Wife bought an Xterra inflatable. Really loves it…easy to inflate, easy to transport if you only have a small car or want it for travel to exotic locals during the frozen Canadian winters…comes with everything (pump, paddle, bag, fins) only the paddle seems cheap but that’s an easy upgrade. Dog jumped on it (goofy lab) at the lake and seemed to approve as well. They tend to go on sale %50 off regularly too.
If there is any place near you where you can rent different boards that can make a difference in what you finally buy after you try a few different ones.
XTERRA runs an ad banner on this site that provides Slowtwitchers with a code to purchase one of their SUPs for ~50% off.
They have donated three of their SUP boards to various Slowtwitch functions including: ST Gathering (Kona '14), ST Gathering (IMTX '15) and the ST Gathering (Kona '15).
Occasionally they offer a 2 for 1 deal which is what I took advantage of so my wife and I both have one. As a recreational SUP’er who tends to be quite hard on equipment, we have been impressed by their durability and really can’t tell once pumped up that it is even inflatable.
To sum it up, it’s got to be one of the best deals on a board on the market, and worth every penny you’ll spend.
There is a ton to consider. (disclosure I run a SUP lesson company and do some sales)
The big factors that change in price points is the quality of foam. More expensive boards use better Foam which is litter and denser. This means that if you crack the fibreglass it doesn’t immediately fill up with water. If you take really good care of your board this isn’t a huge deal. At the lower price points all the boards are virtually identical and most likely come from the same factories in Asia. The higher price points tend to have unique shaping and paddling characteristics but this won’t affect u much.
The shape of the board is another consideration. If you are cruising flat water I would recommend a touring board. If that is a chance you will surf it or you enjoy playing around on it them you will want something that accommodates that like an all waters board.
If you are bringing your dog look for something that has a deck pad that runs the full length of the board. Gives Fido traction on the nose which is the best place for him to stand. Foam tops are cheap (often don’t paddle to well) but will accommodate a dog well.
If you or anyone who might paddle it regularly is heavier. Make sure you get a high volume board. More Foam equals more flotation and happy big dudes when paddling.
Most boards will do fine to fast around on. The one thing you shouldn’t cheap out on is your paddle. If you can swing it get something that is partially or fully carbon fiber. It makes a huge difference.
Sorry for the long Reply. This is a question I get asked almost daily so I have a lot to say about it,
If you have specific q’s let me know.
As others have said, the Xterra inflatables are a great deal, and a ton of fun to use. Plus you get a good upper body workout pumping them up. Just wait for one of their numerous 2 or 1 or 50% off deals.
I think the best advice is to try out several before buying- rent them if possible. I bought an 11’6" Amundson board about 5 years ago, but tried out numerous boards beforehand- everything from YOLO to Naish and others. I’ve never tried an inflatable so I can’t speak on behalf of those, but I would suggest doing your research and trying out as many as possible before buying.
Not sure if you’ve got any woodworking skills or interest. But I know they make plans/kits to build wooden ones. I’ve restored a fiberglass ski nautique, wooden Atom Skier & built a cedar strip kayak… I’ve been toying with the idea of building a couple SUPs.Also, they beautiful… so when you’re not using them, they’re a talking piece
