Inflatable SUP- Honest Look at iSUP's vs. hard boards

For more information: https://www.blueplanetsurf.com/blogs/...
An honest comparison of Inflatable iSUP's and hard boards. The pros and cons of iSUP boards, what they are good for and what they are not as suitable for, differences in iSUP construction, longevity, survey results, and recommendations. Truth: some are facts, some are opinions, your comments and questions are welcome down below.
Pros of inflatable boards: portability, durability, soft surface for safety
Cons: Pumping/ longer setup and breakdown, flex, limitations of shape, longevity and seam issues, risk of puncture, lower performance in some conditions.
Recommendations: Get a well made inflatable from a reputable manufacturer, or choose a solid hard board for better performance in surf or rough water.

survey results:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/...
survey link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8ZMZYR3

For more information about our $599 iSUP closeout sale (while supplies last):
https://www.blueplanetsurf.com/blogs/...

Videos mentioned and in B-roll:
Alaskan SUP adventure- board puncture video (at 5:10):
https://www.supthemag.com/videos/alas...
Grand Canyon SUP river trip:
   • Grand Canyon SUP river trip  
Paddling iSUP's in Venice:
   • SUP in Venice Stand Up and Gondola pa...  
Waterfalls of Iceland:
   • Waterfalls of Iceland  
Makaha SUPsquatch at Uncle Buffalo's contest:
   • Buffalo Surf Meet at Makaha- SUPsquat...  
Foil iSUP:
   • SUP Foil Inflatable by Rémi Quique  

One point I forgot to put in the video: Thinner iSUP's are better for surfing as the thinner rails work better for carving on the wave but the downside is more flex. Thin boards flex a lot even if inflated over 20 psi, the thicker the dropstich material is, the less the board flexes. The difference in flex between 4" thick and 6" thick iSUP's is dramatic.
So for flat water, get a thick iSUP but for surfing thinner is better if you can deal with the flexing. Just don't expect an iSUP to get anywhere close to the performance of a good surf SUP hardboard. Tripstix, a new German business, is working on an inflatable board with tapered rails, and nose/ tail as well as vacuum chamber granule stringers, it looks promising but I think they will run into several issues with this construction as well: https://www.tripstix.de

For now we are focused on hard boards and possibly two part hard boards for airline travel as we feel that the inflatable technology is just not there yet (for performance boards).

Regarding Fishing iSUP's:
If you are using the board in calm water, an inflatable could work. Go wide and stable so you can stand while casting and fishing without being wobbly. I would say at least 35" or wider depending on your weight and height. Check out BOTE, they have both hard and iSUP's that are made specifically for fishing. I don't have much expertise in the area, otherwise, I would make a video about fishing Stand Up Paddleboards. I would also consider the risk of puncturing an iSUP since you have sharp hooks and knives when fishing. If you live in a hot climate, a solid epoxy board will probably last you longer as iSUP's can degrade quickly in the heat. Also check out this cool L2fish catamaran by Live Watersports:    • Outdoor Retailer Show: Live Waterspor...