SUP buying advice: 5 reasons for a hardboard and 2 knock-out arguments against it

iSUP and hardboard fact check

When comparing the two board concepts, many people primarily have transport in mind. However, with good will, a hardboard will fit on almost any car roof and you will still have enough space for people and luggage inside. With two iSUPs, a standard boot is usually already well filled. However, if there is no storage space at home or in the club, or if there is no car available for transport, these are knock-out criteria.

iSUP

light, usually only 7 to 12 kilos
comparatively cheap, roughly around 400 to 1000 euros
fits in a large rucksack and in the boot of a car
robust on round stones, in the river, on the beach
lowest risk of injury
better as a bathing island
slightly more paddling power required
not quite the same life expectancy as a hardboard
must be inflated, takes about 10 to 15 minutes, cumbersome at the end

Hardboard

faster and easier to paddle - in every board class
very durable, almost everything can be repaired
ready to launch from the car roof in one minute
more stable with the same width
no alternative for surfing in waves
higher price, usually from 1000 euros
sensitive to stones and more susceptible to damage during transport
often significantly heavier, touring boards often weigh 14 to 17 kilos
require appropriate space for storage
transport only by car
little or not suitable for children

SUP boards for the family

Inflatable SUP boards - the first choice for families

• Advantages: Inflatable SUP boards are particularly family-friendly. They are usually lighter and softer, which means that no-one will be seriously injured in the event of an unfortunate fall. They are also easy to transport and store as they can be stowed away in compact bags.
• Disadvantage: They can be susceptible to damage from sharp objects. Nevertheless, modern inflatable SUPs are extremely robust and suitable for use by children.

Hardboards - as a family board, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages
Due to their higher weight of three to seven kilos on average, they can be difficult for children to handle. There is also a significantly higher risk of injury if they fall onto the board.

SUP in all-round use

Inflatable SUP boards: - win in versatility

• Advantages: For all-round activities, inflatable SUP boards are very versatile and offer enough stability for beginners and advanced riders. Their flexibility allows them to be used in a variety of water conditions, from calm lakes to light river currents.
• Disadvantages: They may not offer the same level of performance or speed as hardboards, which could limit advanced paddlers.

Hardboards - usually only if you also paddle in small waves

• Advantages: These boards usually offer better glide and speed options. All-round boards with a surfboard shape can also surf smaller waves
• Disadvantages: Not suitable for children.

SUP for touring: leisurely or sporty, on river or lake

Inflatable SUP boards - ideal on rivers, good on the lake

• Advantages: Inflatable boards designed for touring often have a pointed nose and a longer shape, which is optimised for long distances and enables good speed. The large thickness means that any luggage you take with you lies high above the water.
• Disadvantages: With the same width, inflatable boards are generally less stable in the water.

Hardboards - ideal for long or sporty, fast tours on the sea or lake

• Advantages: For experienced touring paddlers, hardboards offer unrivalled speed and efficiency on the water. They are ideal for travelling long distances with less energy expenditure. The subjective gliding feeling is usually perceived as nicer
• Disadvantages: Transport and storage can cause problems when travelling. Not suitable for river trips with obstacles in the water or very shallow water depths.

Conclusion

The decision between an inflatable SUP board and a hardboard depends heavily on individual needs and the intended use. For family outings, inflatable boards offer an excellent combination of safety, portability and ease of use. All-round paddlers may appreciate the versatility and affordability of inflatable options. For serious touring enthusiasts, hardboards offer the performance and efficiency to tackle longer distances effectively, although this advantage is tempered by stronger transport challenges.