SUP yoga is a versatile and rigorous training that involves paddling and yoga routines. The best part of this physical activity is that you get specular views of the ocean or the lake while having relaxing meditative stretches.
This is perhaps the reason why the popularity of SUP yoga is growing at a very rapid rate. However, it is very critical to choose the right SUP board for your needs.
In this article, we will review some of the best inflatable SUP yoga boards available on the market. These boards are the best option to improve your balance, coordination and strength on water. If you are serious about SUP yoga, we hope that you will find a suitable yoga SUP board that meet your needs.
Most of the top brands are getting in the trend of designing inflatable SUP boards that are specifically for yoga. These boards have a larger area, stable and more comfortable than other surfing board types.
Here are some of the best inflatable SUP boards for yoga.
i. ISLE Airtech Inflatable
Technical specification
- Size- 10’4’’ x 31’’ x 6’’
- Weight- 18.2lbs
- Max capacity-255lbs
- Material-Military grade PVC
- Volume- 224litres
- Paddle length- Adjustable from 65’’ to 86’’
- Accessories included- Paddle, backpack, pump, gauge and removable fin.
This is our top pick inflatable SUP board for yoga because it features a wide nose which makes it more stable. Also, it is made with high quality material which makes it rigid and durable. Furthermore, it is very comfortable for doing yoga routines.
The Isle Airtech features cool colours and stylish design and is likely to appeal to female paddlers. Nevertheless, there is nothing that makes it exclusively feminine, and anyone can use it. Fortunately, it is thick with a wide surface to support varied types of yoga poses.
This SUP yoga board is extremely lightweight at only 18lbs. In fact, it is about a third lighter than most inflatable SUPs on the market. When on the water, it is difficult to differentiate it from hardboard SUPs.
Since yoga involves a lot of moves, you would want a board that is sturdier and stable. This board ticks both boxes. It is not only six inches thick, but it is also made from military-grade PVC with laminations lengthwise the sealing layers. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this board will definitely support you.
Most yoga paddlers look for a board that is designed for flatwater use. This inflatable SUP board is versatile enough to be used on various water conditions. However, since it a big board, it may struggle to catch larger waves.
Even though it is a large board with a top notch construction, it is remarkably portable. When rolled up, it can fit perfectly in a travelling backpack. This means it easy to store, and you can take it on your travels.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Ultra-sturdy
- Six inches thick
- Can be used on flat water and small waves
Cons
- Slow to inflate
- The paddle does not float
ii. Red Paddle Co Ride
Technical specifications
- Size- 10’8’’
- Weight- 28lbs
- Max capacity- 220lbs
- Material- Military-grade PVC
- Volume- 296 litres
- Paddle length- Not included
- Accessories included- Pump, backpack, pressure gauge and repair kit.
The Red Paddle Co Ride is larger than most standard inflatable SUP boards on the market and is specifically designed for yoga practices. In addition, it is also more stable than most surfing boards.
This is more than a large floating platform. It has three fins with a large centre fin that enables the user to control the board and manoeuvre easily.
It is incredibly sturdy, stable and made with high quality material. The durable construction ensures that your adventurous yoga is safe and steady.
Furthermore, the board has an anti-slip pad that covers a large area on the surface. This offers a soft and comfortable surface to do your yoga exercises and sufficient grip to keep you steady on the board.
It is available in two different size options. The bigger one measures 10’8’’ and 34’’ wide while the other one is small measuring 10’6’’ and 32’’ wide. Since both options have similar design and functionality, choose the right size that suits your height and weight. Although a larger board is more stable, it is slower and difficult to control.
Pros
- Two different size options
- Strong and durable
- Large and poses for more stability
- A non-slip pad that covers the surface
Cons
- A paddle not included
- Slightly expensive
iii. Solstice Bali SUP
Technical specifications
- Size- 10’8’’
- Weight-26lbs
- Max capacity-250lbs
- Material- Reinforced 3-ply PVC
- Paddle length- Not included
- Accessories included- Bag, pressure gauge and pump
The Solstice Bali SUP is the perfect board for beginners. Even though it is affordable, it does not compromise on quality since it is made from high quality materials. Also, the inflating process is very easy and quick.
This board has been made using three layers of reinforced PVC material with durable drop stitches which makes it durable and buckle-resistant. Consequently, the board is perfect for yoga routines on the water.
Due to its size, the board is suitable for light adults or beginners. However, heavier adults and experienced paddlers may find it unstable. This is because despite being long at 10’8’’, it is narrower than most inflatable SP paddles designed for yoga.
Nonetheless, this board features a large anti-slip pad on the surface to enhance the yoga experience. The pad offers sufficient grip, which is necessary for yoga practices.
Although it does not feature bungee cords like most standard inflatable SUP boards, it comes with four stainless loops where you can tie your items. This will enable you to secure your belonging when going for yoga excursions.
Pros
- Buckle-resistant design
- Lightweight
- Easy and faster to inflate
- Anti-slip pad
Cons
- Unstable for heavier paddlers
- Does not come with a paddle
iv. Ten Toes Board Emporium weekender
Technical specifications
- Size- 10’ x 30’’ x 6’’
- Weight-30lbs
- Max capacity-275 lbs
- Material- Military-grade PVC
- Paddle length- Adjustable
- Accessories included- Adjustable paddle, detachable fins, pump and repair kit.
