Inflatable Windsurf Boards: The Ultimate Guide

The Evolution of Windsurfing

Over the years, windsurfing has seen significant advancements, from better sail designs to improved board technologies. One of the most exciting innovations in recent times is the rise of inflatable windsurf boards. These boards have become increasingly popular due to their portability, ease of storage, affordable price ranges and suitability for beginners and advanced windsurfers alike.

 

What Are Inflatable Windsurf Boards?

As you can probably defer from the main terminology, an inflatable windsurf board is one that you can inflate, deflate, roll up and pack away in a bag! Your traditional windsurfing boards are ‘hard’ and generally composed of a combination of fibreglass, poly, foam (EPS), wood, epoxy and sometimes carbon, the layers of these materials make a solid and durable board for out on the water!

Hard Windsurf Board Construction:

Materials Used:

The materials used in inflatable windsurf boards consist of PVC layers, dropstitch fibre technology, PVC or welded rails and a grippy deck pad on top. Due to the inflatable materials being more ‘sticky’ in water, the inflatable windsurf boards also feature a slick rail-release edge to allow for water to wick away more efficiently and make planing possible. Inflatables without this rail-release edge tend to struggle to pick up speed as the water ‘sticks’ to the underside of the board and can end up being sluggish, for windsurfers this is not ideal so this feature is a must!

 

The aspect of PVC layers and dropstitch technology creates a super durable board, perfect for those learning and reduces the risk of damage from bumpy, harsh surfaces. It also makes the board a lot lighter and softer when carrying the board and if one falls on the board too, as such they are popular for those getting into windsurfing.

 

Who Are They For?

As mentioned, inflatable windsurfers are primarily popular with beginners or those looking to get their first board. This is due to the main benefits that it folds into a bag (no need for a roof rack), it is softer on the knees and body, lighter to carry, cheaper, and more durable to bumps and falls (which we do a lot when learning)!

However, they are not just for the beginner market, the transportability and compactness of the inflatable boards are a preferred choice for many intermediates or ‘seasoned’ windsurfers too. The idea of having something that may be able to fit in a motorhome, be lighter for carrying but not compromise on performance is a very attractive aspect to these boards.

Many windsurfers who are fed up of putting the boards on the roof, filling in dings and lugging a heavy board around are now enjoying to the same level, pumping up their board form the boot of the car and blasting around on the water all day.

 

Why Choose an Inflatable Windsurf Board?

• Portability and Storage:

One of the top reasons people switch to inflatable windsurf boards is their compact nature. They can be deflated, rolled up, and stored in a backpack, making them perfect for travellers, those with limited space or those not wanting to use a roof rack on their car.

This increases the accessibility of windsurfing for those that previously have struggled with the storage and transportation of a hard windsurf board, whether just to and from the water or trying to take abroad with them too.

• Lightweight:

Another main advantage to going for an inflatable windsurf board over a hard one, is that they are a lot lighter and easier to carry. They are around 5kg lighter than your standard traditional board, and they include convenient carry handles to make it easier again. This makes getting to the water, but also in and out after a session easier as the kit is not too heavy.

• Durability and Longevity: 

Although an inflatable, these boards are super tough and durable, and a lot more resistant to bumps and scratches compared to a hard board. The PVC, dropstitch ad glued rails create a board that can ‘bump off’ surfaces and if you do hit anything, it is not going to need a repair unlike a traditional board. The materials are also hard wearing so with good care, the board again can last at least 8 years, etc.

• How Do Inflatable Windsurf Boards Perform?

As with any sport (windsurfing, paddleboarding and winging), a hard-material board performs better in the water, due to the ability of adding shape and rocker to the boards, and the materials can manoeuvre through the water better with less resistance, and as such pick up speed quicker.

However, modern designs on the inflatables means that this concern has been addressed and the rail-release design provides more glide in water and decreases the resistance of water against the underside of the board, so planing is a lot easier and requires less winds and effort. As such, they now compare a lot better to traditional boards and great performance can be achieved in multiple wind and water conditions.

 

 

Top Inflatable Windsurf Boards in 2024

*Best Overall*

STX Inflatable Windsurf Package - £889.99

We think the STX Inflatable Windsurf package is the best combination of board and rig for beginners to intermediate riders too. It is super portable, high-quality and has all of the features for a successful session in light to strong winds. It is beginner-friendly, easy to set-up but also progressive for planing and using a harness. The rig comes in a variety of sizes suitable for those of all levels.

 

*Best for Beginners*

STX iWindsurf RS: £659

This is the best-selling option for those purchasing their first windsurf board or planning to learn. The iWindsurf is a great shape, it is short and wide, with plenty of volume to enable beginners to feel stable yet manoeuvrable on the board. The slightly pointed nose allows for it to cut through the water and pick up speed through the rail-release technology too. The two plastic slide-in fins mean that beginners can easily go upwind, and the board's functionality is simple and beginner-friendly. The sizing is great for all riders, with lighter riders under 65kg opting for the 250 and larger riders going for the 280. This is our top recommendation for anyone windsurfing for the first time and wanting the benefits of an inflatable board.

