Most new iSUPs – in fact nearly all – are manufactured in fusion technology. The board’s outer layer is fused to the Dropstitch inner. This is the bare minimum you should expect when buying a new inflatable paddle board. If the one you’re considering is made in such a way then we’d suggest it won’t last too long and won’t offer a great deal of performance. This leads to overall satisfaction and enjoyment of SUP.
Single skin fusion paddle board sleds are ok for lighter riders but bend in the middle (deflection) too much for moderate to heavier riders. This means wet feet and more resistance when paddling which leads to being fatigued faster, less enjoyment, and potential injury through over-exertion. Double layer boards bend much less.
Double layer boards that use premium woven Dropstitch will be even stiffer, but this comes with a higher price tag. If your budget only stretches to a single skin budget board, make sure it is 6″ thick as this helps with stiffness with budget boards.
Some brands have a permanent sale on. But just because something is half price does not mean it is good value or a bargain. We won’t name names as you can easily find out who. Cheap is cheap though. In terms of quality. Cheap paddle boards don’t last, offer poor performance and reduce the amount of fun you’ll have on the water. There’s a difference between cheap (which reflects quality) and budget equipment. If budget is a requirement then do your research thoroughly.
Heavy boards are heavy boards. Whether hard shell SUPs or inflatable. Just avoid them as they’ll do you no favours.
Carrying to and from the launch, manoeuvring on the water and so on are all impacted by paddle board weight. Too heavy is just not great.
It is often helpful to speak to friends who paddle and can offer some buying advice. Also, speak to instructors, paddle with a club and be cheeky and ask to try different boards from retailers and brands. Ultimately though avoid listening to too much opinion and trust your own instincts. (9 times out of 10 you’ll probably be right)
Longer SUPs have more glide, track better and will ultimately give you a better experience on the water. Paddling less to cover more ground is always a good thing. For instance, a 10’8 Go Anywhere may be a better choice than a 10’6 iSUP.
Even though some 4” and 5” thick boards offer good levels of performance for most adults a 6” inflatable SUP delivers the best performance. Most iSUPs less than 6” are too bendy and won’t be that fun to pilot.
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