Inflatable SUPs

The inflatable sup or "stand-up paddle" is a leisure activity - a sport - that has become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, this activity combines the pleasure of gliding on the water, walking and physical effort. Practicable almost anywhere in the world, the advantage of the inflatable sup is that it's easy to transport on a bike, motorcycle, car or on your back. Once you've found your spot, all you have to do is take the paddle out of its bag, inflate it and get in the water. Suitable for use on the sea, river or lake, paddling is an ideal pastime for families and friends.

Prism offers a range of quality inflatable boards for novices and experienced sportsmen alike, at attractive prices all year round. This quality comes from our expertise in board manufacturing.

The origins of stand-up paddling

Polynesia is the cradle of surfing. Indeed, the ancestor of the surfboard was discovered in the West by Captain Cook, who in 1778 observed Polynesians surfing the waves on boards carved from large tree trunks, using an oar. It was in the early 20th century that Americans imported these boards, known as paddleboards. In 1928, Tom Black won the first paddleboard racing championship. The writer Jack London, a journalist at the time, also published articles on this pastime, which gradually won the hearts of Americans, then Australians with the Beach Boys era, who made surfing, like sup, very popular.

As time went by, boards and accessories evolved. The Beach Boys now use canoe oars, which are lighter than wooden ones, and compete with surfers. The sup has the advantage of being wide and easy to catch waves. What's more, its upright position enables its user to anticipate incoming waves and catch them at the right moment. Since the 2010s, the sup has returned to a culture more in tune with its environment. The inflatable sup marks an evolution in this sport: the board can be put in a bag, then on the back, to find the best inlets, lakes or rivers to explore.

Why start with an inflatable sup?

The inflatable sup has many advantages. In addition to being easy to transport and store, it's also very durable and made to travel in any condition. If you have a boat, for example, the inflatable paddle is an excellent alternative to a dinghy, and won't get damaged if it's not sheltered. Last but not least, it's a board that can take a lot of abuse, and will withstand even the biggest shocks. This board is ideal for beginners -- for kids. Less rigid than a traditional paddle board, it will hurt less in the event of a fall, and will stand up better to novice paddling strokes! Prism offers a well-made inflatable sup range ideal for beginners.