Canoeing and kayaking are popular sports–if you want to sit down. For the more adventurous, paddleboarding challenges you to skirt across the waters in the fashion of ancient islanders. Although accomplished paddleboarders make it look effortless, they have actually spent a lot of hours perfecting their sense of balance and training their legs to respond to each shift in position as the paddleboard threatens to overturn. Mastering the paddle board can take a long time–if you do not have the right paddleboard.
As with anything else, modern technology has made it possible for aspiring island hoppers to practice this fun sport without careening headlong into the waves time after time. The secret is in the board. A paddle board for beginners, for instance, offers you all the fun while also offering you a wider standing platform and improved board stability. Consequently, without having to spend the best years of your life learning to paddleboard, you can be a relative master over the course of an afternoon.
Board Width VS Board Length
A wider board will offer more resistance to tipping sideways. That said, the greater surface area makes the board more susceptible to being buffeted by waves and wind. Similarly, a longer, narrow board will cut through the water easier, but the length, again, will make the board susceptible to waves and wind. For the best experience, you should pick a moderately long board that is also moderately wide. Boards between 10 and 11 feet usually work well for beginners.
Weight Capacity
A heavier board will resist tipping. Of course, in the water, this type of stability is what you want. However, you must remember that you will have to carry the board from your vehicle to the water, and you will have to carry your board anytime you are not in the water. Consequently, you will have to decide which is more important: portability or stability. If you have a hard time making this choice, consider the fact that the more time you spend in the water in the upright position will justify the extra weight. That said, most boards for beginners are not terribly heavy. Look for a board between 20 and 30 pounds.
However, as with any component, there is a trade-off. A heavier board will take slightly more effort to paddle through the water. As a rule of thumb, purchase the heaviest board you can comfortably carry.
Inflatable SUPs VS Hard Boards
A solid board will offer your feet more stability, but the movement in your feet will carry instantly to the board. As such, the board will tip much more easily. Conversely, if you do not inflate to the maximum level, an inflatable paddle board will feel much more difficult to stand on, but the air pockets in the board will not carry your shaky movements to the board as easily. Consequently, the board will actually be more stable on the water because your legs might shake, but the board will not. That said, as long as you inflate the board up as instructed, you are nearly guaranteed a solid, sure-footed ride.
Although it goes without saying, the following fact bears a little emphasis: in terms of an inflatable paddleboard, if for any reason your board suffers a puncture or tear, your day in the water will be done. As such, you should look for an inflatable board that has separate air ducts, so it does not deflate completely and all at once.
Similarly, look for one that is made of durable canvas or has double stitching. These types of boards are almost impervious to tears. Finally, investing in a paddleboard that comes with a patch kit will ensure you can get back on your feet and in the water as soon as possible.
Solid SUPs are nice because they don’t tend to puncture and if they do, you can still get around. The downfall is transporting them. Unlike an inflatable SUP that you can air down and pack in any car, you will need to consider roof racks and a place for storage when you get a solid paddle board.
Some Of Our Favorite Beginner Boards:
1. SUP NIXY Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Beginners
Features
The SUP NIXY standup paddleboard offers beginners a board that will ease them into the sport of paddle boarding. As an ultra-light board, it inflates to 20 pounds per square inch (psi), ensuring you will experience solid footing and no bounce. However, it is only 19 pounds when fully inflated, making it an easy board for beginners to haul, inflate, and store once the day on the water is complete.
Specifications
– width: 34 inches
– length: 10.6 feet
– thickness: 6 inches
– maximum capacity: 400 pounds
– weight: 19 pounds
– build: inflatable
Considerations
For beginners, this is a solid choice in that it is a complete pack that offers everything you will need to enjoy the water. The pump is capable of inflating to 29 psi, so you will never be unsure if your board is fully inflated. Additionally, the three fins do not require tools to remove them.
The 34-inch width ensures a wide, stable platform for your feet, and the double-laminated drop-stitching will provide you the peace of mind that this board is built to last. For beginners, the paddle is sometimes as important as the board. In this case, the T-grip provides you comfort and a no-slip handle. However, if you drop it–it floats. Basically, this boards adds up to lots of fun and few worries. This board is also great for SUP yoga and in my opinion one of the best paddle boards for beginners.
2. SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Features
The SereneLife paddleboard offers a 6-inch thick board that will help beginners maintain their footing as they maneuver with the adjustable-length paddle. The carrying handle ensures easy portability, and the storage pack keeps it safe from scuffs during storage. The leash plug allows you to attach the leash to your ankle, and the triple-bottom fin provides better handling and steering–exactly what beginners need.
Specifications
– width: 30 inches
– length: 10 feet
– thickness: 6 inches
– maximum capacity: 275 pounds
– weight: 19.6 pounds
– build: inflatable
Considerations
The extra-wide surface offers plenty of room for even the most uncertain of feet. Additionally, the 6-inch depth helps provide a low center of gravity, so the board rides in the water and not on the water. Finally, the double-layer construction ensures durability. That said, for mishaps, this paddleboard kit comes with a repair kit that will have you up and running again as soon as the quick-dry glue cures.
3. Rokia R Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard
Features
The Rokia R Inflatable paddleboard is designed for boarders of all skill levels. In terms of construction, it offers a military grade PVC that resists a variety of impact and scuff damage. After the board is fully inflated, the drop-stitch technology distributes the air evenly around the inner core. The result is a solid, evenly balanced board capable providing beginners the support they need as they learn to paddleboard.
