Inflatables for sports: let’s get to know SUPs, Surfboards, canoes, and kayaks

Italians have always been fond of water sports, but in recent years inflatable sports such as SUP, surf, canoe and kayak have become even more popular.

There are many reasons for this surge in popularity, but certainly the comfort and versatility that an inflatable board offers compared to a rigid one is one of them.

SPORTS INFLATABLES: SUP

The latest trend in the world of inflatable water sports is certainly the SUP, an acronym for Stand Up Paddle: you stand on the board and move around by paddling in the water.

Many define it as the meeting point between surfing and canoeing: with surf, it shares it the possibility of sliding on the water standing on a board riding the waves; from canoeing, it has appropriated the use of a paddle.

The SUP technique is not particularly difficult, especially if you already have experience with water activities which require sports inflatables: this is one of the characteristics that has increased its popularity and spread in such a short time, because it bridges the gap between experts and beginners.

SPORTS INFLATABLES: SURF BOARDS

Surfing is certainly the best known and most iconic water sport. It has been around since the 1920s, but in Italy it only really accrued popularity in the early 2000s.

Surfing has a very long tradition: it hails from the islands of Hawaii and Tahiti, but it has now become an Olympic sport since Tokyo 2021, and will continue to be in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.

Usually, surf boards are rigid, which allows them to gain considerable speed on the water. In recent years however, to meet the needs of less experienced surfers, inflatable boards have also begun to gain traction.

SPORTS INFLATABLES: KAYAKS AND CANOE, SEEMINGLY SIMILAR … BUT ACTUALLY DIFFERENT

The Kayak and the canoe may seem like very similar items, but in actuality the two inflatables possess some remarkable differences: while both are manoeuvrable boats with free paddles rather than oars attached to the hull, they differ from each other when it comes to paddling mode and paddle type.

On board an inflatable canoe, the simple paddle is used, i.e. the one with the straight blade at one end and the handle at the other, which only allows for paddling on one side; on a kayak, you find a curved double-bladed paddle that requires symmetrical paddling on both sides to maintain navigation in a straight line, a feature that makes the kayak a decidedly more manageable vessel for beginners than a canoe.

Finally, there is a difference in weight: the kayak is usually lighter than a canoe, which has a more robust structure. The weight factor also depends on the models and construction materials. These obviously differ between inflatable and rigid canoes and kayaks.

We at Scoprega have been dedicated to the world of sports and non-sports inflatables for over 40 years, specializing in inflators of all kinds, manual, pedal and electric: take a look at the products on our website and do not hesitate to contact us for any doubts or for advice. We will be happy to help you get back into shape!