Why Choose an Inflatable SUP?
An inflatable SUP board is compact, versatile, and durable. By choosing the right inflatable board as your first one, you’ll get much more out of the sport. You’ll progress faster, your equipment will keep up with your skills, and you won’t need to replace your board after the first summer. Our customer service is happy to help you choose the perfect inflatable SUP board tailored accoring to your specific needs.
SUP Board Length:
A short SUP board is easy to handle, even for smaller paddlers, as it turns quickly and effortlessly. The downside is that you’ll need to switch paddling sides more often, as improved maneuverability reduces directional stability. A longer board is harder to turn but offers better tracking, so you don’t need to change paddling sides as frequently. The Saimaa SUP Lily is a light and agile board ideal for smaller paddlers, while the Saimaa SUP Star is our most stable and best-tracking model.
SUP Board Width:
Width provides stability—the wider the board, the more stable it is, making it easier to use for beginners or those with less balance. The Saimaa SUP Bass is a great example of a wide, stable, and family-friendly board that supports even a large adult with a child onboard. Narrow and long boards are less stable but faster and more efficient to paddle.
SUP Board Thickness/Volume:
A thicker board has more volume, offering better buoyancy and stiffness. If an inflatable SUP is under 15 cm thick and uses low pressure, it may lack buoyancy and flex under an adult’s weight. A 15 cm thick board made with high-quality materials can easily support over 120 kg, making it suitable for both kids and adults, even with extra weight like a child or a dog.
SUP Board Shape:
The shape of a SUP board significantly affects its performance. A round nose and tail make the board playful and easy to turn but less directionally stable. This wide-nose design is the most popular SUP shape worldwide due to its versatility. For example, the Saimaa SUP Sun and Jobe Yarra are true all-round family boards suitable for kids, adults, and relaxed yoga sessions.
The fastest boards have a sharp kayak-like nose and a square tail. This design cuts through waves efficiently and reduces drag, offering speed and excellent tracking at the expense of maneuverability. Great examples of fast boards include the Saimaa SUP Star and Jobe Neva.
