Inflatable paddle board Costco have become the talk of the town. Whether you are scrolling through Instagram or watching a YouTube video, people are obsessed with them, and they have every right to be. There is just something about a stand up boards that makes one jump on one for a ride. A simple internet search will reveal countless options. It can make it difficult to determine which inflatable paddleboard to get. However, there is no need to worry as this ultimate paddle board buying guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to make that final decision. Are you planning on participating in a race? Let’s do it together!
Choosing a stand-up paddle Amazon requires you to know what to look for. By finding out what to consider, you will know how to buy a sup paddleboard. Join in on the fastest-growing water sport and get your muscles going with the right inflatable paddleboard. When you go through different platforms, you should be careful as many brands know how to make false claims and generate social proof to attract innocent customers. This is why our paddle board buying guide is crucial. Let us break through the fog so that you can make an informed decision.
Inflatable Paddle Board Categories
The first thing that newbies to paddleboarding need to know is that there are different categories of inflatable paddle board Costco to choose from. How to buy an inflatable sup board requires you to learn about the different options. Start your experience with all-around inflatable sup. It will enable you to try out many different things and test unchartered waters. Boards play an essential role in balancing your overall surfing experience. Train yourself with professionals and be skilled at your passion.
Only if you have some experience paddleboarding should you look for something fast such as something from the sport/performance board category. Rather than comparing sup board prices, you should be thinking about which category to go with. On the other hand, if you are afraid of falling and want to boost your confidence as you learn, you need to search for an ultra-stable inflatable sup board buy. There are even specific boards that cater to a specific purpose. You could look up sup buy online for surfing, touring, or even racing. There are also sup boards for kids or ones for group paddling, windsurfing, and fishing. Know which category you need before proceeding with the next step.
Brand Selection of Stand Up Paddle Board
At Sub Boards, we would teach you how to buy a SUP paddleboard with guide covering all the brands you can choose from. Although brands compete with one another, they target a specific category of inflatable sup board. This means that you should be able to narrow down your options as you search for brands that cater to your category. Despite the fact that there are plenty of brands in the market, only a few are worth the money. Go for a brand that truly cares about its customers and offers the desired inflatable paddleboard. The following are some of the brands worth considering.
- Earth River SUP: It offers all-around inflatable paddle boards that perform well in various paddling environments like coastal waters, lakes, and rivers. You can use its paddle boards to multitask.
- Red Paddle Co: Covering a variety of boards, Red Paddle Co will not disappoint you with its options. Some of its boards are highly specialized for a particular use, like surfing or racing.
- Hala SUP and NRS: They specialize in white water-specific models.
- Starboard SUP: It has a background in windsurfing and an impressive line of inflatable and hard boards that are perfect for racing and surfing.
- Fanatic: It provides some decent budget-friendly boards. If you want a board for casual SUP use, it has got you covered.
Now, it is common for terms like “4-layer” or “military-grade” to be used. However, you need to be careful about which paddleboard you get. Even if you are on a budget, it does not mean that you should rule out quality brands. Most paddleboarders like trying out the latest models and tend to sell a quality inflatable paddleboard for a much lower price to get their hands on the newest models. Even if you can find a paddleboard that has been slightly used for a great price, you should get it. Make sure it meets all your criteria before making a purchase. It is important that you get a board that you can afford and one that meets your requirements.
Board Shape and Size
Another factor to consider when shopping for an inflatable paddleboard is its shape and size. As you select a few brands after determining the right board type category, you also have to think about your unique needs. Larger paddlers will find larger inflatable paddle board Costco to be the right fit. However, it all comes down to preference and skills. The following guidelines will help you make up your mind.
- Thinner boards are much more stable in comparison to thicker boards.
- Thicker boards can support more weight. However, managing an excessively thick board can be very tricky.
- Boards that have a narrow tail turn more quickly when encountering surfing maneuvers.
- Boards that have a wider tail tend to be more stable.
- A wider board offers greater stability than a narrow one.
- A longer board has more glide.
By considering the above, you should be able to narrow down your options.
Materials and Construction for Paddle Board Costco
Now, you need to understand that there are differences in construction methods and materials used for creating inflatable paddleboards. When you know some of the basics of construction, you will have an easier time making up your mind.
