Paddleboarding has taken the world by storm and continues to see growth with all walks of life from water sports newcomers to seasoned salty dogs.
Paddle boarding has removed a lot of the previous barriers that many other water sports had.
The boards are longer, wider and more buoyant making them easier to get the hang of then many other board sports and watersports.
Also with a whole different range of activities and uses for your paddleboard it doesn’t matter if you want to sit and paddle, stand and paddle or throw yourself into breaking waves.
The paddleboard welcomes all.
With that being said as paddleboarding has progressed so too has the board options available.
This is a great step forward for what is possible on paddleboards but it doesn’t make choosing the right board particularly easy if you’re a beginner.
When you just do your cursory search of the internet for paddleboards you will see a variety of different types such as: inflatable, epoxy, SUP surf boards, Racing boards.
The list goes on and on.
Although this variety is fantastic at ensuring there is a board for everyone regardless of obstacles, size, weight and most importantly preferred activity.
It does make knowing which board to purchase a tad difficult.
When you think about what a beginner board should be a few things come to my mind.
To me a beginner board should include the following traits:
- Stable & Buoyant
- Easy to set up and use
- Suitable for all activities
- Easy to transport
- Cost effective
When you start looking at which boards include all these traits the obvious choice to me is the inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Range.
In fact one particular bond springs to mind.
The best stand up paddle board for beginners is the Ride MSL Inflatable SUP by leading inflatable paddle board company RedPaddle Co.
This board is 10’6” long, 32 inches wide and 4.7 inches thick. This combination makes the board nice and stable whilst not sacrificing on performance and maneuverability.
It is known as an all-rounder board as it welcomes you to paddle on flat water such as lakes, face the choppy sea or throw yourself into head-high waves.
RedPaddle Co are the leading inflatable SUP manufacturer for good reason, you really can’t go wrong with these boards.
Now this may be my number 1 pick but it is by no means the only option.
Inflatable SUP’s are a great introduction to the world of paddleboarding.
Inflatable boards are a great way to start as they can be easily transported, offer great stability on the water, can be designed to suit all activities and they are also relatively soft which can reduce injury.
It is a tough task to find something more suitable than an inflatable paddle board for beginners.
In fact it is a tough task to find a board more suitable for all levels of paddleboarders.
When inflatable paddleboards first came to market, they were fairly basic, bulky by design and offered very little performance.
However, with the progressive technology and impressive design teams you can now get high performance stand up paddleboards that can be deflated, rolled away and placed in the cupboard under your stairs.
So with that being said I am going to start this article by listing off my top 5 picks for best inflatable Stand up Paddle Boards for beginners.
Best Inflatable SUP for Beginners
RedPaddle CO. RIDE MSL Inflatable Paddle Board
As noted above the best inflatable paddleboard you can get on the market today is Ride MSL Inflatable Paddleboard.
It is an inflatable paddleboard package which means it comes with everything you could possibly need to get started with paddleboarding.
In the package you will get the following contents:
- Backpack
- Pump
- Paddle
- Fins
- Leash
- Accessories
RedPaddle has a few patented features in their boards which is what makes them as special as they are.
The first of which is their RSS Stiffening system which is coupled together with an exclusively owned MSL Fusion technology system.
Now I know these terms don’t mean anything to you but in short they translate into an extremely rigid and stiff board which is good for performance whilst remaining light and nimble.
The board is designed to glide over manners of water, be it mirror lakes, choppy seas, head high swells or white water rapids.
The Ride MSL will do you proud.
If you are a beginner and looking for a board that will allow you to try just about anything paddleboarding can throw at you then this is the board for you.
If you are in the US and wish to purchase click here – RedPaddle Co Ride MSL – US
If you are EU/ UK based click here – RedPaddle Co Ride MSL – EU
Premium Inflatable Alternatives
RedPaddle is always the safe choice but I get it maybe the above doesn’t tick all the boxes for you.
If that’s the case I have put together a few alternatives that will offer the same performance packaged up with a different design.
Tower Adventurer 2
The chances are if you have ever looked at photos of paddleboarding you would have seen tower boards.
Tower is one of the largest manufacturers in the world and their boards are rampant on stock image sites.
The fact they are seen in so many different photos is a pretty good indicator as to the quality and performance of their boards.
The Tower Adventurer 2 is the successor to the board you would likely have seen a thousand times in different photos, videos etc across the web.
The Tower Adventurer 2 is 6 inches longer than the original but shares the same performance and stability that made the original so popular.
