What thickness iSUP is best? Pros and cons

What thickness iSUP is best?... It's a good question and one we get asked a lot at SUPboarder. But it's not that simple and not just a case of saying 'that one'. There are pros and cons to all iSUP (inflatable SUP) thicknesses. In this video we will be looking at the main differences between two of the most common iSUP board thicknesses... a 4 3/4" (120mm) and 6'' (150mm) iSUP. Deciding which one you go for is then up to you!
Read more on SUPboarder here : wp.me/p38Bcs-8St

[@gpjens]

Great sort o Q&A. Makes me more confident that I bouht the right iSUP for me. Thank you :)

[@benrichardson9526]

Really helpful video, I'm looking to get my first board and been looking at all the options...

[@anthonysmart7898]

Thicker board also = more windage and most importantly it's a lot easier to climb back on a thinner board!

[@SUPboardermag]

Agree Anthony. Think this older video could now do with an update... Climbing on is a big point that many paddlers especially with BA's or life vests overlook. Thanks for the comment Reuben

[@NicollasVerneck]

I have a thick jimmy Sykes isup and I can relate to the rails issue. I tried to surf it today and I was in perfect angle and speed yet I missed waves that I would get in my longboard no problem. it would also pearl alot probably cuz there is no rocker to it.

[@kevinalmeida7159]

you have to burry the tail in the water if you want to catch a wave with an ISUP there is little to no power on surface of water you have to be in the wave to get the power hard boards are always submerged an ISUP glides above the water so stand hard on that tail

[@bharatthapa2736]

Thanks for the video. Very useful.

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DaylightRob210]

Very helpful to me as a beginner - thanks

[@SUPboardermag]

You're very welcome!

[@ggss1176]

thanks good vid

[@kevinalmeida7159]

forgot to mention that thicker boards are harder to climb on from deep water also harder to freestyle harder to do anything but go fast thinner boards go slower but easier or more fun to play on

[@SUPboardermag]

Good points Kevin. Thanks for sharing.

[@zatoichi101]

I am 6'4" and nearly 136kg. I am a big guy. I would really like to get into a decent iSUP, and would like to find one that I could ride in smaller surf. Watching your video, I can see that you're clearly in favor of the 4" models, but I am seriously doubtful that those boards could even support me. What would you recommend?

[@SUPboardermag]

Yeah, go with the thicker boards. Will give you way more stability and rigidity. As for the surf most iSUP will be able to catch small waves. But if you end up getting into it and want to get into some bigger waves then a hard board will offer you way more performance. Due to the thicker iSUP having thicker rails which don't work as well in bigger waves. The RRD 's would be a good bet due to them having the bigger US box center fin which will help you out a lot in the surf. Giving you more grip. Hope that helps Reuben / SUPboarder

[@joshnicoll6761]

Sorry if this has been asked but do you put your boards away wet? I paddle rivers a lot and always rinse the boards dry them (as much as I can) and then sort of loosely unroll them in the shower to dry all the way (as it's never sunny in England haha) but I'm wondering if thats really necessary? Like could I just unzip the bag a bit and let them dry rolled up?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi Josh, great question. We would suggest if you're using the boards regularly, then there's no need to full dry the boards. However, it is good practice to dry your boards because damp areas can promote bacteria and mould - especially if you leave the board for weeks without use. Towelling off your board after rinsing is recommended to try and dry as much as possible. Sounds like you're doing the right thing though if it's in regular use. Cheers, Beau

[@Jocx12]

I´m looking forward to buy my first ISUP, i´m 1,72cm with 65/67 kg.....wich one is most suitable for me? The board is the Aquamarina Vapor (4") or the Fusion (6")....they are both 10'10''x30''

[@SUPboardermag]

You will find that the 6'' board will be stiffer, but for your weight you might not need to go for the thicker 6'' board. I haven't used that brand of boards so I'm unsure about how stiff they will be to other boards on the market.

[@Jocx12]

I´ll be using it to surf a little bit (try.....), and on flat water, and to ride it my 5 year son.....for extra weight the 6" it´s better?

[@SUPboardermag]

You could probably still get away with both boards because your less then 70kg. But the 6'' would give you more stability when you have your son on board. Just remember that the thicker boards, wont work as well in the surf. But if you're only going a few times a year a wouldn't worry. Happy paddling Reuben

[@TalkCafe]

Hope I'm not too late to replay to you. I have an AquaMarina Thrive (9'9"x30"x6") and it's explicitly stated in the manual that it is forbidden to surf on it (and this is one of the stiffest boards of the brand). Of course you can try, but I wouldn't. On the other hand, Vapor and Fusion are too long to surf on waves with, even more considering your height and weight. As far as I know. I'm not an expert of the topic, just a friendly advice. And I know the Thrive, and it's a great fun to paddle on, but it's stiffness is way far from the one needed to surf.

[@kevinalmeida7159]

my ISUP is 3 inches and it flexes less than my girlfriends 6 inch ISUP and mine is 18PSI hers is 15PSI my isup is for windsurfing has sharper rails cost me 285 dollars hers was 369 so not so sure this guy has a grasp on the math or science but ok!!! the crazy thing is my ISUP im modding it to have extra fin extra bungee and a gopro mount use it as kayak, surf the waves and blew my mind for no extra cost came with sail and rigging hahaha.... i can freestyle with my ISUP alot easier than my girlfriends..... but her board is nice because we loaded it up with 3 riders and stay dry. my board barely at water level with 2 people on it. the top and bottom deck design of my ISUP was designed to have sharper rails and stiffer decks. who knows how long this no name windsurf board and sail will last at this crazy low price but i will repair any failures and or toss it and buy new.... crazy people pay over 500 for a board intended for the non serious people soft boards are for those who want to become serious and hard boards are for the regulars take their play serious hahaha

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Kevin, Your 3" iSUP sounds interesting and a very good price. What brand is it? This is video is fairly old now and things in the iSUP world have moved on a long way in construction terms since then. ;-)

[@j.j.2831]

The deflection levels on water won't be as near as those tested on air with 2 (apart) supporting points and the diference between the boards may be therefore illegible.

[@SUPboardermag]

Your right the bend on the board will be different on the water. But it does give us a gauge to do all boards off though that we can control. Thanks for the comment.

[@sedmidivka]

I find it so strange when Americans are using metric only in mm, I mean they can talk about the wall being 3000 mm high 😂😂😂 That sounds so funny :D You were like "120 mm" which if you grew up with metric you would automatically say "12 cm" :) No hate, it's actually cute and thank you for converting it at all :)

[@SUPboardermag]

Yeah the sizes given in can get a bit of a headache. Thanks Reuben

[@legoworldstudios]

3.33 anyone saw the alligator in the ocean?

[@SUPboardermag]

😂

[@BryceLovesTech]

Rad Paddle CO There is no substitute. Please do not buy another brand other than this I have tested most of them

[@artemasward5842]

Only cheap boards need to be thick to be hard. Go down to the surf break and ask a kid why their boards are thin.