Can you surf with an inflatable paddle board?

The inflatable paddle board has many advantages . More practical, it inflates and deflates according to your desires in no time. The inflatable SUP is also very easy to transport and offers versatile handling. It is usually practiced on flat water, but it is possible to surf with an inflatable stand-up paddleboard. Find in this article all our tips to start having fun in the waves withyour inflatable SUP.

The prerequisites for surfing with an inflatable paddle board

To start surfing with an inflatable SUP , it is advisable to already have a good balance on the board. The more comfortable you are on your paddle, the easier it will be to surf with it.
Master basic maneuvers such as
knowing how to paddle or turn around
. Indeed, to catch the wave you will have to make a quick and efficient U-turn. Find here all our tips for shooting in stand-up paddle.
Know how to fall properly while paddleboarding. SUP in waves is much less stable than on flat water, you are more likely to fall. So you have to know how to fall well and get back on your board easily.

Need advice to learn paddle boarding, follow the guide!

What equipment should I choose for paddle surfing?

To surf on an inflatable paddle, it is essential to have good equipment in order to fully enjoy your session. When choosing your paddle, pay attention to several points:

Choose small SUPs like the Waves 9’5 or the Malibu 10′ and 10’6. A small paddle, without being too small, provides good maneuverability on the wave. On the other hand, an inflatable paddle board that is too big will limit your ability to have fun on the wave and you will find yourself stuck on a linear trajectory.
Choose a paddle board with three fins. This is essential to have a good grip and better stability. In wave conditions, having three fins will also allow for more maneuverability.
To surf with an inflatable paddle board you need a rigid SUP. In order to have better rigidity, opt for a construction with three layers of PVC on the rails Assembled in thermosoud for better rigidity and lightness. At SROKA , all our inflatable paddle boards are equipped with two to three layers of high-end PVC on the rails. The whole thing is assembled with the
Fusion technology
, the best welding technology for perfect rigidity.
The thickness of the paddle Inflatable is also important. The thinner the SUP, the better the feel. The ideal is to have a 4′ or 5′ thick stand-up paddle. If your surf SUP is also used for cruising, it can go up to 6′.
Finally, opt for a SUP with rocker to ride the wave comfortably and get past the chop. Also make sure that the outline is rather rounded and the pads are grippy. This will make it easier for you to manoeuvre.

Our selection of inflatable paddle boards for surfing

The 100% surf paddle: the WAVE

As the name suggests, the Wave paddle is the perfect paddle board for fun in the waves. The Fusion technology, the quality of the materials and the three layers of high-end PVC on the rails provide the rigidity that is essential for surfing.

The versatile paddle board: the MALIBU

The Malibu paddle board is the ultimate all-rounder . From surfing, to walks and paddle yoga, the Malibu will follow you whatever your desires. Built with the same construction and quality requirements as the Wave, the Malibu ensures rock-solid rigidity and durability .

Surfing on an inflatable paddle: crossing the foam barrier

To surf with an inflatable paddle, just like in surfing or with a hard paddle, you have to pass the foam barrier. If this is your first session in surfing, we advise you to choose a beach where the conditions are not too big. It will be easier to learn on small to medium waves without too much power.
Passing the bar means going from the area where the waves break (called “the mosses”) to the one where the waves move forward without breaking. To do this, you can stand or kneel, depending on how comfortable you are. For the feet, you can place them in a surf position, one in front of the other or with both feet parallel. You can try both positions and see which one works best for you. When you need to pass a wave, bend your knees slightly to cushion the movement.

What if the wave is too big? If you find yourself in front of a wave that seems too big to pass on your knees or standing up, jump into the water. Make sure that there is no one behind you who could get caught by your paddle. It is therefore important to wear a leash when surfing with a paddle board.

How to behave with other surfers

When practicing inflatable paddle boarding as well as surfing, it is important to respect the rules of safety and courtesy. Here is a list of tips for a good session:

First, stay at a reasonable distance from other surfers. The spot is for everyone, please do not disturb them or put them in danger.
Then, be careful when walking past another surfer. Make sure you do this safely and without disturbing it.
If you fall off your paddle, stay calm and try to bring your board back towards you as quickly as possible by pulling on your leash.
Finally, in the event that a surfer is already engaged on a wave, do not take it. The surfer who catches the wave first has priority.