Inflatable SUP vs hard shell stand up paddle boards – why you’d choose one over the other.

Further to NCW’s Beginner Guide to Stand Up Paddle Boarding article we’re going to break out some of the headings further and add more individual posts to give even more knowledge. Starting off here’s a more in depth look at hard shell stand up paddle boards Vs inflatables and why you’d choose one over the other.

Hard SUPs.

We get asked lots of questions about SUP all the time. A while back a lady approached us looking for recommendations. When we retorted with ‘hard SUP or inflatable board’ she was a little taken aback as her perception is that stand up paddle boarding is only about iSUPs.

With air boards making up the largest proportion of sales it’s an easy mistake to make. The market saturated with all manner of iSUPs, of varying quality. But more on inflatables in a mo…

If you want the best performance and ultimate stand up paddle boarding experience then hard shell boards are the way to go. They track better, glide more efficiently and don’t suffer from deflection (bend) that all inflatable SUPs do (no matter how good the quality). This isn’t a negative comment it’s a fact.

For any paddler looking to get involved with SUP in a more performance way (think SUP surfing, touring/distance paddling, racing and so on) you’d probably do better with a hard board. You can do all the mentioned on an air board but not quite as efficiently.

The downsides of a hard SUP is they’re (often) heavier, require more room when stored and not as convenient for transporting. Although, if you’re committed to SUP then these ‘issues’ fall by the wayside as you make it work.

Inflatable stand up paddle boards.

Most people want iSUPs. As much as anything this is trend. But, they do offer beginners especially an easier time of it (perhaps). Being easier to cart about – whether inflated it not – and transport iSUPs are perceived as the best option.

The fact is, most paddlers aren’t looking for ultimate performance. They simply want a ‘toy’ to play with at the beach or lake, not straying too far from their launch spot. Some do go onto more progress things – such as adventure/touring SUP, where covering distance whilst transporting essentials – but recreational fair weather SUPing us where it’s at for the masses. In some ways inflatable stand up paddle boards have become the bikes of the water…

Now don’t get us wrong. We can see the benefits of both hard and air filled stand up paddle boards. It’s essential though (if choosing the latter) that you pick a reputable brand with kit that’s good quality and well manufactured. Far too many cheap iSUPs exist that won’t do riders any favours. They bend, and bow, looking like bananas on the water and in worst cases can fail altogether. The last thing you need is a part venture whilst afloat!

O’Shea Stand up paddle boards ( SUP ) in stock : i-Sup package 10′ 6″ HD ready to go on the water

Here at NCW we really rate the O’Shea stand up paddle boards ( SUP boards) and we have their inflatable i-Sups in stock. They have been recommended to us by some top notch long term SUP’ers.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR THE FULL SPEC.

Currently we are stocking the 10’6″ HD i-SUP and we are offering a ready to go onto the water package which includes the inflatable 10’6” HD board with build in cargo net, pump, paddle, carry bag and we’ll even throw in an O’Shea SUP leash free of charge. These are currently available for collection only.

This SUP board is the big brother of the recreational i-SUPS, at 34” wide, it’s uber stable, suitable for either heavy weights or absolute novices, a key choice for many schools and indeed the growing market of SUP yoga – for the bendy and not so bendy people. One of the most popular Stand up paddle boards on the market!

Interested in a different O’Shea SUP board ? The full range of O’Shea stand up paddle boards and Wind SUP boards are available from our showroom on a next day basis.

Want to read our fair returns policy first?

£699.00

Shop now

So if you’re thinking inflatable stand up paddle then choose carefully. NCW stocks O’Shea iSUPs which are top drawer and dependable. You can be safe in the knowledge you’re getting quality here.

O’Shea 10’2 QXS Inflatable SUP board, full package

The ideal entry to an intermediate level board, perfect for those seeking high performance on a budget. Recommended rider weight up to 100kg
NOTE THESE ARE ON BACK ORDER AND DELIVERY MAY TAKE 3 TO 5 DAYS

Features:

– 1000D PVC, with double rail lap – The best & hardest wearing construction, better than most premium or high end boards!
-Brightly coloured top and bottom… Be Safe, Be Seen!
– The package is supplied with its own adjustable paddle.
– 6″ thick drop stitch fabric gives the stiffest board possible, both longitudinally and torsionally.
– O’Shea boards can be used at lower pressure more typically 13-15psi, rather than 15-20psi, possible to achieve for any mortal, even light weights, and easily possible with the std high volume pump supplied.
– Perfect combination of plan shape, width and thickness = the most stable SUP platform for any given size of board.
– Reinforced towing eye and rear leash eye.
– O’Shea pro back pack supplied.
– Original reliable H3 Valve.
– RMS – Removable fin system.
– Cad Designed and human tested by Farrel O’Shea

O’Shea Inflatable Paddleboards are supplied complete with…

– O’Shea board bag which can carry the board as a back pack and made from highly durable 600D recycled nylon
– 3 piece Alu Paddle – fully adjustable
– O’Shea HP2 Double Action Power Pump
– US Box Fin
– Leash
– COMES WITH A FREE QUICK RELEASE LEASH BELT

NOTE : currently only the orange colorway is available per the second image

Want to read our fair returns policy first?

£539.95

Shop now

If you have any questions relating to stand up paddle boards – hard it air filled – then get in touch.