Can you surf with an inflatable paddleboard?

Inflatable paddleboards offer numerous advantages. More practical, they inflate and deflate in no time, as you please. Inflatable SUPs are also very easy to transport and offer versatile use. While generally used on flat water, it's possible to surf with an inflatable stand-up paddleboard . In this article, you'll find all our tips to start having fun in the waves with your inflatable SUP.

• To start surfing with an inflatable SUP, it's advisable to already have good balance on the board. The more comfortable you are on your paddleboard, the easier it will be to surf.
• Mastering basic maneuvers like paddling and turning is essential . Indeed, catching a wave requires a quick and efficient turn. Find all our tips for turning on a stand-up paddleboard here.
• Knowing how to fall safely while paddleboarding . SUP in waves is much less stable than on flat water, so you're more likely to fall. Therefore, you need to know how to fall safely and get back on your board easily.

Need advice on learning to paddleboard ? Follow the guide!

To surf on an inflatable paddleboard, it's essential to have good equipment to fully enjoy your session. When choosing your paddleboard, pay attention to several points:

1. Opt for smaller SUPs like the Waves 9'5 or the Malibu 10' and 10'6. A small paddleboard, without being too small, offers good maneuverability on the wave. Conversely, an inflatable paddleboard that's too large will limit your ability to have fun on the wave and you'll find yourself stuck on a straight line.
2. Choose a paddleboard with three fins. This is essential for good grip and better stability. In wave conditions, having three fins will also allow for greater maneuverability.
3. To surf with an inflatable paddleboard, you need a rigid SUP. For better rigidity, choose a construction with three layers of PVC on the rails, assembled using heat welding for increased rigidity and lightness. At SROKA , all our inflatable paddleboards are equipped with two to three layers of high-end PVC on the rails. The entire assembly uses Fusion technology , the best heat welding technology for perfect rigidity.
4. The thickness of the inflatable paddleboard is also important. The thinner the SUP, the better the feel. Ideally, you should have a stand-up paddleboard that is 4 or 5 feet thick. If your surf SUP is also used for touring, it can be up to 6 feet thick.
5. Finally, choose a SUP with rocker to comfortably ride the waves and navigate choppy conditions. Also, make sure the outline is fairly rounded and the pad has good grip . This will make maneuvering easier.

100% surf paddleboarding: the WAVE

As its name suggests, the Wave paddleboard is the perfect paddleboard for having fun in the waves. Fusion technology , high-quality materials, and three layers of premium PVC on the rails provide the rigidity essential for surfing.

The versatile paddleboard: the MALIBU

The Malibu paddleboard is the ultimate all-around SUP. From surfing and paddling to paddle yoga, the Malibu will keep up with you no matter what you're doing. Built with the same high standards of construction and quality as the Wave, the Malibu guarantees exceptional rigidity and durability .

To surf with an inflatable paddleboard , just like surfing or using a rigid board, you have to get past the whitewater. If it's your first time surfing, we recommend choosing a beach where the conditions aren't too big. It will be easier to learn on small to medium waves without too much power.
Getting through the break means moving from the area where the waves are breaking (called "the whitewater") to the area where the waves are advancing without breaking. To do this, you can stand or kneel, whichever is more comfortable. For your feet, you can place them in a surfing stance, one in front of the other, or parallel. You can try both positions and see which one suits you best. When you need to get through a wave, bend your knees slightly to cushion the movement.

What if the wave is too big? If you find yourself facing a wave that seems too big to ride on your knees or standing up, jump into the water. Be careful that no one is behind you who could get hit by your paddleboard. It's therefore important to wear a leash when surfing with a paddleboard.