Best Inflatable SUP Features for Surfing

What features make one inflatable paddle board better for surfing than another?

Hard paddle boards surf better than inflatables. But in this post I am comparing inflatable to inflatable. Looking for the features that make one inflatable sup board surf better than another.

Inflatable vs Inflatable

8 iSUP Features That Matter for Surfing

If you are buying a new inflatable sup board and plan on doing some surfing here are the features you should look for:

1. Shorter Length

You can ride a wave on any size iSUP. Whether it’s a race board or a giant two person board you will be able to catch a wave. But shorter paddle boards ride waves much better. They are more agile so you will be able to get in, out and around a wave easier. And shorter boards turn easier and quicker on a wave.

2. Pulled in Tail

Look for a pulled in tail which will allow the board to make quicker, more response turns needed when surfing. It will give you more grip and makes a noticeable difference on top and bottom turns.

3. Thruster Fin Setup

Fins on a surfing iSUP are very important. Because the rail shape and thickness is the same from nose to tail on an inflatable SUP they have little grip on a wave. So you must control the board with the fins.

A thruster setup is one center fin and two side fins. A thruster fin setup gives more control on the wave.

4. Stiff Fins

Stiff fins will give a quicker response when making a maneuver than “flex” fins.

5. Fins Near the Rails

Having side fins close to the rails (and far back on the tail) has a profound impact on your ability to control an inflatable sup when making turns on a wave.

Side fins close to the rails will give you more drive on the bottom turn and more grip on the top turn.

Again, this is important because the rails on an iSUP have little grip, being the same shape (round) and size from nose to tail.

6. More Rocker

More rocker is needed to avoid nose diving when catching waves on an iSUP.

7. Stiffer is Better

Stiffer is better for every aspect of surfing. (and flat water paddling) A stiffer board is more responsive. For example when catching a wave you need to step on the tail to lift the nose (and prevent the board from nose diving). The stiffer the board the quicker the nose will lift.

It’s important to inflate your board to the maximum recommended air pressure for maximum stiffness.

8. Thickness of 4″

Most inflatable paddle boards are 6″ thick. When surfing a thinner 4″ rail is much better. A thinner rail allows you to dig more rail into the wave. Giving you more control and drive.