Inflatable v.s. Hard Board?
Inflatables vs. Hardboards - How Do I Pick?
When it comes to paddle boards, there are so many options on the market that it can be hard to make heads or tails of what is the right choice for you. The first question many of us look to answer is: Hardboard or inflatable? Let’s break it down into five key considerations…
1. Stability
This is a toss-up category! Assuming you have acquired a high quality board that is appropriately sized for your body and meets your needs for the style of paddling you plan to do, both inflatables and hard boards can provide stability for any level of paddler.
On an inflatable board, you can expect to notice that you sit higher above the water, which for some may give the feeling of slightly less stability, particularly in windy conditions. On a hard board, you will notice you sit just above water level, which may help the rider feel more connected to the water.
For most inflatables, you’ll want to be around 15 PSI to not feel like you’re riding an air mattress through the water (a level that can feel daunting to reach when inflating with a hand pump). Obviously, with a hard board, there is no variable in rigidity to worry about.
2. Maneuverability and Speed
If you’re looking to work on your endurance and tracking, a hard board is where it’s at. Sitting lower in the water allows the board to cut through wake and avoid wind resistance. There is a reason why most racing SUPs are hard boards - they are easy to push to faster speeds and turn on a dime. For those looking to build miles, a hard board is ideal.
For the casual paddler who is looking to have a more restful time on the water, hard boards and inflatables are both reasonable choices. There are inflatables that are made to maneuver in specific conditions, i.e. whitewater and surf sessions, though for the average paddler looking to get out and simply enjoy the water, these aren’t common considerations.
3. Durability & Board Lifespan
Hard boards reign supreme in the world of gear lifespan. A well-cared for hardboard can easily last for decades with minimal to no repairs. It is important to acknowledge that hardboards are vulnerable to dents, dings, and scratches. However, with a slight bit of caution, including avoiding dragging your board around, applying rail tape, and keeping your board covered in a bag or UV cover, most hardboards can withstand some bumps along the way. Plus, our team is expert in hard board repair! From dings to cracks and water damage, we have repaired it all.
Inflatables, unfortunately, tend to wear out within roughly 5 seasons. That lifespan also significantly decreases based on the quality of the board, which sadly directly correlates to the price point (sorry Costco, BJs and Amazon - your $100 inflatables just can’t be trusted!). Inflatables can also be hard (to near impossible) to fix, depending on the type of damage. While small holes can be repaired with patches, unfortunately if the glue lets go along the entire seam it is not an easy fix. Generally, most inflatable companies will give you the run-around and refuse to fix or replace your board, as these types of damages are unlikely to be covered by their warranty. That being said, if you’re clumsy and know you’ll be bouncing your board off a variety of surfaces, or planning on conquering some rocky terrain, you’ll want an inflatable board.
Ultimately, with the exception of some catastrophe, you can expect an inflatable to see your local landfill years before any hardboard will, which, as environment lovers, is a negative impact we feel pretty strongly about!
4. Convenience
When it comes to making the most of your time on the water, it’s hard to beat the quick on and off of a hard board. Pop it off your car and you are ready to rock and roll! When you’re done, pop it back on your vehicle and off you go.
While most inflatables pack up into a nice compact roller bag, they require inflation before you paddle, then deflation and drying time to avoid some pesky mildew before folding and packing back up. In addition, if you are hand pumping up your board, you can expect a full workout to reach proper PSI before you get on the water. Alternatively, investing in a car pump allows for faster and easier inflation, but, be cautioned that many inflatable brands have started making the use of an electric pump a warranty-voiding endeavor!
5. Transport
You can put a hardboard on top of just about any vehicle, with the exception of a convertible coup or a Tesla (sorry glass roof friends!). While roof racks are ideal for bringing your board from point A to point B, soft racks that can simply be placed between a vehicle and a board are a great option for those looking to sport the ever-so-cool look of a shiny hardboard on your roof without an additional installation.
Inflatable SUPs are also easy to transport in their handy carry bags, and are easily checked as baggage if you’re looking to fly around the world with your board in tow. If you already have a trunk full of camping equipment, however, adding one more thing to the packing puzzle may add an additional challenge.
Still not sure what will work best for you? Stop by and talk to us here at Portsmouth Paddle Co! We can discuss your needs, and help you make the most informed decision about what board will help you find the most enjoyment in your time on the water!
Need your board repaired? We repair all makes and models of hard boards. Unfortunately, we do not offer repair of inflatables. Simply text photos of the damages to 603.777.7428 and we’ll provide next steps!