 

*Best for Travelers*

Starboard Waterman package: £1598

This is great for travelling as the board and rig pack down super small, but remains as good quality for riders who are learning or planning when abroad on the water! The bags in this package are suitable for travelling and no bigger than a suitcase each. The board bag has wheels so even easier to transport around, especially good when you have not travelled with the kit often so great for first-timers. Also a good option if travelling around the UK and want to store it in a motorhome, etc as the rig is more compact so the complete package can fit nicely anywhere.

 

 

Setting Up Your Inflatable Windsurf Board

Inflation Tips:

When you purchase an inflatable windsurf board, it luckily comes as a package with all the items you need to get going! As such, to inflate your board it will include the necessary sup pump to pump it up to the right PSI too. PSI on these boards is generally from 15-18PSI and the valve is the same as an inflatable paddleboard, so a Halkey valve.

If you have pumped up and inflatable sup before, you will know that these valves have an open/close button under the cap, simply make sure the valve is in the ‘up’ position before pumping up as otherwise when you remove the hose from the board all the air automatically comes out. In the ‘up’ position, the air stays in the board even after the hose is removed, and only releases when you push on the valve and twist into the ‘down’ position. This ensures that the pressure remains constant in your board for ultimate performance during riding.

Attaching the Sail:

All inflatable windsurf boards will feature a small screw hole in the middle of the board. This is the point to attach your windsurf rig to the board, which may or may not come as part of your package (normally you just purchase the board). Rigs do not need to be specific for inflatable windsurfers, they can be any standard windsurf sail, mast, boom, etc.

The only difference for windsurfing on an inflatable board is that it is recommended to use a more flexible base joint to attach it to the board, which is known as a knuckle joint

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This part attached into the mast base or extension of your rig and then can screw into the board. Once attached properly you are ready to set sail!

Safety and Care:

Prior to any sport on the water, you should always check over your kit to ensure it is all put together properly to avoid any hazardous situations. In this instance of using an inflatable board, pump up the board and check there are no hissing noises or small air leaks. Ensure that the fins are secured properly and not likely to fall out if they hit the sand at force.

Make sure that the base joint is secured tightly in the board (screwed enough to not come out) and that the rig is then attached and you hear it click as it connects, give it a quick pull to make sure that the mast will not come apart from the base!

Once all of this is checked over, head over to the water, and don’t forget your buoyancy aid!

 

Inflatable Windsurf Boards: FAQs

Q: How long do inflatable windsurf boards last?	A: As with any purchase, the lifespan of an item extends with proper care and use. Inflatable windsurfers are easier to maintain and remain in a good condition due to the durable tough materials of the boards. They don’t chip, crack get dinged, as the inflatable aspect to them ‘bounces’ off surfaces and objects, but they may require small fixes such as glue repairs. Additionally, good care of boards through rinsing them off, drying the board and storing in a dry, cool area can lead the board to last more than 10 years!
Q: Are inflatable windsurf boards slower than traditional boards?	A: This is a bit of an ambiguous question, as there are so many different types of traditional (hard) windsurf boards, and so it depends what you are looking at. However, in general we would say that yes, inflatable windsurf boards are slower than a hard board. This is mainly due to the shape of them being rounder so less hydrodynamic, more buoyant as the inflatable aspect means it sits above the water more, and the technology of the board being a harder material for water to move off so it has a bit more drag. There is the feature of the rail-release edge technology on many inflatable windsurf boards, but it still does not mean that it is a faster board than your standard hard windsurf board.
Q: How easy is it to repair a puncture?	A: Inflatable windsurf boards are constructed the same was as an inflatable sup, so any puncture or leak along a seam can either be repaired easily with the repair patches and glue provided, or if extensive it can be professionally repaired by a repairer too. General repairs though can be done at home and take about 3 days to complete and dry to reuse again! Simple really.
Q: Can you use an inflatable windsurf board in choppy conditions?	A: The pure windsurf-specific inflatable boards are designed for all level-riders and can be used in a variety of conditions, whether flatter water and lighter winds, or stronger wave-riding conditions! We have many riders from the shop be super shocked but happy that their inflatable windsurf board could handle those conditions.

 

Is an Inflatable Windsurf Board Right for You?

Overall, if you find that the traditional-style windsurf board is frustrating you in some way, whether that be the higher price, heavy weight, issue of transportability or the delicate construction, then the inflatable windsurf board should be the answer to your problems. 

Inflatable windsurf boards answer most problems riders have with hard boards, but they now do provide a great riding experience too for those who are more intermediate too.

We can't recommend enough an inflatable windsurf package if you are starting out too, it is transportable, more durable and cheaper so before you get so good you can size down, grab one of these that can suit every style and level of rider!

 

Browse Inflatable Windsurf boards.

Any other questions give us a call on 01202 700503 or email info@pooleharbour.co.uk