The best inflatable paddleboards for every experience level

When buying an inflatable paddle board, Kidd says there are four main parameters to consider: length, width, thickness and volume. “They will determine what style of board it is, how it will paddle and ride, how stable it will be and whether it can carry you.”
Length: In terms of length, most paddleboards are around 10 feet long, although some (especially tandem ones) can run a little longer. According to Kidd, the length of the board determines how it turns and how well the board will go in a straight line. “Longer boards will paddle straighter and slide better, while shorter boards are easier to turn,” he notes.
Width: Most paddleboards range from 30 to 35 inches, although a common length is 32 to 34 inches. “Z is one of the main factors in the stability of the board,” explains Kidd. “It also affects the overall speed of the board,” he adds, noting that narrow boards are fast but not as stable, while wide boards are much more stable.
Thickness: Thickness may not seem like much, but it’s something to consider because, in combination with volume, according to Kidd, the thickness of the board will determine how stiff the inflatable board will be and how much weight it can support.
amount: “Volume is measured by the amount of water it will displace if completely submerged,” says Kidd. With that said, volume gets a bit tricky, and with an inflatable board, Kidd notes that it’s mostly about how much the board can carry. If you’re concerned about how much weight a board can support, most companies list the weight, which is the same thing.