
Having seen above just how small, compact and light not only the inflatable board is, but aso all your other accessories such as your paddle, fin, leash, repair kit etc..
If you are a frequent traveller you will save yourself a lot of hassle with an inflatable paddleboard.
Looking For a board on a Budget
Generally speaking the process of manufacturing an inflatable board does not cost the same as making an epoxy board.
When constructing an epoxy board there are far more materials involved all of which require much greater labour time to cut, carve, shape etc.
When comparing epoxy boards to inflatable SUPs you will certainly get a lot more bang for your buck with an inflatable board.
Another thing to consider is that when you buy an inflatable paddle board, they are often sold as packages.
This means you don’t only get the board, but also the paddle, fin, leash, repair kit, carry bag, pump and hose.
When you combine all these things inflatable paddle boards suddenly become the very attractive option if you are someone who is on a budget but looking to get involved.
If fact the average cost of an inflatable paddle board is $709.49 which is considerably cheaper than the epoxy boards which average at $1302.39.
I have actually writen an article about the cost of paddle boards and how I obtained these numbers which you can check out here.
Beginner
The next reason why you may want to consider inflatable over epoxy is if you are a beginner or relatively inexperienced with paddle boarding.
Inflatable paddle boards being constructed of a rubber compound are considerably softer than a hard top epoxy board.
This means if or more likely when you fall off the board, you don’t have to worry quite so much about the board bashing you if it comes barrelling back towards you.
Now that’s not to say the board won’ still hurt if it comes flying back and bonks you on the head but it will likely do a lot less damage than an epoxy board will do.
Another reason as to why these boards are more suitable for beginners is because generally speaking they are thicker, this makes them much more buoyant and beginner friendly.
If you are a beginner and you are in the market for a paddle board.
Check out my article on best beginner boards where I highlight what you should be looking for in a beginner board as well as offer suggestions on inflatable boards as well as epoxy.
Performance
Now you may be a tad confused to see this heading under the inflatable section when just a few moments ago I listed it as a pro for the epoxy boards.
Well that is because the technology and design in the last few years has come on leaps and bounds.
This means you now don’t have to sacrifice quite so much on performance just because you didn’t have the storage for a large epoxy board.
Now it is true that if you want the penultimate performance available then yes, you will need to go epoxy.
If however, you want a board that can be rolled up to the size of a sleeping bag and then blown up to charge down the face of overhead waves, then you will need to go inflatable.
Like I said 5 years ago, performance would not be a heading that would ever be placed under the umbrella topic of inflatable paddle boards.
Now though companies such as Redpaddle Co. with their Whip or Fanatic with their Stubby Air.
Inflatable paddleboards are suddenly in the equation when it comes to choosing a performance board.
This is where I feel the lines are beginning to blur between the inflatable vs epoxy argument.
Now although inflatable boards have come a long way, it is still true that for activities such as SUP racing you will still want to go for an epoxy board.
If you however, you are looking for a board that can SUP surf, SUP tour, White Water SUP or even perform SUP yoga on.
I strongly urge you to check out the inflatable ranges as well as the epoxy boards.
Epoxy Hard Top Paddle Boards
So if you couldn’t already tell I am quite a big fan of inflatable paddle boards. Specifically what they have done for the industry.
By making inflatable boards they have made the sport much more accessible which just helps our community of water lovers grow.
That being said I will always have a soft spot for epoxy boards.
Hard Top Paddle Boards are usually constructed using a foam core, this foam core is then wrapped in multiple layers of fiberglass and epoxy resin to create a hard outer shell.
Performance
I have already said above and I am saying again.
If you want penultimate performance you will need to go down the route of epoxy paddle boards.
If you are after decent performance then yes by all means look at inflatable.
But if you are someone who needs the very best then you will most certainly need to go epoxy, whether you are competing in races and competitions, throwing yourself into double overhead swells or simply SUP Touring around your local area.
Having a solid, hard top epoxy paddle board underfoot is going to offer the most performance.
Epoxy boards can be shaped and formed to the finest of measurements to make sure it thrives in the desired conditions.
This level of care in ensuring they are perfectly crafted using the best materials available, obviously means it comes with a greater price tag but if you want the best you need to be willing to pay for it.
Save Time
This one may be a little confusing at first.
I expect some of you are thinking how having a large, cumbersome board could possibly save time when compared to inflatable?
Well the simple answer is because it’s not inflatable.
Being solid means you don’t have to stand their pumping it up getting it to the optimum pressure, nor do you have to waste any time deflating it, cleaning it off and packing it away.
If you have the means of transporting a large, solid board. For example on a fixed roof rack, simply sliding it straight in the back of the van or even walking out your door and into the water if you are lucky enough to live that close.
You can save yourself a lot of time and prep and just get straight out on the water with a hardtop board.
Easier Transition
As someone who has spent over 16 years surfing and predominantly riding longboards, when I first started paddle boarding being out on an epoxy board felt much more natural to me than standing on air.
Now this is quite a specific benefit as I appreciate not everyone moves from surfing to paddle boarding.
If however you are a seasoned surfer and either getting older and want to save your body from the pop ups or simply want to experience the surf in a new way.
Why not give paddle boarding a go on an epoxy board.
Better In Wind & Chop
The last benefit to having a hard top epoxy board over an inflatable board is that they are more manageable in windy conditions and better in choppy surf/ water.
Inflatable boards are obviously full of air and lighter than epoxy boards.
This means if you are carrying your board around in windy conditions you will probably find that an inflatable board will be greatly affected by the wind and you will have a real wrestling match on your hands.
Inflatable boards are also more likely to lift and be blown upwards and over when out paddling for this same reason.
Epoxy boards however being heavier and having a foam core or equivalent are much more resilient to wind and will make your life a lot easier if you live in an area where windy conditions are particularly prevalent.
Where there is high winds there is often choppy waters which brings me on to my next point.
Inflatable paddle boards are very good at staying above the water due to them being filled with an air and extremely buoyant. Whilst being buoyant is a good thing, in choppy conditions this could mean you paddle board is wobbling in all sorts of directions.
This can make staying on the board quite tricky.
Epoxy boards however can be designed in such a manner that they can punch through choppy waves, this means you will stay more stable and still in choppy waters.
If you do live in an area where you regularly have to fight your way through wind and chop, you may be better off with a hardtop solid paddle board.
Final Say
Hopefully you can see the pros and cons of both hardtop boards and inflatable boards.
As to which one you should go for, I feel it really is personal preference and situational.
If you are someone who needs the absolute best performance, have ample storage and easy access to water then there really isn’t any need to go inflatable.
If you are someone who still wants performance but you lack space or transportation then the inflatable option is the winner.
Whichever you choose I can guarantee one thing.
You are choosing a fantastic hobby that’s not only great exercise and relieves stress. But a hobby that has a fantastic community that keeps growing and that’s pretty exciting.
See you on the water.