Inflatable surfboards

As close to a blow up raft compares to a fiberberglass board.

 

I rode shawn's board, and it was quite surprising - like riding a longboard, it stays stiff and you can even cross step on it.
It's kinda like I would imagine a really big bodyboard to ride like.
It wouldn't be my first choice but if the beach patrol ever lets them be used during the day I would get one so as to surf on non-surf beaches.

 

This is actually a very good point...

 

Some beach patrols let you use these

 

By looking at the videos, especially the SUP board video. it looks like the guy has to keep paddling while on the wave in order to keep up. it doesn't seem like these things have a whole lot of leverage to really charge the face

 

Actually it paddles alot better than you would think, this board paddles like a 10'0 getting into waves. As for speed down the line that depends on wind, wind is your worst enemy when your riding a board that only weighs 10lbs blown up. Once you get used to the ride the fins track very well and you can pump and pull a floater, no cut backs on this board, the fins are flexible plastic so they will give with alot of pressure.

I originally bought the board back in 04 to become a rep for ULI for the MD/DE area, but the demand was just not there.

It does take some balls to ride this board in the crowded inlet, you will get some stares and gawks and laughs, but I usually have the last laugh as this board out paddles most boards in the lineup.