The Advantages of a Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

 Inflatable stand up paddleboards (or "SUPs") are all the rage these days. And for good reason—they're easy to transport and store, and can be taken just about anywhere. But not all inflatable SUPs are created equal. There are budget boards and premium boards, and in this blog post, we'll outline some of the key differences between the two.

 When it comes to inflatable SUPs, you generally get what you pay for.  It begins with the raw materials, the PVC, Drop Stitch material and the technology used to put them together.  Then you can consider the labour, the skilled tradesperson building the board.  Budget boards are usually made with lower-quality materials, which means they don't last as long as premium boards.  They take less time to build and are built by people just learning the job, who are pumping them off the line as fast as possible, because time is money and people who buy budget boards want to save money.  They also tend to be less rigid, meaning they won't perform as well on the water. And because they're less stable, they can be more difficult to balance on—especially for beginners.  A good quality stable all-around board will put you heads above the rest and have you skipping the learning curve, standing up right away and paddling with the confidence of a rock star on the first go.

Premium inflatable SUPs, on the other hand, are made with higher-quality materials and construction.  The investment in technology and the type of construction is important to brands with a good reputation.  With a lifetime warranty on the line, the best materials, construction and cure time is paramount.  This means they're more durable and will last longer. They're also usually made with a higher PSI range (20 is the best), which makes them more rigid on the water and therefore more efficient paddlers. And because they're more stable, they're easier to balance on—even for beginners.

Another thing to consider when choosing a paddle board is the accessories that come with it. A premium paddle board will usually come with high-quality accessories like a carbon fiber paddle and a wheelie backpack for easy transport. Budget paddle boards, on the other hand, will often come with lower quality accessories or no accessories at all.

It's up to you whether or not you think the higher quality accessories are worth the extra money. But keep in mind that if you do go with a budget paddle board, you'll likely have to purchase accessories separately, which can end up costing just as much as going with a premium paddle board in the first place.

So, should you buy a budget board or a premium board? If you're just getting started in the world of stand up paddleboarding, we recommend going with a premium board.  If you have been paddling for a while then you already know this to be true.  Yes, they may cost a bit more upfront, but they'll last longer and perform better on the water. And that's worth the investment!