By Jennifer Hoard
Inflatable stand-up paddle boards (SUP) have experienced a surge in popularity due to their value, durability and versatility. You get a lot for your money when you purchase an inflatable SUP. These boards are typically sold with a pump, paddle, fin, repair kit and bag. What’s even better, when the board is deflated, everything fits in the bag for easy storage and travel.
Durability in an inflatable SUP is obviously important. A couple things to look for are a puncture resistant material for the skin and the use of high density drop stitch fabric. We recommend a skin made of military grade PVC. Look for a board with several overlapping layers of PVC, especially on the rails. This increases durability and its ability to resist punctures. Inflatable SUPs are not hollow. There is a weave of fabric that fills the inside of the board called drop stitch fabric. The drop stitch allows the board to hold air pressure and provides firmness when standing on it to paddle. High density, as the name implies, has a larger number of fibers. You’ll want this because it increases firmness and the board’s ability to withstand increased pressure, especially if over inflated.
Inflatable paddle boards are the go anywhere, do anything SUP. They are extremely versatile, great for travel and perfect for folks who don’t have the space required to store a traditional fiberglass board. At Sea Sup Go Paddle and Surf Company in Vero Beach, Bote Aerobote inflatable SUPs are the foundation of our rental fleet. For those new to paddling, we’ve found the 11-foot Breeze seems more stable and easier to stand up on than a comparable “hard” board. Renters find it nice not to be concerned with scratching or dinging the board. Our SUP yogi’s find these inflatable standup paddle boards more forgiving too. When shifting weight on a hard board, the entire board tilts in the water. This doesn’t happen on the Breeze, so it’s a lot easier to achieve those challenging yoga poses on the board. We also use the 11-foot 6-inch Drift because it has all the great aspects of the Breeze but is the perfect fishing inflatable board due to its 350-pound capacity and Tackle Rac compatibility. The additional 6-inches in length, allows you to bring extra gear for a full day of fishing. So, feel free to strap down the extra-large cooler filled with ice. The durability of these boards allow access to water that was previously inaccessible.
At around 26-pounds, these inflatable SUPs are easy to transport and store. The bag has straps that allow you to wear it like a backpack so you can truly take it anywhere. We ride bikes with them on our backs to paddle at the beach! Inflatable SUPs easily fit inside a car, boat or small plane. Commercial airlines allow you to check them as luggage. Also keep in mind, these boards are perfect for paddlers who don’t have roof racks on their vehicles, or the space to store a traditional “hard” board. Stop by Sea Sup Go Paddle & Surf Company on Royal Palm Pointe in Vero Beach to try Bote’s wide selection of inflatable SUPs, including the 8-foot Flow and 12-foot 4-inch Zeppelin, to find the one that’s right for you.
Jennifer and her husband Barrett are the owners of Sea Sup Go located in Vero Beach, FL. For more info contact them at info@SeaSupGo.com or (772) 217–8708.
