iSUPs vs Hard Paddle Boards: Which Should You Get?

Looking to buy a paddle board but can’t decide on which one to get? Look no further, we’ve compared inflatable with hard paddle boards to help you choose!

Stand up paddle boarding has been around for thousands of years, but it’s only been a couple of decades since the sport has truly become a worldwide phenomenon. With its growing popularity, the production of stand up paddle boards (SUPs) is on the rise as well. If you’re new to the sport, the question of whether you should get an inflatable or hard SUP will probably cross your mind.

The short answer? Both have their own advantages and disadvantages that set them apart. Your choice will highly depend on things like portability, speed, tracking, weight capacity and other factors. But with all these technicalities, shopping for your own SUP can be overwhelming so we’ve listed it down for you to help you decide.

What is an inflatable SUP (iSUP)?

Inflatable stand up paddle boards or iSUPs are manufactured from layers of PVC plastic with woven fibres in between. These fibres connect the top and bottom at points inside throughout the board. Inflatable SUPs weigh anywhere between 18 to 35 pounds (8 to 16 kg). iSUPs are surprisingly rigid once inflated and some models come with flexible, built-in fins that can be removed if preferred.

What is a hard SUP?

Hard stand up paddle boards are usually built from different materials like foam, fibreglass, Kevlar, plastics and wood and protected with epoxy resin. The standard hard paddle board weighs around 30 to 40 pounds (13.6 to 18.1 kg) and are typically used by experienced stand up paddle boarders.

Comparing inflatable vs hard SUPs

Portability

Inflatable SUPs are easier to transport compared to hard SUPs. When deflated, it’s about the size and weight of a suitcase or a sleeping bag. You can easily travel or fly with it too when you go on vacation. There’s no need to pay for oversized item airport fees!

Hard SUPs on the other hand will require a large car or car racks to transport. It’s heavier too, so it’ll be harder to carry to and from the water.

Remember that you’ll have to inflate and deflate your iSUPs before and after you go paddle boarding. So if you’d rather not do that and would like to just jump in the water and go once you’re done, hard SUPs might be for you.

Performance and stability

Hard SUPs are better for specific performance as they are not as affected by wind and water conditions. They are faster, offer better glide and tend to maintain momentum better than iSUPs — which makes them a better choice for those who are looking to use their paddle boards for a more extreme sport like surfing.

However, iSUPs have come a long way and now offer better performance than they used to. They are better for recreational activities such as leisure paddling, exercise or yoga. iSUPs are lighter and more stable, which is perfect for beginners or those looking to do yoga or other activities on the board. With its stability and greater weight capacity, you’ll have an easier time paddling with an inflatable. So if you want to just relax and have fun on the water, iSUPs are a better choice for you.

Storage

Storage is another factor that you need to consider. Generally, hard paddle boards require more space vs deflated iSUPs as you can keep iSUPs in a closet or even under your bed when not in use. However, it’s not recommended to keep iSUPs deflated and rolled up for long periods of time, as it may ruin the quality of the board. This means that you’ll have to inflate it every now and then, or much better leave it inflated in the off season. Inflated SUPs take up the same amount of space as hard paddle boards in this case. You also have to consider the space for the pumps and accessories.

Durability

Inflatable paddle boards are significantly harder to damage and will withstand the majority of common paddle board accidents than hard paddle boards. This is partially due to the fact that the board can flex and bend if it hits something. We do not recommend that you test this out by running full speed into pointy rocks though! Punctures can be more difficult to fix than, let’s say, cracks and chips out of a hard paddle board.

Sun damage is also another thing that you need to be prepared for. This damage can degrade the look of your boards, but typically not the performance if stored properly.

Cost

iSUPs come at more affordable prices, which makes them ideal for leisure paddlers and beginners. That said, quality can vary greatly from board to board — so you’ll want to carefully examine the performance, features and durability of the iSUP you want. The prices for iSUPs range from 350AUD to 1500AUD.

Hard paddle boards on the other hand are generally more expensive than iSUPs. The price ranges from 550AUD to 1800AUD or even more, in the case of some highly specialised boards.

Before buying a SUP, consider how often you’ll use it and how much you’re willing to spend. Many paddlers start with an affordable iSUP before upgrading to a more specialised hard board.

Comfort

Inflatable paddle boards often come with padding that helps make it more comfortable to stand, sit or kneel on when compared to hard paddle boards. Without padding, you may find yourself get fatigued in the feet easier, especially for new paddle boarders who are not used to the feel of the boards yet. This is one of the reasons why beginners often prefer iSUPs more than hard paddle boards.

Conclusion

To summarise, your choice of what type of paddle board to get will largely depend on what you’re planning to do with it. If you’re looking for a more recreational, easy-to-use board, an inflatable paddle board is the best choice for you. However, hard boards are perfect if you’re looking to do a more complex sport like surfing and you have room for storage.

Kahuna carries 10ft, 10.6ft and 11ft inflatable stand up paddle boards to suit a wide range of beginners. Our all-rounder iSUPs are built tough for all your adventures. It’s stable, with a removable centre fin and wide, non-slip deck. So whether you’re planning to surf, paddle or do SUP yoga, this all-around board is perfect for you! Try a new sport today and get your paddle board from us!