I have ridden a kayak and a paddleboard. They both have their perks. It is time for these two beloved outdoor water adventures to go head-to-head in…the paddle board vs. kayak! Let’s look at the advantages of each. Then we will compare the inflatable and hard paddleboards and kayaks.
Paddleboard Pros:
- You can stand, sit, and lay down on a paddle board, and you cane even attach a kayak seat, making it both a kayak and a paddle board.
- You can workout, do yoga, and even “dance” on a paddleboard
Kayak Pros:
- Kayaks are made for sitting so are often more comfortable in the sitting position than a paddle board
- Recreational kayaks tend to go faster and are easier to paddle than paddle boards, espcecially through rapids
Based on these pros, the kayak and paddleboard seem to tie. Really, it depends on what type of adventure you are looking for. For me, the Paddleboard wins. Unlike kayaks or canoes, you can stand, sit, or lay on your board. You can even do exercises and yoga on it! It wins because of it’s versatility.
After deciding on whether you want a paddle board vs. a kayak, the next steps is deciding whether you want an inflatable or hard paddleboard or kayak.
Inflatable vs Hard Paddleboard or Kayak
The first time I went on a paddleboard, I was hooked. I just knew I wanted one! Ready to purchase, I headed to the internet, and wow, I was overwhelmed with the choices! One of the first decisions I needed to make was whether to get a hard paddleboard or an inflatable paddleboard.
The inflatable paddle board sounded much more convenient. It came in a backpack, and I could just throw it in my trunk and go! With a hardboard, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to lift the hard boards over my head and onto the roof of my car. Then, I would have to make sure it was secure! I also knew that if transporting the paddleboard was too cumbersome, then I would end up never going. I didn’t want my paddleboard to just sit in my garage untouched.
This may site contains affiliate links (See full disclosure here.)Paddle Boarding on an Inflatable Paddle Board with my Daughter
Because of convenience, I wanted an inflatable, but I was hesitant. Could an inflatable be as durable and as stable as a hard paddle board? I mean, am I going to be stranded somewhere with a punctured inflatable? And if convenience was my goal, then how difficult would blowing up the paddleboard be? Would blowing up the paddleboard be just as difficult as attaching a hardboard to my roof?
So I started researching: Inflatable Paddle Boards vs. Hard Boards…
I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Inflatables are often more durable than hardboard. In fact, many inflatables are made of military-grade material. The best brands offer at least a 2-year warranty. Interestingly, I noticed that many of these brands offered a 2-year warranty on their inflatable version, but only offered a 1-year warranty on their epoxy hard boards. These high-quality inflatables are also very stable and just as easy to stand on as the hard boards. However, according to my research, the hard boards might be better for serious board racers because they offer more precision.
The Most Durable Inflatable Paddle Boards
These boards offer at least a 2-year warranty:
So I took the leap and bought an inflatable. I chose a board with a 2-year warranty and action mounts. I like the boards with action mounts because you can add a multitude of accessories. Take the iRocker brand- they had many accessories and attachments, including carrying straps, coolers, floating waterproof Bluetooth speakers, attachable cup holders, and electric pumps. Many of the boards come with manual pumps as well. I bought my attachments when I bought my board because you got a bundle discount. (By the way, not all boards have the ability to attach so many fun attachments. Boards that have the ability to attach are Gili, Nixy, Bluefin, and iRocker).
Here is What I found:
- The inflatable IS super easy to inflate IF you have an electric pump. The manual pump is tiring so I use the electric pump every time. I just plug the pump into my car and set the PSI to 18 and hit auto. The pump shuts off when the paddle board reaches 18 PSI. Here is a short video showing you that I literally just relax in my hammock swing while my paddle board is inflated.
2. The backpacks are attractive, convenient, and make for easy storage. I just hang my board up and out of the way in the garage when I’m not using it.
3. The board is absolutely stable and easy to stand on. I can even tell the difference between a hardboard and my inflatable. I had this vision that it would feel like I was standing on a floppy, squishy float. It does NOT feel like that at all. It feels like a hard surface! My kids have no trouble standing on it either, and I even do ab workouts on my board. Below is a picture of me doing a plank.
4. So far my paddle board has been durable. I recently went on some rocky water. I legit got my board stuck on rocks several times. It handled the rocks like a boss.
5. Deflating is easy with the electrical pump as well. I just attach my board to the deflate side, push a button and it is done.
6. The Gili, Nixy, and iRocker boards have several spots where you can attach accessories. (The Bluefin has one attachment mount.) Not all boards have this! Most boards have d-rings and storing straps though so you can still hook some things onto your board without the action mounts. However, with these action mounts, you can add cup holders, fishing pole attachments, phone stands, and more. We personally love attaching the Bluetooth speaker and the cup holders. I put my soft cooler and my shoes under my straps, and they stay in place the whole time.
So What is the Verdict? Inflatable Paddle Boards!!!
I am incredibly happy with my board. It IS so easy to grab and go. I go multiple times a week BECAUSE it is so easy to transport/inflate! I use my board to relax, pray, exercise, hang out with friends and family, and be by myself in nature.
We pack drinks and snacks in the cooler and have picnics on the water. My 7-year-old loves exploring little islands that you can only get to by boards, canoes, or kayaks.
I can not say enough about this board! I am so happy with my purchase.
Kayaks, Canoes, or Paddle Boards? Why I Chose a Paddle Boards
Where to Get the High Quality Paddle Boards
I did my research before I made my purchase, and found that the Gili, Nixy, Bluefin, iRocker had some of THE best reviews and met all of my requirements. I researched over 26 brands of inflatables, and these 4 came out on top. They all were extremely durable, had at least a 2-year warranty, the best reviews, and the best attachment capacity.