Solid vs. inflatable

There are two types of paddleboards you can buy, inflatable or rigid, aka solid. One isn’t better than the other — it depends on your current situation and what you’re looking to get out of your board.

Solid paddleboards tend to be better for the ocean because they are more durable and more likely to withstand hitting jagged rocks and coral reefs. They are also more durable when you are hit by choppy water, boat wakes and waves. They are also usually heavier, harder to carry and harder to store.

Inflatable paddleboards allow you to easily store them in small spaces such as apartments, studios or the trunk of your car. They are also easier to get to the water, especially if you don’t have a truck or car with roof racks.

Functions

You can buy specific types of paddleboards that you can buy that are ergonomically designed for certain activities. There are different lengths, widths and styles to maximize functionality.

• tour: Touring paddleboards are meant to go long distances on flat water and enable you to cut through rough water without a problem. They tend to be tall with pointed noses to increase speed but are wider than a racing board to help you feel more balanced over long periods of time.
• races: Racing paddleboards are built for speed. They are usually tall, skinny and agile for good maneuverability. Expect to pay over $1,000 for a quality racing paddleboard.
• Yoga: Yoga paddleboards are longer and wider than your average SUP, so you feel more balanced while practicing your poses. The foot pad can also take up a lot of the upper part of the board, so you have more room to move.
• Fishing: Fishing paddleboards are like yoga SUPs because they are taller and wider for better balance. They also usually have a recessed deck to help lower the center of gravity and improve balance. Not to mention, plenty of D-rings to attach to your fishing gear.
• Many people: Most paddleboards fit 250 to 300 pounds. Paddleboards meant to fit more than one person are very large, wide and can sit up to 20 feet long.
• RECREATION: The average paddleboarder wants to fly through the water and balance without falling. A paddleboard can reach between 10 to 11 feet in length and offers a great combination of speed, stability and maneuverability.

Budget

You can find a wide range of prices with paddleboards, so you can enjoy the sport on almost any budget. Inflatable boards tend to be cheaper than hard-tops, while performance and racing boards are among the most expensive you can buy. For a good paddleboard, prices start at $300 and go up to $2,000 or more.

RECORDING

Once upon a time, I lived in a one-bedroom, 750-square-foot apartment and bought a 10-foot paddleboard. Do I have a detached garage? No. Do I have an abnormally large storage closet? No, I don’t have that either. I couldn’t fathom the size of a paddleboard, I didn’t consider the storage. I had to buy wall brackets to hold my paddleboard above my bed, almost like a makeshift headboard. Before I knew it, my place was like a beach house in the middle of Reno, Nevada.

Moral of the story is, make sure you have the storage space for a solid SUP before you buy if that’s what you’re counting on.