How to Choose an inflatable paddle board

Paddleboarding is the sport with the largest increase in the number of enthusiasts in water sports in recent years. It has a low entry threshold and is easy to learn.

To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you're going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct
volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness. Whether you choose a solid or inflatable board will largely depend on how you will transport it and how much storage space you have. From there, you'll consider a
board's fins and paddle board accessories that work for you.

Inflatable SUPs

Inflatable SUPs feature PVC exteriors with drop-stitch construction that create an air core. They come with a pump for inflating the board and a storage bag for when it’s not in use. A quality inflatable SUP is designed to be inflated to 12–15 pounds per square inch and should feel very rigid when fully inflated.

Why get an inflatable SUP

You have limited storage space: If you live in a small house, condo or apartment, you may not have room for a large solid board. Inflatable SUPs are compact when deflated and can easily be stowed in small spaces, like a closet or the trunk of a car.
You're traveling: If you're taking a road trip or hopping on a plane, you can bring along your inflatable SUP and do some paddling when you reach your destination. Packed away in its storage bag, an inflatable can be checked on an airplane or stowed in a train, bus or car. Most storage bags have backpack straps for easy carrying.
You're hiking to a lake: If you’re headed to an alpine lake and want to paddle, you certainly cannot carry a solid board. An inflatable stowed in its storage bag is still heavy, but it’s pretty much your only option.
You're paddling whitewater: Like a raft or inflatable kayak, an inflatable SUP is better suited to handle bumps up against rocks and logs than a solid board.You like SUP yoga: You don't have to get an inflatable for SUP yoga, but they tend to be a bit softer than solid
boards, making them more comfortable for yoga poses.

SUP Volume and Weight Capacity

A SUP board must work for your size. If the board doesn't displace the correct amount of water for your weight, you won't be supported well and the board may feel unstable. Board volume and weight capacity are two factors that stand up inflatable paddle board affect how stable
you will feel and how well the board will travel through the water. Volume and weight capacity are determined by the length, width and thickness of the board. SUP manufacturers combine these three dimensions in different ways to achieve different performance characteristics (see the SUP Length, SUP Width
and SUP Thickness sections of this article to learn more).

Volume: A paddle board's volume, expressed in liters, gives an indication of the board's ability to float with weight on it. The higher the volume, the more weight the board can support. You can find volume for a SUP listed in the specs on REI.com.

Weight capacity: Each paddle board has a rider weight capacity, which is listed in pounds in the specs on goosehillsport.com. Knowing weight capacity is important because if you're too heavy for a board, it will ride lower in the water and be inefficient to paddle.
When thinking about weight capacity, consider the total amount of weight you will put on the board, including your body weight and the weight of any gear, food and drinking water that you'll be taking with you.

SUP Length

The length of a board plays a major role in determining how the board handles. In general, longer boards are faster than shorter boards, but shorter boards are more maneuverable. Keep in mind your intended use when deciding what length SUP to buy:

Short boards (under 10’) are great for surfing and/or kids. These boards almost always have a planing hull. Short boards are more maneuverable than long boards, making them great for surfing waves. Boards designed specifically for kids are typically around 8' long.
Medium boards (10’ to 12’) are ideal for all-around use and for SUP yoga. Most of these boards have planing hulls, but sometime you'll find a displacement-hull SUP at this length.Long boards (12’6” and above) are great for fast paddling and long-distance touring. The majority of boards in this size range are displacement-hull SUPs.
They're faster than short and medium boards and they tend to track straighter. If you’re interested in paddling fast or touring long distances, you'll want a long board. When choosing a length, it's helpful to understand how it relates to volume and weight capacity. A longer board can increase the volume and capacity,
which can make it feel more stable and allow you to carry more on the board (width and thickness are also factors in volume and capacity; see the SUP Width and SUP Thickness stand up inflatable paddle board sections of this article).

Consider, too, board length in regards to your type of car, home storage situation and length of walk to the beach or shore (longer boards are more difficult to carry, especially in windy places).

FAQ: How to choose stand up paddle board accessories for your sup activities