Inflatable vs traditional surf boards: similarities and differences

If you are approaching the world of surfing or stand-up paddleboarding for the first time and are undecided about which board to buy, you are in the right place: this blog post will outline the main features of inflatable surfboards compared to classic or rigid ones.

Performance on the waves, resistance, longevity, ease of transport and size: these are all elements that vary significantly based on the type of choice you make!

INFLATABLE SURF BOARDS: PROS AND CONS

Inflatable surfboards are increasingly popular, not only among beginners (it is a false belief that they are easier to use, in fact) but also among veterans, who choose them for their incredible ease of transport.

This is the main advantage of this board, which can be easily placed in a backpack or bag, and can be transported not only in the trunk of the car, but also on a motorbike, bicycle or on foot - in case you are used to practicing on beaches that are not simple to reach.

The second advantage of inflatable surfboards is safety: in the event of a fall or impact, their being 'softer' is certainly more reassuring, both in terms of one's own safety, but also that of the board itself, more inclined to cushion the shot.

Furthermore, thanks to the technological evolution of their materials, they are less fragile in the event of a collision, and they do not run the risk of getting dented or scratched. It is still possible for a board to damage, but thanks to the new ultra-resistant materials, this scenario is increasingly remote.

RIGID SURF BOARDS: PROS AND CONS

Overall, rigid surfboards are certainly more performing and easier to use, especially if you are an expert surfer, as they allow you to go faster and perform movements that are difficult to perform with inflatable surfboards.

Because of this characteristic, however, a rigid board generally has a higher cost than an inflatable one, even if it is possible to find products at an excellent price on the market, especially if you look among guaranteed used models.

Finally, a note on transport: if compared, to inflatable surfboards, the classic ones are undoubtedly more demanding, this does not in any case mean that they are terribly uncomfortable – they simply require different organization and availability of space.

INFLATABLE SURF BOARDS? REMEMBER THAT…

When thinking about buying a surfboard, whether rigid or inflatable, I always recommend relying on industry experts for personalized advice, which takes into consideration not only the characteristics of the product, but also your needs.

The choice you will make will ultimately depend upon your level of experience, the places where you will use the board, and the weather or water conditions in which you will surf.

Also, remember: inflatable surfboards also require that you purchase a suitable inflator.

There are three types: manual, pedal, or electric, the latter certainly being the most comfortable and high-performance, but also the most expensive. Even in this case, then, it is important to have your needs and requirements clear beforehand

We at Scoprega have been dedicated to the world of inflatable surfboard inflators for over 40 years: for all the specifications of our products or for more information, feel free to consult our website and contact us. We will be very happy to help you!