logo sroka blancLE MAGAZINE

Which inflatable paddle to choose?

logo flèche retour
Retour
Bruno SROKA
Contents
comment choisir un paddle gonflable en fonction de sa pratique

Increasingly popular with water sports enthusiasts, the inflatable paddle combines a number of advantages. Lightweight, sturdy and easy to transport, they’re ideal for those who want to enjoy the water without constraints. However, with the multitude of models available, it can sometimes be difficult to know which inflatable paddle to choose according to your needs and practice. In this article, we present a selection of inflatable paddles suitable for different types of practice, to help you make the right choice according to your expectations.

Start by identifying your level

First and foremost, it’s important to determine your level of experience with inflatable paddles and your expectations. Whether you just want to hang out with friends, go hiking or surfing, your choice of paddle will be different. Your skill level also plays a role in your choice of paddle. If you’re a beginner, you’re more likely to opt for a paddle that’s stable, versatile and less technical. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced paddler or want to improve your skills, you’ll want a performance-oriented inflatable paddle.

The different shapes of inflatable paddle boards

  • All-round boards: ideal for beginners or occasional riders thanks to their stability. They are suitable for all types of riding. However, these boards may be less interesting for surfing or hiking.
  • Touring” or “randonnée” boards : these boards are thinner and longer than all-round boards. This makes them faster and easier to handle. These boards are ideal for touring and riding over longer distances. The Alpha range, for example, offers exceptional glide. Unlike all-round boards, these will be less stable for beginners.
  • Surf” inflatable paddle boards: surf-type boards, like the Wave 9’5, are shaped more like a rigid surfboard. The front of the board is slimmer and the tail narrower. Thanks to this shape, these inflatable paddles are easier to handle and maneuver.
sup gonflable sroka

Which inflatable paddle to choose, depending on practice?

The versatile SUP for outings

  • Ocean Walker : Ideal for learning to paddle easily at the best price, this lightweight all-round board adapts to all types of water. Its rounded nose and square tail make it easy to forgive balance errors. As you can see, the Ocean Walker is the paddle of choice for beginners looking for easy, affordable paddling.
  • Easy: The Easy range offers the best compromise between accessibility, stability and glide. The Easy 10′ and 10’6 are perfect for fun outings with family and friends. If you’re looking for better glide and longer distances, the Easy 11’6 and 12’6 are for you. In fact, their pointed noses will split the water more, so you’ll need less effort for a better glide.
  • Malibu: Ultra-versatile, Malibu inflatable paddle boards are perfect for touring. They’re ideal for beginners and intermediate riders who want to make rapid progress. The versatility of these boards means you can go from cruising to surfing or paddle yoga as you please. These top-of-the-range boards are highly durable for years of optimal use.
  • Girly: Girly are high-quality inflatable paddles with a refined design, perfect for cruising. The Girly 10′ offers excellent stability for beginners. If you’re looking for a faster board, the Girly 11’6 and Girly 12’6 models feature a slimmer nose, allowing you to glide further and cover more distance with less effort.
paddle pour randonnée et longues distances

The ideal inflatable paddle for touring and searching for speed

To get the most out of your inflatable paddle, opt for a model with a pointed nose. These paddles split the water more efficiently, allowing you to cover longer distances with less energy. When it comes to choosing your paddle, you have three options:

  • If you’re looking for a sporty ride at an affordable price, the Easy 12’6 is the one for you. It combines balance, glide and comfort. Its generous volume will delight those who want to go farther or for longer periods, while enjoying a pleasant glide.
  • If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range, high-performance paddle for touring, the Alpha range is the best option. In fact, this range has been specially designed to provide a fast, effortless glide. You’ll get a great sense of speed with just a few strokes of the paddle. The Alpha range is recommended for regular paddlers who want to achieve better performance.
  • For those looking for a more refined design, without compromising on performance, the Girly 11’6 and 12’6 are ideal. These boards combine lightness and speed with excellent maneuverability. With good stability, it’s the ideal board for discovering new horizons on a sporty ride.

The best inflatable paddle for surfing

Surfing with an inflatable paddle is possible! To do so, you need a paddle that’s rounder than a conventional paddle, so you’ll have all the maneuverability you need to have fun on the wave.
At Sroka, we’ve designed the Wave 9’5 specifically for surf enthusiasts looking for a quality paddle. The board is relatively short and the outline rather round, making it easy to ride down the wave. Its reduced thickness gives it better grip on the water and greater stability.
With the Wave 9’5, you can switch from surfing to cruising at will, whatever your level. In fact, the Wave 9’5 has been designed to be a 2-in-1 paddle, so there’s no need for a second paddle on days when the waves aren’t up to scratch.

The Wave 9’5 paddle is the ideal choice for riders looking for a high-quality, durable and versatile inflatable paddle that can be used for both surfing and cruising.

 

Inflatable paddleboarding for two

Which inflatable paddle should you choose for two-up paddling? For two-up paddling, you’ll need a board with enough volume to carry both your weights and allow you to glide along easily. For optimum stability, choose a paddle with a minimum width of 32 inches. Sroka has the perfect boards for tandem paddling at SUP.

Easy DUO 15’9: The Easy DUO Stand-Up paddle is ideal for sharing unforgettable moments with loved ones in complete safety. With a width of 34 inches and a length of 15’9 feet, it offers optimum stability and glide. It’s equipped with two bungee cords, one at the front and one at the back, so you can conveniently carry all your gear. Thanks to its raised nose, getting through the chop is child’s play. Finally, the Easy DUO is made from high-quality materials. This means it can withstand up to 220kg, ensuring excellent durability.

SUP Paddle DUO: The DUO is designed to be both light and rigid, for optimum stability and excellent glide. Although stable like the Easy DUO, the DUO is stiffer and therefore faster. Its design has been specially developed to enhance performance. It’s made from the best Dropstich and PVC on the market, to give you the same gliding sensations as a rigid board. With its 16-foot length, 34-inch width and high rigidity, it can support up to 320kg.

Which inflatable paddle to choose for paddle yoga?

Paddle yoga is a fast-growing practice that’s both fun and relaxing. To get started in this new activity, we recommend you choose a stable, comfortable inflatable paddle. This will enable you to concentrate on your practice without being disturbed. The Malibu 10 and 10’6 paddles and the School 10’3 are excellent choices for yoga paddling. These versatile SUPs are perfect for trying out yoga on the water, as they are both stable and extremely sturdy.

If you have any further questions, or if you have any other requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

logo sroka Le Magazine

Article you may be interested in

Foil
Surf Foil
14 April 2025
Surf-Foil emerged in the 2000s. Among the pioneers were such great names as Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama…
Stand Up Paddle
12 April 2025
How to choose your equipment
Stand Up Paddle
Tutorials
10 April 2025
Foil
How to choose your equipment
Tutorials
6 April 2025
Stand Up Paddle
Tutorials
22 March 2025
Stand Up Paddle
Tutorials
15 March 2025
Comparison of the different types of wing packs foil available on the market
Stand Up Paddle
Tutorials
25 January 2025
Stand Up Paddle
Tutorials
23 January 2025
Stand Up Paddle
Tutorials
22 January 2025
Stand Up Paddle
Tutorials
21 January 2025
Stand Up Paddle
Tutorials
17 January 2025