Unless you live on or very near water, chances are your first board is going to be inflatable (iSUP). Theres a lot to like about inflatables, but most of those advantages have little to do with how the board performs on the water, and rather have more to do with factors off the water. Inflatables are generally easier to transport and store. Inflatables can also be more impact resistant and less likely to need repair after being bumped into hard objects like rocks. The tradeoff here is of course punctures. With that said, this article is not intended to help you decide which is better, hardboard or iSUP, and rather focuses on what to look for if you already have your heart set on an iSUP.

Better on the water than on shore

Recently a major grocery store chain was selling an iSUP for less than $200. Everywhere you turn there are boards available for under $400. The majority of them aren’t very good. However they will float and give the user the experience of paddleboarding. A safe day on the water, beats sitting on shore any day, but you might not fall in love with SUP on your new bargain board. Cheap iSUPs are going to be generally less stable and may be built with questionable safety. Many inexpensive boards can suffer from catastrophic failures, typically with the seams of the boards. This can be a problem if the user experiences this type of failure in conditions or farther from shore than is a comfortable swim, which leads to some safety advice…

iSUP Specific Safety

Because the nature of an inflatable board is that it depends on air being contained within the board, there are a couple safety recommendations specific to iSUPs that should be followed:

• Wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) – while you are only legally required to have a PFD onboard your craft outside the surf zone and/or swimming areas, it is strongly recommended you wear it as opposed to having it strapped to the deck. In the event of deflation event, you likely will not have time to put the vest on before the board sinks, and a vest is very difficult to put on once you are already in the water.
• Use a coiled quick release leash attached at your waist – the higher profile of an iSUP means the wind can catch the board and carry it away from you faster than you can swim after it.  A leash keeps the board from getting away and having it attached at your waist makes it easier to retrieve your board and get back on. However, In the case of rapid deflation, it’s important to have a quick way of disconnecting from a deflated board that can get snagged on obstructions or in the worst case, become an anchor.
• Consider models with secondary floatation – while not common, especially at lower price points, boards with more than one air chamber add a considerable margin of safety if one chamber loses air.

Board Size and Quality

Most inexpensive boards are sold in the 10’-10’6” range, this is a great length for having a board that turns easily, but maybe more difficult to paddle in a straight line. The problem gets worse the taller the paddler gets. Paddlers taller than 5’6” will have an easier time paddling straight on a board that’s greater than 11’.

Width:

• Wide (32-36 inches): Offers stability, suitable for beginners, yoga, and fishing.
• Medium (30-32 inches): Balances stability and speed, ideal for recreational use.
• Narrow (less than 30 inches): Enhances speed and performance.

Materials: High-quality iSUPs are made from military-grade PVC and have multiple layers for enhanced durability. Drop-stitch construction is essential for rigidity when the board is inflated. Also look for fusion welded rails, though many brands advertise this yet have repeated seam failures

Weight Capacity: Ensure the board can support your weight, including any gear you plan to carry, including dogs and children. Just because I board is rated for 300 pounds does NOT mean you should use it at or near that weight. That is a failure rating, it means it will float at that capacity, but won’t necessarily perform as designed at that capacity. Shoot for a board where you and anything or anyone else you’re carrying, falls within 60-80% of that max rating.

Air Pressure Capacity (psi): Boards designed for 15psi or less are going to be less stiff, and less stable than boards with greater air pressure capacity. iSUPs should always be inflated to its recommended pressure or within 1psi of its max rating with a reliable pressure gauge and monitored periodically throughout the day, especially when exposed to sunlight. Boards left in the hot sun and over-inflated boards can fail dramatically.

Evaluate the Accessories

Pump: Most iSUPs come with a 2-stage hand pump. However, an electric pump can save time and effort and is usually a worthwhile upgrade.

Paddle: Consider if the board includes an adjustable, lightweight paddle. Carbon fiber paddles are lighter and more efficient. If possible, skip the “free” included paddle in favor of a lighter paddle that comes in different blade sizes more suited to your height and weight.

Leash: A safety leash is essential to keep the board attached to you if you fall off. USA SUP strongly recommends a quick release type leash attached at the waist.

Backpack: A good quality backpack makes transporting your iSUP easier. Ensure its durable and comfortable to carry.

Fin Setup: Most inexpensive iSUPs come with a three-fin setup. However, unless you are surfing, or operating in very shallow water, A single, larger, center mounted fin offers the best balance between stability, speed, and maneuverability. “Standard” or FCS fin boxes are preferred over proprietary “click-in” fin boxes that will only accept fins made by that manufacturer.

Brand Reputation, Reviews, and Recommendations

Ever hear the phrase “Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday”? It refers to the automotive industry and implies that the knowledge gained from racing and the reputation of winning, results in cars in cars that people want to buy. The same advice is mostly compatible for paddleboards as well. Brands that invest in making fast raceboards, generally make pretty good iSUPs and sometimes even make race-specific iSUP boards. These brands have made investments in ways to make iSUPs stiffer and thus more stable and efficient.

Research online reviews and ask for recommendations from experienced paddlers. User feedback can provide valuable insights into the board’s performance and durability. However, beware of reccomendations from folks who don’t have much experience who want to validate their own purchase.

Shops can be a great source of good advice but tend to only carry products from more well-known manufacturers with retail channels. Expect to be steered towards a brand that they carry, and consequently, feel good about supporting after the sale. Which can be a really good thing, but you won’t find many if any direct-to-consumer brands.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, test different boards to find the one that feels most comfortable and suits your paddling style. Many retailers offer demo days or rentals. Even if you’re not a racer, showing up at a racing event will provide opportunities to ask questions and maybe even try a few things. Just don’t expect someone to loan you a 21” wide carbon fiber rocket ship unless they can tell you’re experienced enough to handle it.

Beware of paddleboard rental concessions, the boards they offer for rent frequently put durability ahead of performance.

Be a Savvy Shopper

It is not uncommon for top tier brands to have sales on iSUPs. Sometimes these sales can be as high as 50% for previous model years and close out models.  Sometimes you need to be a little patient, shop in the off-season, and it doesn’t hurt to sign up for manufacturer’s email lists.

Buying used is always an option, however, most iSUPs will only last 3-5 years, you may want to avoid a used board that has already had a chunk taken out of its lifespan. On the other hand, “demo” boards are typically only used for one or two events and can be had at a significant discount, especially if you have cash in hand at a public event.

Conclusion

There are a lot of factors when choosing an iSUP, and it can be intimidating. Like many things, especially when it comes to sporting goods, you don’t always get what you pay for, but wherever you end up, a safe day on the water beats a day on the shore kicking rocks. In summary:

• Prioritize safety when making your choice and leave enough room in the budget for a good leash and PFD.
• You might need a bigger board than you think, consider your height, weight, and gear/children/dogs you want to paddle with and don’t exceed 80% of a board’s max weight rating.
• Boards with higher max PSI ratings will be stiffer and more stable.
• Consider getting an electronic pump.
• Consider buying your paddle separately and upgrading from the start
• Board makers that have race models are more likely to be higher quality and performance.
• Try as many boards as you can before you buy.
• Be a smart shopper and look for season end and demo deals.
• Have fun! Welcome to the most fun and inclusive sport on the planet!

Bottom line is that you should buy the best board you can afford, but the $200 grocery store board is better than nothing if you don’t skimp on the safety equipment. Spending more can definitely enhance the experience and make it easier to enjoy the sport.