Why do you need to know about the best paddle boards for beginners? Paddle boarding is one of the most exciting water sports that you can try out, and having a personal board is indeed an achievement and a mark of pride. Of course, you could always rent one, but trust me, if you live near the ocean or a lake, you want to buy one for keeps. Not to worry at all as it will last you a long time.
Paddle boarding is a branch-off of surfing. You ride on your paddleboard (which we are going to review here) and propel it with swimming or paddling motions. In this case, we are going to review the best paddle boards, and you will see that you will use an paddle to propel yourself in water, just as the ancient canoe man used to do.
You can stand, kneel or lie on a paddle board. Standing up is more popular however, followed by kneeling and lying down in that order. With stand up paddle boarding, you actually stand on the board and then use an oar to propel the board in water.
Stand up paddleboards are also popularly known as SUP. They can be inflated or flat. In this case, we are going to look at the inflated SUPs. Why are you missing the fun? Because you do not have a SUP? Here are reviews to help you buy the best one today.
Paddle Board Reviews
SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
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The SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is made with your paddling needs in mind. This paddleboard is 10 feet long, 6 inches thick, 30 inches wide and only weighs 19lbs. It is therefore a perfect choice for people who love riding alone.
It comes in high build quality since it is made from reinforced PVC materials that are water and corrosion resistant. The construction is rigid and firm, and therefore it is not easily damaged by hitting or dropping. The solid construction ensures that it remains stable and in perfect balance when you are in action. This makes it a great choice for the beginner riders.
Almost the entire upper part of this paddleboard is a non-slip soft deck. This provides a rider with enough grip even when water is splashed on it. This means that you are able to maintain your balance while standing on the deck, minimizing the chances of injuries that may result from falling.
The paddleboard has three fins that improve maneuverability, speed and steering of the rider and a carrying handle at the center of the traction deck that enables you conveniently carry the paddleboard when fully inflated. Inflating and deflating this unit is very easy and quick and the kit comes with all the essential paddling accessories.
As you get your diving gear ready, remember there is more fun on the surface and so surface water sports are also important. It doesn’t hurt to try paddle boarding.
Pros
- Very stable
- Lightweight
- Complete kit
- Fins for great tracking
- Durable construction
Cons
- May be too narrow for some
PEAK Inflatable SUP – Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
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The PEAK Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board allows you to enjoy an unending fun while on the water. It is made from high quality 6-inch military grade PVC that ensures that the paddleboard lasts for a long time and is not easily damaged from the normal falling or hitting.
The non-slip deck ensures that you enjoy a great grip that keeps you secure and stable even when it is exposed to water. It is therefore great for both the beginner riders and the skilled ones. It is light in weight even when inflated and it comes in four different colors from which you can choose from depending on your taste. The centre carry handle enables you to easily carry the board when fully inflated as you find your way on the beach.
The paddleboard also has a bungee system that makes it easy and convenient to carry some personal items with you. The package includes all the accessories that you need for your paddling adventure.
They include a high-pressure pump for inflating the board with ease, an adjustable paddle that can be folded to a compact size and a coil leash that keeps your paddleboard within your arms reach in case you fall off. In addition, it is sold with a kit that includes a carry backpack for convenient traveling with your gear and a repair kit as well.
Pros
- Durable and non-slip construction
- All inclusive package
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Lightweight thus travel convenient
- Stylishly designed
Cons
- It only has one fin
Ten Toes Weekender Inflatable SUP – Best Paddle Board
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The Ten Toes Weekender Paddle Board Bundle is ideal for the skilled riders as well as the beginners. It is made from premier quality military grade PVC and it comes in a sturdy and durable construction.
This paddleboard measures 6 inches thick, 10 feet long and 30-inch wide when fully inflated and it is impressively lightweight. It is very convenient for traveling. The board’s deck pad also has a highly textured pad that is comfortable and provides you with great grip and stability so that you can enjoy a slip-free, slide-free ride.
The four front D-rings connected by a bungee cord allows you to stow extra items with much convenience. In addition, another D-ring at the back allows you to attach a leash or to securely attach your board to a boat or to the dock. The paddle is highly durable since it is made from aluminum and it is adjustable to a smaller or a bigger size.
The board features three fins that enhance your control and maneuverability and they can easily be detached for easier portability. The package includes a high-pressure manual pump for easy inflation of the board. Buy this board and glide effortlessly on the water. It is designed with incredible balance and agility, to soar through the water and help you beat your competition.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Good stability in water
- A good variety of color choices
- Light in weight
Cons
- A bit hard to inflate
Goplus 11 Feet – Best SUP Board
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The Goplus 11 feet Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is made from the durable and high quality PVC material featuring a drop-stitch construction, which makes it firm and rigid, safe and stable. This paddleboard is ideal for people of all levels of skills and it is suitable for almost all water environments such as lakes, rivers and oceans.
