Get started with the best in-house brand that watersport has to offer with Decathlon’s very own — Itiwit. Our specialist team is made up of SUP enthusiasts that know stand-up paddling inside-out, including the unique demands paddlers face on the open water, whether it’s for touring, racing or surfing. First and foremost, it's always a good idea to decide between hard and inflatable paddle boards, by thinking about the pros and cons above. Once you've come to a decision on this aspect, you can then refine your search and begin to look for the right size, shape, and finish (look out for funky-coloured models, like our range of red paddle boards, to really stand out from the crowd!). To select the right paddle board length, it's best to opt for a model that's at least 10" taller than the user's height, for optimum balancing. The X100 is a good compromise between a beginner-friendly wide width and a narrower nose, which allows you to reach a decent speed when you get going. Rounder noses usually offer better manoeuvrability, but this board didn't feel tough to turn – it's easy to start out on but will also still be great fun as you progress. On top of the board, tactile rubber panels offer good grip if you're standing up and are comfy to kneel on, and I liked the added indentations where your feet go, so that you can feel where to place them when you transition to standing without having to look down. Bungee cords at the top of the board help to secure a dry bag to the board. Paddle boarding is much more than just a water sport; it's a holistic experience that provides a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. From improving physical fitness and mental well-being to fostering a sense of community and connection with nature, paddleboarding offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a new way to stay active, paddleboarding is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that can enrich your life in countless ways. So, grab a paddle, hop on your SUP board, and embark on a journey of wellness and discovery on the water. Paddleboarding allows you to explore and discover new places, from hidden coves and waterways to remote islands. SUP trips offer a unique perspective of your surroundings and encourages a sense of adventure and exploration. Starboard’s GO range is much wider than this one board. There’s a variety of lengths and widths, so you can choose the right balance of support and performance to match your skill and weight, as well as a selection of materials and designs. Carbon Top is extra light, Tikhine is decorated with ocean artwork, Starlight supports windsurfing equipment, ASAP stands for “as strong as possible”, and Lite Tech is strong and comes at budget prices.

A paddle should be taller than you, coming to roughly the height of your wrist if you hold your arm over your head. For most of us, that’s about 15cm to 30cm above our height, although longer paddles are ideal for faster speeds and shorter paddles are considered best for hitting the surf. What else do you need? No, paddle boards can be either hard-bodied or inflatable- the choice is yours when it comes to selecting the right kind of board. While hard paddle boards have a range of benefits, such as minimal setup and a robust exterior, inflatable paddle boards stand out when it comes to more convenient storage, weight, and travel.The longboard design means the Bamboo Bullet is ideal for touring as well as surfing, while the wide shape makes it easy to control, even for beginners, meaning this board works well for anyone. Made from a foam core surrounded by bamboo and coated in three layers of epoxy glass, this is a board that can take a beating. If the materials sound a bit slippery when wet, don’t worry: there’s a full-length traction pad on the top to keep feet in place. Aside from the board, to SUP, you’ll also need a paddle – it’s in the name, after all. Paddles can be fixed in length, detachable (so they break down into smaller pieces for easier transport) or adjustable, depending on your height or use. Suitable for all ages at L302 x W72cm, and able to keep beginners confident when standing thanks to its textured non-slip EVA at the centre of the board, the HOMCOM Inflatable Surfboard also has a rear fin that aids stability in the water. One final factor to consider is price. As with anything, you get what you pay for, and in our ranking, we've chosen beginner's paddle boards that range from the downright bargainous through to the spendy-but-tempting. Bear in mind that good quality, desirable beginner boards are always popular in the second-hand market, so buying well will pay dividends later in cash as well as enjoyment. How we test the best the best stand-up paddle boards for beginners All of that, alongside the price, mean this isn’t a paddleboard for beginners but for experienced paddlers who are looking for top speeds in waves or flat water. Despite the thin profile and fast design, it’s also known for solid stability. Beyond performance in the water, the SIC has nice touches including easy-to-grab handles and a bungee strap for essentials closer to the middle of the board.

