So you want to try paddleboarding – great! If you’re totally new to the activity, you’ll want to find a board that is best suited for beginners just learning to steady themselves on the water. A great beginner board will be steady and slow-moving to give you a chance to learn how to balance and paddle. Take a look at some of the best beginner paddleboards available in our list below.
What is the Best Paddle Boards For Beginners?
You are here to find the Best Paddle Boards For Beginners and we did all the necessary research to make life just a little bit easier for you. With so many options and products available, we narrowed the selection down for you to the absolute best 8 Paddle Boards For Beginners and reviewed why they’re worth your time and money.
We have also compiled a list of main things to consider before buying beginner boards for paddling which you can find later on in this article, together with some helpful FAQs. So let’s get started with the list of Best Paddle Boards For Beginners.
1. Run Wave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board For All Skills
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 30.2 pounds (13.7 kg) Size: 132 x 33 x 6 inches (335.3 x 83.8 x 15.2 cm) Solid / Inflatable: Inflatable Type: SUP Materials: PVC Accessories included: Air Gauge |
The Run Wave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is definitely one of the big boys in the realm of inflatable SUPs. Constructed from the highest quality military grade materials, this board has a built in drop-stitch core that’s ultra-light, for improved comfort and resilience, making it almost indestructible. Its 11 foot length and 33 inch width will certainly offer plenty of room to move around when you’re riding the waves on this board. Its got a high weight carrying capacity, able to support up to 352 pounds. Accessories also include a pump for easy inflating, a carry bag, and a paddle.
Pros
- This model includes an air gauge to assist in getting the fill psi right,
- Their great sales service policy means a safer purchase for you,
- The deck has a non-slip pattern to keep you safer when it’s wet,
- Easy set up and assembly right out of the box
Cons
- Customers sometimes find damaged parts out of the box,
- Some people have reported not receiving a pump in the box
2. Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with sup Accessories
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 17.5 pounds (7.94 kg) Size: 120 x 33 x 6 inches (304.8 x 83.8 x 15.2 cm) Solid / Inflatable: Inflatable Type: All-Round Materials: Aluminum Accessories included: collapsible aluminum paddle, removable fin, coil safety leash, hand pump, waterproof bag for essentials such as cell phone and keys, and an upgraded backpack |
Here’s another entry, in the market of iSUPs, it’s the Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with sup Accessories. Roc company has been producing these since 2019, so it’s a fairly recent design. This is one of the lightest weighing iSUPs around, at 17.5 pounds, so carrying it won’t feel like a chore. Only 10 ft long, this board offers a deck that’s extra wide and stable at 33 inches. Pet friendly, your pooch won’t feel like you’ve overlooked their needs when you bring them aboard. A maximum weight rating of 350 pounds means you won’t overload this board, even with a friend along.
Pros
- Includes a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty at no added cost,
- Constructed of military grade materials for longer life,
- Package includes many accessories to enhance your board,
- Safe for paddleboarding on rivers, lakes, or the ocean
Cons
- Some customers have reported unsatisfactory service,
- The quality of the construction has been called poor by some customers
3. FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Acc
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 120 x 30 x 6 inches (304.8 x 76.2 x 15.2 cm) Solid / Inflatable: Inflatable Type: SUP Materials: Polyvinyl Chloride Accessories included: 1×inflatable paddle board, 1×adjustable sup paddle ,3×fins , 1×sup pump , 1×backpack , 1×waterproof phone bag, 1×leash . |
The FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable Ultra-Light SUP is a light-weight alternative to other standard boards, which may weigh up 35% more, on average. This board boasts an ergonomic handle system for easier inflation, as well as double wall PVC construction that contributes to the reduced weight, as well as producing a tougher and longer lasting board. It has a sensitive barometer gauge which allows the user to read the SUP inflation pressure at all times. This model is rated to carry up to 280 pounds, making it capable of supporting most sized riders. Suitable for all skill levels.
Pros
- Includes a 60 day warranty on the paddles and 1 year on accessories,
- includes 3 fins as well as the air pump and a backpack,
- A multi-function tethering band for securing any loose items,
- An excellent customer service policy means a worry free purchase
Cons
- The top padding on the board may deteriorate faster than expected,
- Air pressure retention may fail early due to poor welding at valves
4. FITPULSE Inflatable Paddle Board for Adults
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 28 pounds (12.7 kg) Size: 120 x NaNNaN inches (304.8 x NaNNaN cm) Solid / Inflatable: Inflatable Type: SUP Materials: Plastic, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Accessories included: pump for quick inflation, an emergency repair kit, a storage bag |
The FITPULSE Inflatable Sup is a board that’s advertised as being suitable for adult beginners. It’s made from lightweight but durable plastic materials, so it won’t tire you out when you’re carrying it on those trips to the beach. It has a non-slip deck for improved safety and control. It boasts a wide design, so you’ll find that it has good stability out on the water, but is still easy to steer, because it also includes a triple bottom panel fin system for added maneuverability. The package includes a pump for easy inflating, plus an emergency repair kit and a storage bag.
