With the warmer weather in full swing, there's no better time than now to get out and experience Australia’s beautiful oceans, lakes and rivers.
Stand-up paddle boards or ‘SUPs’ are all the rage right now–and for many good reasons! From exercise to relaxation, socialising or adventure, they offer a range of benefits for people of all ages and abilities.
Paddle boards are available in two major styles: inflatable and hard/rigid. Both have their own benefits, features and storage needs, so it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with these before you buy.
If you’re not sure which option to purchase, make sure to keep reading to find out the key differences between inflatable and hard SUPs.
Tips for Selecting the Right Board
Finding the ‘right’ board can be a little bit of a misnomer, meaning that what works for one person might not work for another. This is because it all comes down to your experience, how, where, and when you plan to use it.
Here are some general tips to inform your search!
- All-around paddle boards work well in various water conditions.
- Touring boards are longer and narrower, therefore requiring more experience.
- Yoga boards offer great stability for balancing and exercise.
- Surf paddle boards are shorter and turn quickly, best for experienced paddlers.
- Consider board thickness and volume based on your body type, weight, and experience.
- Consult experts at a local paddling store for personalised advice on the right SUP for you.
Check out more of our stand-up paddle board tips right here.
Inflatable SUPs: The Basics
Much like an inflatable mattress, these stand-up paddle boards can be inflated and deflated easily. On the whole, inflatable SUPs are all about convenience and flexibility.
Because they’re generally made from durable materials like military-grade PVC, these boards are perfect for paddlers who value portability without any compromise on performance. When deflated, they can be easily rolled up and stored in a backpack, making them a dream for those who don’t have much storage space or who love to travel.
A quality Inflatable SUP will be made with drop stitch materials providing rigidity, durability and longevity.
Inflatable paddle boards are ideal if you have storage limitations or if you’re constantly moving around and hitting up different beaches, rivers or lakes. They also have a cushioned surface that makes them great for activities like SUP yoga or leisurely paddling where comfort is a priority.
Rigid/Hard SUPs: A Quick Breakdown
Rigid paddle boards, on the other hand, are purpose-built for performance. Usually manufactured with epoxy or fibreglass, these boards are sturdy and designed for paddlers who want more speed and control on the water.
If you're looking to take on ocean waves, race with friends, or push your SUP skills to the next level, a hard SUP offers the precision and responsiveness you need. One of the most appealing aspects of rigid SUPs is their glide through the water. With a sleeker design and more weight, they track better, allowing you to maintain a straight path with fewer paddle strokes.
Whether you’re touring long distances or catching waves, the added control makes a huge difference. They also feel sturdier underfoot, which can give more experienced paddlers the confidence to push their limits (even in more challenging conditions).
On-Water Performance
In terms of on-water performance, inflatable SUPs have made some great strides over the years. Although they won’t have quite the same shape as rigid boards, inflatables still handle a wide range of water conditions quite well.
Providing stability and buoyancy, they’re ideal for flat-water paddling and calm waters, needed for a relaxing ride. They’ll generally feel remarkably solid on the water and can even handle some light surf or choppier conditions. However, if you're looking for sharp turns or fast paddling, you might notice that inflatables feel a little less responsive than a rigid board.
In contrast, rigid SUPs are more of a performance-driven option. Their solid construction allows for more precise control and faster speeds, especially when you’re paddling through waves or in more open water. This is because their design allows them to cut through the water with less resistance. Therefore, if you are planning to surf or ride ocean swells, the extra weight and rigidity provide the stability needed for smooth manoeuvring.
Durability
One of the main benefits of inflatable SUPs is their incredible durability. Thanks to the rugged materials used in their construction, inflatables can typically withstand the same bumps and scrapes that would leave a hard SUP dented or cracked. If you’re paddling near rocky shorelines, in rivers with potential debris, or you’re just starting out, the durability of an inflatable can give you peace of mind.
