If you're new to stand up paddle boarding, you’ve probably asked yourself:

“Should I get an inflatable or a hard paddle board?”

It’s a great question—and one that almost every beginner wrestles with before buying their first board. While both types have their place, the reality is this: for most beginners, inflatable paddle boards (often called iSUPs) are the better choice.

They’re lighter, easier to store, surprisingly durable, and far more forgiving when you’re still finding your balance. Let’s break down the differences so you can confidently choose the right board for your first adventures on the water.

When you’re learning to paddle board, your main priorities are stability, safety, and ease of use. That’s where inflatable SUPs shine.

Inflatable paddle boards are generally designed a little wider and thicker than their hard board counterparts. This extra volume gives them more stability, helping beginners feel steady when standing for the first time. Because they sit slightly higher on the water, they also resist tipping better, giving you more confidence while you practice.

Let’s be honest—every new paddler falls. Whether you lose balance while standing up or wobble when turning, it’s part of the learning process. The difference is how your board treats you when that happens. With a hard paddle board, falling on the deck feels like landing on concrete. With an inflatable, the soft but firm PVC material cushions your fall. Even bumping into the board with your knees, shins, or elbows is far less painful on an inflatable.

One of the biggest advantages of inflatable boards is portability. Most weigh around 20–25 pounds and roll up into a backpack. That means no wrestling a 10-foot hard board onto roof racks, no awkwardly carrying it across a parking lot, and no need for a truck or SUV. You can simply sling your inflatable over your shoulder, hike it down to the water, and be ready to paddle in minutes.

Storage is another huge win for inflatables. Hard boards are long, bulky, and require a garage, shed, or special rack. Inflatables, on the other hand, deflate, roll up, and fit neatly in a closet or under a bed. For apartment dwellers or anyone with limited space, this is a game-changer.

A quality inflatable board is often more affordable than a comparable hard board, while still lasting for years. Modern inflatables are built with military-grade PVC and reinforced seams that can take a beating. They can bounce off rocks, docks, or even get dropped without suffering the kind of damage that would dent or crack a hard board.

One of the most common concerns new paddlers have is whether an inflatable paddle board will feel too soft or “bouncy” underfoot. The short answer: yes, inflatables can be just as stiff as hard boards—if you choose the right one.

Cheap inflatable boards (especially those found in big-box stores or online bargain sites) often suffer from excessive flex. This makes balance harder, reduces speed, and can leave you frustrated.

But premium inflatables, built with woven drop-stitch cores and designed to handle high inflation pressures (20–25 PSI), become rock solid once inflated. For example, Glide’s AeroMatrix™ technology creates a rigid platform that feels almost identical to standing on a hard board—without sacrificing portability.

💡 Tip: When shopping for an inflatable SUP, always check the maximum PSI rating. Boards that inflate to 20–25 PSI will perform far better than budget options that max out at 12–15 PSI.

To be fair, hard boards (also called epoxy or fiberglass SUPs) do have advantages. They glide a little faster, making them popular among racers and long-distance paddlers. They also offer slightly sharper performance in surfing conditions.

However, these benefits matter less when you’re just starting out. Hard boards are heavier, harder to transport, and unforgiving when you fall. For a beginner who’s just learning the ropes, those trade-offs outweigh the potential performance edge.

Most paddlers who start with inflatables never feel the need to “upgrade” to hard boards—they simply stick with the versatility, durability, and convenience of an iSUP.

If you’re just getting started with paddle boarding, we recommend beginning with a board designed specifically for stability and ease of use. A great example is the Glide Wander:

• 33" wide for excellent stability while standing

• Weighs only 23 lbs—easy to carry to and from the water

• Built with fused military-grade materials for durability

• Packs down into a backpack for convenient storage and travel

• Priced at just $499, making it one of the best values in its category

• Backed by a 5-year warranty, so you can buy with confidence

With a board like this, you’ll spend less time worrying about balance, storage, or transportation—and more time having fun on the water.

If you’re sold on inflatables (and most beginners are once they see the benefits), here are a few tips to make sure you pick the right one:

1. Width is Key – Look for a board that’s at least 32–34 inches wide. Narrower boards may feel tippy when you’re just starting out.

2. Check Weight Capacity – Make sure the board supports your weight (plus gear, kids, or pets if you plan to bring them along).

3. Full Deck Pad – A soft, grippy deck pad provides comfort for standing, kneeling, or even practicing yoga.

4. PSI Rating – Higher PSI ratings mean more rigidity. Aim for a board that inflates to at least 20 PSI.

5. Warranty Matters – A solid warranty (like Glide’s 5-year coverage) shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.

Don’t let the word “inflatable” fool you. The right iSUP is tough, stable, and beginner-friendly. It’ll make your first paddle boarding experience far more enjoyable and give you the flexibility to explore lakes, rivers, and even the ocean without hassle.

For beginners, the convenience, safety, and durability of inflatables simply can’t be beat. You’ll spend less time worrying about transport and storage, and more time building confidence on the water.

If you’re ready to start paddling, an inflatable is the best first step.

→ Explore beginner inflatable boards from Glide

→ Learn to stand up paddle board in under 5 minutes