With the inclusion of an inflatable version of varying water boards, there is now a hard choice. Which one suits you best? We are here to help you make that decision and outline why an inflatable board might be better suited for you compared to a hardboard and visa versa. Water sports that make use of boards are always advancing whether it is the improved design or alternative manufacturing strategies.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Inflatable
The trusted Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) is an easygoing board that anyone can ride. It is a board to be enjoyed on calmer waters more than a physical sport. If you are the kind of person who desires to travel with their paddle board often then it is a space saver to buy the inflatable option. The newer inflatable paddle boards board can now easily be turned into a wingboard learner board. Using the flat and smooth base from the windsurfing removable finbox, all it takes is 4 screws to transform your board. Now you can double the fun of this board by using its glide paddling and winging.
Hardboard
The traditional hardboard version of the Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) is sturdy and will remain in that state for many years. Some hardboards can also be converted for windsurfing. It is a hardier board. However, if you live near a body of water and tend to take your paddle board out often. Then a hardboard will suit your needs better. It is easier to take out the hardboard instead of spending time inflating it. A hardboard is ready to go whenever you are.
Foil Surfing
Inflatable
The inflatable foil boards are made for easy travelling. The foil boards can be fast and with a lighter build they are even faster. With improvements on our foil boards, their fins are getting even lighter. This means that racing your friends in the water just got interesting. This board is also a fantastic crossover board for wingfoiling, both in the low and the high end. The board’s high nose and tail rocker combined with the narrow yet long outlines result in easy takeoffs and forgiving touchdowns.
Hardboard
A hardboard version of the foil board will be better suited for you if are heavier. The inflatable version can be more flexible depending on your weight. If the inflatable board doesn’t respond to your own movements out on the water then you’re not getting the full experience of the foil board. A hardboard will take on more weight without being too flexible on the water and will give you more control over its movement and speed. A hardboard version will also take more of a beating when slicing through waves and crashing down with them.
Wingfoiling – It is the Wing
Although we did go over the foil board the decision between the two gets extra tricky if you are thinking about doing Wingfoiling. Wingfoiling includes a foil board but has a hand-held wing to catch the wind, gaining both speed and flight on the water. As well as other equipment and accessories. The wing itself is inflatable. With that in mind if you don’t frequent the water then perhaps having the inflatable wing with the inflatable foil board will better suit you for easy travel and convenient storage.
Something Extra
We hope our overview has helped you with making that tough decision between a hardboard and an inflatable one. Starboard South Africa has a range of different sizes and designs to best suit your needs as well as all the equipment and accessories to get you started on your water sports journey. Get in the water and have a blast!