Indeed, due to their inflatable nature, they can easily be deflated and rolled up to allow for storage in even the smallest of spaces, unlike hard paddle boards that can require a significant storage area - especially if they're a full-sized model. Inflatable paddle boards are also much lighter, which typically makes them easier for children to carry to and from the beach. Plus, lightweight paddle boards are likely to be used more frequently, allowing you to get the most for your money. You can also adjust the length of the included paddle to suit your height, meaning everyone has a reason to have a go. Easily deflating and folding away in its bag at the end of a session by the sea, this paddle board is a downtempo, relaxing way to get newcomers to surfing used to the waves - or help experienced surfers take a more chill approach to their beach day fitness. Key specs – Total weight: 11kg Length: 327cm; Width: 79cm; Volume: 192L; How much can it carry? 100kg; Accessories? Not included.

Explore our range of Paddle board equipment and accessories, designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced SUP levels by watersports experts in Dorset, UK. Key specs – Total weight: 14.5kg; Length: 320cm; Width: 80cm; Volume: 185L; How much can it carry? 60 to 80kg, upgrade to the larger model if over 80kg; Accessories? Does not come with paddles or leash. Stand-up paddle boarding is often described as the fastest-growing sport in the world, and while we have no idea how to judge that particular statistic, it’s unquestionably increasingly popular in the UK. Trail Outdoor Leisure says it has seen sales of paddle boards increase by 117% this year. Finally, inflatable paddle boards are great for jet-setters that like to hit the beach in their spare holiday time, as they can easily be rolled up and placed into a carry bag or luggage compartment. Hard paddle boards, on the other hand, are often heavy and more awkward to carry when you have additional airport luggage. Generally speaking, inflatable paddle boards are convenient and great for beginners, whereas hard alternatives are better for professionals who require a more durable board. How to select the perfect paddle board Storage is another key consideration. Stand-up paddle boards are long and bulky, so think about where you’ll keep it and how you’ll transport it to the water. If you’re short on space, an inflatable paddle board may be a better idea. How do you choose a paddle?

It's stable, beginner-friendly and comes with everything you need to get on the water, and its neat cargo system means that it's easy to take all your stuff with you too. The only real downside (apart from the steep price) is that while it's a delight in the water, it's a lot less fun to manoeuvre on dry land; however, Red has done all it can to make this as painless as possible. If tandem paddling feels like your thing, this is definitely the way to do it. Generously proportioned, super stable and available at a sensible price, the Two Bare Feet Entradia 10’ 10” is one of the best inflatable SUP boards for beginners and bigger paddlers, but it’s more than just that. It’s tons of fun even for more experienced paddlers, especially if conditions are lumpy or if you have small family members that want to get on board. The kit is really nicely put together too.

The best paddle boards you can buy in 2023

Ensure you have proper safety equipment, notably a leash that connects your ankle to the SUP so there’s no risk of losing it in case you fall off, as well as a personal flotation device. If you’re paddling at night, bring waterproof lights so you can be seen by boats, and if you’re taking along valuables such as keys or your phone, consider purchasing a dry bag. Paddleboards are big, unwieldy items, so it may be worth buying a strap to make carrying it easier. Construction is a key consideration, but usually an easily resolved one. The days of stand-up paddle boards being mainly solid fibreglass or expanded foam have long gone. If you have a campervan or live next to the water, then a solid construction will make sense, as these are almost indestructible and perform much better in the water. But if that's not the case (which it won't be for most), then you'll want one of the new breeds of inflatable SUPs. Paddle boarding is an easy way to hit the water for a relaxing float on a sunny day, for a new way to work out, or to explore nature. Lessons aren’t strictly necessary, but taking an introductory course or at least renting a board before buying will give you a better idea of what you actually need. Prices of SUPs have come down, helped by advancements in inflatable technology, meaning even those without a garage for storage or van to transport their board can still take up this relaxing sport.