The Tower Adventurer 2 is 10’4” long by 32” wide and 6” thick.
This length, width and thickness combination is perfect for beginners who want a stable buoyant board that is both light and nimble.
You may notice that this board is rather thick coming in at 6 inches.
This level of thickness makes this board fantastic for those heavier riders or those who wish to add additional weight such as camping equipment or your little furry friends.
By furry friends I mean pets of course.
This board is suitable for weights up to 400lbs.
You can buy this board separately or as a package although keep in mind the package doesn’t include a carry bag or repair kit.
To purchase the Tower Adventurer 2 I recommend going directly to thier website for the best price – Tower Adventure 2
Irocker Nautical 10’6”
IRocker have been making quite a name for themselves in the paddleboarding world.
Their performance premium range the Blackfin is considered to be amongst the best inflatable sup on the market.
Their Nautical range is their entry level option to get beginners into the wonderful activity of paddleboarding.
The Nautical is 10’6” long, 32” wide and 6” thick.
You are probably starting to notice the golden ration for all-rounder beginner boards.
Again these measurements lend themselves to all activities whilst staying light, agile and stable.
The IRocker nautical is a package item which means you get a great board, comfortable backpack, Single chamber dual action hand pump, fiberglass adjustable paddle, 3 flip lock fins and a 10’ coiled leash with built in keysafe pocket.
Considering this is a premium brand and the quality of the equipment you get with this inflatable SUP this is an absolute steal.
Any beginner paddle boarder would be ecstatic with this board.
Just in case you need further reassurance of how good this board is, I have inserted a screenshot of the reviews and average star rating.
If you wish to purchase you the Irocker Nautical you can do so directly from their website by clicking here – Nautical IRocker
THURSO Surf Waterwalker All-Round SUP
The Thurso Surf Waterwalker can be purchased in three different sizes.
Each size increases not only in length but also in width.
The thickness however stays at 6”.
I personally recommend that for beginners the best length board is the 10’6” model.
Although this board is 1” narrower than the others listed on in this section it still offers a good level of stability suitable for beginners.
Thurso boards in general all feature a double layer construction which consists of triple/ quad military grade PVC with reinforced Carbon rails and PVC Seams to prevent delamination.
This combination of materials makes for an extremely strong rigid board that is suitable for all levels and activities.
The Thurso Waterwalker SUP again is a complete package which means you get the board, carbon shaft paddle, double chamber pump, centre and side fins, coiled leash and roller backpack.
The Thurso Surf Waterwalker comes a few little handy features which make it one of the best multipurpose boards on the list.
This board is suitable for SUP Kayaking and it also features a paddle holder on the rail of the board that allows you to secure the paddle to the board for a hands free experience.
The fins use quick lock technology meaning you can set your board up as you require as you can use it as a single centre fin, twin fin or traditional 3 fin setup.
The Thurso waterwalker steps back up in price but if you plan to do other water sports such as kayaking or SUP Yoga this board is a great choice.
Again the best place to purchase the Thurso Waterwalker is straight from the horses mouth.
Check out the Thurso Waterwalker Here
STARBOARD IGO DELUXE 10’8 – 2020
The starboard IGO deluxe is probably the most stable and buoyant board on the list.
It is not only one of the largest boards but also the widest.
The Starboard IGO Deluxe 10’8” long, 33” wide and 5.5 inches thick.
Being the longest and widest is fantastic for paddling and stability but it does reduce the maneuverability, this makes this board good for things such as SUP touring or recreational paddling but it does start to veer away from SUP surfing.
The Starboard IGO Deluxe is a package purchase which means you get everything you need.
Included with your purchase of the Starboard IGO Deluxe you get a zen lite rucksack, easy install fin, double action pump, repair kit, adjustable paddle, 2-in-1 shoulder carry strap and paddle holder as well as your standard leash.
The starboard IGO Deluxe is a fantastic option if you like a little more length and width for your board to give you that extra underfoot confidence.
I will say though it is priced rather high compared to some of the other top notch boards on the list.
If you are in the US and want to purchase the Starboard IGO click here – Starboard IGO US
If you are in the EU or UK you can head here instead – Starboard IGO EU
Fatstick Airstick Inflatable Package
Now I will be honest, this board and this brand is quite close to my heart.
Not only are they situated quite literally round the corner from me, their boards and specifically this board was a big part in starting mine and my brothers business.
When we started our business Sup2you.co.uk we contacted the owner (who we know through surfing locally) and asked him for his best rate to secure some boards and get started with our business.
