Yes. Inflatable paddle boards are the easiest way to start paddling. Wider decks (32–34 inches) give you the stability to stand up without constant balancing, and the soft surface is forgiving if you fall. A standard beginner size is 10’6” to 11’ long, which tracks straight but still turns easily. Because they roll into a bag, you don’t need roof racks or garage space — you just throw it in the trunk and go. That convenience lowers the barrier to getting on the water, which is why most first-time paddlers stick with inflatables. They’re stable, portable, and cost less than rigid boards, while still delivering everything you need to learn quickly.

Board size is about matching length, width, and volume to your body and how you paddle. Shorter boards (9–10 feet) turn quickly and suit kids or surf. Mid-range boards (10’6”–11 feet) balance speed and stability, perfect for all-around use. Longer touring boards (11’6”–12 feet) track straighter and glide farther with each stroke. Width matters most for stability: 32–34 inches is the sweet spot for most people. Narrower boards (30–31 inches) feel faster but wobblier. Weight capacity is tied to thickness and volume. A standard 6-inch-thick iSUP will hold 250–300 lbs; heavier paddlers or those carrying gear should pick a board rated 350–485 lbs. Rule of thumb: lighter paddlers can ride shorter, narrower boards; heavier paddlers or families need longer, wider boards with more volume.

Hard boards (epoxy or composite) are a little faster and more responsive in surf or racing. They cut through water efficiently but are bulky to transport and fragile if dropped. Inflatable boards are far more practical for everyday paddling. They roll into a backpack, fit in a car trunk, and can even fly as checked luggage. They’re also tougher in real life — instead of chipping or cracking, they bounce off docks and rocks. For 99% of paddlers, an inflatable is the better choice, and the new technology in Glide inflatable paddle boards give you hard board like performance in a blow up board.

Very durable — if built correctly. Modern iSUPs use drop-stitch cores that lock the top and bottom together with thousands of threads, allowing them to inflate to 12–18 PSI without bulging. Glide boards add triple-layer rails and fused seams, eliminating weak glue joints. The result is a board that feels rigid underfoot and shrugs off most abuse. Dogs’ claws, rocky shorelines, and rough transport aren’t a problem. Inflatables are actually less likely to suffer catastrophic damage than hard boards because they absorb impacts instead of cracking. With normal care — rinse after salt water, store out of direct heat, don’t drag across sharp rocks — an inflatable SUP can last many years of heavy use.

Yes, and that’s one of their biggest advantages. A wide board with a full-deck pad doubles as a floating yoga mat, stable enough for balance poses. Fishing models add higher weight capacity and fixed mounts for rod holders or coolers, turning them into quiet, stable platforms. Touring boards stretch longer with sleeker noses, letting you paddle faster and cover distance efficiently. Because inflatables are stable, comfortable, and easy to haul, they adapt to different activities better than most hard boards. Glide builds specific boards for yoga and fishing, alongside all-around models that can do a bit of everything.

Most inflatables carry between 250 and 500 pounds, depending on size and build. A 10’6” board usually supports 250–300 lbs. Longer, wider touring or fishing boards comfortably handle 350+ lbs, which is enough for heavier paddlers, a rider plus child, or a rider plus dog and gear. Glide boards are reinforced for higher capacities and designed not to flex under load. For best performance, stay under 80% of the listed max capacity — that way the board keeps its glide and stability. If you plan to carry a cooler, camping gear, or an extra passenger, choose a board with extra volume.

With a manual pump, expect 10-15 minutes. With an electric pump, 10-12 minutes. Most Glide boards inflate to 12–14 PSI, which gives them the stiffness of a hard board. Our valves are designed for fast airflow, so setup is quicker than you’d expect. Once inflated, a quality SUP will hold air for days, so if you’re on a weekend trip you can leave it pumped up and ready. Many paddlers keep a 12-volt pump in the car to make inflation effortless. Compared to the convenience of rolling it into a bag for storage and travel, a few minutes of setup is a fair trade.