Although it comes at a low price, it has an incredible built quality that makes it stand out from the rest. In fact, it is rigid and buckle-resistant such that you can’t differentiate it from hardboard SUPs when on water.
Stability and sturdiness are very crucial factors to consider in a yoga inflatable SUP board. Even though this board is small at only 10 feet long and 30inches wide, it still offers more than enough room for different types of yoga routines.
Apart from providing sufficient space for yoga exercises, it also offers comfort. On the surface of the board, there is a large textured anti-slip pad that will provide adequate grip and reduce chances of slipping. After some time of use, most anti-slip pads show signs of wear and tear. The manufacturer offers a solution by providing a replaceable deck pad as standard on every board.
Due to its size, it is possible to build up speed or use it in light surfing. However, it is most effective when used on flat water either for yoga or paddling. This board features three detachable fins that enable the paddler to track and control their moves easily. So, it is ideal for both beginners as well as professional paddlers.
Unlike the two previous boards, this inflatable SUP comes with a paddle. Although the paddle is basic, it is more than sufficient for yoga practices.
Pros
- High quality construction
- Large non-slip mat
- Tracks and glides well on flat water
- Comes with a paddle
Cons
- Slightly smaller
SUP for yoga Buyer’s Guide
i. How to choose the best inflatable SUP for yoga
The first thing you should consider when looking for an inflatable SUP board for yoga is the shape. It should have a wide nose and tail to help you balance when doing your yoga routines without falling off.
A longer and thicker board will provide more stability than a short and slimmer board. Also, a board with more air volume is considered to be more stable. You can get a board with a pressure of 15PSI or more to get extra firmness and stability.
Keep in mind that the size of the SUP board should depend on your weight and height. However, as a matter of fact, the best SUP board for yoga should be between 10’ and 10’8’’ long and 32’’ to 34’’ wide.
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing a SUP board for yoga is the grip of the anti-slip pad. The best board should feature a large, textured pad to provide comfort and prevent slipping. There are no specific dimensions to consider provided; it is sufficient enough to try different yoga poses.
Most other types of SUP boards such as fishing and touring boards feature bungee cords and carrying handles on the surface. Although these features are handy, they are not suitable for a SUP board for yoga. This is because even small obstacles can hinder some yoga poses. So, most yoga SUP boards feature carrying handles on the sides and do not have bungee cords.
When looking for accessories for your inflatable SUP board for yoga, you should consider an anchor. Getting immersed in yoga practice can cause you to lose concentration of the surroundings. This is not a big deal when practising on land, but it can be dangerous when doing it on water. For instance, the tides can change unexpectedly. However, an anchor will keep you firmly in place, allowing you to focus on your routines instead of concentrating on balancing the board.
ii. What is SUP yoga?
Stand-up paddling yoga is the art of performing yoga routines while on a floating board. This activity is enjoyed on calm water such as a lake. If you are beginner, you can practice and train on dry land or swimming before advancing to larger water bodies.
For a long time, yoga has been practised on hardboard SUPs. However, in the recent past, inflatable SUPs boards have been gaining popularity in practising yoga. In fact, some inflatable SUPs are specifically designed for yoga. As a result, they offer a stable and buoyant platform which glides and track well on water.
Stand-up paddling is an exercise itself that involves a lot of balancing. Nonetheless, when combined with yoga routines, it offers a better workout. Trying out different yoga routines while maintaining the balance on water improves core stability better and quicker compared to stand-up paddling on its own.
iii. How hard is SUP yoga?
The best part of SUP yoga is that it does not require previous experience of either stand-up paddling or yoga. However, it does not mean it is a walk in the park.
Already, stand-up paddling is a good workout that forces the paddler to balance and improve core strength.
On the other hand, yoga is a great workout. Even though it may take time to master, it helps to tone muscles and improve the cardiovascular system.
Therefore, combining the two workouts can be tricky. Since both activities require balance, when it comes to falling into the water, controlling movements to stay afloat is extremely difficult.
Nevertheless, SUP yoga is a relaxing exercise, and a good instructor should tailor the routines to suit your experience level and water conditions.
iv. Inflatable SUP yoga vs SUP yoga
Due to the advancement of design features, the gap between solid SUPs and inflatable SUP boards is closing fast. Nowadays, there are only a few variations, and if and a high quality inflatable SUP board is inflated to capacity, it is difficult to differentiate it from hardboard SUP.
When it comes to SUP yoga, stability is a critical factor to consider. So, it is very important to choose the correct size board. A fully inflated board is sturdy and does not buckle at all, so there is no specific advantage of using a hardboard SUP.
However, an experienced paddler may notice slight variations in the feel of the water underfoot when using an inflatable SUP board. At first, they may find it disconcerting until they realise that the feel of water movement underneath leads to smoother paddling.
The ultimate decision to choose between an inflatable SUP and hardboard SUP comes down to convenience. Inflatable SUPs are extremely portable because they can be deflated and rolled up in a backpack.
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