Best Beginner SUPs

So you’ve decided to take up paddle boarding and are unsure where to begin.

Commonly referred to as SUP, paddle boarding is an extremely popular sport and is accessible for all ages and abilities thanks to how easy it is to learn. 

So what does SUP stand for? It’s an acronym for Stand up Paddle Boarding but a lot of people begin by actually sitting down and getting the basic techniques down before building up the confidence to stand up.

If you’ve decided to purchase your own paddle board rather than renting one, then it’s important to research thoroughly before deciding which one is the best for you.

As paddle boards can be quite expensive, you want to make sure that you’re getting the highest quality product for your cash.

That’s why you’re here and where we step in. In this article, we’ll be taking you through the best Stand Up Paddle Boards on the market.

We’ll then follow our reviews with a Buyers Guide and an FAQ so you will know exactly what to look for when conducting your research.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to see what the best paddle boards on the market have to offer and which one is the best for you.

After reading our Buyers Guide and FAQ, you’ll be able to make a fully informed decision ensuring that you’ll have the best experiences in your new hobby.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Find out our top pick here:

Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board W Free Premium SUP Accessories & Backpack

Our top pick is the Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. This tops the list thanks to the lightweight design and durability that the model has as well as including a full premium accessories kit and backpack to ensure that you can keep everything safe while you paddle board.

The extra wide design means that all people of any age, size or ability can use the paddle board. It is suitable for all bodies of water thanks to its resilient material.

The paddle board accessories kit includes your board, collapsible aluminum paddle, safety leash, hand pump, waterproof bag which can hold essentials such as your cell phone and keys, and a backpack to hold everything. Not only is this hugely convenient but it also contributes to a comfortable and positive experience. 

What makes this our winner? Made with all abilities and ages in mind, this board is the best on the market because of how accessible it is for the beginner.

You can use this board with the confidence that your board is made from the best materials and has that durability that will last for years.

This board is fantastic as Roc boards come with a one year warranty so you can be assured that you have the best experience when you’re paddle boarding.

Their customer service team is more than happy to help should you come across any technical difficulties.

OUR TOP PICK

Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board W Free Premium SUP 

EDITORS CHOICE

awesafe Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Premium 

BEST VALUE

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

OUR TOP PICK

Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board W Free Premium SUP Accessories & Backpack

Our first recommendation is from Roc who are a leading brand in delivering products and equipment for water sports.

Their Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board comes with a complete accessories kit and backpack and is the best on the market for a variety of reasons.

Made from lightweight and durable materials, you can rely on this paddle board to see you through many years of hard wearing use.

Great for beginners who may feel confident and want to get the basic techniques perfected, the extra wide design can hold the majority of weight so plus size paddle boarders needn’t worry.

It is one of the most accessible boards on the market because of how well equipped it is as you can keep your belongings on you at all times. 

With 4.8 stars from over 4,300 reviews, this board is fantastic for those who want to ensure that their equipment is the highest quality.

The 1 year free warranty gives you the extra assurance that this board will last you a long time and should you face any difficulties or need help, the technical support and customer service team will be on hand to help you. 

Pros:

• Comes with an accessory kit and backpack
• Made from durable and sturdy materials
• Wide design means it is suitable for all ages and sizes

Cons:

• High price point

EDITORS CHOICE

awesafe Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Premium SUP/ISUP Accessories Including Backpack

Our second recommendation is the awesafe Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board.

Made from premium materials that are the highest quality, this ultra light board has a drop stitch core for higher compressive and resile. 

The non-slip EVA foam deck means that you will have more stability when standing up which is ideal for beginners who are trying to find their balance whilst getting the basic techniques perfected.

Available at a fantastic price point when compared to other brands, this is a brilliant alternative to our top pick if you are on a tighter budget.

Like our top pick, this board also has an extra wide design for all ages and sizes meaning that no one is excluded from paddle boarding.

With 4.8 stars from over 2,000 reviews, this is the best option for those on a tighter budget whilst still boasting a wide selection of qualities.

The convenience of this board is fantastic as it is foldable as well as inflatable meaning that it is easy to travel with and easy to store.

With a full kit including the board, detachable fin, adjustable alloy paddle and safety leash, awesafe has thought of everything when designing the board. 

Pros:

• Great price point
• Comes with 1 year free warranty
• Equipped with a full accessory kit

Cons:

• Can take a while to blow up

BEST VALUE

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Our third recommendation is the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board which has an extra wide deck design for improving stability and balance whilst standing.

Made with a triple bottom panel fin system to help improve speed and makes the board easier to steer. This is particularly ideal for beginners as well as kids and teens whilst they’re practicing their techniques.

The deck is also made from non-slip material so you have a reduced chance of slipping while you practice.

Naturally, falling off comes part and parcel with paddle boarding, but the surface will help to reduce any dangerous slips that could harm you.

With 4.7 stars from over 6,900 reviews, this paddle board also comes with an array of essentials to ensure that you can have a safe and positive experience.

The accessories include a safety leash, oar, air pump, repair kit and storage bag so you can easily travel around with your board and be able to store it away quickly. 

Pros:

• Extra wide deck design to assist with balance
• Non-slip surface for stability
• Comes with an accessory kit and backpack

Cons:

Does need a lot of air to pump it up

RUNNER UP

FunWater Inflatable 10’6×33″×6″ Ultra-Light SUP

Our penultimate pick is the FunWater Inflatable 10’6×33″×6″ Ultra-Light SUP which has a new ultra light construction with a dual layer PVC.