Yes — travel is where inflatables shine. Deflated, they roll into a backpack that fits in a car trunk, closet, or airline baggage hold. Most airlines accept them as checked sports equipment. Glide boards weigh around 20–30 lbs, so you can carry them comfortably to remote lakes or beaches. Unlike hard boards that demand roof racks or garage space, inflatables let you paddle anywhere without logistics headaches. Whether you’re road-tripping, flying, or hiking to a hidden lake, an inflatable SUP makes it possible.

Yes. Glide boards eith come with or are compatible with the Airthrone seat, which clips onto built-in D-rings and turns your SUP into a kayak in under a minute. Add the kayak paddle blade and you can paddle seated for comfort on long sessions, windy days, or fishing trips. Not every brand includes this option — many charge extra for aftermarket seats — but we consider it essential. Having the flexibility to stand or sit extends your time on the water and makes one board work for more situations.

All Glide inflatable boards include an adjustable paddle, travel bag, and a coiled leash, pump, fin and repair kit. All accessories are built for daily use — not the flimsy aluminum paddles and weak pumps that come with budget boards. When comparing packages, look at the quality of the paddle and pump first, since those make the biggest difference in usability. Investing in a well-equipped package saves money and makes every paddle easier. Many companies have stopped including a manual pump and use a cheap electric pump. Trust us, you will want a manual pump as back up.

Rinse it with fresh water after every use, especially in salt or dirty water. Let it dry fully before storage to avoid mildew. Don’t leave it fully inflated in direct sun or inside a hot car, because heat can raise pressure and stress seams. For long-term storage, either keep it partially inflated in a cool spot or roll it loosely in its bag. Avoid creasing the same fold every time. Glide boards are built with fused seams to handle real-world abuse, but like any gear, a little care goes a long way. Follow these steps and your board will last season after season.

Always wear a leash(except in moving water like a river) so the board stays with you if you fall. A personal flotation device (PFD) is legally required in many waters and smart everywhere. A waist-belt inflatable PFD is comfortable for flatwater; a full life jacket is better for kids and beginners. Add a whistle for emergencies and a light if you’re out near dusk. In rivers, use a quick-release leash; in surf, use a coiled leash. Inflatable boards are stable, but conditions change fast, and basic safety gear keeps you protected and compliant with regulations.

Absolutely. Inflatable SUPs are perfect for families and pets because they’re wide, stable, and have soft, full-length deck pads. Always account for total weight — your weight plus kids, pets, and gear — and pick a board rated high enough. Trim your dog’s nails, use a canine life jacket, and introduce them slowly. Kids should wear PFDs and start sitting on the deck before standing. Because inflatables are soft and easy to climb back onto, they’re safer for beginners and pets than hard boards.

Usually not. The $200–$400 “Amazon specials” cut corners on materials and accessories. They often use thin single-layer PVC, weak seams, and heavy aluminum paddles. They flex under weight, cheap valves, proprietary fins, and wear out in a couple of seasons. A quality board like Glide’s costs more upfront, but you get better rigidity, higher durability, and a warranty that protects your investment. In the long run, a cheap board that fails is more expensive than a premium board that lasts for years. If you want to paddle regularly and actually enjoy it, invest in quality once instead of replacing a cheap board later. Having a USA finbox should be mandatory. You will lose a fin, and when you do finding a replacement will be much harder than you think if you do not have a USA style finbox.

Yes — it’s a low-impact, full-body workout. Every stroke engages your core, back, shoulders, and arms, while your legs stabilize on the board. Recreational paddling burns 300–500 calories per hour; touring or SUP fitness sessions can push 700+. It’s also excellent for balance and posture, since you’re constantly making micro-adjustments. Beyond the physical benefits, SUPing is mentally restorative. Being outside, on the water, is part of why so many people stick with it. Whether you’re training, recovering from impact sports, or just looking for a new way to get active, paddle boarding is one of the most effective and enjoyable workouts you can do.