Once we had secured a few of the premium boards we felt it best to get some budget boards also.
With that being said we picked up a good selection of Fatstick Airsticks and the budget model.
Obviously prior to going gun ho and purchasing the Airsticks we had to trial them and put them through their paces.
It took me and my brother all of about 5 minutes to decide that these were the boards for us.
The Fatstick Airstick again is an all-rounder board that is sold as a package.
The Airstick is 10’6” long, 32” wide and 5” thick.
I have said it time and time again but we once again have the golden ratio again.
When you head over to their website you may be a bit surprised to see just how competitively this board is priced.
Now you may think this means that they have cut corners on quality right?
In fact Fatstick were even able to squeeze in some extra tech into their budget by incorporating an additional PVC stringer for extra rigidity and strength.
Nope not at all, Fatstick have worked hard to offer an entry level paddleboard suitable for the whole family that doesn’t bankrupt you.
In fact the only thing fatstick has cut from this board is the packaging.
Fatstick has taken a big stride to cut down on single use plastic to save the planet which means when you open up your fatstick package you will find paper packaging rather than plastic.
The Airstick is extremely stable, buoyant and nimble this means it is perfect to glide across lakes, battle through white water or throw down water rapids.
You can just about go anywhere and bounce off of anything with these boards.
Like most of the boards mentioned so far, the Airstick is sold as a package.
This means when you buy the board you also get a comfortable rucksack, adjustable paddle, pump, repair kit, removable centre fin and coiled leash.
If you want a board suitable for the whole family that offers quality for an unbelievable budget you really can put your trust in the Airstick.
If you want to purchase your very own Airstick click here
Epoxy SUPS
Okay so I guess if you’re still reading this, you really don’t want an inflatable paddleboard.
If you have the space to store the board and accessories and you can easily slide it into your VW Transporter or whatever vehicle you have then I get it.
You may as well save your arms and yourself some time having to pump it up and deflate it all the time.
Now I obviously am a huge fan of the inflatable boards but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the epoxy range.
In fact having always surfed on performance longboards the feel you get from a hardtop board is just different.
They are traditionally thinner in thickness so you feel more like your cutting through the water rather than gliding across it.
In the epoxy range you can get both hard tops and soft tops.
Hard tops are obviously solid underfoot whereas a soft top is an epoxy board coated in a soft foam for better protection.
I have leaned more towards the soft top variations in the below list but for my number one pick I had to go for a specific brand and a specific board.
Best Epoxy Paddle Board for Beginners.
ISLE Outpost Paddle Board Package
ISLE Surf Shop are honestly content marketing kings.
Their website is well designed, their information is top notch and their boards are built to last.
I have been really impressed with pretty much everything ISLE has done in the last few years and their Epoxy Outpost Paddle Board is no exception.
The Outpost Paddle Board is 10’6” long, 32” wide and 4.8” thick.
Yes I am going to say it again, the Golden ratio of beginner all-rounder paddleboards.
Isle describe this board as virtually indestructible and able to withstand abuse.
This is thanks to their thermo-moulded polycarbonate outer shell and shock absorbent rail system.
This board is designed to be experimented with and put through its paces.
If you want a board that will offer good performance whilst maintaining that dreamy length to width ratio then the Isle outpost is definitely the board for you.
When you purchase the Outpost you will receive their board, coiled leash, touring centre fin and carbon hybrid adjustable paddle.
If you want to purchase the ISLE outpost click here to buy direct from their website.
Best Epoxy Alternatives For Beginners
Fatstick Foamie Soft Top
The first alternative I want to suggest comes from one of my favourite brands for all the reasons I noted above.
Fatstick have really focused on providing performance at an affordable rate.
Obviously as the name suggests this is an epoxy board with a fiberglass deck that is then covered in a nice foam blanket to make it performance based whilst staying soft and safe.
Foamies can be a great starting point for beginners as it allows for a lot of trial and error without the tears.
When you first start anything new you will inevitably fall, trip, stumble etc..
Knowing that when you fall on this board you land on a cushioned foam is a nice reassurance to have when you are first dipping your toe in.
As noted above I actually first learnt to surf on a foamie and not once did it stop me from performing and ripping up the south coast waves.
This Fatstick Foamie comes in two colour options, one yellow and one pink.
The Foamie is 10’2” long, 32.5” wide and 4.5” thick.
Now you will notice this board is slightly shorter than the others which makes it more nimble on the water allowing you to carry out tighter turns and pick up greater speeds when riding waves, or bouncing around white water rapids.