The board features sturdy bungee at the front and a convenient centre handle, which makes it easy for you to carry your board even when it is fully inflated. The deck pad that goes all the way to the rear side of the board is made from durable, nonslip foam, which gives you enough stability and grip so that you can enjoy your ride without sliding or slipping.
This paddleboard measures 6 inches thick, 11 feet long and 30 inches wide when fully inflated, accommodating a total weight of 265 lbs, which allows even a heavier rider to enjoy the paddling adventure.
The package features a carry backpack for transport and storage of your paddling accessories and when deflated, the board is light in weight making it very convenient for travel. The package also has a full paddling kit that includes a repair kit, a paddle, one fin and a manual pump for inflation.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Great stability
- Good performance in all water conditions
- It is light in weight
Cons
- Limited bungee cord area
Xterra Inflatable 10 Feet – Best Paddle Board for Beginners
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The Xterra Inflatable 10 feet paddleboard is made of high quality and durable construction that assures you of a blissful water adventure. It has been designed to perform excellently in any water condition, and it is ideal for both the learners and the advanced riders.
This board is durably constructed from military grade PVC material. It is well reinforced to ensure that it cannot easily be damaged by the normal dripping or hitting and it stays in shape even after using it for a very long time.
The board has a 6-inch thickness that makes it easy to maneuver and control. It can support riders weighing up to 250 pounds. It comes with an adjustable paddle that enables the rider to adjust the length so that it can comfortably match their height.
Since it is also light in weight, it is very convenient for traveling, and it comes with a backpack that helps you to store and carry it wherever your paddling adventure leads you to. It is also very easy and quick to inflate and deflate.
Apart from the board, paddle and backpack, the package features all the other paddling accessories that you require such as a high-pressure pump, a coiled leash, repair kit, D-rings and a fin.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Enhanced stability
- Great performance
- All inclusive package
Cons
- Paddle adjustment lock tends to slip
iROCKER CRUISER Inflatable Paddleboard – Best Inflatable Paddle Board
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This is an amazingly stable, high quality and rigidly constructed inflatable paddleboard. It comes in a 6-inch thickness, 10 inches in length and it is 33 inches wide, with a strength capacity to hold riders of up to 350lbs. The board is super durable allowing you to enjoy your water adventure without worrying that it will be damaged by all the banging against hard surfaces while paddling in shallow waters.
It has a nicely textured non-slip deck that keeps you stable preventing you from slipping or sliding, and strong bungee cords that allow you to securely carry other items while at the same time enabling you to carry your board with ease.
The board comes with a good quality floating fiberglass paddle that is easily adjustable in length so that it can easily fit in the bag for convenient travel. It also has a high-pressure hand pump that helps you to effortlessly inflate your board.
The SUP package comes with a backpack carry bag that helps you to carry all of your paddling accessories easily, and the paddleboard comes with a two-year warranty that covers everything apart from the normal wear and tear.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Great stability
- Great tracking and steering
- Suitable for all skill levels
Cons
- Repair kit does not include a patch
ANCHEER Inflatable SUP – Stand Up Paddle Board
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The ANCHEER inflatable paddle board comes in an all inclusive package that has everything you require to paddle like a pro. This board also has a unique design that is delivers an amazing performance in any water environment.
It comes with a 6-inch thickness that makes the board very stable and sturdy, making it ideal for riders of any level of experience. It is made from the high quality military grade PVC materials that makes it very rigid and it can withstand all the hitting and banging on hard surfaces in water, thus making it very durable.
It is able to accommodate weight of up to 350 lbs. You can tag your paddling buddy along without affecting its performance or balance whatsoever. The three handles, one at the centre and an additional two at each end of the board allows you to carry the board easily.
The package includes a dual action high-pressure air pump and a pressure gauge that enables you to safely inflate your board with a lot of ease. The package also include an adjustable paddle, a detachable fin, a repair kit, a coil leash and a backpack bag that allows you to conveniently carry and store your paddling gear.
Pros
- All inclusive package
- Good quality construction
- Great stability
- Amazing performance
Cons
- Limited D-rings
UBOWAY Inflatable – Best Paddle Board
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This paddle board comes in high quality and durable construction that ensures it can withstand a lot of abuse in the water. It is made with high quality PVC material. It is built to last, and it is not easily damaged. Be assured of getting the best value for your money when you buy this board. It will last many years.
It has a thickness of 6 inches, which is the standard thickness of paddling boards in the market. This makes it very stable and rigid in water and thus ideal for both the beginners and advanced riders. The board has a wide non-slip foam deck that enhances your safety confidence while paddling without worrying about skidding or slipping off the board and into the water.
