Okay, so maybe it’s not really a huge debate. However, it is a question that I get asked from time to time and it most certainly is an important question to ask one’s self when purchasing a new board. In all honesty, there really is no right or wrong answer. What is really comes down to is personal preference. So, my recommendation is that you find ways to experience both in a similar environment. Easier said than done I know, but it might save yourself a lot of headache and make it worth it in the end!
I personally have used an inflatable paddleboard for the past four years and I LOVE it. There are so many advantages to an inflatable SUP that I like but the biggest one by far is portability. Just about all manufactures will provide you with a backpack, a leash, a 3-piece paddle, a detachable fin and an air pump. Everything just fits in the bag and you’re off! Carry it to a remote hidden lake you can only get to by foot. Throw it in the back of your vehicle and take it camping on your next road trip. You can use it as your check in bag on your flight to Brazil to SUP the Amazon River. You can escape the Titanic with plenty of time to inflate it before the damn thing sinks, the possibilities are endless!
Another thing that I really like about inflatable paddleboards is the stability, which makes it great for beginners! The second time that I ever paddle boarded was on my inflatable and it was like a quantum leap had occurred in my abilities with comparing my first time in Hawaii! The majority of them are about 10.5 feet in length and have a 6 in thickness. This makes it quite a challenge to tip one of these bad boys over. But don’t take it for granted, the second you lose that respect you’ll be taking a drink!
I’ve only experienced epoxy boards a handful of times. My first experience should NOT even count as I had zero clue of what the hell I was even doing and fell off a zillion times! Other experiences have been short on fairly inexpensive boards at friends and family’s cabins, basically whatever Walmart had in stock at the time. I don’t think there was a huge difference with my inflatable SUP. If anything, they were far less comfortable (it was just plastic with no padding) and slightly quicker on the water. That is one thing I will say about one of the downsides of an inflatable, they WILL slow you down.
The bottom line is that you have to find something that works for you. I have an inflatable and I love it. My wife has one as well and she shares the same sentiment. They are great on storage and portability. The downside is that they are slower and less durable than an epoxy. Some of the higher quality epoxy’s are just as, if not even more comfortable than inflatables. I’m actually leaning toward a more higher quality epoxy board when I decide to upgrade again, and why not?! I practically treat my inflatable like an epoxy as it is, leaving it inflated and strapped to my Hyundai Tucson’s roof racks throughout the summer so that it’s ready to go for my next adventure! So, if you’re in the market for your first standup paddle board, try to experience both types while doing your research first, you might find that it will make a world of difference in the end! Whatever your preference is, have fun and paddle on!
