There are two main differences between regular and inflatable paddle boards – design and price. Regular paddleboards are made from one solid piece of material (plastic or fiberglass) and can’t be packed. They are larger and heavier than inflatable paddleboards and require accessories like a car roof rack.
Inflatable paddleboards feature a rugged PVC shell filled with air that gives the board its shape. They require electric or hand pumps to be inflated. Due to their packable design, these boards are easier to transport because. Most cheap paddle boards come with SUP board bags that makes carrying even easier.
Finally, the prices can be drastically different between regular and inflatable paddleboards. As we’ve pointed out, regular paddleboards are usually made from high-quality plastic or fiberglass. This makes them durable and sturdy, but also more expensive. On the other hand, cheap paddle boards can keep the price down because they use less material in the construction.