Inflatable boards, short "iSUPs" are robust in the river for hard contact, compact to stow in the car and fast enough for longer tours on the lake.
Reason enough to test what these handy boards can do in the waves. Various laminated, hard carbon boards were available as a yardstick.
Four testers (Wave beginners to good surfers), were able to compare the unequal JP pair in small and medium sized waves in South Africa for us, Roland Blaschek from "Surfstadl Ammersee" contributed his experiences with a whole set of boards after the last Fuerte winter trip.
The first impression of the inflatable boards was not bad at all. "It slides quite well on smaller waves and even rides along the face," commented the testers of the two JPs, "but only as long as you don't really put any weight on the edge". And that's where the problem starts: In medium to larger waves, if you want to do proper turns, the thick rails can't be controlled, the inflatable board also doesn't accelerate as quickly as the laminated board, it feels like it flexes when paddling up and slows itself down a bit. "It's fun to play around with, but it's nothing for real wave surfing" was the test verdict on the inflatable version when comparing the two JP boards.
And this can largely be applied to all other brands, because theBasic principles are - still - the same for all iSUPs: the rails (edges) are the same thickness throughout and have a similar radius from the bow to the tail, laminated boards allow for very fine nuances and, if required, super thin tails. Likewise, the scoop rocker line (deflection over the length of the board) is not particularly sensitive when the board is inflated and all boards also flex under heavy loads. Laminated boards have well thought-out rocker lines, which can work differently depending on the brand. In the JP pair tested, the hardboard is certainly not the best turning on the market (the JP Wide Body board, for example, turns noticeably better in smaller waves), but it is still superior to the inflated board.
Experiences that also Roland Blaschekexperienced paddler, surfer and industry professional from Surfstadl Ammersee can confirm after his extensive tests. Equipped with ample luggage (Starboard Astro Converse 9x30, Starboard Astro Race 14x26, JP Sportster 12'6x29, JP Wide Body Carbon 8'8x32, Naish Mana 8'10), his judgement was just as clear afterwards: "The iSUPs have a clear advantage when it comes to transport, especially on planes. What's more, washing doesn't hurt as much and with small waves that break close to the rocks, like at Rocky Point on Fuerte, you simply have more confidence because you're not afraid of damaging the board. One disadvantage is still the pumping and the quality of the pumps. Out of three, one broke and two hoses broke. With my 90 kilos, the boards feel spongier and I simply don't have the speed to ride waves properly. The soft fins also don't allow for proper bottom turns. My conclusion: I take an iSUP 12'6 or 14' for training or touring and a hardboard for waves. In small waves you can also practise with the long iSUP, I've been in waves up to 2 metres with the Astro Race and really had fun! In good, bigger waves, only a hard board is really fun, the iSUPs are too spongy, have rails that are too thick and fins that are too soft."
Test summary:
iSUP
+ compact pack size + robust on (non-sharp-edged) rocks + lightweight + good for first slides in smaller waves + safe toy for kids - acceleration on larger waves - turning properties on the wave - larger damage more difficult to repair
Hardboard
+ Acceleration on the shaft + Turning characteristics and grip when turning on the shaft + More direct ride feel + Minor damage easier to repair - Transport
