Rent or Buy an Inflatable SUP Board?

Inflatable SUP board (iSUP) has become a popular water sport in Canada, but for beginners who are considering joining in, a new question arises: should you rent or buy an inflatable SUP board? Here are some factors to help you make your decision.

The average market price for inflatable SUP board rentals in Canada is basically in the following range, and the prices may be higher in popular attractions.

Hourly rental: about CA$20 - 30.

Half-day rental (4 hours): about CA$40 - 60.

Full-day rental: about CA$60 - 100.

For those who only use it once or twice a year, renting can save you the upfront cost of buying an inflatable SUP board.

Purchasing an inflatable SUP board requires a larger initial investment, and most well-known brands of inflatable SUP boards in Canada usually cost between CA$500 - 2,500. Of course, you can also consider big brands like Funwater, which are known for their affordability and performance. The price of Funwater paddle boards is usually between CA$179.99 - 299.99. At the same time, they have a young and fashionable design style, which once became the king of the single volume in the European and American inflatable SUP board market.

Renting can save you from storage problems and maintenance responsibilities. Many rental shops also provide paddle board accessories, including pumps and life jackets, to ensure that you have everything you need. But again, you are not sure whether the inflatable SUP board you rent is safe.

Owning your own inflatable SUP board means you can paddle freely anytime, anywhere without worrying about the opening hours of the rental shop or the safety of the inflatable stand up paddle board. Inflatable SUP boards are easy to store and transport, take up less space, and there are actually no big storage and transportation problems. Similarly, as long as the brand of paddle board you choose to buy is guaranteed in quality, it is not easy to have maintenance problems if it is properly cleaned and stored.

If you are an inflatable SUP board novice or only paddle once or twice a year, renting is an ideal choice. It allows you to try different paddle boards and help you match the right inflatable SUP paddle board before buying.

For frequent paddlers or those looking to explore remote waters, owning your own inflatable SUP board is a must. In Canada, not all waters have rental shops, and the price of four rentals is enough to buy an inflatable SUP board at will on the Funwater website.

Inflatable SUP boards for rent are standard models designed for general use. While reliable, they may not meet specific needs such as advanced stability, speed or weight capacity.

When buying an inflatable SUP paddle board, you can choose an inflatable stand up paddle board that suits your preferences and skill level. For example, Funwater Paddle Boards has all-around paddle boards, racing SUP boards, kids SUP boards, fishing SUPs and yoga SUPs to suit a variety of needs.

Renting is great for recreational paddlers, but does not offer the benefits of long-term ownership. Repeated rentals add up and eventually exceed the cost of purchasing the board.

If properly maintained, an inflatable SUP board can last for years. For paddlers who love paddling and value the independence of their equipment, owning an inflatable SUP board is worth it.

If you’re an occasional paddleboarder or just testing the waters, renting an inflatable SUP board may be the best option. However, if you’re passionate about paddleboarding or plan to make it a regular activity, buying an inflatable SUP board may offer better long-term value.