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7 great reasons you need an inflatable paddle board

Stand up paddle boarding is climbing in popularity around the world and becoming readily accessible to anyone and everyone. There are tons of different types of boards to choose from: race boards, surf boards, all-rounders, touring boards, and of course inflatable paddle boards.

Inflatables are an awesome choice for stand up paddling and even have quite a few advantages over their hard board counterparts. We here at Green Water Sports wanted to give you the top 7 reasons of why you must have an inflatable in your paddle board quiver.

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1. Travel

Inflatables are the easiest way to travel with your paddle board. Traveling with an inflatable is hassle-free and you can load it up easily in your car, take it on the plane (without massive fees) and you can take it practically anywhere! If you then also consider the Red Paddle Co Compact range of inflatable paddle boards, you get boards that pack down to half the size making adventure even more possible!

2. Durability and Stability

Inflatable stand up paddle boards allow a little more room for error. Inflatables are extremely durable and will survive the rough and tumble of the hazards that rivers and oceans offer. The stability of an inflatable also make it the perfect board to practice paddle board fitness activities including SUP yoga, SUP pilates and more!

3. Storage

Let’s face it, SUPs are no small thing. They are (in most cases) giant pieces of equipment and need a good amount of space to be stored, which a lot of people don’t have thus making inflatables key when it comes to storage. For people who do not have the space to store hard boards, the utility of having a board that rolls up and can be put in a closet is the perfect fix.

4. Dog Lovers

For those who love to SUP with their pups, inflatable paddle boards are an awesome avenue to go. Inflatables give our pups a bit more stability and they aren’t as slippery as the hard boards. Inflatables are also awesome for our furry friends because they won’t get the boards all scratched up!

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5. Lightweight

Inflatable stand up paddle boards tend to be a bit lighter than the hard boards. This is very helpful for those who would normally need help handling and carrying their boards. With inflatables you can deflate the board and throw in on your back to carry it when not in use.

6. Safety

Inflatables are a slightly less dangerous option when it comes to choosing a paddle board. Although the inflatables are still able to cause damage to you or another board, the chances are lessened than the potential damage from a hard board.

7. More Than Just a SUP

Not only is it awesome that inflatable paddle boards can pack up and fit in a bag on your back, but inflatable SUPs can also double as more than just a SUP, especially when you’re on an adventure. You can use the inflatable as a bed to sleep on in your tent and it’s an awesome way to haul gear. Or, you can even use it as a table to put your food on. The possibilities are endless!

So there you have it, inflatable stand up paddle boards are a great choice or addition to your outdoor gear collection or SUP board quiver. Take a look at some of the inflatable stand up paddle boards from Red Paddle Co, Starboard, Fanatic, SIC Maui or Tahe.

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About the author: Julian Kidd
I have been an avid stand up paddle boarder since 2009. I retired from a decade of professional kiteboarding to focus on SUP. Green Water Sports grew from this love of all things SUP. As well as being a keen paddle boarder, I'm a football fan, closet petrol head, web tinkerer, husband and father.