Rigid SUPs, while more prone to dents or cracks if dropped or bumped, are also built to last under the right conditions. When handled with care, these boards can serve you for many years without issue. However, they don’t offer the same level of shock resistance as inflatables, so paddlers should be cautious when handling them near rocky areas or while being stored.
Transportation
When it comes to getting your board to the water, inflatable SUPs win hands down. Once deflated, they fit into a neat and compact bag that’s easy to carry almost anywhere. This way, you won’t need a roof rack or any special equipment—just pack it up and go.
Rigid SUPs, on the other hand, require a little bit more planning. You’ll likely need a set of sturdy roof racks, either a ute or van to transport them, and they’re heavier to carry to and from the water. If you’re lucky enough to have easy access to your paddling spot or you don’t mind the extra effort, this might not be a big issue at all.
Storage
Storing your board is another area where inflatable SUPs shine. Once deflated, they take up minimal space and can be stored in a small cupboard, under your bed, or even in the boot of your car. This makes them ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited storage options. You don’t need a garage or dedicated space—just roll it up, pop it in the bag, and you’re done!
With rigid SUPs, storage can be trickier. These boards need a lot of space and should ideally be stored somewhere out of direct sun, dry and safe from damage. If you have a garage, shed, or outdoor storage rack, this won’t be an issue. But if space is tight, figuring out where to store your hard board might be a hassle. For some, the added performance is worth the storage considerations, while for others, an inflatable just makes more sense.
Exploring the PaddleZone Collection
As paddlers ourselves, we’re proud to offer a supply of excellent SUPs that are built for lakes, rivers, bays and offshore waters across Australia. Let’s highlight some of the best and brightest available right now:
Shark iSUP Yoga 10 Foot (Inflatable)
Length: 3m
Colour: White/Orange
Brand: Shark
The Shark Yoga range of paddle boards have been specifically designed for a truly immersive yoga experience and it’s easy to use.
This board is 34” wide and 6” thick, which makes it a high volume, stable, and wide SUPthat gives the user full control.
Check out this video with Sharp SUP ambassador Anne White to learn more!
Shark iSUP All Round Ride 11 Foot (Inflatable)
Length: 3.35m
Colour: White/Orange
Brand: Shark
Shark SUP continues to be a pioneer for this specific style of all-round performance paddle board.
Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate paddle boarder, this model is both easy to turn and has the performance edge to make longer journeys enjoyable. It’s designed for the larger paddler of even use by a couple of kids.
ECS Limitless Thermo SUP 10'6" (Rigid)
Length: 3.2m
Colour: Blue or Green
Brand: ECS
This board is manufactured with Thermo moulded high-density Polycarbonate skin that can withstand drops, knicks, scrapes on rocks or river beds. Its unique construction also makes it an ideal choice for SUP schools, clubs, tour operators, and hire.
ECS Inception Wood SUP 10' (Rigid)
Length: 3.05m
Colour: Orange Blue/Aqua Pink
Brand: ECS
The ECS Inception comes complete as an "on water" package. This means you get everything from a durable board cover to a carbon composite adjustable paddle, leash, and fins. Basically, it has all you need to head down to the beach, lake or river for a day of fun.
Once you’ve found a board, the next step is to find the perfect paddle. Some SUP’s in our range include a paddle and upgrade options are available. Our SUP paddles are all sourced from industry leading brands, with a range of carbon, alloy, and fibreglass options available. Despite this, they’re quite affordable and really offer great value for money!
Get High-Quality Paddle Boards at PaddleZone
Ready to get in the zone? If you’re missing that island holiday more than you could imagine, pick up your very own stand-up paddle board from us and hit the water in style.
From inflatable to rigid, SUPs are a great recreational activity and offer the perfect opportunity for sightseeing and a workout that really gets your whole body moving.
SUPs aren’t the only thing we supply! Be sure to check out our full range of kayaks, paddles, clothing, accessories and more!.
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