Boards that have a single layer of material are much lighter. They are also inexpensive. They are made thicker to make up for the low rigidity of the material. It is also common for some lightweight boards to be made in conjunction with other materials for additional reinforcement. Thus, these boards provide you with great durability and stiffness despite their low weight. It means that you should be able to use them in most paddling environments.
Go with a brand that uses only the highest-grade fusion materials. Dual-layer builds are more rugged and cost more money. The second layer is usually reinforced PVC fabric. However, people mostly prefer lighter boards as they are easier to handle. An extra layer improves durability and can cater to heavier paddlers while also improving performance.
Deck Pad and Riggings
When it comes to stand up paddle boards Costco, you also have to consider the deck pad and riggings. A high-quality deck pad makes all the difference. It makes your paddling experience a whole lot more comfortable. It allows you to truly enjoy your water paddling. You should bear in mind that deck pads differ in density and material thickness. They are made using different textures.
The right deck pad will provide you with the perfect grip. If you opt for a higher-end board, it might also come with a kicktail that has a raised back edge along with an arch bar to locate your back foot. Do not forget to check out the deck pad features while comparing different boards.
The Layout of Bungee Tie Downs and D-Rings
Next, you also have to consider the bungee tie-downs and D-rings of the board. There should be sufficient riggings for securing basic items as you go paddleboarding. But, you do not need unnecessary attachments as they only add weight and make it difficult for you to go in the water. A single crisscross bungee system has proven to be the best option. It has a centred D-ring at the tail for attaching items and a centred D-Ring towards the nose for towing. You need to think about the usefulness of extra attachments and accessories as you might not need them. They would simply get in your way of a stress-free paddle.
Costco Inflatable Paddle Board Accessories You Need
Now that we have covered the basics, it is time to look at the sup paddle accessories that you will require. The stand up paddle is an important accessory knowing that you are familiarizing yourself with paddleboarding. It greatly impacts on the effectiveness and comfort of your surfing as you paddle. So choosing the right SUP paddle is as important as your stand up board. Here is what you need to take into account when you choose a paddle.
- The weight of the paddle.
- The materials used for building the paddle.
- The blade design.
- The shaft construction.
- Convenience and reliability.
- The design of the handle.
The features you will need in the paddle include a lightweight blade, true carbon shaft, length adjuster, and a smooth molded handle.
Inflator or Pump
When in the market for an inflatable paddleboard, you cannot forget about the inflator or pump. The inflatable paddle board Costco should come with a manual pump. However, if it does not offer ease and is of poor quality, you will need to get a better one. A basic manual pump features a single cylinder that moves air into the board as you push on the handle. For an effective manual pump, you should get one that has a dual-action design. A single-cylinder dual-action pump is perfect for manual pumping. It will inflate the board quickly.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A personal flotation device is also necessary. It is essential that the sup kit would be incomplete without. It ensures personal safety and is required by law. You can either get an inflatable belt pack or a lifejacket. A lifejacket is a much safer option. However, it can be suffocating, whereas an inflatable belt is less constraining and can be easily worn. All you will need to do is pull on its string to activate it. White water paddling requires an inherently buoyant lifejacket. Kids and beginners should also stick to it. The same goes for rookie swimmers.
Sup Leash
To avoid getting separated from the board, you should also consider getting a sup leash. It is needed for both safety and convenience. You need it for the sup gear kit. It helps tether you to the board. Besides, leashes are not complicated. The leash cord tends to differ. It can be straight, coiled, or even both at the sections. Coiled cords are suitable for flat water. However, you will need to go with a straight leash for surfing. There are also hybrid leashes that have become quite popular in recent times.
Buy the Perfect Inflatable Paddle Board
Once you have finished reading our guide to buying an inflatable paddleboard, you will have no trouble finding the perfect ride. Follow the tips mentioned above to narrow down your options in terms of categories of boards, shape and size, materials and constructions, deck pads, and accessories. Make sure to bookmark our guide and share it with friends as they might be struggling with how to buy an inflatable paddleboard.
Want expert advice on choosing an inflatable SUP board? Check out The Best Costco Paddle Board – Inflatable Paddle Board vs Solid