10 Rumor about Inflatable SUP Boards

SUP is indeed a interesting and an increasingly popular sport adopted by most holiday lovers over the last decade. However, there have been many myths and misinformation surrounding inflatable paddle boards. You may think paddling is dangerous, expensive, and hard to learn. In this article, we will debunk all the myths you might think are true about stand-up paddle boarding. Know the truth about the sport so that everyone can try this sport with an open mind and an eager heart. Have fun learning this sport with your friends! 

Inflatable Paddle Boards Are Only for Beginners

While it is true that inflatable stand-up paddle board may be friendly to beginners, they can remain a great option for those who might be intermediate or advanced when it comes to paddleboarding. 

Actually, it dependent on one’s personal preferences as well as intended uses. If you plan on using your SUP on lakes, bays, mild ocean chop, white water paddling or rivers, then an inflatable SUP is your best option no matter what your skill level may be. Someone who has only tried hard boards may be suspicious of ISUPs. Give it a try! We’re sure you will like what you experience.

Inflatable Paddle Board Is Difficult to Learn

Like any new sport, when it is your first time out on a board, there are lot of things to learn. But that doesn’t mean it’s difficult. While there are plenty of fancy techniques and tricks of the trade for those who are proficient in the sport, in reality, just about anyone can jump on a SUP board and roam freely around a lake or a calmer body of water on their first day. The key is to pick your conditions wisely, and you’ll find that learning to paddle board is easier than many people think. A stretch of calm water, light winds, a stable inflatable board, and a little instruction and you will likely find that you are up and paddling in no time! 

Inflatable Paddle Board Is Dangerous

SUP boarding can be as safe or dangerous as you make it, just like any sport. The only thing you have to keep in mind while paddling is the basic safety rules you should apply to all water activities, like wearing a leash and a PFD, having a partner with you, checking the weather conditions...Your SUP boarding experiences are more than likely to be safe and breezy.

You’re “Not Strong Enough” or “Too Old or Young” to SUP

This is our favorite myth to debunk. The answer is no...it really doesn’t! As long as you are able-bodied, enjoy the water, and have a sense of adventure, you can SUP. Age is never an issue in paddle boarding. SUP boarding is a great form of exercise and will really get your heart pumping and core and legs activated, just about anyone can do it. In addition, paddleboarding doesn’t take superhuman strength. Correct form, stance, and a proper stroke will have you gliding across the water in no time.

Inflatable Paddle Boards Aren’t Durable

Inflatable items, in general, get a bad rap, people tend to think of holes, leak and so on. In fact, inflatable paddle boards are simply a more durable, long lasting option when compared to traditional hard paddle boards. You don’t need to worry about your paddle board hitting a sharp object while transporting, or hitting a rock that’s hidden in the water. An inflatable SUP will effortlessly absorb all of these blows and more, and won't even leave a mark. The Goosehill inflatable paddle board has even stood up to being driven over by a car!

Inflatable Paddle Boards Do Not Perform As Well As Hard Boards

It depends on what you’re going to use your paddle board for. If you’re going to be mainly riding on lakes, white water, or small ocean waves, an inflatable is the best choice. A hard paddle board is going to catch the waves more easily. However, inflatable stand up paddleboards can also be used for other activities such as yoga and fishing. Pretty much anything you want to do on a hard paddle board, you can do on an inflatable, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Inflatable Paddle Boards Are Too Expensive

This may have been the case early on in the development of iSUPs, but it’s very misleading today. There are plenty of situations where inflatables are cheaper than hard paddle boards. Not only do you get a well-engineered board made of top quality materials, but a full package of deluxe accessories...Don’t forget the savings on storage: you don’t need roof racks, tie downs, or a garage to store and transport an inflatable. Our Goosehill Boards are priced between $399-1,499 USD, a worthy investment, to be sure, considering you will be the proud owner of a top-notch product that will provide immense entertainment for years to come!

Inflating an ISUP is Hard and Takes Too Much Time

We can understand why someone would think that if they’ve never owned one before. Actually, the fun begins when you grab your SUP pump. First, there needs to be a hand or electronic pump that will connect to the valve. Second, the pump needs to keep going until the recommended PSI has been reached. Finally, the valve can be closed. The process is quite simple and only takes 3-5 mins, roughly 200 pumps from a hand pump to fully inflate. You can also use an electric paddle board pump to slightly expedite the inflation process, and to save some energy.

Inflatable Paddle Boards Shouldn’t Be Used on the Ocean

While inflatable boards work great on calmer waters like lakes and lazy rivers, you’re not limited to only those bodies of water. In fact, we see more inflatables out on the ocean in recent years. It is the best place if you don't want to ignore the fun of surfing forever. After all, you won’t be able to find the surf-able waves on your local lake like you can on the ocean. We do recommend that you rinse your inflatable with fresh water after use, but salt water and waves will not hurt an inflatable paddle board.

Inflatable Paddle Boards are Built with Cheap Materials

At first glance you may think an inflatable looks like a pool toy, but the moment you stand on a quality inflatable sup you’ll instantly change your mind. Quality inflatable SUPs will be made with strong PVC material that is cross stitched for durability and maximum rigidity. This is the same material that is used in inflatable rescue boats, and trusted by the U.S. military. Many boards are even made up of two layers of PVC, like Goosehill’s rainbow R series, which means more durable and slid. Single layer boards also have the added advantage of being lighter!

As you can see these SUP myths are easily debunked. You certainly shouldn’t let any of these hold you back, all that is left is getting your first SUP board on order and hit the water! Feel free to leave a message if you have any questions regarding inflatable paddle boards, any of us are more than happy to help.