A Beginner's Guide to Choosing an Inflatable Paddleboard

Inflatable paddleboards (iSUPs) have taken the watersports world by storm, and for good reason. They offer incredible portability, making it easy to explore hidden lakes, pack for road trips, or simply store in smaller spaces. But with a booming market comes a dizzying array of options, making the purchasing process feel overwhelming.
Let's Forget the flashy marketing for a moment. Searching for the best paddle boards for beginners is made simple when you know what you’re looking for.

Consider what type of paddling you plan to do

This is arguably the most crucial question. Paddle boards aren't one-size-fits-all. Think about how and where you plan to use your board:

• Flatwater Cruising & Recreation: For leisurely paddles on calm lakes, bays, or slow-moving rivers, a versatile all-around board is ideal. These boards are typically wider and more stable, perfect for beginners, families, and anyone wanting a relaxed experience.
• Touring & Distance Paddling: If you envision longer expeditions, exploring coastlines, or covering significant distances, look for a touring or displacement board. These are longer and narrower, designed to track straighter and glide more efficiently through the water.
• Surfing Waves: Want to catch some waves? Surf-specific iSUPs are shorter, rockered (curved), and designed for maneuverability in surf. These are typically for more experienced paddlers.
• Yoga & Fitness: For on-water yoga, fitness routines, or simply a stable platform for relaxation, a yoga or fitness iSUP is wider and exceptionally stable. They often feature larger deck pads for comfortable movement.
• Whitewater & River Paddling: For adventurous paddlers tackling rapids and rivers, whitewater iSUPs are built with reinforced materials and specific shapes for maneuverability and durability in challenging conditions.

Best SUP paddle shape

We always recommend an all-around style shape for beginner paddle boards. This offers a nice wide deck, a well-rounded nose, and plenty of length to get a feel for paddle boarding.

These beginner-friendly SUP’s will have you glide over the water gracefully and easily, no matter what the conditions are.
As you begin to advance your skills, you’ll be able to experiment more with the different shapes available depending on what activity/style of paddle boarding you choose to do. Hull shaping will begin to come in question, either planing or displacement hull. Beginners should be aiming for a planing hull shape.

What’s Not Suitable For SUP Beginner?

Racing Paddle Boards are not suitable for beginners. These boards are narrow and are shaped to cut through the water efficiently with an expert level of technique. Beginners will struggle on these more specialized boards and risk falling into the water instead of progressing with the basics.

Key Factors to Paddle Board Sizing

Feeling stable and balanced is key for standing up on a paddle board. The size and shape of your board, in addition to your core strength, will determine how easy this is to do. Look for boards that are long, wide, and have a lot of volume, as these tend to be easier to balance on. Finding the right size paddle board comes down to four factors:

• length
• Width
• thickness
• Volume and weight capacity (these work together)

Longer boards (11'+) are faster and track better for touring, while shorter boards (under 10') are more maneuverable for surfing or recreational use. All-around boards typically fall in the 10-11' range.

Wider boards (32"+) offer greater stability, crucial for beginners, yoga, and choppy water. Narrower boards (under 30") are faster but less stable, favored for touring and racing (though less common in inflatables).
Thickness impacts rigidity. 6-inch thick boards generally offer better rigidity and weight capacity than thinner 4-inch models. Aim for at least 6 inches, especially for larger paddlers or when carrying extra gear. Thicker boards also tend to sit higher in the water, making them less susceptible to waves.

Volume, measured in liters, is a good indicator of weight capacity and buoyancy. A larger volume means more weight capacity. Check with the manufacturer's recommendations based on your weight and the gear you plan to carry.

