We are planning to caravan around Australia and plan to take a couple of inflatable sups. Got my eye on Uli about 10'. Have had a Southpoint for about 2 years then a Blend for about 2 years. I see a bunch of cheapies which I will avoid but what else is there for quality?
Naish now has an inflatable and Starboard is about to release 3 inflatables. Uli has a great track record but my only issue with them is the fixed fin which gets bent out of shape when you roll the board up. I understand Naish and Starboard and a couple other brands have dealt with this by making the main fin removable.
C4 ISUP - proven boards in the most extreme conditions, and they paddle and surf pretty well. The 10' and 10'6 are really stable, good paddling boards.
Blowfish are a new Australasian brand, developed by the same guys who make Incept white-water rafts. They are way more rigid than the C4 iSUP and and have a removable centre fin. I'm not sure about the price point in Australia but they are a wee bit cheaper than others in NZ. We've been using them in surf and Grade II white-water. No inflatable surfs as well as a custom or brand SUP designed specifically for surfing but they are not bad. The great thing is that they are almost indestructable and they won't hurt anyone in a collision.
blowfishpaddleboards.blogspot.com/
For anyone who has actually used an inflatable SUP, how is the glide?
Thinking the same sort of thing and wonder how they would go cruising along the coast in open water?
Hi Tomo67,
I've owned a Uli inflatable for about three years but only used it on holidays up North in the winter time. It's been an amazing bit of gear for the family to try and trash and have a bit of fun on and it has worked OK for a bit of fitness paddling.
As for glide, it has very little, and although the board is fairly stiff, it still bows with body weight on it and has pretty poor glide, especially compared with a quality allrounder or race board.
The inflatables have their strengths, but glide isn't one of them, neither is surfing. However, they are nearly indestructible, roll up small and serve most family needs quite well. We've gotten massive value out of ours and will keep it for the family holiday as well as taking away wave and race boards 
Take a look at the Hobie Inflatables here http://www.hobiesup.com.au/about/atrs/inflatable-10-8/
DM
I have the 12"6 C4, it definately doesn't have the glide of a race board but then its not designed as a race board is it. If your after portability and stowability then you cant go wrong with an inflatable. Definately less hassle to travel with, I've taken mine overseas and its pretty stress free throwing your board in the boot of a taxi rather than negotiating with a driver how to tie it on the roof
Tomo,
We have the C4 iSUP and the Starboard Astro, in our Osborne Park store so pop in some time and if you like borrow one and take it for a paddle.
Cheers,
standuppaddle.com.au