Pros
- Good maximum carrying capacity the board is rated for 330 pounds,
- Company promises an excellent customer service team to help out,
- Eye catching graphics design, so you’ll look good on the water,
- Soft design for reduced rider soreness due to sitting or standing
Cons
- Manufacturing defects can appear in leaking air valves,
- Some customers have received their board without the pump
5. FBSPORT Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 31.31 pounds (14.2 kg) Size: 126 x 31 x 6 inches (320 x 78.7 x 15.2 cm) Solid / Inflatable: Inflatable Type: SUP Materials: Polyvinyl Chloride Accessories included: Board, Paddle, a coiled ankle cuff safety leash, Pump, And A Premium Carry Bag |
The FBSPORT Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a lighter weight option among the competitors for inflatable SUPs, making them easier for people to carry, especially over longer distances. Its ultra-durable construction provides reliability and peace of mind, while promising years of enjoyment out on the water. FBSPORT’s Premium Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board’s size and its 100 kilogram maximum weight rating suggest the space and carrying capacity to accommodate more than one smaller rider, in case friends join you. Comes with a removable fin, as well as 2 fixed fins to help tune the board’s balance to the rider’s preference. Accessories also include a pump for easy inflating, a carry bag, and a paddle.
Pros
- A professional and responsible customer service system to help you,
- Easier handling characteristics makes it great for smaller riders,
- Non slip soft deck is suitable for riders of all skill levels,
- Bottom design is made for faster gliding through the water
Cons
- Some people have stated that the air pump is not high quality,
- The paddle does not seem to have the best floatation ability
6. Googo All-Around Inflatable SUP Board
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 18.5 pounds (8.39 kg) Size: 132 x 32 x 6 inches (335.3 x 81.3 x 15.2 cm) Solid / Inflatable: Inflatable Type: All-Round Materials: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Polyvinyl Chloride Accessories included: No |
Meet the Googo All-Around Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, an iSUP that’s suitable for unisex adult use. First on the market in 2021, this model is practically a brand new offering, from Googo. Measuring a compact 10.5 feet long and 32 inches wide, this board may be a better fit for smaller adults and youths. The is a lighter weighing option among the contenders for inflatable SUPs, making them easier for people to carry, especially over greater distances. It boasts a wide design, so you’ll find that it has good stability out on the water, but is still easy to steer, because it also includes a triple bottom panel fin system for added maneuverability.
Pros
- Easy setup and assembly out of the box so you’re paddling sooner,
- Made from plastics to reduce rider soreness,
- Beautiful modern design to keep you looking sharp,
- Inflatable design so you can store it almost anywhere
Cons
- Inflatable paddle boards cannot be left in the sun long,
- This model sometimes has valve leakage issues even when brand new
7. FunWater All Skill Levels SUP Inflatable Ultra-Light
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 20.39 pounds (9.25 kg) Size: 132 x 33 x 6 inches (335.3 x 83.8 x 15.2 cm) Solid / Inflatable: Inflatable Type: SUP Materials: Polyvinyl Chloride Accessories included: 1×inflatable paddle board, 1×adjustable sup paddle ,3×fins , 1×sup pump , 1×backpack , 1×waterproof phone bag, 1×leash. |
The FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light SUP might be your next choice for a light-weight SUP. It sports military-grade double wall PVC and is up to 35% lighter than similar boards in its class. Excellent wear resistance and toughness are sure to provide longer life. These boards are large at 11 feet long and 33 inches wide, giving them very good stability on the waves. Its got a high weight carrying capacity, able to support up to 330 pounds. This model also has an ergonomic handle design to facilitate easier inflation and deflation. A built-in pressure gauge is handy and will let you know when the inflation psi is just right.
Pros
- A multi-function elastic tie string is included for convenience,
- An ultra-large backpack is also included for easier carrying,
- The package also has the pump, phone bag and a safety leash,
- 1 year warranty on some parts, and a 30 no-hassle return service
Cons
- Customers have reported that the air pump may be defective,
- Some accessories may not be included exactly as promised
8. Freein Ocean Surf SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 29.98 pounds (13.6 kg) Size: 120 x 33 x 6 inches (304.8 x 83.8 x 15.2 cm) Solid / Inflatable: Inflatable Type: All-Round Materials: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Accessories included: adjustable paddle, dual action pump, detachable fin, an adaptor could connect your existing electric pump, and a durable backpack |
Here we have the Freein Ocean Surf SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, an iSUP that’s rated for all skill levels. First introduced in 2020, this model has barely been on the market 2 years. The board measures 10 feet long and 33 inches wide, making it a mid-sized SUP. It has maximum carrying capacity of 275 pounds, so it can accommodate most average sized riders. Made from SLH material, which increases this board’s rigidity and firmness. The beautiful design graphics throughout the package will be sure to impress onlookers, when you have it out at the beaches. If you’re buying a new SUP, this one could be your choice.
