Red Paddle Co FAQ - Are *Inflatable* Paddle Boards Good?

When deciding whether to buy a solid vs inflatable SUP, one concern that you may have is “are inflatable paddle boards good?”. There can be a common misconception that inflatable SUPs are cheap, flimsy and less reliable. In fact, the opposite is true. Inflatable paddle boards are actually a lot more durable than solid SUPs with the majority of paddlers from beginners to pros, relying on them for their performance and reliability. What’s important is choosing a high quality inflatable SUP from a reputable supplier. 

As the world’s leading inflatable SUP brand, Red Paddle Co boards are relied upon for their unrivalled properties in safety, performance and reliability. All our boards are made individually in our own private facility using exclusive MSL technology. Many times thicker than a standard drop-stitch, we use a layer of high-density structural PVC that is then machine laminated to an adhesive layer under controlled conditions. This technology combined with our patented Rocker Stiffening System (RSS) and TechAir construction process enhances rigidity to maximise manoeuvrability as well as durability. 

Let’s take a closer look at why so many paddlers choose inflatable over solid. 

Why Are Inflatable Paddle Boards Good?

These are just a few of the main reasons the answer to the question “are inflatable paddle boards good” is an easy “yes!”.

Easy To Transport & Store

The most obvious benefit of inflatable SUPs is their ability to be deflated and packed down (into the size of a backpack if you’re using a Red paddle board). This makes them easy to take with you anywhere in the world whatever your mode or transport, whether that’s walking, flying, driving, sailing - you name it! Their ability to pack down compactly also makes them super easy to store when not in use. Lightweight to carry when deflated, as well as when they’re fully inflated, it couldn’t be easier to get your SUP down to the water, taking any kind of troublesome logistics out of your SUP trip.