This makes it around 35% lighter than other models on the market which is great for speed and stability.

The PVC layer of board rails strengthen the durability of the board whilst providing extra safety and convenience for all levels and ages.

Whether you’re a beginner who has never paddle boarded before or someone who has had a few lessons, this is a great choice.

With 4.6 stars from over 1,300 reviews, this paddle board is fantastic as you are guaranteed to have a great introduction to paddle boarding.

With a 1 year free warranty, you can be assured that this paddle board will provide the longevity you want from it.

The accessories that come with it are made from high quality materials that are resistant such as the premium aluminum paddle and coil leash which will guarantee that your paddle boarding is as positive and safe as possible for a long period of time. 

Pros:

• Great price point
• Comes with a one year free warranty
• PVC layer makes it 35% lighter than other models

Cons:

• Takes a while to inflate the board itself

RUNNER UP

Bluefin Cruise SUP Package Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board

Our final selection is the BlueFin Cruise SUP Package Stand Up Inflatable Paddle Board.

Incredibly stable and versatile, this paddle board contains an all-inclusive SUP package that is among the best on the market.

BlueFin have infused their advanced technology in the board which is made from 1000 Denier Exo Surface Laminate PVC and Pro Weave Drop Stitch which helps to support your stability as well as keeping the board completely durable for a long period of time.

The board can handle all ages and sizes and also has non-slip technology woven in the deck so you can practice with a reduced risk of falling off.

The accessory kit that comes with it has everything you need to start paddle boarding as well as ensuring that all of your belongings are safe.

With 4.4 stars from over 1,100 reviews, this is the best board to go for if you are wanting extra security for your purchase.

With an enormous 5 year warranty and outstanding customer service, you can be guaranteed that this board is going to last you right through a large portion of your paddle boarding career.

The centre fin has a smart lock meaning you can maintain a faster speed than most paddle boards as well as a double action pump which inflates your board at a quick speed for extra convenience.

You can be assured that you’ll be spending more time on the water than messing about with setting up the paddle board.

Pros:

• Made with 1000 Denier Exo Surface Laminate PVC for extra stability and durability
• Extra wide board design can hold all ages and sizes
• Equipped with an accessory kit and backpack for easy portability

Cons:

• High price point

Best Beginner SUPs Buying Guide

When purchasing a paddle board, there are certain things you need to look at when conducting your research.

As paddle boarding is a water sport, you want to make sure that the board that you buy is going to last a long time and give you the positive experiences that you want.

Whether you’ve never used a paddle board before or have taken a few lessons, there are certain things you should look out for when looking at the options.

As there are all sorts of paddle boards out there, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the choice but we have selected the best on the market and this Buyers Guide will point in the right direction as to which one will be the most beneficial to you. 

Always consider what comes with the paddle board, what warranty comes with the product and the budget.

Once you’ve thought about all three aspects, you’ll be able to make a fully informed decision as to which paddle board is the right one for you. Because paddle boards are an investment, you want to make sure that you are making your decision with full confidence since it will last you a long time.

What comes with the paddle board

Always think about what comes with the paddle board. The paddles boards in this article all come with an accessory kit that has everything you need to start your paddle boarding career.

The higher end boards have more advanced accessories made from premium materials as well as double powered air pumps so your paddle board will inflate quicker for convenience.

The lower priced boards come with the basic essentials so you don’t have to worry about forking out any more money on other equipment.

You can get straight to paddle boarding without worrying about needing any extra equipment. 

Warranty

Due to the expense that comes with purchasing a paddle board, look at what warranty offers come with the purchase.

Always make sure you read how long the warranty lasts and what exactly is covered as this may differ depending on the brand and the board.

The minimum warranty period for the recommendations in this article is a year and goes up to five years. The more expensive the board is, the higher the warranty tends to be and the more services are offered. 

Budget

It probably comes at no surprise that paddle boards can be an expensive purchase, however, for those who are on a tighter budget, there are plenty of options available that don’t compromise on quality.

All of our recommendations in this list have various price points and come with complete accessory kits so you have everything you need to start your paddle boarding career.

You can be assured that whether your paddle board is more high end or bought on a stricter budget, that it is the best quality and you’ll definitely get more than your money’s worth.

Naturally, the more expensive boards come with extra accessories and double powered pumps for extra convenience but the cheaper options still have those essentials needed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is paddle boarding easy?

Although paddle boarding may seem like an incredibly intimidating sport due to the balance needed to master it, it is really easy to learn.

Paddle boarding can be attempted by ages and abilities and after a few hours of lessons, you should be able to handle the basics which includes setting it up and knowing how to balance on it without falling off.

Is there a weight limit for stand up paddle boarding?

It will usually say the maximum weight on the specific paddle board but usually the average tends to range from 200-300 pounds.

However, there are extra wide boards that can hold 500 pounds or more that are becoming more accessible so no one is left out.

Although they may be lightweight thanks to the inflatable materials that hold it up, they are also extremely sturdy and strong.

Is sup good exercise?

SUP is a great way for all-round body exercise as you have to work the majority of your muscles. This is thanks to the endurance and core strength needed to have a successful paddle boarding experience.

As expected, the harder you paddle board, the more weight you will lose in the long run, but it is a fantastic sport to take up because it is a lot more relaxing and fun then many gym activities.