Below you will find a table with different sizes and weights of paddleboards that meet different needs:

Board Type	ISUP BOARD length	ISUP BOARD WIDTH	Weight capacity
All-Around	10'-12'	30”-34”	100-200 lbs
Touring	11'-14'	30”-32”	150-250 lbs
Fishing	10'-12'	34"-36"	250-350 lbs
yoga	10'-12'	32"-34"	200-300 lbs

Know Inflatable Paddle Boards Construction

The construction of an iSUP is paramount for its durability, rigidity, and overall performance. Look for these features:

• Drop Stitch Construction: This is the core technology that allows iSUPs to become rigid when inflated. Look for high-density drop stitch cores for better stiffness. Without Drop Stitch Construction, an iSUP would simply be a glorified air mattress!
• Layer Construction:
  Single Layer: Found on entry-level boards, single-layer iSUPs are more affordable and lightweight. However, they can be less rigid and durable, particularly in choppy waters or under heavier loads. While offering portability, they might flex more and not track as efficiently.
  Dual Layer (Fused or Glued): A popular choice for all-around boards, double-layer construction provides a significant step up in stiffness and durability. These boards feature a second layer of High-quality PVC bonded over the base layer, creating a thicker and more robust shell. This results in improved rigidity, better tracking, and increased resistance to punctures and abrasions.
  Triple or Quad Layer: The most robust construction, offering extreme durability and stiffness, often found in high-performance or whitewater iSUPs.

• Material : High-quality PVC in iSUPs is typically reinforced with interwoven fibers, further enhancing its strength and tear resistance. This robust material is designed to withstand the rigors of paddling, exposure to sun and water, and the inevitable bumps and scrapes that come with outdoor adventures.

Here’s a simple table to guide you through the general pricing tiers and what you can expect:

SUP type	Price range	iSUP packages
Entry level	€300 – €400	Base materials for the drop stitch and the PVC shell Single-layer liquid PVC or single-layer melt PVC shells Double-layer PVC rails Simple fin boxes Low to medium quality accessories
Mid-range	€500 – €800	Advanced materials in the core and/or PVC shell with drop seams Double-layer PVC shells, typically fusion construction Double-layer PVC rails May have additional stiffening systems such as carbon fiber rails or stringers Tailor-made shapes for better performance Some differentiations for certain paddle types Additional features on board Standardized fin boxes and fins Higher quality accessories - especially bags and paddles
High-end	€900+	Premium materials and construction techniques. Advanced stiffening systems with unique methods Extreme attention to detail in design to achieve a very specific performance Unique shapes and sizes that are not necessarily suitable for all paddlers High-quality accessories (usually fins and bags) Excellent brand interaction with great warranties and customer service

Inflatable paddle board accessories

But owning a fantastic inflatable paddle board is just the first step. To truly maximize your paddling experience, you need the right accessories.

Essential items include adjustable or fixed-length paddles, safety leashes, manual or electric pumps, life jackets, swim buoys, and waterproof phone cases.

Checklist For SUP Beginner

Now you know to make an informed decision. Here's a simplified checklist to help you choose:

Intended Use: Mostly flatwater paddling on lakes/calm rivers? Choose an all-around board.
Board Size: For beginners, aim for a 10’ – 11’ length, 32” – 34” width, and 6” thickness. Adjust based on your size and weight (larger paddlers may want slightly longer and thicker boards).
Construction: Prioritize dual-layer drop-stitch construction for durability and stiffness. Look for fusion construction if budget allows for better performance.
Accessories: Ensure the package includes a paddle, pump, leash, repair kit, and backpack. Evaluate the quality of these accessories.
Budget: Determine your price range and prioritize features that matter most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I inflate an iSUP?
A: Most iSUPs come with a hand pump. Connect the hose to the board's valve and pump until you reach the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch), usually around 12-15 PSI, but check your board's specifications. Electric pumps are also available, making inflation faster and easier.

Q: What PSI should I inflate my iSUP to?
A: The recommended air pressure is indicated on your board or in the manufacturer's manual. Typically, it's between 12 and 15 PSI for most all-around iSUPs. Proper air pressure is critical to the board's stiffness and performance.

Q: How do I maintain my iSUP?

A: Basic maintenance includes rinsing the board with fresh water after every use, especially after paddling in saltwater. Allow it to dry completely before deflating and storing it in its backpack, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Check it regularly for damage and repair minor punctures with the included repair kit.

Q: Can I take my iSUP into salt water?

A: Yes! iSUPs are perfectly suited for use in saltwater. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly with fresh water after each use to remove salt and prevent corrosion.