Pros
- Comes with the time tested 3 fin control scheme,
- Anti-slip top decking makes it less likely to fall,
- At just 13.6 kg this board shouldn’t feel too heavy,
- After a day on the water just deflate it and store it
Cons
- Inflatable boards are prone to have valve leaks over time,
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause iSUPs to deflate
Verdict
And that’s it for Best Paddle Boards For Beginners. Let’s sum up our findings:
After taking into consideration personal experiences with beginner boards for paddling, their main features, and opinions of real customers online, our opinion is that the Run Wave Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board For All Skills is the best Paddle Board For Beginners out there.
Now, if you want the best product that money can buy then you can go for Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with sup Accessories which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Acc.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Paddle Boards For Beginners
Price
The price of your paddleboard will be determined by size. A larger board will cost more than a smaller board. The price for complicated designs will be more expensive than for simple designs. Materials used will also affect the price of your paddleboard. For a wood paddleboard, the cost will be prohibitive. Polystyrene material will be a bit cheaper. When you add fiberglass as a layer, the price will go up. Some reputable companies will have their boards more expensive because of the brand name.
If you purchase a custom-made paddleboard, the price will also be higher than buying an ordinary board.
Beginner paddle board equipment
For a beginner paddleboarder, here are a few recommended things. You don’t have to buy all of them, but you can borrow or rent.
Warm layers and spare clothing. Since you are not used to paddling, you may take a tumble in the water.
A leash will ensure that you stay close to your board in case you fall off.
Garmin mini is an emergency communication device out of cell range.
Paddling gloves to prevent you from getting blisters if you go long distances.
A dry bag to keep all your items protected and dry.
Personal floatation device, this simply a life jacket.
Safety
For your safety, have a personal floatation device, like a safety jacket. Ensure your board is very safe by ensuring that no repairs are needed. If you are going to use an inflatable board, it should be inflated to the right pressure.
It will help if you also carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case in case of an emergency. Have all your essentials in a dry bag. Carry a puncture repair kit if you are using an inflatable board. Make sure you are dressed for the weather and wearing the correct gear.
Weight
When choosing a paddleboard, consider your weight and the weight of anyone or anything you’ll be bringing on board. Take the total weight and that is what you’ll use. Take the total weight now, not what you’ll be after losing a few pounds.
For beginners, you can multiply your combined total weight by one and then again by 1.4. Intermediate, you can take your entire weight and multiply by 0.8 to 1. Touring total body weight multiplied by 1 to 1.1.
Storage and portability
The paddleboard should be cleaned with fresh water and thoroughly dried before storage. Don’t expose your paddleboard to dirt, sand, and salt to avoid wear and tear. Avoid direct sunlight for your inflatable board for a long time. You should keep it indoors after use in a cool, dry place. You can store your board inflated or deflated, whichever you prefer. But if you won’t deflate fully, release a bit of the pressure to prevent damage from the air if it gets warm. Don’t put heavy things on your inflated board to avoid destroying the rocker. Remove the bords fin to avoid getting damaged.
Questions and Answers About Paddle Boards For Beginners
How do you maintain a paddle board?
Protecting your paddle board from over-exposure to heat can go a long way toward making your watercraft last for years in great condition. Another excellent practice is to keep your board clean by rinsing it off thoroughly after each time you use it. If your board has any metal parts, then applying a small film of general lubricating oil will prevent the parts from rusting.
How much weight can a paddle board hold?
A decent, average paddle board should be rated for around 300 pounds. Many boards, however, have ratings of 500 pounds and higher, presumably to support more than one person riding on them at the same time. Because of this big gap in weight ratings, it’s advisable to check on the equipment’s official capacity before venturing out on the water, just to be sure.
How should a beginner stand up paddle board?
You’ll want to start off in water that’s shallow, to make it easier to climb on the board, but also deep enough to keep the fin from bottoming out. Concentrate on maintaining your balance for the first while, which will help you control your own motion on top of the board. If standing up right away feels like the wrong idea, then just try resting on your hands and knees at first until your balance improves.
How far do people paddleboard?
Usually, people paddleboard for reasons related to leisure and exercise, and so distances traveled can vary a great deal depending on many things. For example, someone floating down a river might travel much farther than paddling on a lake. The reality is that people might traverse less than one mile, or they might go as far as twenty miles or more in a day of boarding.
