5 Common Myths About Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards

Myth #1: Inflatable stand-up paddleboards are cheaply made and not durable.

The most common myth when it comes to a stand-up paddleboard is that inflatable options are not as durable as their hard-sided counterparts. Or worse, these inflatable SUPs are cheaply made and won’t last for more than a few uses.

 
But this assumption is totally wrong...if you do your homework.

Inflatable stand-up paddleboards are much sturdier than they look. All Bestway® Hydro-Force™ SUPs are made with FortiFiber™ drop stitch material specifically designed to resist punctures while keeping the SUP lightweight and easy to transport to and from the water.

You’ll be able to see the quality once you inflate your board. If the board is bending upwards too much, that could be a quality problem. Also, be sure to check the seams of your board for any compromised areas.

Myth #2: iSUPs are not as stable as hard-sided boards.

Another common misconception is that inflatable boards could bend during use. The answer? Only if you don't inflate it right. If the inflatable stand-up paddleboard has been inflated to the designated PSI, they are surprisingly firm.

And, when given a choice between a hard-sided board and an inflatable one, many SUP users will choose the inflatable one because it’s a little easier on the knees.

Myth #3: Inflatable stand-up paddleboards are difficult and time-consuming to set up.

Any good paddleboarding set will include its own manual hand pump and it will take about 10-15 minutes to inflate the SUP. 

Inflation can go even quicker when you opt for an electric pump that plugs into your car’s DC outlet/electric port. These electric pumps come with automatic shutoffs to prevent overinflation and will stop once they hit your board’s PSI.

Myth #4: Stand-up paddleboards are not worth the price and are easier to rent.

You might be tempted to rent a paddleboard on vacation or even locally, but we got out our calculators out for this one, and the math doesn't add up. On average, one Hydro-Force board is equal to the cost of about 9 paddleboarding rental sessions.

Within a few months, the board pays for itself. And, if you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can easily take your inflatable stand-up paddleboard in its backpack on the airplane.

That's a reasonable tradeoff for hours out on the water.

People with small sedans to mid-size utility vehicles can transport a stand-up paddleboard to and from your water destination without a roof rack. Plus, the inflatable aspect means they are easier to transport and store in your garage or closet.

Myth #5: Inflatable stand-up paddleboards are slow and not versatile.

Depending on the board’s shape and the number of fins on the board, iSUPs move swiftly through the water.

Touring boards have a narrow nose and slimmer shape overall, which cuts through the water more effectively than wider boards. These boards are great for users who favor speed over leisure. And once you’ve got your paddling stroke down, there will be no stopping you – except maybe a strong wind.

In terms of versatility, there are many ways to paddle with just one board. All stand-up paddleboards allow the user to sit, kneel or stand as they make their way through the water and gain more confidence.

Plus, many iSUPs come with a footrest, seat and a paddle that switches to a double-bladed oar, converting the board into a kayak in seconds.