Inflatable or Hard Board? Paddle Board Review
In this video we will explain the differences between an Inflatable Paddle Board and a Hard Paddle Board. Also known as an iSUP or Epoxy Paddle Board. There are benefits to inflatable paddle boards as well as hard paddle boards, and we will outline them in this video. Inflatable vs. Hard Paddle Board.
**UPDATE** Be sure to check out our new Pro Series models – the world’s first Inflatable Harboards that are up to 300% more rigid than typical inflatables.
www.islesurfandsup.com
Going to get a hard board. We have had 3 paddle boards pop under inflated and out of the sun. Even had a custom cover made for them. The glue just does not hold. We think this bc the first time we inflate it and take it in the sun the glue lines are visible from where they were initially at. Isle was amazing with customer service and replaced the first 2 for free we used them only twicep. But just not worth the stress of always worrying if they will pop. We love everything else about the inflatables. He bag is nice, the boards are comfy and have lots of storage and handles. Need to improve this glue and they would have the best inflatables.
But if in the sun a lot and have good storage space get a hard board.
here i go spending money again
man no selective unless you drowning for attraction
Very helpful. Sticking with my inflatable for sure after watching this. My two 35 lb dogs love to ride on my 12’x32” inflatable with me.
Inflatable for me 5 minutes to setup and 4 minutes to wipe dry and put in bag have in my car done. They make them pretty 👍🏻 nice
Stupid question but I’m new to this. Can you still transport an inflatable SUP already inflated, ready to go, on top of a SUV or is it too susceptible to punctures from bugs or road debris at high speeds?
A simple factor – weight – makes the hard boad more stable since it is much heavier and the center of gravity is lower when you stand on it
all i see is a inflatable balloon and a hard board
You cannot drag an inflatable paddleboard against rocks. Don’t even try it. I don’t know why this company would even show such a thing – that is one of the stupidest and worst things you can do with your inflatable. You will instantly regret it.
I know this is an old video, but I hope someone helps. I am starting a weight loss program for obese people. Dr. suggests water sports, because they have less change for joint and falling injuries. I need a board that will support a person of 500-600 lbs., so it would need a 7-800 lb capacity.
What sized paddle board should I get if I’m 6’1 150?
Good review straight to the point. Not all inflatables are the same. We got cheap ones first and they performed horribly. After watching Trip Smith on YouTube camp off of his, we went with Blackfins like his. Big difference. Not interested in storing hardboard, we have kayaks that take up enough room.
Hi. I see there is a cooler for drinks but where do you store the storage bags and pump when you are on the go?
Hard boards all day every day
que agradable, me dieron ganas de verlo de nuevo
Shouldn’t deflating also be considered as a part of set up time. I know it is probably minor but just thought I bring it up
1:40 you can get an electric pump to make it easier
Thanks. Been looking for this.
if your weight is more than 105kg (like mine), an inflatable sap will not withstand you)))
How are we to believe that the inflatable paddle board is more durable?
Sup > iSup
I bought an ISLE Explorer 11’6, and I love it. Great quality, great design!
Could they make a hard board that folds or slots together to save transport space.
Short and sweet – thanks!
wow!
What about the PRICE differences? Am seeing hard x3 times more expensive than inflateable… Wazzup?!
Is an inflatable a good choice for a complete beginner?
Why put the board the wrong way on top of the car?
I wish I watch this first. I just watched a 15 minute video on the difference of paddle boards and I’m so confused.
Hard board is much easier to handle when already at the water
Where we kayak, there are lots of logs and other debris sticking up from the water. This makes me concerned about inflatables. Can they withstand that?
I’m 5’2 which size should I get? Is bamboo a good material?
thanks all i needed to know
Biggest pro to a hard board: so stable for big folks
Biggest downside: storage at home
I do, however, wish that you would price these things when you’re talking about them because it’s very important
I got an ISUP simply because I dont have the car to transport a hardboard, loving it so far
Living on the 17th floor in a building with a tiny elevator made the choice pretty easy.
Never buy Inflatable. They. Turn very easy not good for even small choppy water . Hard board is the best for any water. I have inflatable and I can’t even stand on it even on flat water.
Is an inflatable paddle board suitable for a dog. Ie would claws or possibly teeth pop it very easily?
This video misses two major factors:
Weight, and Buoyancy.
Inflatables tend to be lighter and more buoyant, therefore easier for beginners.
Solids on the other hand can be quite heavy (like Bōte) and not as stable for beginners.
Nevertheless, what can be inflated can always deflate or tear unexpectedly. Solids are built pretty tough and should last longer.
I literally have 18 inflatable paddleboards. I love them because since I have so many I don’t need a whole lot of space to store them. The reason I have so many is because I got one for both me and my wife then decided to get one for each of our kids. No I don’t have 18 kids. Lol. I had 6 boards at that time but since then I have decided to open a business from my home where I rent the paddleboards out so that is why I purchased so many and I got a good deal on them at the time. Next year my son and I are going to start doing classes for people that want to learn. I have never owned a hard paddleboard so I can’t really say which one is better but I do know that it’s a lot easier to store them away during the winter when you have limited space. It’s also easier to get them to the water because I can literally fit them all into my truck. They are really durable and another nice thing is I have several kayak seats that can connect right to the D-Rings of the paddleboard. Another thing is I ended up buying a couple electric paddleboard pumps that plug right into the 12V power socket of my truck. They also make cordless SUP pumps so that you can inflate them right down by the water. The hand pumps just take to long in my opinion. As a reminder and I’m not 100% sure if it matters but during the winter I don’t leave the inflatable boards outside. I bring them in because I feel as though freezing temps can damage the material. This is just what I worry about. I live in a area that during the winter time it’s below zero a lot. If for some reason I have no choice but to leave them in the cold then I notice they do get really stiff so I take them in to warm them up for a day or so before inflating. I just feel like that helps. Again I’m not sure this matters or not but when you have a lot of money wrapped up in something then you want to take care of it. That’s just my take anyway.
One thing is for sure I’d be using an air compressor to inflate that thing. I’m to old for a draconian hand pump! 😆
I kayak down some creeks all the time where I live, sometimes there’s branches sticking out of the water or some fallen trees, what board is recommended? I don’t want a branch or something to pop the inflatable.
You don’t give us any opportunity to email you in this video that’s not cool.
So do you guys also make the inflatable paddle boards as well or do you not make them? Where are they made and why are they so popular? And the other question I have is how difficult is it to get it back in the bag I mean, do you really have to fold it up just perfect and have it go in there or do you know or is it in a way that I have to be really particular and how I fold it or you know as long as it’s close it’s good to go
I’m lucky to have pickup truck but finally switching to inflatable
Any tips on hard shell vs. inflatable when taking toddlers on with you?
We have inflatables because of storage reasons and they are OK, but I have rented hard boards and they are so much nicer to paddle, specially on waves. The inflatables are perfectly fine for canals and lakes though, they are light too! So are very easy to carry.
I like hardboards more than isups. I feel more one with the elements with a hard board its better in the water especially when it’s windy. If I would have a car and a celler or at least a hous by a lake I would always choose hardboard over isup.
So no need to mention price difference
For flowing water ISUP hands down (creeks streams and rivers)
For cruising still water especially if its windy Hard Board is better
On the ocean Hard Board can catch waves ISUPS not so much.
You can absolutely strap ISUPS on your roof. We’ve stacked them four high and drive no problem.