I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t stand up on a paddle board the first few times I tried to get on. Does that sound familiar? Some time ago, while on a family vacation, we decided to rent a paddle board to give it a try. How hard could it be, right? All you have to do is stand there and push a paddle. It turned out that getting up and standing was the hardest part. The goal today is to talk about whether there is a best paddle boards for beginners, like we were a while ago!
Is there a best paddle boards for beginners?
That’s a great question, and while your technique and balance is very important, the right board could make the difference! We quickly found out that standing up on something that is floating on top of the water can be quite the challenge. And if you get a wave that wobbles the board a little, disaster! For the true beginners, we definitely recommend finding some really calm water for the first few times. When the breeze is down, and the lake is calm, that is when you can work on your balance. Once you’re comfortable with getting on and off the paddle board, the world will be yours to explore!
For most people, the “all-around” stand-up paddle board is the best choice. These are all-purpose boards suited to the activities that most of us will partake in. The all-around SUPs range from 10-12 feet in length. For those on the heavier side, a longer and wider board will be better to maintain balance.
Now that we’ve done paddle boarding a few times, renting them mostly, we think that there are some differences in boards that can help when getting into this sport. So let’s take a look at a few paddle boards to determine a best paddle boards for beginners.
Tips for choosing the best paddle boards for beginners
- Budget: If this is your first paddle board, don’t spend all your money on it! There’s no need to buy a high-performance racing paddle board when you’re just starting out.
- Rigid vs Inflatable: Do you have the space to keep a full paddle board? Or would you rather something you can deflate and pack it up? If it’s not about space, what about the task of pumping it up vs having it ready whenever you are?
- Stability & Balance: The best paddle boards for beginners are generally wider and longer. This helps keep the board stable on the water as you try to get on.
- Accessories: Check if you have to buy a paddle separately. Does the paddle board come with a leg strap? Also, check the type and size of fin. The larger the area the the fin covers, the more stable. The center fin helps with direction and stability while moving along the water. If the current gets stronger, a larger fin helps. The center fin helps stability while the side fins provide control during turns.
- Know your Purpose: Are you buying a board for racing, surfing or casual recreation? Know the activity you’ll be enjoying and pick a board to suit the purpose.
The best paddle boards for beginners: The Rundown!
Armed with the information above, let us take a look at some of the best paddle boards for beginners available today.
1. Solstice Swimline Bali Stand Up Paddleboard
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The Solstice by Swimline Bali SUP Paddle Board is a great and affordable starter board. This is an all-around stand up paddle board that is very versatile. It comes with a carry-bag, hand pump and gauge. Don’t forget you’ll need to purchase a paddle before you take it out on the water. And if you’re going to be in water with strong current, or just don’t want your board to float away, we recommend getting a leash/leg strap.
The Solstice is 10.8 feet long High-pressure inflatable paddle board. It is very rigid and strong when fully inflated, making it sleep, lightweight and fast. The board is made from 1000 Denier 3 ply PVC reinforced fabric material which makes it very durable. It also includes 4 tie-downs for securing gear. According to the manual, the maximum weight limit is 250 pounds for this board. When inflating, the recommended pressure is between 12 and 15 PSI.
When the paddle board is deflated, it nicely fits into the carrying bag which you can carry like a back pack. Packed up, it weighs 39 pounds, but it’s still convenient for storing.
2. PathFinder Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddleboard
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The PathFinder inflatable paddle board is a great inexpensive choice. It is the complete package! Everything you need to get started is included: Adjustable aluminum paddle, pump, detachable center fin, carry bag, and valve wrench. No need to go out and find a paddle, just pick this up and hit the water. The only thing missing as one of the best paddle boards for beginners is that it doesn’t come with a leash.
This board is slightly shorter than the Solstice above, at 9 feet and 9 inches. It is 30 inches wide and 5 inches thick, which is really good and also helps stability. It is made from PVC material with a strong multi-layer drop stitch for durability. The recommended pressure for inflation is 12 to 15 PSI, and this paddle board has a weight limit of 240 pounds. It is also very light compared to some of the more expensive types.
The PathFinder has a large deck pad, bungee for securing on-board cargo, and D-ring to attach a leash. It is a great versatile board for a wide range of water conditions. If you’re looking at the best paddle boards for beginners, this is definitely an inexpensive good choice
3. PEAK Inflatable 10’6 Stand Up Paddle Board Complete Package
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Looking for a great all around stand up paddle board with all the bells and whistles? Look no further than the PEAK Inflatable stand up paddle board. Once again, you get a paddle, carry backpack, coil leash and a high pressure pump. There’s nothing you need to buy. The removable travel fin allows it to be packed up into the backpack for easy transport.
Let’s break down the specs. This SUP paddle board comes in at 10 feet 6 inches long, 31 inches wide and 6 inches thick. Made from military grade durable PVC means no more dings or damage. As one of the longest inflatable stand up paddle boards, the PEAK offers great stability for all skill levels. Additionally, the weight limit is 300 pounds. And if that wasn’t enough, the paddle is adjustable so whether you’re short or tall, you can adjust it to your needs.
The PEAK is actually the board that we started out on. It is a nice all around paddle board that feels solid and stable. When you’re just starting out, any confidence you can gain from the equipment will go a long way. One of the best paddle boards for beginners. The thickness of the board and durable materials means that it can take some abuse from falling off and getting back on. Trust us, you’ll be doing a lot of that in the beginning. We definitely recommend this board for you to consider.
4. ISLE Versa Epoxy 10’5 Standup Paddle Board SUP Package
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For those looking for a rigid stand up paddle board, the ISLE Versa stand up paddle board is a great choice for beginners to intermediate users. The shape is perfect for beginner and intermediate riders, sup yoga, surfing and sup fishing. It provides lots of glide in flat water with versatility to handle small waves. If you don’t want to be bothered with inflating your board, just grab and go with the ISLE Versa.
This paddle board measures 10 feet 5 inches long, 32 inches wide and 4.5 inches thick. These dimensions make it a good all around board. The width provides extra stability. It only weighs 27 pounds so it’s not cumbersome to carry around. On top of that, it supports riders up to 275 pounds.
The complete package comes with an adjustable paddle, removable center travel fin, and has a comfort grooved carry handle. Hang it up in your garage, throw it in the back of your car, and off you go! For a non-inflatable choice when searching for the best paddle boards for beginners, the ISLE Versa is a nice choice.
BONUS: Tips for Beginners
For those just starting out, finding the best paddle boards for beginners is just the start. Not only is the equipment important, but also your technique. While all we can say is practice, practice, practice, there really are some basic steps you can take to shorten the learning curve. We thought the video below really does a good job of explaining one of the most important steps: how to stand up on your stand up paddle board! Check it out, it has some good tips:
Summary
So, are you ready to hit the water on your new paddle board? We hope you found useful information to choose one of the best paddle boards for beginners. No matter where you plan on learning to paddle board, always remember about water safety, and wear a life jacket. We wrote about choosing the best life jacket for paddle boarding, so be sure to check out what would work for you. It’s all about having fun but being safe at the same time.
We can tell you that once you get the hang of paddle boarding, you will always want to do it. It’s the closest thing to walking on water!