This board is light in weight, foldable into a small size and portable. It is also easy to inflate and deflate. When it is deflated, it can be easily folded to a more compact size for easier portability. The front part has D-rings with bungee cord that allows you to securely carry some personal effects for your adventure.
The package also includes an adjustable paddle, a pump, a coil leash, a detachable fin and a backpack carry-bag where you will store and carry your paddling gear with ease and convenience.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Great stability
- Ideal for all riders
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Covered by a warranty of 24 months
Cons
- Limited D-rings
Atoll 11′ Foot Inflatable – Paddling Board
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The Atoll 11′ Foot Inflatable Stand Up Paddling board comes in an ultra lightweight design and it is made from premier quality PVC materials. Despite its lightweight construction, it is a very rigid, stable and highly durable paddleboard.
This board also features a highly textured anti-slip deck pad that helps you to maintain your stability and grip whether you are standing or kneeling. It also has a three-fin design that provides an easier and efficient tracking. The bungee cords at the front allow you to bring with you some personal items and secure them onto the board.
The convenient carry handles at the centre and at the back enables you to carry your board easily even when it has been fully inflated. The board has 15 D-rings, which helps you to dock your board or to tie down any item that you require. With the capacity to support a weight of up to 350 lbs, you can bring along another person for your adventure.
The board is easily inflatable and deflatable, courtesy of the high-pressure dual action hand pump that is included in the package. The paddle board package also comes with a durable and lightweight adjustable paddle, an extra detachable fin, a 10-inch coil leash and a backpack nylon carry bag that is spacious enough to accommodate all your paddling equipment.
Pros
- Premier quality construction
- Stable
- Well balanced
- Greatly accessorized package
- Good performance on the water
Cons
- Not very ideal for children or smaller bodied adults
Sunset Inflatable Board with Backpack – Cheap Paddle Board
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Paddle boards cost a good amount of money, but occasionally, there will be one or two that will be reasonably priced. If you can save some dollars and still have your board, well, it is a good deal either way you look at it.
The Sunset Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is an all-round stable, light in weight yet comes in a highly durable design. This board is ideal for any water environment and it a great choice for all riders – newbies as well as the advanced users.
It is made from high quality, military grade PVC that is able to handle all the bumping and banging against water debris without being scratched or damaged.
It has a non-skid deck that ensures that you maintain your balance and stability so that you can enjoy your paddling adventure with much confidence. The bungee cords at the front allows you to bring along some personal items and together with the handle at the centre, they enable you to conveniently carry your board even when it is fully inflated.
Apart from the paddleboard, the package also includes a double action hand pump that enables you to effortlessly inflate your board, a detachable and easy to install fin, an aluminum adjustable paddle, a coil leash and a backpack carryon bag that is large enough to accommodate all your paddling gear.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very stable
- Durable construction
- Great performance
Cons
- Only available in one color
Tower Paddle Boards Adventurer Inflatable – Best Paddle Board
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No list of the best paddle boards can ever be complete without including a few Tower Paddle Boards and they do not come any better, sturdier or rigid than the Adventurer Inflatable. True to its name, it will give you a crazy adventure in the water. It is designed to be versatile and agile. You can lie, kneel or stand on it and it will be great, anyway.
This, as you will no doubt see from the best stand up paddle boards reviews, is an expensive piece of work. So why do I recommend it for a beginner? Simply said, if you buy this board, you will be a long time before you ever need to buy another one. This one has been built to last a long time.
This is a military grade paddleboard… heck, do they even paddle board in the military? But then, military is the only “adjective” you can use to describe something that will last many years on end, and this board will definitely last such a long time.
The weight rating for this board is 350 lbs. You and your partner can ride on the same board as it is big enough for the both of you, at almost 10 feet. You will find it quite rigid when fully inflated and the reason for that is because it inflates haaaaaard… almost like a hard board. The highest inflation level is 15 psi, but 10 psi is still good.
Finally, the entire package includes the board, 3-piece paddle and the pump.
Pros
- Made of military quality PVC
- Supports a lot of weight
- It is thick- 6 inches thick
- Can survive a lot of abuse, even being run over by a car without giving in
- Deflatable and rollable for easy transportation
Cons
- Pricey – ouch!
Pathfinder Inflatable SUP Stand Up – Cheap Paddle Board
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The one thing that makes this SUP board to stand out is its color. Orange. This is just the perfect kind of color that you need for paddle boarding in sunny Florida. Tell you what… this is also one of the cheapest paddle boards in the market, with a price that is far lower than say, a Tower Paddle Board.
