Red Paddle Co FAQ: Are All Paddle Boards Inflatable?

If you’re thinking of getting into paddle boarding and have been doing a bit of research then you’re likely to have seen a wide selection of paddle boards to choose from. With this in mind, one of the questions you may have is “are all paddle boards inflatable?” With the abundance of inflatable SUPs that are available, and with their high popularity, it would be easy to think that inflatable paddle boards are the only type of SUP that exists. However, there is another form of SUP which is a solid paddle board. What’s the difference between these types of boards and why does it matter? Let’s find out. 

Solid Vs Inflatable Paddle Board: What’s The Difference?

As you can probably guess from the names, an inflatable paddle board is one that’s made from soft but durable material such as PVC-based drop-stitch technology, and is required to be inflated using a pump before use. A solid paddle board on the other hand, does not need to be inflated and is made from a combination of materials such as foam, wood, carbon all wrapped in fibreglass to create a solid board. Inflatable paddle boards are generally the most used form of SUP, which is why we’ll often hear people questioning “are all paddle boards inflatable?”. 

Why Are Inflatable SUPs So Popular?

As we mentioned previously, inflatable SUPs have become an increasingly popular alternative to solid boards. These are just a few of the reasons why:

They’re Easy To Transport & Store

Unlike solid boards which can be cumbersome and heavy to transport, an inflatable stand up paddle board deflates and packs down to a small size that’s easy to transport and store. In fact, all Red paddle boards pack down into a backpack of their own, making it easy to travel anywhere with your SUP.

They’re Quick & Easy To Inflate

One of the reasons that many people question “are all paddle boards inflatable” is because it’s difficult to go to a beach or lake without seeing someone standing by the water pumping up a paddle board. These paddle boards come with powerful pumps that make them quick and easy to inflate so that you can get out on the water in no time.