{"id":2771,"date":"2021-06-06T01:00:57","date_gmt":"2021-06-06T07:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thepaddleboardnerd.com\/?p=2771"},"modified":"2021-06-06T04:19:25","modified_gmt":"2021-06-06T10:19:25","slug":"paddleboard-surfing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thepaddleboardnerd.com\/paddleboard-surfing\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Surf With A Paddle Board SUP or An Inflatable SUP?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s the Difference Between Paddle Boarding and Surfing?<\/h2>\n

One of the most significant differences between paddle boarding and surfing is the paddle boarder uses a paddle to propel themselves forward and doesn\u2019t need waves.<\/p>\n

A surfer always requires some surf to ride.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, they would spend all their time paddling around only using their arms.<\/p>\n

You won\u2019t often see a surfer floating around on flat water, but you will see a lot of SUPs cruising on the ocean, lakes, or rivers.<\/p>\n

See Also:\u00a0Best Inflatable Paddle Boards (ISUP) for Beginners<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

What Is Paddle Board Surfing?<\/h2>\n

Paddle board surfing is a real thing and can be easier at times than traditional surfing.<\/p>\n

Surfing is all about timing, getting yourself in the perfect position at the perfect time to start riding a wave.<\/p>\n

When paddle board surfing it\u2019s easier to catch a wave because you can paddle while standing. Giving you a larger window to get into the right position.<\/p>\n

The problem with them is they are harder to maneuver and are only good for small to medium-sized waves.<\/p>\n

See Also:\u00a0Inflatable Paddle Boards vs. Solid (Hard) Paddle Boards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Epoxy paddle boards are made with the same materials as surfboards but are thicker and sometimes wider. They are the best kind of paddle board for surfing.<\/p>\n

If you are going to be surfing a lot, try and buy a short, thin board with a long center fin and two smaller \u201cside bite\u201d fins.<\/p>\n

Inflatable paddle boards can be used for surfing and perform well. A cool thing about them is they have a little more give than hard boards which can work to your advantage when hitting choppy water.<\/p>\n

The main downside to them is they need to be thicker than hard boards.<\/p>\n

The sides or rails of a surfboard are thin to stop the board from catching on the water and spinning out. They come in different thicknesses and shapes for performance and maneuverability.<\/p>\n

Because ISUPs have to be a certain thickness to stay rigid, they are less customizable.<\/p>\n

There are some cool ISUPs with a focus on surfing, click here to see our article on the best options<\/a>, that can work well regardless of the rail problem.<\/p>\n

\n

Surfboard vs SUP vs ISUP<\/h2>\n

You might be asking yourself \u201cwhy not use a surfboard for paddle boarding?\u201d<\/p>\n

The main reason is they are not nearly as stable as paddle boards and will be very difficult to use without falling off.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not saying it\u2019s impossible, but it would take a lot of balance work and practice.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re having a hard time deciding between buying a traditional surfboard or a paddle board here are a few pros and cons.<\/p>\n

See Also:\u00a0Best Slim Inflatable Life Jackets (PFD)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\"Surfboards
Surfboards are thinner and more maneuverable than SUPs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Surfboard<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n

PROS<\/p>\n