Specifications
– width: 30 inches
– length: 11 feet
– thickness: 6 inches
– maximum capacity: 250 pounds
– weight: not specified
– build: inflatable
Considerations
This is one of the toughest inflatables on the market. Additionally, the detachable fin locks into place, offering improved steering, and the telescopic paddle adjusts for boarders of different heights.
Perhaps the best indication of this board’s quality is the 100-percent satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied, you get your money back–no questions asked. For beginners, there are hardly better ways to step into the sport of paddleboarding and have your financial investment be as safe and secure as you will be.
4. Driftsun 11-Foot Inflatable Stand-Up Extra Wide Balance Paddle-Board
Features
This inflatable paddleboard by Driftsun offers one of the most stable rides in the paddleboard market. For instance, it offers enough length to provide stability without increasing susceptibility to the wind or waves. Additionally, the extra-wide surface gives beginning boarders the confidence they need to stay upright and have fun. Although this board weighs a little more than comparable boards, the weight is designed to increase stability and keep beginners on their feet rather than in the water.
Specifications
– width: 34 inches
– length: 11 feet
– thickness: 6 inches
– maximum capacity: 400 pounds
– weight: 26 pounds
– build: inflatable
Considerations
The wider nose and tail are two design features beginners will appreciate. The wider nose will help keep the board from twisting, and the wider tail section will aid in keeping the tail from skipping or sinking beneath your weight as you adjust your footing.
Additionally, the EVA traction pad is extra-wide, providing you plenty of sure-grip surface area for your feet. The traction pad repels water, and its texture channels droplets away from you, so your feet will not slip.
For portability, the travel pack comes with wheels, so it eliminates lugging the pack across the beach. All you have to do is pull the pack. Additionally, the paddleboard comes complete with pump, detachable fin, and ankle leash. Finally, this board is so stable, it is capable of accommodating up to 400 pounds, ensuring a balanced, fun ride.
5. Jimmy Styks Amberjack Soft Top Stand Up Paddle Board
Features
Another sure-foot board for beginning boarders, the Jimmy Styks Amberjack offers a soft-top, padded, upper surface. This design helps provide more stability by making the upper deck less rigid.
In terms of assembly, the “click-n-go,” keyless fin allows you to easily secure the fin for immediate steering. Additionally, the tough, bungee bands secure your paddle when you are carrying the board.
The paddleboard is made of aluminum, so it is both durable and lightweight, capable of sustaining extended outings without bending or fatiguing you.
Specifications
– width: 32.5 inches
– length: 10 feet
– thickness: 5.2 inches
– maximum capacity: 280 pounds
– weight: 22 pounds
– build: non-inflatable
Considerations
This board is designed specifically to provide a fun, stable ride. The length ensures it is not overly susceptible to waves and wind while the dual-foot footpads are situated directly in the middle to lessen the chance of tipping.
It can support up to 280 pounds, and the board, itself, is stable enough for cameras. In fact, a camera mount is included. It is a soft top board with foam core.
6. Peak Escape Stand Up Paddle Board
Features
The Peak Escape Stand-Up is a lightweight, rigid, inflatable paddleboard that supports up to 250 pounds. It is both fresh- and salt-water compatible, ensuring harsh ocean elements are no problem. It offers a soft shell wrapped around a durable ABS bottom, which means it is nearly impervious to impact damage from dropping or scraping.
Specifications
– width: 32 inches
– length: 10.5 feet
– thickness: 4.5 inches
– maximum capacity: 250 pounds
– weight: 23.5 pounds
– build: inflatable
Considerations
A board truly made for beginners, it is designed to successfully accommodate an additional load, such as a small pet. The two-piece, floatable paddle is made of a durable alloy, and as any boarder can tell you, having one that floats is much better than the alternative.
The croc-skin surface provides traction, helping ensure your feet remain on the board, and if you want to sit and relax, dangling your feet in the water, the bungee straps will contain your paddle.
For ease-of-use, the electric pump quickly inflates your board. For fun on the water, it comes with a waterproof phone skin. Additionally, the phone skin has a wrist leash that allows you to secure your phone, so you do not worry about dropping it.
Finally, this board comes with a six-month warranty on materials and a 30-day sales guarantee.
7. ISLE Versa | Rigid Epoxy 10’5″ Standup Paddle Board
Features
The Isle Versa epoxy is a rigid, epoxy paddleboard designed for extreme durability and stability. At 27 pounds, it sits solidly in the water, and the raised nose and tail skip across small waves for a smooth ride. The coiled leash is 10-feet in length, allowing plenty of slack between you and the board. Finally, the grooved handle facilitates portability.
Specifications
– width: 32 inches
– length: 10.5 feet
– thickness: 4.5 inches
– maximum capacity: 275 pounds
– weight: 27 pounds
– build: rigid
Considerations
The two-piece paddle is easily extendable–even as you are paddling. Additionally, if you drop it–it floats. The center fin can be easily attached to assist with steering and stability, and the board is thick enough and wide enough to ensure boarders of all skill levels remain on their feet. Finally, the paddleboard includes a traction pad to ensure your feet do not slip.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our blog on sup boards for beginners. If you have any questions, thoughts, or opinions, please feel free to share them below in the comments. Please also check out our other paddle board reviews.