4 Common Standup Paddle Boards Myths
You probably know how popular standup paddleboard riding has become. But you probably also know that the sport gets a bad rep in certain circles. On social media, people who’ve never set foot on a paddleboard regularly share articles about the dangers of paddleboarding.
To clear any misconceptions you might have about regular or inflatable SUP boarding, we are here to look at some of the most common myths that surround the sport, and that can be seen almost every day in forum threads and social media posts.
1st Myth: Inflatable paddle boards are only for beginners
An inflatable paddleboard is great for a beginner – it is more stable than a hard one – plus, they usually cost less (more on this subject later in the article). However, it doesn’t mean that this type of board is only meant for a new board user. These boards are pretty good for advanced and intermediate paddlers. If you want to have more peaceful rides, you should go with an inflatable model, since it will allow you to safely float while you’re out on the water…
2nd Myth: Inflatable boards are not safe and durable
This myth goes hand in hand with the previous one – most people think that since these boards are meant for beginners, they are not made out of quality materials and that they won’t last you. Some people even think that since they are not top-notch quality, they are not completely safe in the long run. But that isn’t the truth. These boards can take a serious beating and stay intact. Heck, you can even drop one from a roof of a building, and it will probably still stay intact (not that we recommend you try this out, remember kids, safety first!)
3rd Myth: Inflatables are not performance-based
Since most people use inflatable boards to chill out and have tranquil paddling sessions, people think that they aren’t made for high-performance situations. And while it is true that hardboards have more capabilities, the difference in speed is marginal. As a matter of fact, a recent study revealed that there’s no more than 5% difference in speed between hard and inflatable boards. Moreover, you can even go surfing on an inflatable board if you have enough experience and command of your board. When it’s all said and done, a high-quality can do pretty much anything a hardboard can do – and even more.
4th Myth: Inflatable boards are just too expensive
The last myth we have on the list is just plain wrong. An inflatable stand-up paddleboard will probably cost you less than a fiberglass one. Of course, some high-performance boards are more expensive than fiberglass ones. However, those are few and far between, and if you’re new to this, an inflatable board is a better option for a reason.
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in buying a standup paddle of your own, we recommend you visit the Supboard-99 website and take a look at some of their models. They have a wide range of boards, and we are sure that you will be able to find one for your personal needs.
Paddleboards are only getting more modern and futuristic in their design, so it makes sense that they are becoming faster and safer. If you ever had any worries about paddling, we hope that this article managed to explain most rumors are nothing more than myths.
