Can you surf with an inflatable paddleboard?

The inflatable paddleboard has many advantages. More practical, it inflates and deflates at your convenience in no time. The inflatable SUP is also very easy to transport and offers versatile use. It is generally practiced on flat water, but it is possible to surf with an inflatable stand-up paddleboard. In this article, find all our tips to start having fun in the waves with your inflatable SUP.

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

Need tips for learning paddleboarding? Follow the guide!

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

1. Prioritize small SUPs like the Waves 9’5 or the Malibu 10′ and 10’6. A small paddleboard, without being too small, provides good maneuverability on the wave. Conversely, an inflatable paddleboard that is too large will limit your ability to have fun on the wave and you will find yourself stuck on a linear trajectory.
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, opt for a construction with three layers of PVC on the rails assembled by heat-sealing for better rigidity and less weight. At SROKA, all our inflatable paddleboards are equipped with two to three layers of high-end PVC on the rails. Everything is assembled with Fusion technology, the best heat-sealing 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′ thick. If your surf SUP is also used for touring, it can be up to 6′.
5. Finally, opt for a SUP with rocker to comfortably ride the wave and pass through chop. Also ensure that the outline is rather rounded and the pads are very grippy. This will facilitate your maneuvers.

The 100% surf paddleboard: the WAVE

As its name suggests, the Wave paddleboard is the perfect paddleboard for having 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 essential for surfing.

The versatile paddleboard: the MALIBU

The Malibu paddleboard is the ultimate versatile SUP. From surfing to touring to paddle yoga, the Malibu will follow you whatever your desires. Built with the same construction and quality requirements as the Wave, the Malibu ensures rigidity and durability in all conditions.

To surf with an inflatable paddleboard, just like surfing with a traditional surfboard or a hard paddleboard, you need to get past the foam barrier. If it's your first surf session, we recommend choosing a beach where the conditions are not too big. It will be easier to learn on small to medium waves without too much power.
Getting past the break means moving from the area where waves break (called "the foam") to the area where waves move without breaking. For this, you can position yourself standing or kneeling, depending on what you are most comfortable with. For your feet, you can place them in a surf stance, one in front of the other, or both feet parallel. You can try both positions and see which one suits you best. When you need to pass a wave, bend your knees slightly to absorb the movement.

What if the wave is too big? If you find yourself facing a wave that seems too big to get past kneeling or standing, jump into the water. Make sure there is no one behind you who could be hit by your paddleboard. It is therefore important to wear a leash when surfing with a paddleboard.