The biggest question we get asked is - should I get an inflatable or a fibreglass paddle board? It’s ok to feel confused between the two because both types of SUPs have their benefits. Working out which type of paddle board is right for you all depends on your needs and your lifestyle.

Today, we want to make your decision way easier! Here, we will explain the ideal person for an inflatable or a fibreglass paddle board. After you finish reading this, we guarantee that you will be able to make an informed decision.

Let’s consider 5 points you should think about when deciding between an inflatable and hard paddle board.

Inflatables are the easiest type of paddle board to transport. You don’t need a 4WD, SUV or van because when deflated, inflatables roll up to the size of sleeping bag. No joke!

Inflatables are so compact, that you can easily travel with them when you go on a plane, interstate or overseas. Throw it in your travel bag and check it in with your other luggage. Avoid airline surfboard fees that fibreglass paddle boards will rack up.

When transporting fibreglass paddle boards, you will need a car with roof racks. Roof racks come in both removable and fixed options and can start from as low as $120 to get you on the road. Some fibreglass paddle boards generally weigh more than an inflatable board (depending on their size) so keep that in mind also with carrying your board to and from the water.

Bonus – You do not need to inflate and deflate your inflatable before and after you go paddling. We keep ours inflated for most times if we are feeling lazy and can be transported just like a fibreglass SUP. Release a little air out of your inflatable when transporting to allow for any heat expansion. Top up your inflatable next time you hit the water to get back up to your desired PSI

When deciding between an inflatable or a fibreglass paddle board, it’s important to consider how much storage space you have. Living in an apartment or home with no garage (or minimal storage space), an inflatable will be your best option. You can store your inflatable virtually anywhere in your home as it packs up into a backpack.

With a fibreglass paddle board, you need to consider where you will be storing it. Your garage or carport is your best option, but consider points like security, storing your SUP out of direct and indirect heat sources and being able to manoeuvre your board (9 to 12 feet long) in and out.

Inflatables are definitely more durable than fibreglass stand up paddle boards. If you drop your inflatable by accident, it won’t ding or scratch. In fact, you can drive over your inflatable with your car thanks to the new drop stitch technology and military grade PVC and your board will still be perfectly fine!

On the flip side, if you drop or knock your fibreglass paddle board on a hard surface, be prepared for some form of damage which might require a repair. For durability also consider how you will be using your board, where you will be using your board and who will be using your board.

When it comes to performance, fibreglass paddle boards provide optimal performance compared to inflatables. Fibreglass paddle boards are more agile, glide better through the water and are better suited to catching waves when SUP surfing. Choose a fibreglass if you plan to use your paddle board for SUP surfing, SUP racing, or long-distance expeditions.

Inflatable paddle boards have come a long way in performance and while fibreglass are still considered better performers in the water, an inflatable paddle board does stack up to their counterparts. An inflatable SUP provides a lot more stability compared to a similar sized fibreglass board due to volume and handles nicely in flat water conditions. Also, the more longer an inflatable board, the more efficient it is through the water creating a better glide.

Check out our 12’6 Inflatable Paddle Board which performs almost just as good as a fibreglass touring SUP in open ocean conditions. Our uniquely designed 12’6 Inflatable (like our other inflatables) have a distinctively less-rounded nose than others on the market to enhance efficiency through the water.

When considering performance of your SUP, weigh up where you will be using your paddle board, do you require stability over maneuverability and in what water conditions will you be primarily using your SUP.

A well designed and manufactured inflatable paddle board are similarly priced to entry-level fibreglass paddle boards. So keep that in mind. Our inflatables range from $690 to $890 while our entry level fibreglass SUPS start from $690.

Be careful of cheaper inflatables which compromise on stability due to their narrow design and higher PSI requirement. Higher PSI (more than 15 PSI) means there is less or no drop stitch technology within the board. This requires more effort in pumping up your SUP and also equates to less rigidity and durability in the SUP overall.

You have minimal storage space

You travel often and want to take your board with you

You’re an avid camper or boatie

You’re an adventurous paddler and need a durable board

You plan on only using it at local beaches, lakes, bays

You want to catch waves & go SUP surfing

You’re a load and go paddler

You want optimal performance, agility and speed when paddle boarding

If you need any help in choosing which board or board size is right for you give us a call anytime on 0403 549 702. We are here 24/7 for friendly and knowledgeable advice on selecting the right paddle board for you.