Drop stitch PVC material is the perfect kind of material for paddle boards and it is almost the standard in the market today. At almost 10 feet long and 5 inches thick, this paddle board is going to support your weight perfectly, you will love how to cuts through water and best of all, it is very agile and can be used in different water conditions.
It has a D-ring where you can attach a rope, a bungee where you are going to attach any cargo that you have brought aboard so that it does not get lost in the ocean as well as a large deck where you can stand, kneel or lie comfortably as you hit the water.
When the package is delivered to you, it will contain a detachable fin, a valve wrench, a pump, an aluminum paddle and a carry bag.
The board has been weight rated at 240 pounds. It is without doubt one of the best paddle boards for beginners.
Pros
- Affordable
- Nice color
- Stays rigid for long when inflated
- It is well balanced – floats well
- Built to last a long time
Cons
- Requires strength to inflate
- Some pump issues have been reported
Buying guide for the best paddle boards for beginners
Now that you have seen a few reviews of the best paddle boards to buy, you are probably wondering whether to buy or to leave them alone and start renting. They do cost a pretty penny now, don’t they? However, just stop for a moment and ask yourself why they are so expensive. It is because of the durable construction, the portability, the rigidity and the buoyancy. The combination of all these factors calls for a high price but then, the paddle board you buy will last a long time.
Type of paddle boards
There are mainly two types to consider:
SUP boards inflatable
These, as we have discussed here, are inflatable. I am going to write another article soon, for the best non-inflatable paddleboards. For the inflatable boards, here is what happens – you just have to unroll the board, and then inflate it to the recommended capacity, usually between 10 psi and 15 psi. when fully inflated, these boards are quite rigid and you will almost mistake them for solid paddle boards.
Inflatable stand up paddle boards are incredibly convenient. They are easy to carry along, just roll yours, pack it into its carry bag and you are good to go. They are also easy to maintain and anyway, they are usually sold with repair kits and long warranty of even 24 months.
Paddle board fin – best paddle boards for beginners
Why are fins important in a paddle board? They help in tracking, that is, keeping the board pointed where you want it to go. A paddle board can have one, two, three or even more fins. However, the fins differ in their length. The longer the fin, the easier it will be to keep the paddling board pointed where you want it to go.
Most one fin boards have it positioned at the center. This is mostly found on paddle boards that are intended to be used on flat water.
Two+ fins means that the inflatable paddle board has one big fin at the center and two smaller fins at the end. This makes such boards very easy to maneuver. Most inflatable paddle boards have the Two+One fins or the One central fin only.
Hard paddle boards
Also referred to as solid paddle boards, these ones are made of different types of materials such as epoxy and fiberglass or a combination of both. The paddles will usually be made of fiberglass or aluminum.
Solid boards have a few benefits that you should not miss. First, they are rigid and will last a long time. Secondly, they are very affordable as compared to the inflatable boards. However, they do require you to have a rack to store them.
Long paddle board
For beginners, the best paddle board size is from 10 feet and above, but really, since this is the board that you aim to keep with you for a long time in the future, even a 9 feet 10 inches one would be good. You should also know that the shorter the board, the easier it is to steer. So, go figure.
Longer boards, say about 12 feet and above are very fast, but they are harder to turn or steer. Thus, if you are looking for a board that you will eventually race in in future, go for a longer one.
Narrow paddle boards
These are utmost 30 inches in width. They are best suited to advanced users. If you are a beginner, look for paddle boards that are wider, say, about 31 inches and above as such are more stable on the water. Narrow paddle boards can cut through the waves and the water easily as they have been designed for speed. However, the wider ones are slow, but less likely to tip over thus making them the best for inexperienced users.
Paddle board design – the nose
This is also called the nose rocker and it simply means how big the nose is, or the curve of the front of the board is. Again, as a beginner, go for the one with the biggest nose rocker as it will be less likely to be submerged.
Paddle board hull
Some come with a pointed hull, just as you would find in a boat. However, some also come with a more flat hull which is much better for beginners as such a board is very stable on water. As you gain more experience in future, you can go for the SUP board with the pointed hull as it is faster because a pointed hull cuts through the water easily while a flat one would lag some.
Paddle board warranty
Do not buy a paddle board without a warranty. These boards cost a substantial amount of money, so it is much better to look for a board that is covered by at least a year’s warranty. Some come with even 2 years’ warranty. The longer, the better. That way, if it has manufacturing, material or workman defects, it can be replaced. Some boards do have problems with their pump mechanisms and so on.
There are so many other things that you ought to know about the best paddle boards for beginners. In this article, we have looked at the best inflatable boards. We have seen that they are very durable, they cut well through water and best of all, they are so easy to carry around as you would just deflate yours, roll it up and that is it, good to go. Now, go out and get yourself a good board, and hit the water hard. You will never regret it.
