That Time I Carried a Paddleboard Like a Suitcase Through an Airport (Sorta)
I still remember the first time I showed up at the beach with my inflatable paddleboard.
Some guy, all tanned and shredded like a California raisin with abs, looked at me, smirked, and said, “You know that’s not a real board, right?”
Meanwhile, I was over there dragging a bag the size of a golden retriever behind me, feeling like I was rolling up to a cookout with a foldable lawn chair instead of a grill.
But fast-forward a couple hours—and guess who was gliding across the water while Mr. “Hardboard Only” was still figuring out how to strap his 10-footer to his vintage Volvo?
Look, I’m not here to start paddleboard beef. But if you’re sitting there wondering if you should go inflatable or hardboard, lemme break it down for you… without sounding like a sales pitch or a yoga instructor trying to sell enlightenment and EPS foam.
Let’s get into it, buddy.
What Even Is an Inflatable Paddleboard?
Alright, picture this: a paddleboard that fits in your closet, your trunk, heck—even under your desk if you’re into weird office decor. That’s an inflatable SUP (stand-up paddleboard).
You inflate it with a pump, clip your fin on, and boom—you’re floating on water like some kind of lake wizard.
But don’t get it twisted. These things aren’t pool toys. We’re talking military-grade PVC, drop-stitch construction, and enough rigidity to make your chiropractor jealous.
Still, it’s air inside. That changes the game.
Be sure to come back to Star Board SUP for the latest SUP content
And a Hard Paddleboard?
The OG. The classic. The heavy, car-topping, ding-susceptible plank of glory.
Hard paddleboards (also called epoxy boards or rigid boards) are made from foam cores wrapped in fiberglass or carbon fiber. They’re sleek, fast, and feel damn good slicing through water like butter.
When you see surfers turning their boards into art pieces, yeah, this is what they’re painting on.
They’re beautiful. They’re powerful. They’re also… kind of a pain.
Where Inflatable Paddleboards Absolutely Win
Okay, storytime.
One summer, I decided to take a weekend trip to Asheville. You know, mountain town vibes, river runs, local breweries. I wanted to paddle down the French Broad River.
Now, imagine trying to strap a 10’6” hardboard to the top of a Subaru that’s already packed like a Tetris game. Didn’t happen.
But the inflatable? Tossed it in the back next to a cooler and a bag of chips. No roof rack. No straps. No panicked checking at 80mph to make sure it hadn’t flown off into the abyss.
Here’s where inflatables shine:
-
Portability – Fits in your trunk or closet. Take it on a plane. No kidding.
-
Storage – Live in an apartment? Boom. Closet-ready.
-
Durability – Drop it, drag it, bump into a rock—it’s fine. Try that with a hardboard and womp womp, you got yourself a crack.
-
Soft landings – Fall on an inflatable and it’s like belly-flopping onto a yoga mat. Hardboard? More like belly-flopping onto concrete wrapped in fiberglass.
Perfect for beginners, travelers, and anyone who hates roof racks with a passion.
Where Hardboards Fight Back (And Win)
Alright, but let’s not act like hardboards are just for bros with trucker hats and old pickup trucks. They’ve got legit perks:
-
Speed & Glide – If you want performance, hardboards slice through water better. Period.
-
Stability (at speed) – In choppy conditions or on waves, that added weight keeps you grounded.
-
No Inflation Time – Show up. Toss in. Paddle. No huffing and puffing with a pump in 95-degree heat.
-
Better for Surfing – Inflatable boards in waves? Yeah, you can, but a hardboard feels like the real deal.
If you’re into SUP racing, surfing, or long coastal cruises, hardboards still wear the crown.
Let’s Talk Setups: What You’ll Need
Here’s a real-life moment of honesty: first time I tried to inflate my paddleboard, I forgot to put the valve cap on properly. It hissed like an angry cat and deflated faster than my confidence at a high school dance.
Stuff happens.
For inflatable SUPs, you’ll need:
-
A pump (manual or electric—trust me, get the electric one 😅)
-
Backpack for transport
-
Fin setup (often removable)
-
Optional repair kit (which you’ll probably never use, but hey, it’s comforting)
For hardboards, you’ll need:
-
Roof rack (or truck)
-
Paddle clips or straps
-
A bit more garage space
-
A very patient partner who’s okay with scratches on the car roof
So… Which One’s Actually Better?
Here’s the short answer: depends on what kind of paddler you are.
Go Inflatable If You:
-
Live in a small space
-
Travel often or want to fly with your SUP
-
Value convenience over speed
-
Are new to paddleboarding and want forgiveness on falls
-
Hate the idea of damaging a $1000 board on a random rock
Go Hardboard If You:
-
Want the fastest, most responsive ride
-
Plan to surf or race
-
Have a garage and roof rack ready to go
-
Paddle mainly in one location
-
Crave that smooth, efficient glide like a dolphin chasing dreams
Real Talk: My Setup (And Why I Chose It)
So here’s my confession: I started with an inflatable, and I still use it. Like… a lot.
But a couple years into it, I picked up a used hardboard from a guy who clearly hadn’t paddled since Obama’s first term. It was scratched to heck, but it moved like a dream.
Now I use the inflatable for road trips and chill lake days. The hardboard? That’s my ocean ride when I want to feel fancy.
Do I need both? No. But do I regret either purchase? Also no.
If you’re just getting started, I say go inflatable. It’s low-risk, high-reward. And if the SUP bug bites you hard—like it did to me—you’ll know when it’s time to upgrade.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Gear Stop You From Getting Out There
At the end of the day, it’s not about the board.
It’s about that feeling when you push off the shore, stand up, and realize the only sound is water lapping against the board and birds doing their thing overhead.
It’s about falling in, laughing, and climbing back up.
It’s about sunrise paddles, impromptu races with your buddies, and the occasional deep thought like “Wow, maybe I don’t need to check my phone for the 47th time today.”
So yeah, inflatable or hard?
Pick the one that gets you on the water faster.
Because once you’re out there… it really doesn’t matter.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with a lake, a paddle, and zero responsibilities for the next two hours. 🌊🛶