As this board is shorter and not particular thick it does mean the maximum weight capacity is slightly lower than some of the other options coming in at a maximum weight load of 120kg (Or 265lbs).
If you are a larger rider you may want to avoid this board but if you are under this limit this board is a great choice for performance and safety.
Click here to purchase direct from Fatstick
Fanatic Fly Soft Top
For any of you who are not new to the watersports scene, particularly the surf scene will most likely be familiar with Fanatic.
Fanatic have been a major player in the watersports scene for many many years now.
They are a very innovative company who truly understand what it means to be out enjoying the water.
They are known for building terrific performance boards and accessories.
The Fanatic Fly Soft Top is no exception and does the brand proud.
It is geared towards beginners specifically with that soft top wrapped epoxy board.
The Fly comes in two different sizes, one being the golden ratio and one being larger in both length and width for the larger riders.
The two sizes available are noted in the below table
| Length | Width |
| 10’6” | 31” |
| 11’2” | 34” |
Besides the obvious difference the main reason they offer two is to cater to larger riders or people who may want to carry additional things with them on their journeys.
If you want the 106” option the recommended rider weight is between 65-88kg if you want the larger board, being the 11’2” option the recommended weight for this board is between 88-105+kg
Fanatic are a company who have also been at the forefront for performance so if you want a performance board that won’t turn away in terror at head high waves, choppy long distance paddles or harsh white water rapids then the Fanatic Fly Soft Top is a great option.
As far as I know as there are different options available they don’t offer a package deal so you will need to pick up things such as paddles to bundle with this item.
One last thing to note on this board, is that if you are interested in wind surfing on your SUP this board comes with a mast locking point to allow you to have a windsurfing set up.
Purchase you very own Fanatic Fly Soft here
Connelly Classic SUP
Connelly certainly know a thing or two when its come to watersports.
Connelly started as a manufacturer of water ski’s in the 60’s, they started out making white cedar ski’s before advancing to create fiberglass Ski’s in the 70’s & 80’s.
Once they had a firm hold of the ski market the next logical step was to branch out and supply a greater demand.
This is why now Connelly makes a lot more than just ski’s including wakeboards, Knee Boards and obviously paddle boards.
Obviously water ski’s are considerably different to paddleboards in shape, size, performance etc.
But the lessons learnt developing premium ski’s has catapulted them forward in their knowledge and understanding of exactly what it takes to create a great performing paddleboard.
This brings me on nicely to the Connelly Classic Sup.
The Connelly classic sup is an epoxy hardtop paddleboard with a fiberglass finish and large EVA Deck pad.
It is available in three different sizes that all lend themselves to different activities.
The three sizes available are listed below
| Length | Width |
| 11’6” | 33” |
| 10’9” | 32” |
| 9’9” | 31” |
As you can see none of these boards quite fit the golden ratio the others seem to fall under but that doesn’t seem to affect the feel and ride of this board at all.
If you are larger and looking for something nice and stable, or perhaps you like to bring your pets along with you on your travels then I would look to pick up the largest of the boards being the 11’6” long with a 33” width.
This board will be fantastic for overall stability on the water but obviously being larger in each direction does make the board more bulky which in turn means less maneuverable
If you want something that is going to be quick and nimble and will thrive in head high waves then you are definitely going to want to pick up the 9’9” board.
If however, you are looking for a nice middle ground and a board that will do anything, go anywhere and keep a smile on your face I would suggest you punt straight down the middle and pick up the 10’9” option.
This board again appears to be a single item purchase so you will want to get all your accessories in line before buying the board.
Purchase your Connelly Classic here
Budget SUPS
So I have waffled on about premium brand SUP’s for long enough, I think it is time we dive into some budget alternatives that you can pick up to get out on the water and start playing.
I would however, recommend that you consider carefully if it is really worth saving the extra $100 to pick up these budget SUP’s.
Now that isn’t to say that they aren’t good and will still serve a purpose, but one thing that has always run true in my business.
The budget paddleboards have always, 100% of the time, given me more headaches than the premium options.
As they have to reduce costs to be able to sell them at such a competitive price it does mean a few things need to happen.
The boards aren’t as full featured and often the materials used are not as good, this leads to the board or accessories becoming damaged or worn much quicker than the premium boards.
That being said if you really want to get out on the water but have a very strict budget, the best thing you can do is pick up one of these boards and ensure your care and maintenance is top notch.
Trust me it will save a lot of headaches and issues further down the line.
The budget boards I would recommend are as follows.
