More and more popular among watersports enthusiasts, the inflatable paddleboard offers many advantages. Lightweight, sturdy, and easy to transport, it's perfect for those who want to enjoy the water without constraints. However, with the multitude of available models, it can sometimes be difficult to know which inflatable paddleboard to choose based on your needs and practice. In this article, we offer a selection of inflatable paddleboards 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 is essential to determine your inflatable paddleboarding level and your expectations. Indeed, whether you simply want to paddle with friends, go touring, or even surf, your paddleboard choice will be different. Your level also plays a role in choosing your paddleboard. If you are a beginner, you will tend to opt for a stable, versatile, and less technical paddleboard. On the other hand, if you are an experienced practitioner or wish to improve, you will need to prioritize a performance-oriented inflatable paddleboard.
The different shapes of inflatable paddleboards
- "All-round" or "versatile" boards: they are ideal for beginners or occasional users due to their stability. They are suitable for all types of practice. However, these boards may be less interesting for surfing or touring.
- "Touring" or "long-distance" boards: these boards are thinner and longer than all-round boards. This makes them faster and more maneuverable. These boards are ideal for outings and long-distance touring. This is the case, for example, with the Alpha range, which offers exceptional glide. Unlike all-round boards, these will be less stable for beginners.
- "Surf" inflatable paddleboards: surf-type boards, like the Wave 9'5, have a shape that is closer to a rigid surfboard. The front of the board is thinned and the tail is narrower. Thanks to this shape, these inflatable paddleboards are more maneuverable and easier to handle.
Which inflatable paddleboard to choose for different practices?
Versatile SUPs for leisure paddling
- Ocean Walker: Ideal for easily learning paddleboarding at the best price, this lightweight all-round board adapts to all bodies of water. Its rounded nose and square tail easily forgive balance errors. As you can see, the Ocean Walker is the paddleboard to choose for beginners who want to paddle simply and affordably.
- Easy: The Easy range offers the best compromise between accessibility, stability, and glide. The Easy 10′ and 10’6 are perfect for fun and family or friend outings. If you're looking for better glide and want to cover longer distances, the Easy 11’6 and 12’6 will make you happy. Indeed, their pointed noses will cut through the water more, which will allow you to exert less effort for a better glide.
- Malibu: Ultra-versatile, Malibu inflatable paddleboards are perfect for leisure paddling. These are the ideal boards for beginner or intermediate riders who want to progress quickly. The versatility of these boards allows you to switch from leisure paddling to surfing or paddle yoga as you wish. These high-end boards are very durable for optimal use for years to come.
- Girly: Girly are high-quality inflatable paddleboards with a refined design, perfect for leisure paddling. The Girly 10′ offers excellent stability for beginners. If you are looking for a faster board, the Girly 11’6 and Girly 12’6 models have a thinner nose that allows you to gain glide and cover more distance with less effort.
The ideal inflatable paddleboard for touring and speed
To fully enjoy your inflatable paddleboard tours, choose a model with a pointed nose. These paddleboards allow you to cut through the water more efficiently, enabling you to cover long distances with less energy. For your paddleboard choice, three options are available to you:
- If you want to do sports outings and tours 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 further or for long periods, while enjoying a pleasant glide.
- If you are looking for a high-end, more performance-oriented paddleboard for touring, the Alpha range is the best option. Indeed, this range has been specially designed to offer fast and effortless glide. You will get great speed sensations with just a few paddle strokes. The Alpha range is recommended for regular practitioners who wish to achieve better performance.
- For those who want a more refined design without compromising on performance, the Girly 11’6 and 12’6 are ideal. These boards combine lightness and speed, while maintaining excellent maneuverability. With good stability, it's the ideal board to discover new horizons during a beautiful sporty outing.
The best inflatable paddleboard for surfing
Surfing with an inflatable paddleboard is possible! For this, you need a paddleboard that is rounder than a classic paddleboard to have all the maneuverability needed to have fun on the wave.
At Sroka, we designed the Wave 9’5 especially for surf enthusiasts looking for a quality paddleboard. The board is relatively short and the outline is rather round to ride the wave with ease. Its reduced thickness provides better grip on the water and greater stability.
With the Wave 9’5, you can switch from surfing to cruising as you wish, whatever your level. Indeed, the Wave 9’5 was designed to be a 2-in-1 paddleboard. This way, there's no need for a second paddleboard for days when there are no waves.
The Wave 9’5 paddleboard is the ideal choice for riders looking for a high-quality, durable, and versatile inflatable paddleboard, capable of adapting to both surfing and cruising.
Doing inflatable paddleboarding for two
Which inflatable paddleboard to choose for tandem paddling? To paddle with two people, you will need a board with enough volume to support both your weights and allow you to glide easily. For optimal stability, choose a paddleboard at least 32 inches wide. At Sroka, we have the perfect boards for tandem SUP paddling.
Easy DUO 15’9: The Easy DUO Stand-Up Paddleboard 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 optimal stability and glide. It is equipped with two bungee cords, one at the front and one at the back, allowing you to carry your belongings conveniently. Thanks to its raised nose, passing through chop will be a breeze. Finally, the Easy DUO is made with high-quality materials. It can support up to 220kg and ensures excellent durability.
SUP Paddle DUO: The DUO is designed to be lightweight and rigid to offer optimal stability while providing excellent glide. Although as stable as the Easy DUO, the DUO is more rigid and therefore faster. Its design is specially studied to improve its performance. It is made with the best Dropstitch and PVC on the market to offer you glide sensations similar to those of a rigid board. With its 16 feet length, 34 inches width, and high rigidity, it can support up to 320kg.
Which inflatable paddleboard to choose for paddle yoga?
Paddle yoga is a booming practice that is both fun and relaxing. To get started in this new activity, we recommend choosing a stable and comfortable inflatable paddleboard. This will allow you to concentrate on your practice without being disturbed. The Malibu 10 and 10’6 paddleboards, as well as the School 10’3, are excellent choices for paddle yoga. These versatile SUPs are perfect for trying out yoga on the water, both stable and extremely strong, they will provide you with great sensations.
If you still have questions on this subject, or for any other request, do not hesitate to contact us!