Choosing between an inflatable paddleboard (iSUP) and a hard (composite) SUP is one of the biggest buying decisions in paddleboarding — and it’s also the one that causes the most hesitation.
The good news? There isn’t a “right” answer for everyone. There is a right answer for your storage, transport, local water and goals. This guide will get you there quickly, with real-world advice from the team at The SUP Company.
Shop Inflatable SUPs Shop Hard (Composite) SUPs Book a Test Centre Session
On this page
- The quick answer (most people)
- Inflatable vs hard SUP: the real differences
- Choose an inflatable if…
- Choose a hard board if…
- Which board shape suits you?
- Construction: why quality matters (especially iSUPs)
- Don’t forget the essentials
- Try before you buy (Woodmill & Lymington)
- FAQs
The quick answer (most people)
If you want easy storage, easy transport, and a board that’s genuinely fun for lakes, rivers, canals and calmer coastal days, an inflatable SUP is usually the best first purchase — especially in the UK where people paddle in lots of different places and conditions.
A hard board comes into its own when you’re chasing a more specific “feel” on the water: better glide, more speed, surf performance, or race efficiency — and you’ve got somewhere to store and transport it safely.
If you’re still unsure: start inflatable, get your skills and routine dialled, then move to a hard board later for a performance “upgrade path”.
Inflatable vs hard SUP: the real differences
| What matters | Inflatable SUP (iSUP) | Hard / Composite SUP |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Packs into a bag — ideal for flats, small cars, holidays | Needs dedicated space (garage, shed, wall rack) and care around knocks |
| Transport | Boot-friendly, train-friendly, easy to share between family | Roof racks / van preferred; easier “grab & go” once set up |
| Durability | Great for bumps and scrapes; punctures are rare with quality boards | No punctures, but can chip/dent/scratch — needs board-bag care |
| Feel & stiffness | Modern premium iSUPs are very stiff, but still have a slightly softer feel | Direct, responsive, connected — especially in chop, surf and fast paddling |
| Speed & glide | Excellent in touring shapes, but thickness/rails can create extra drag | Typically faster for like-for-like shapes (especially race & surf designs) |
| Best for | Beginners, families, travel, mixed-use, calm coastal exploring | Surfing, racing, fitness focus, “best possible” performance feel |
| Setup time | Inflate & go (electric pumps make this effortless) | True grab-and-go if stored ready; no inflation step |
Choose an inflatable if…
- You need easy storage (flat, limited space, shared household)
- You want a board that’s simple to take anywhere (boot, campervan, train, holiday)
- You’re paddling lakes, rivers, canals or sensible coastal conditions
- You’re buying for family fun, learning, or mixed abilities
- You want the best “one board” solution with the lowest friction to actually use it
Start here: Inflatable Paddle Boards | All-round iSUPs | Touring iSUPs
Popular inflatable picks (great first buys)
- Red Paddle Co 10’6” Ride – the “just works” all-rounder for learning, family and steady progression
- Fanatic Ray Air Pure – a proper touring outline for more glide without feeling twitchy
- SIC Okeanos Air Glide – stable adventure touring with loads of tie-down potential
Choose a hard board if…
- You’re prioritising performance feel (speed, glide, surf control, efficiency)
- You paddle often and want a board that rewards good technique
- You want to surf properly on a SUP (hard boards are the classic choice)
- You’ve got the space to store it safely and the transport sorted
- You want “grab and go” convenience without pumping up
Start here: Composite Paddle Boards | Surfing SUPs | Race Boards
Popular hard board picks (performance upgrades)
- Starboard 14’ Touring Lite Tech (2025) – relaxed, confidence-inspiring distance cruising with proper hardboard glide
- SIC Okeanos DF Touring – stable fitness/touring platform for covering miles and carrying kit
- Starboard Allstar 14’ (2025) – an all-water race shape designed for real-world conditions
Which board shape suits you?
Inflatable vs hard is only half the story. Shape is what you feel on the water.
All-round (the easiest place to start)
Wider, shorter, stable — best for learning, casual paddles and family days.
Touring (for distance and fitness)
Longer waterline = easier glide, straighter tracking, less effort over time.
Surf SUP (for waves and playing in moving water)
More rocker and manoeuvrability — the board turns better and fits into waves.
Race (for speed and efficiency)
Narrower and faster — brilliant when your technique is ready for it.
Helpful next step: If you haven’t already, our main guide is worth a read before you buy: Stand Up Paddleboard Buying Guide.
Construction: why quality matters (especially iSUPs)
Two inflatables can look similar online and feel completely different on the water. The big differences are:
- Stitch density & materials (how much the board flexes under load)
- Layering & lamination (weight, durability, long-term shape retention)
- Fin box & fin quality (tracking and stability in side-wind)
- Accessory package (bag, pump and leash affect how often you’ll actually use it)
If you want the deeper dive, these pages explain it properly:
Don’t forget the essentials
A board is only half the experience. The right accessories make paddling easier, safer and more enjoyable:
- Pumps (manual or electric)
- Leashes (essential for most paddling)
- Fins (tracking, stability, shallow-water options)
- Waterproof Bags (phone, keys, layers, snacks)
- Choosing the right paddle (it matters more than most people think)
Clothing makes a huge difference in the UK too:
Try before you buy (Woodmill & Lymington)
If you’re on the fence, the quickest way to decide is to paddle both. We run a proper try-before-you-buy setup where you can compare boards back-to-back and leave knowing what feels right.
SUP Test Centre info & booking
Book a Demo Ask for Advice Call 02380 172189
Helpful reading & buying advice
- Touring Stand Up Paddle Boards (what to look for)
- Ready to Upgrade? Choosing the Right Paddleboard
- Time for a Paddle Upgrade?
- River SUP Safety (UK inland waterways)
- All Buying Guides
FAQs
Are inflatable paddleboards actually any good now?
Yes — good inflatables are. Modern iSUP construction has moved on massively, and premium boards feel impressively stiff and capable. The key is quality: materials, construction method and fin system make a bigger difference than the marketing claims.
Is a hard board always faster?
Not always. A well-shaped touring inflatable can feel faster (and certainly easier) than a heavy, wide entry-level hard board. But once you compare like-for-like shapes, hard boards usually win on glide and efficiency — especially for surf and race designs.
What if I’m mainly paddling on the coast?
Both work. For coastal cruising in sensible conditions, a quality inflatable touring board is brilliant. If you’re regularly dealing with chop, side-wind, or you want maximum efficiency and “connected feel”, a hard touring board is a lovely upgrade.
What’s the best option for families?
Almost always an inflatable all-round board. It’s stable, forgiving, easy to store, and tough enough for the real world. If you want more distance later, move into a touring shape (still inflatable or hard depending on your setup).
Do I need a board bag for a hard SUP?
If you’re transporting a hard board, a bag is one of the best “cheap insurance” upgrades you can make. It protects rails from knocks, and it helps prevent those annoying car-park dings.
Still not sure what to buy?
Tell us your height, weight, where you’ll paddle most, and what you want to do (family fun, touring, fitness, surf, racing). We’ll point you to the right shape and a few options at different budgets.