ROC Inflatable SUP
Now I will be honest I put this heading in the article during my outlining process. I have heard nothing but good things about this board and then when you go and look at the reviews and customer feedback it is overwhelmingly positive.
However I am actually not going to recommend this board to you.
The simple reason being, it just isn’t budget anymore, as the brand has grown in popularity and received recognition.
They unfortunately have started pricing their boards as such.
Considering this brand doesn’t have a rich history in the industry like the boards noted above and given the fact that I personally have never ridden one.
I just can’t feel safe in recommending this board.
I think Roc has done a fantastic job at breaking into the industry and I’m sure if they continue to impress they will be a major player but with the pricing point they have opted for now.
They kind of put themselves in this weird spot between budget and premium.
I am excited to see what they have to offer in the future but for now if you are willing to spend this much on the board, just stretch that extra $50 and go with a trusted brand.
ACOWAY Inflatable SUP
Based on what I mentioned about the Roc SUP by recommended pick for budget friendly beginner stand up paddleboards is the ACOWAY Inflatable SUP package.
The ACOWAY falls into that perfect golden ratio for all-rounder beginner boards measuring 10’6” long, 32” wide and 6” thick.
It is also sold as a package meaning you get the following items included with your purchase:
- Aluminium Adjustable Paddle
- Fins
- Coiled Leash
- Repair Kit
- Pump & Hose
- Waterproof Valuables Bag
For the money this has to be one of the best budget boards you can get especially when you consider everything you receive with the package.
If I was to start picking holes in this selection it has to be their overall listing on Amazon.
Now it is clear that this is manufactured by a Chinese company and to be honest there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
In fact most premium brands get their boards made there too.
However the listing contains lots of spelling mistakes, unfinished bullet points and images.
Fortunately the listing doesn’t affect us once we have the board and are out on the water enjoying it.
A few things to consider if you do purchase this board, firstly you need to make sure you give the valve a tighten after every 4-5 uses. In the repair kit you will find a valve tightener that can be used to adjust the tightness of the valve.
Take the tightener and give it some gentle persuasion to tighten the valve up and prevent any air escaping when in use.
The second thing to consider is the adjustable paddles.
My experience with budget paddles is that the often get stuck together, specifically if you have been using them on a sandy beach or in very salty water.
The best way to prevent this is to apply some vaseline to the sections of the paddle which slide or clip into another section.
The vaseline will help protect the paddle and also allow a bit of lubrication to help you get the paddle apart after use.
If you are on a tight budget and you are desperate to get into paddleboarding.
This is my number one recommendation, by no means do I think this is the absolute best board you can buy.
But for the very attractive price tag I do feel this board is going to be your best bet.
To purchase the ACOWAY Inflatable SUP Click here
SereneLife Inflatable SUP
Another serious contender for the Budget SUP crown is the SereneLife Inflatable SUP.
The SereneLife SUP is colourful in design and surprise, surprise is 10’6” long, 32” wide and 6” thick.
The board is extremely durable and is designed to take a beating.
This makes it perfect for beginners who want to explore or experiment on the waters and put their paddle board through the paces.
The SereneLife SUP is again a package purchase.
In the bundle you will get the following things:
- Inflatable PVC Reinforced board
- 3 piece fin setup
- Adjustable Paddle
- Manual Pump & hose
- Coiled Leash
- Carry Bag
- Waterproof Valuable Bag
If you want a reliable budget board I would have a seriously tough time not recommending this board.
In many aspects it is better than the ACOWAY board, but that is to be expected given the increased price.
If you are looking for a reliable board that really can take a beating and do it with a smile.
I highly recommend you pick up the SereneLife Inflatable SUP.
If you are a heavier rider or plan on transporting more than just yourself, I would actually recommend this board over the ACOWAY.
To pick up your SereneLife SUP Click here
Final Thoughts
I expect you can probably tell from this article but I honestly feel if you are a beginner looking to get into paddleboarding then your best bet is to go for an inflatable board.
If you are really opposed to going inflatable then I trust my recommendations have guided you well and you have a good idea of which board you want to choose.
When it comes to budget I have only included inflatable options. This is mainly because the epoxy budget boards really aren’t much to write home about.
If you are on a really tight budget then by all means go with one of the budget options.
If you can afford to wait and save up a little I would suggest you head back up to the top of the page and pick one from the major brands.
*Pro Tip – If you wait until winter time you may be able to pick up an insane deal as manufacturers look to get rid of old stock ready for the new seasons.