5 Reasons to Invest in an Inflatable Paddle Board

It’s summertime in the PNW and you know what that means: It’s stunning here. Everything is bright, green and temperatures are UP (hear about our heatwave at the end of June??). If you’re following my instagram, you know I’m an avid water baby. Which is why today’s post is 5 Reasons to Invest in an Inflatable Paddle Board.

Much like many of you, summer time for me is all about being on, near or in the water. I love driving out to the lake around the Seattle area, thought I’ve yet to tackle Lake Union, but that’s for another time.

It took me years to finally invest in a SUP, which is why I want to write this post for those of you on the fence this year. Though, I suppose the more appropriate title should be “5 Reasons why I invested in an Inflatable Paddle Board” but whatever. Haha! Same/Same.

Lunch on my Paddleboard — Lunch on my Paddle Board!

Table of Contents

5 Reasons to Invest in an Inflatable Paddle Board

I’ve shared my story on How I learned to Paddle Board a few weeks ago. It’s an outrageous story but one I was really excited to share and re-live through you guys. Especially when it’s untraditional. I think most people go to a resort or learn to paddle board through an instructor. Spoiler… my experience wasn’t like that at all. Haha!

Anyway, here are the 5 Reasons to Invest in an Inflatable Paddle Board, according to Alli:

You don’t need a big car or storage

This is probably not obviously to non-SUV or wagon owners but… size and space is a really deal when traveling to and from your boarding locations. Traditional boards require a car rack or can fit in a larger car… but what about those of us who are cruising in a sedan?

This makes boarding ultra compact and accessible/customizable to any lifestyle. Including those without vehicles. My board came with a carrying case that not only has wheels but also converts into a backpack. I have never flown with it but, it’s not something I would rule out in the future because of this feature.

Not to mention, storage is a breeze. Mine can easily fit in my storage unit or in one of my closets. My friend keeps hers in the garage and another friend on her outdoor patio.

They’re not hard to assemble

A big reason many people are anti-inflatables is because they’re work to actually inflate. Well, I’m here to tell you they aren’t. Especially once you get your routine down.

Mine takes about 4 minutes to inflate (I had my brother time me once 😅). It’s even faster with an electric pump, which my parents very sweetly bought me for my birthday this year. Just make sure you are pumping up your board to the correct indicator on the valve. That’s the key. Always be in the GREEN. If you’re not in the green, it’s going to be harder to paddle and it’ll also sink in a bit.

It’s also reallllly easy to inflate by yourself. I took an inflatable SUP on my solo road trip last summer and it was one of the highlights of my trip. Not only did I just get faster at it, but I was able to have an activity that kept me occupied for hours alone.

Convenience

I love nothing more than grabbing my board and leaving with just a thought. Owning your own board means freedom. You can:

Drive to any public lake, river, steam, etc and cast off.
Easy to travel to resorts, camping and airbnbs with.
Everything is yours so you know your equipment.
The board is already paired to your height.
Your paddle is already marked to your specifications.
You don’t have to sit through verbal instructions every time you go to paddle. (Like at a rental booth)
You can decorate it however you like!
No additional cost to factor in on your trips. It’s free to use, because you already paid for it!
It’s something fun to do when you’re solo traveling.

There’s a board for every price range

Wooden paddle boards, or “solid boards”, are anywhere between $900 to $2k. Depending on the type of inflatable SUP, i’ve found them for as little as $180 and it comes with the full kit.

Will it last you a lifetime? Probably not. It also depends how much wear you intend to put on it. However, it will definitely last you a few years and it will definitely be worth it if you take it out sparingly or every other day.

I find the best inflatables aren’t dependent on the price but more the make and brand. My board is a Canadian designed board with loads of hooks for accessories, etc. It also cost a bit more because it’s more industrial and made to last a long time. I’m one of those people who will buy something and keep it til it dies. So, I’m banking on this board to survive the next 10 years.

Here are some boards depending on your price range. I’m using Amazon because I’m an affiliate* but please do not cross-off REI, independent companies and shopping at your local sports stores. Best to give to the small guys, in my personal opinion.

*_{If you do go through these links, please note: On the Trip Side will get a small portion of the proceeds.}

Low Range:

Mid Range:

High Range:

Versatility & Accessories

This is the best part of owning your own board… also a total game changer from renting. My board comes with hooks on either side of the mid second where you normally stand on the board. The hooks are there in case you want to add a seat to turn your stand up paddle board into a kayak. I also have a second attachment for my paddle to turn it into a kayak paddle with double fins.

So, I have a two in one: Inflatable SUP and a kayak!

Other items that are easy to attach to your inflatable board:

I won’t lie – this was a super fun post to put together for you guys. It also made me desperate to get out on the water asap. So, thank you for reading this little post on 5 Reasons to Invest in an Inflatable Paddle Board.

Where are you hoping to paddle out to soon?