Inflatable Paddleboard

A parade of inflatable SUP boards

Warm weather has finally reached New England, and with it, I am able to bust out one of my favorite summer companions—my inflatable stand up paddleboard. My beloved Sevylor is discontinued, but there are plenty of other quality boards at affordable prices.

Paddleboarding is a mostly relaxing activity, and with the versaility of an inflatable board, I am able to take it on road trips and explore the region by water. You don't need a roof rack transport or multiple people to lift an inflatable board, because they are not only light to carry when inflated, but when not in use they fold up and fit into backpacks (often included) that you can tuck away in just about any vehicle. Storing an inflatable SUP board is simpler than its fiberglass counterparts due to their compact nature as well.

The Sevylor boards and a number of others currently available come with the backpack for easy transport, a pump, patch kit, removable fin, and some come with a leash as well.

Many folks are naturals, able to quickly pick up on balancing, steering, and quickly gliding through the water, but I was not one of those people. It took a lot of practice and determination, and frankly, I'm still not a pro. But I love it.